Maximize Your Kitchen Storage: Clever Ideas and Products to Keep You Organized

No matter whether you have a large or a small  kitchen, there never seems to be enough space. We have so many utensils, appliances, gadgets, and ingredients, that kitchen storage becomes a real challenge. And there are days where maintaining any kind of order seems a bit like a fantasy.

Despite your best efforts in using these kitchen decluttering strategies – you may find that you still have stuff that has no “home”.

The goal, of course, is to have a warm and inviting space where family can gather to prepare delicious meals and sharing memorable moments. And we can’t really do that unless we clear the clutter to make space for life as it happens.

 So, if you are tight on cabinet and drawer space and a full kitchen remodel isn’t in the works (which usually it is not) then the next best thing is to make the most of what you already have.

In this blog post we will explore some ingenious ideas and innovative products to help you maximize your kitchen storage.

Utilize Vertical Space with Wall-mounted Shelves and Organizers

Take advantage of your kitchen walls by installing open shelves, hooks, and organizers that are specific to a purpose (like these coffee cup organizers).

Wall-mounted shelves not only create additional storage space but also provide easy access to frequently used items. 

Consider using adjustable shelves to accommodate different-sized items, and display your favorite dishes and serving pieces.

Open shelving can be both functional and decorative. If you are not sure where to start in making those open shelves look good – Allisa of AllisaJacobs.com offers some shelf decorating tips on her blog here.

You can find some ideas for open shelving in my Amazon Store here.

Pull Out Pantry Shelves

The pantry closet in our kitchen is very narrow and deep.

When we first moved into our home, this space was outfitted with dysfunctional wire shelving which we put up with for years. There was so much wastage because food would get shoved to the back and forgotten. And smaller items would fall through the wire shelves and make a mess on the pantry floor.

But one day, we had an aha! Moment (why it took us so long, I have no idea) and we decided to install some pull out shelving. 

This was a total game changer.

We now had an organized pantry where we could reach everything. And we could even stack containers without having to take everything out to reach the ones in the back.

When I say it was liberating, I am not exaggerating.

If you have a deep pantry, I would think about installing some pull out shelving. You can attempt to DIY it with this type of cabinet sliding shelf but installation can be tricky as there is no standard sizing when it comes to pantries.

Personally we used Shelf Genie of CT and cannot say enough wonderful things.

Drawer Dividers for Utensils and Cutlery

Tired of rummaging through a messy drawer to find the right spatula or knife? 

Invest in drawer dividers to keep utensils and cutlery neatly organized. 

These dividers come in various materials and designs, allowing you to customize your drawer space for a clutter-free kitchen.

My preference is to use separate bins to organize your silverware drawer (like this) as opposed to a one piece unit. I think it gives you more flexibility and that you can fit more in a drawer when you use the bins.

You can take a look at this selection of silverware organizers in this post on my blog – or visit my Amazon store to find even more options.

Another common practice is to keep a utensil crock or jar type container next to the stove for easy access. I don’t love this practice for the following reasons:

•  it takes up valuable countertop space, 
• can make your counters look cluttered, and 
• often the container becomes overstuffed with all your cooking utensils.

If you like using a utensil crock, I suggest that you use it to store no more than 5 of your most used utensils and store the rest in a nearby kitchen drawer.

Stackable Containers and Jars

When it comes to food storage, it can be helpful to use stackable containers and jars.

The advantage of these space-saving solutions is that they keep ingredients fresh and visible, while their stackable design helps maximize vertical storage. 

However, it does require additional time to maintain the system, as you will have to clean and refill these containers as they empty.

I find that these refillable containers are best for foods that you do not finish quickly – things like dry staples like flour, dry beans, and lentils – or to hold a collection of prepackaged snacks.

Be sure to choose clear containers to easily identify contents, and label them for added convenience.

See even more stackable storage options in my Amazon Store here.

Hanging Pot Racks

I know that hanging pot racks can sometimes feel a little dated. But if you have a small kitchen, and you have some wall or ceiling space that you can use for storage, then you may want to consider using one to free up your valuable cabinet space. 

Install a stylish pot rack above your kitchen island, on a wall near the stove, or possibly hidden away  inside a pantry for easy access. 

A bonus is that it  eliminates the need for stacking and unstacking heavy cookware.

And remember that pots and pans are not the only things that you can hang in your kitchen for storage.

I found this unique hanging wine rack for wine bottles and stemware.

You can also hang many of these coffee cup organizers on a wall. This takes your mugs out of your cabinets and frees up that space for you to use for something else.

You can find an even bigger selection of mug organizers in my Amazon store here.

Under-cabinet Shelving and Hooks

To maximize your kitchen storage, you can also make use of the often-overlooked space underneath your cabinets. 

Install shelves or hooks to store items such as mugs, wine glasses, or even spice racks. 

This creative approach helps declutter countertops and keeps frequently used items within arm’s reach.

Roll-out Trays in Cabinets

Similar to pull out shelves in a pantry, cabinet storage can be much more efficient with roll-out trays – especially if your cabinets or shelves are deep. 

 These trays make it easy to access items stored at the back of cabinets, ensuring nothing gets lost in the abyss. 

Incorporate roll-out trays into your lower cabinets for pots, pans, and small appliances.

Magnetic Knife Strips or In Drawer Knife Organizers

Free up counter space and keep your knives easily accessible with magnetic knife strips. 

Install these strips on the wall to securely hold knives, ensuring a safe and organized kitchen workspace.

Or, alternatively, switch out your countertop knife block with one that fits inside a kitchen drawer. This will also free up more space for you to cook.

See more knife storage options in my Amazon Store here.

Your Kitchen Storage Needs To Fit Your Workflow

With these clever ideas and innovative products, you can transform your kitchen into a well-organized and efficient space. 

It is important that the storage solutions that you choose enhance the way that you use your kitchen.

Maximize storage by utilizing vertical space, investing in smart storage solutions, and decluttering countertops. 

A well-organized kitchen not only enhances functionality but also makes the cooking experience more enjoyable. 

Implement these tips and products to create a kitchen that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. 

Happy cooking!