HOW TO ADD STORAGE IN THE KITCHEN
Kitchen cabinets are like closets. There is never enough room for all the extras, like Costco’s 10-pack of paper towels and a case of Skinny Pop.
Kitchen storage is a universal issue, no matter the size of the kitchen. We always need/want more.
Many of us also have a second refrigerator located on a lower level or in the garage, which requires many stairs and trips.
These days, by the time I get to the garage fridge, I’ve forgotten what I needed to grab.
Does this sound familiar?
On a total aside: Where is it located if you have a second fridge?
I have adequate storage until I return from Costco, so I figured out creative ways to maximize my cabinets and find additional storage.
Here is how I manage and create storage ideas that work for most days of the year.
STEPS TO FIND MORE KITCHEN STORAGE
- First, imagine what items you would store in the kitchen if you had more space.
- Now, make a list of items you could move out of the kitchen if space is tight.
- Empty your cabinets to take inventory of small appliances, pots, and baking sheets.
- Can the seven-quart crockpot be stored in the basement for the 360 days when it is not needed in the kitchen?
- I loved my Pampered Chef apple corer/peeler, but now I no longer need a contraption that reminds me of a Game of Thrones torture device ( to peel an apple).
Once you stock what you must have in your kitchen, you can eliminate the kitchen gear from your wedding registry that has not been used since your first anniversary.
You might be surprised how many cabinets you can clear out when you realize that, like clothing, we use 20% of our pans and cookie sheets 80% of the time.
The distinction determines whether I should store items t in the kitchen, basement, or garage for all but three days a year.
Taking inventory is a great way to clear the clutter and make decisions based on how often you use them.
Do you store kitchen appliances for the exception ( the holidays) or for the day-to-day?
HOW I CREATED SPACE IN THE KITCHEN
I love to try new cleaning products. I keep my day-to-day cleaning supplies under the sink for quick access and cleanup.
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I keep my Costco- size items in this closet.
I converted our coat closet into a storage closet for Costco-size cleaning products like dish soap, the 3-pack of window cleaner, and paper towels.
Next, I have this hutch that has been in every room on the main level of my home.
I painted the glass panes to hide the contents. I
I loved the look, so even though the hutch relocated to the dining room, it’s a permanent location. Painting the glass panes gave me more storage space because I didn’t have to keep the shelves neat and “on display.” If you opened either slider, you would find barware, wine bottles, plate chargers, and ice buckets. Items that I use frequently but not every week.
I used this tip to hide oversized serving trays and wine-barrel lazy susans. The plant is sitting on top of a wine barrel lid. It is located on the same floor as the kitchen, so it is easy access for entertaining.
I moved my cookbooks from the kitchen counter to the living room. Now I store all my cookbooks in our living room library wall. I gained much-needed counter space and enjoy the living room to find new recipes.
My last idea to find kitchen storage is from the most unexpected find at Marshalls.
The hutch is now against a bank of windows in our kitchen nook. It has no shelves in the interior, so it is flexible for oversized items, bulky platters, cloth napkins, and grilling utensils.
I love it!
I’ve been trying to do just this in our new smaller kitchen! I have moved some things around and I’m still trying to get the most out of our cabinets. I would love a mini icemaker like you have but I don’t want to see it on the counter and have no other place for it…maybe the pool house one day! We keep our second and much smaller fridge in our laundry room which is only a few steps down from the kitchen.