How to Organize a Small Kitchen: Space-Saving Tips

My husband and I have lived in our house for 11 years, and the kitchen was the one room we never really tackled – until now. After binging The Home Edit on Netflix, we were inspired to finally update and organize our small kitchen. Let me share the practical tips and personal experiences that transformed our cluttered cooking space into a functional and stylish haven.

Small Kitchen, Big Impact: Why Organization is Key

I’ll admit, I used to think organizing a small kitchen was a lost cause. But the reality is that the smaller the kitchen, the bigger the impact of clutter. Our countertops were always overflowing, and finding anything in our cabinets was a treasure hunt. This made cooking feel more like a chore than a joy.

After organizing, we were amazed at how much more efficient and enjoyable our kitchen became. Everything had a place, which saved us time and made cooking a breeze. Plus, the space felt much larger and more open – who knew that was possible?

Decluttering: The First (and Most Crucial) Step

I’ve always been passionate about organizing, and my experience managing multiple side hustles, a full-time job, and family responsibilities has honed my skills and instilled a deep appreciation for a well-organized space. 

I channeled that expertise when tackling my kitchen, drawing inspiration from The Home Edit’s infectious enthusiasm. We embarked on a ruthless decluttering mission, dedicating just 20 minutes daily for 10 days to meticulously comb through drawers, cabinets, and the pantry. The goal was simple: eliminate anything unused, unloved, or forgotten.

This was a surprisingly emotional process. I had to say goodbye to my beloved Fiesta ware dishes, a gift from my mom that I’d cherished for over 20 years. They were beautiful but ultimately too big and heavy for our everyday needs. We donated them to a young couple starting their first home. It felt good to pass them on to someone who would appreciate them.

Space-Saving Strategies That Worked for Us

We didn’t have a huge budget for this project, but we still made a big impact. Here are some of the strategies we used:

Vertical Space

We utilized the cabinets by adjusting some shelves so there was less wasted space above the shelf content.

Appliance Hideaways

We kept our most-used appliances in a cabinet beside the refrigerator and stored the rest (like our juicer and punch bowl) in harder-to-reach cabinets.

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Cabinet Organization

We invested in a few inexpensive organizers for food packets and silverware and grouped similar items.

Everyday Access

We realized our water bottles were in an inconvenient spot, so we moved them to a more accessible cabinet.

Cookbook Consolidation

We gathered all our cookbooks in one place and tossed the appliance manuals (which we can find online).

Additional Tips for Small Kitchen Organization

Here are a few more tips we picked up along the way:

1. Wall-Mounted Storage

Clear those countertops and free up valuable cabinet space by using your walls. Here’s how:

Spice Racks

Hang a spice rack near your stove for easy access while cooking. It’s a great way to display your collection and keep those tiny jars from cluttering your cabinets.

Magnetic Strips for Knives

A magnetic knife strip keeps your knives within reach and adds a sleek, modern touch to your kitchen. It’s also safer than storing them loose in a drawer.

Pegboards for Utensils

Pegboards are incredibly versatile. They can hold everything from spatulas and whisks to pots and pans. You can customize them to fit your needs and easily rearrange the layout as your kitchen evolves.

Hanging Baskets for Produce

Wire or mesh baskets hung from the ceiling or mounted on the wall are a stylish way to store fruits and vegetables. They keep produce visible and add a touch of rustic charm.

2. Over-the-Door Organizers

Don’t overlook the backs of doors! They offer valuable storage potential.

Racks for Pans and Lids

A sturdy over-the-door rack can corral those bulky pots and pans, freeing up cabinet space. Some racks even have built-in lid holders.

Pockets for Cleaning Supplies

Over-the-door organizers with pockets are perfect for storing cleaning supplies and brushes. Keep them discreetly tucked away but easily accessible.

3. Stackable Shelving

These versatile units are a lifesaver in small kitchens.

Expandable Options

Choose expandable shelving to customize the height and width to fit your space perfectly.

Under-Shelf Baskets

To maximize storage capacity, add baskets or containers under each shelf. They’re perfect for holding small items like spices, snacks, or kitchen gadgets.

4. Inside the Cabinets: Making the Most of Hidden Storage

Your cabinets are a treasure trove of storage potential. With a little ingenuity, you can transform those deep, dark spaces into organized and accessible zones.

Shelf Risers

Double your space by creating two levels (e.g., IKEA Variera shelf inserts).

Pull-out Drawers

Items in the back should be easily accessible. Consider installing aftermarket pull-out drawers or exploring options like the Elfa system, originally designed for closets but adaptable to kitchen cabinets.

Clear Containers

Pour dry goods into containers for a tidy look. The Container Store offers a variety of clear bins and containers in different sizes.

Lid Organizers

Prevent cabinet clutter with a dedicated lid holder or rack.

5. Maximizing Corner Space: Conquering the Awkward Angles

Corner cabinets are notorious for being difficult to access, but with the right tools, you can transform them into efficient storage spaces:

Corner Shelves

Corner shelves can be installed in upper or lower cabinets, providing easy access to items that might otherwise be lost in the back. Look for options with multiple tiers to maximize storage capacity.

Lazy Susans

Also known as turntables, lazy Susans are a classic solution for corner cabinets and deep shelves. They allow you to easily spin and access items without unloading everything in front. Use them for spices, oils, vinegars, or even small appliances.

Magic Corner Pull-Outs

These innovative pull-out systems are designed specifically for corner cabinets. They glide out smoothly, bringing all your stored items into view and easy reach. While they might be a more expensive option, they’re worth considering if you frequently use your corner cabinets.

6. Taming the Junk Drawer and Beyond

Don’t let your drawers become a chaotic catch-all. With a bit of intention, they can be efficient storage zones:

Drawer Dividers 

These inexpensive organizers create separate compartments for utensils, gadgets, and other kitchen essentials. No more digging through a jumbled mess!

Utensil Trays

Similar to drawer dividers, but specifically designed for utensils. They keep forks, knives, and spoons neatly separated and easy to grab.

Shallow Bins and Baskets

Use shallow bins and baskets to corral smaller items like spice packets, rubber bands, or measuring spoons.

Junk Drawer Rehab

Every kitchen needs a junk drawer, but that doesn’t mean it has to be chaotic. Use small containers or drawer dividers to organize batteries, pens, scissors, and other miscellaneous items.

7. Pantry Power-Ups: Taming the Food Storage Zone

The pantry is a small kitchen’s lifeline, but it can easily become a jumbled mess without a plan. Here’s how to turn it into an efficient storage space:

Group Similar Items

Designate zones for canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, etc. Use clear, stackable bins for easy access.

Clear Jars and Bins

Transfer dry goods to airtight containers for a uniform look and longer shelf life.

Door-Mounted Racks

Utilize door space for spice jars, oils, or snacks.

FIFO (First In, First Out)

To prevent food waste, place newer items behind older ones. Consider a “Use First” bin.

By implementing these tips, your pantry can transform from cluttered to efficient, ensuring everything is readily available when needed. By following these tips, your pantry can be transformed from a cluttered

8. Fridge Refresh: Cool Tips for a Tidy Refrigerator

Is your refrigerator a chaotic jumble of jars, containers, and mystery leftovers? Let’s bring some order to this chilly zone with these easy-to-implement strategies:

Designated Zones

Just like in your pantry, create specific zones in your fridge to keep things organized. Here’s a simple layout:

• Top Shelf: Reserve this for ready-to-eat foods like yogurt, deli meats, and leftovers.
• Middle Shelf: This is the prime real estate for dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs.
• Bottom Shelf: Store raw meats and fish here to prevent drips from contaminating other foods.
• Crisper Drawers: These are designed for fruits and vegetables. Adjust the humidity controls to suit the produce you’re storing.

Having designated zones makes it easy to find what you need and prevents overcrowding.

Pro Tip: Invest in stackable, clear containers in various sizes. This allows you to maximize fridge space and easily see what’s inside.

Door Hacks

Don’t forget the door! It offers additional storage potential that’s often underutilized:

• Adjustable Shelves: Most refrigerators have adjustable door shelves. Assess your items and rearrange the shelves to accommodate tall bottles, jars, and other containers.
• Clear Bins: Small, clear bins are perfect for corralling condiments, salad dressings, and other small items that tend to get lost in the shuffle. They keep the door organized and make it easy to find what you need.

9. Additional Space-Saving Hacks

Beyond the pantry and cabinets, these extra hacks can help you squeeze every last drop of storage potential out of your small kitchen:

Collapsible Dish Racks

A collapsible dish rack is a lifesaver if you’re short on counter space. It provides a convenient drying spot for dishes but can be easily folded and stored away when not in use.

Nesting Bowls and Prep Tools

Nesting bowls and measuring cups fit neatly inside each other, saving valuable drawer space. Look for stackable prep tools like mixing spoons and spatulas to further streamline your drawers.

Under-Sink Storage Caddies

The space under your sink is often overlooked but can be a valuable storage zone. A tiered under-sink caddy can help you corral cleaning supplies, sponges, and dish soap, freeing up space in your cabinets. Look for options with adjustable shelves to accommodate different-sized bottles.

Beautiful Kitchens, Smart Storage

While these kitchens may be compact, they are anything but cramped! These images showcase how stylish design and clever storage can go hand-in-hand. See how thoughtful layouts and innovative solutions create beautiful, functional spaces that inspire you to reimagine your own kitchen, no matter its size.

Final Thoughts

Organizing our small kitchen was a game-changer. It not only made our space more functional and visually appealing, but it also made cooking more enjoyable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your small kitchen, I encourage you to try these tips. You might be surprised at what a difference a little organization can make!

FAQ Section

How can I organize a tiny kitchen with no counter space?

Even with limited counter space, you can still create an organized kitchen. Here are some ideas:

• Wall-Mounted Everything: Utilize your walls to the fullest. Hang utensil racks, spice racks, magnetic strips for knives, and even a fold-down table for extra prep space when needed.
• Utilize Ceiling Space: Consider hanging pots and pans from a ceiling rack or installing a hanging fruit basket.
• Rolling Carts: A rolling cart can provide extra counter space when needed and be tucked away when not in use.
• Over-the-Sink Cutting Board: An over-the-sink cutting board can create valuable prep space without sacrificing counter space.
• Stackable Containers and Bowls: Opt for nesting bowls and stackable containers to maximize storage space in your cabinets.

Are there affordable ways to organize a small kitchen on a budget?

Absolutely! Here are some budget-friendly organization tips:

• Repurpose Items: Use mason jars for storing dry goods like pasta and grains, shoeboxes for organizing utensils or packets in drawers, and ice cube trays for corralling smaller items like spice packets or tea bags.
• DIY Organizers: Create drawer dividers using cardboard or thin wood.
• Dollar Store Finds: The dollar store is a treasure trove of affordable organizers like bins, baskets, and hooks.
• Upcycle Furniture: An old bookcase can be transformed into a pantry, or a dresser can be used as a kitchen island.
• Budget-Friendly DIYs: Repurpose tin cans as utensil holders or spice racks. Use pegboards to create vertical storage for pots, pans, and utensils. Turn old wooden crates into hanging shelves or a rustic wine rack. The possibilities are endless!

Have you transformed your tiny kitchen? Share your favorite space-saving tips and organization hacks in the comments below! If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our article on how to organize your dining room. Let’s inspire each other to create a functional and fabulous kitchen.