10 Clever Space-Saving Ideas for Small Kitchens

Increase your kitchen storage and enhance functionality with these clever organization and space-saving ideas for small kitchens.

If you have a small kitchen and need to expand it’s overall storage and functionality, then you’ll definitely love these must-know solutions and clever space-saving ideas that will help you get organized and make your space feel larger than it really is.

If you are currently living with a small kitchen that lacks a pantry or ugh! limited cabinet storage space, you need to know you are not alone.

The truth is, many folks face the same dilemma of limited counter and cabinet space.

You could throw in the towel and just stuff your cabinets beyond it’s capacity–or, if you are willing to think outside the box and consider some innovative space-saving products, you might just be surprised at how limitless your kitchen space can be.

How much storage space do you really need?

To understand what we really need, let’s take a look at a typical walk-in pantry.

It houses all of the canned goods, spices, cooking utensils and even kitchen and dining linens. It might also be a place where cleaning supplies are kept.

But for those who have a small kitchens, that’s not usually the case. Most often, the cabinets do double duty for organizing one’s everyday and longterm storage needs.

So how do you squeeze more storage space from already overflowing cabinets and shelf space?

I’ve got you covered. Here are my favorite organizing solutions to eek more storage from small kitchen spaces:

1. Capsulize Countertops

Countertops can be either overstuffed or streamlined depending upon how you organize it.

Use self serving jars. This handy space-saver can handle everything from snacks to coffee capsules. You can easily slide several self serving jars side by side, freeing up space on your counters with ease.

Canister sets. Think that this pantry-perfect idea has gone by the wayside? No way. In fact, today, canister sets have become beautiful assets to one’s counter. It’s an easy way to keep staple items right at hand but without ugly packaging being an eyesore.

2. Store on a Door

When organizing a small pantry or limited storage in a kitchen, then vertical becomes your friend. Think wall space, behind (and in front) of cabinet, utility or laundry room doors to maximize this underused storage area.

Door Towel Racks. This hidden gem is perfect for tight kitchen quarters. Usually the hardware slips easily over the top of the door giving you ample space to dry towels or hang kitchen gadgets from.

Sheet pan and cutting board holders. Other types of door racks offer “basket” options that allow you to store cutting boards, pan covers and more.

Adjustable door and wall racks. This amazing all-in-one adjustable door rack and storage unit allows you to manage both large and small items with minimal space.

3. Maximize Shelf Space

An underutilized solution to unmanageable shelves are bins. This option not only maximizes shelf space but also looks nice too.

Storage Bins. Try using clear bins whenever possible to help you see all the way to back of the cabinet. It’s also a help, too, if you stack taller items in the back, shorter items in front.

4. Use Vertical versus Horizontal Storage

Sure, you can layer stuff, one on top of the other, but doing so takes away much needed space. Instead, think vertical versus horizontal when storing large items.

Pot Rack Organizers. A great example is this pot rack organizer that can also double with vertical possibilities with muffin tins, cutting boards and cooling racks.

Mop and broom holders. Vertical storage also has its benefits when it comes to mops and brooms. See how easily one can also tuck away, dust pans, brushes, scouring pads and more with this handy wall organizer.

5. Maximize Depth of Shelves

It’s easy to maximize deep shelves and bring your kitchen must-haves into view with these three, quick and easy tips.

6. Utilize Drawers

Even small kitchens have cluttered and overstuffed drawers of some sort or other. You can take advantage of the potential storage they offer with a made-for-drawer organizer.

Expandable Drawer Organizers. As mentioned above, when you think outside the box, you can maximize limited space by eeking storage from your kitchen drawers no matter the size. My favorite choice? Try expandable organizers.

RELATED: 12 Clever Drawer Organizer Ideas

7. Stack It Up

You can get more bang from your storage buck if you stack your storage containers. This can also be done vertically or even horizontally with the help of metal or plastic racks.

Food Storage Containers. Today, you will find a multitude of options for stackable food storage containers. Some even allow you to label directly on the top or side of the container. Clear containers are a better choice when you want to identify what’s inside each one.

Stackable Can Rack. Depending upon what kind of can rack you purchase, you can stack racks several levels high or even in single layers.

8. Use Decorative Hardware

If you can’t disguise the obvious, at least you can make it beautiful looking. That is the case of folks who only have wall space to spare for small kitchen and pantry storage.

Pot Rack Organizer. One great example of this is a decorative pot rack. It’s utilitarian design looks great and handles the hard work of keeping cooking utensils and pots and pans organized.

9. Include Drawer Pulls

Draw pulls are another great organizer opportunity for small kitchens. From hanging towels to potholders, they can even be enlisted to serve as a great organizer.

Bag storage. Utilitarian bags can be put into use by hooking onto drawer pulls. This is a great solution to corraling grocery plastic bags.

10. Put a Spin on It

A quick and easy way to bring your kitchen items to the forefront is by using turntables. Varying your use of this helpful kitchen organizer help you access to everything, no matter how deep the cabinet is.

Lazy Susans and turntables. Try lazy Susans and turntables to put a spin on both small and large objects. There are a variety of sizes to choose from, along with multi-layer ones.

I hope you were inspired to organize your small kitchen with these space-saver ideas. Which ones do you think will work well with your space? Let me know in the comments below.

Looking for more great ideas for organizing small spaces? Be sure to check out Wisconsin Homemaker’s Home Decor Section.