DESIGN / KITECHEN
Keep your kitchen Organized with Smart Storage Ideas
No room in the house needs a solid system of organization and storage more than the kitchen. Check out these kitchen storage solutions and ideas to keep your space organized and clutter free.
Pare down
There are plenty of things you can do to keep the kitchen organized but the firt is to get rid of anything you don’t need. Pare down, de-clutter, and keep only these items you need and use in the room.
Cabinets
If you’re remodeling or putting in new cabinetry, the best kitchen storage idea is to make the most of the space and choose models that go all the way the ceiling. Even though items stored at the top can be hard to reach, it’s a great place to put items that don’t get frequently used.
If the kitchen doesn’t have a lot of built-in cabinetry considers adding a freestanding piece such as a bookshelf or armoire.
Pot racks
Help free up drawer space by installing a ceiling-mounted pot rack. They come in different sizes, shapes and materials, so finding one to suit your style shouldn’t be difficult.
Wall-mounted magnetic strips: Instead of using a traditional wooden block, free up surface space by keeping knives on a wall-mounted magnetic strip. You can also attach small metal spice containers to these strips. Mount them out in the open or on the insides of cabinet doors.
Organize the drawers: Drawer organizers are among the most common and useful kitchen accessories. Everyone is familiar with utensil organizers, but there are also organizers for spices and various kitchen odds-and-ends.
Pullout vertical shelving units: Pullout pantries save space and make it easy to quickly see all of the contents. Install them next to cooking areas for easy access to spice jars and bottles.
Use the walls: Use a wire wall grid for storing kitchen tools. They come in many different varieties – some include shelves – so that you can hang or display utensils, pots and pans, bottles and jars, and cookbooks.
Use clear containers: Instead of bulky bags and boxes, store dry goods in clear, airtight containers. They’re easier to stack and can be stored more compactly. Remember to label the containers so there’s no confusion.
Install adjustable shelves: Adjustable shelves can be moved round to accommodate your items. This gives you the freedom to move items around and stack them in any way you like. It’s also great if you purchase a new item that doesn’t fit in the shelving unit the way it’s corrently spaced out.
Use the doors: Install racks on the inside of cabinet doors to hold smaller items. Make sure to allow enough clearance so the doors can properly close.
Use cup hooks: Rather than stacking cups and risking broken or chipped handles, install cup hooks to the underside of cabinet shelves. If you can install some that pull put so much the better.
Don’t forget the garbage: Hide garbage containers behind closed doors but remember to keep them close to food preparation areas. It makes cleanup much easier.
Use built-in appliances: Whenever possible use under-cabinet models of appliances. Many small appliances such as toaster ovens and electric can openers can easily be installed on the under sides of cabinets and shelves which frees up a good amount of counter space.
Create a message centre: Use a magnetic or cork board as a message center. Mount if to the wall and use it to leave phone messages, notes, grocery lists and the like.
Control clutter: Despite your best efforts there will still likely be odds and ends such as pens, post-it notes and pieces of mail and bills that end up in piles on the counter. To keep it organized designate a space for these items. Either devote a drawer or use a basket to hold these items until you can go through and sort them.
