40 Best Small Kitchen Storage and Organization Ideas

You will learn: 40 simple, affordable, and effective small kitchen storage and organization ideas that will help you to perfectly organize your kitchen.

Make the most of your small kitchen with smart storage solutions that use every inch effectively. Small kitchens can be tough for those who love to cook and entertain, but some clever ideas can improve their usability and comfort. Look into options like counter storage, pantry organization, and creative shelving to turn a messy kitchen into a neat and welcoming space.

Ideas such as behind-the-door storage, lazy Susans, and stackable bins can really help you make your small kitchen better.

Here, I have shared 40 amazing small kitchen storage and organization ideas for you.

1. Optimize Under-Sink Storage Area

To make better use of the space under your sink, try using stackable bins or clear plastic drawers to organize things like sponges, dishwasher pods, rags, and other essentials. This method helps you see what you have, so you don’t accidentally buy duplicates.

2. Add Floating Shelves

Open shelves are a great way to make your kitchen walls look better and add extra storage. Even a small shelf for glasses can make a big difference, especially if you have a small kitchen.

3. Hang Pots and Pans in a Little Space

Using hanging pots and pans can be an effective way to maximize storage and counter space in compact kitchens. Additionally, white canisters not only enhance storage but also contribute to the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. A lazy Susan within the cabinet further promotes accessibility and organization of items.

4. Include Drawers Instead of Cabinets

If you want to remodel a small kitchen but keep the same layout, try swapping out your lower cabinets for wider drawers. This simple change gives you more storage and makes everything easier to reach.

5. Add Risers for Organizing Canned Goods

If you’re running out of space in your pantry or cabinets, try adding some risers. They’re a super easy way to fit more cans and other items into tight spots, and you’ll actually be able to see what you have, so you don’t end up buying doubles by accident. You can grab risers at the store, or just get creative and make your own with things you already have at home.

6. Perfectly Organize Your Food Containers

Trying to organize food storage containers can feel like a real headache, no matter how big or small your kitchen is. If you’ve got matching sets, it’s so much easier to stack everything up and make it all fit, whether you’re using a drawer or a cabinet.

7. Use Open Shelves to Store Pots and Pans on the Wall

If you’re running out of shelf or drawer space in your kitchen, try hanging your pots and pans on a bar with some simple S-hooks. It’s an easy fix that frees up space and makes your kitchen look neat and put together. You don’t need anything fancy—just a strong bar that can hold the weight.

8. Use Baskets For Storage In A Compact Pantry Area

Baskets and canisters are super helpful, but if you really want to make the most of a small space, grab a lazy Susan! It keeps all your oils, vinegars, and bottles in one easy-to-reach spot.

9. Add Storage Solutions Behind The Door

If your pantry is small or absent, consider installing wire baskets on the back of the door or in a cabinet. This approach can help to optimize storage space while maintaining an organized appearance.

10. Using Clear Pantry Storage

Clear containers in your pantry aren’t just pretty to look at—they actually make a big difference when it comes to saving space. When you swap out all that bulky packaging for clear bins, you’ll be amazed at how much more organized and roomy your pantry feels.

11. Maximize the Use of Countertop Area

Your countertops are probably home to all sorts of things, from cutting boards to utensils and knife blocks. If you stick to accessories in neutral colors, it really helps everything look pulled together and makes your kitchen feel a lot more organized.

12. Optimize Corner Cabinets

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, organizing your cabinets can make a huge difference. Try arranging things in your corner cabinet so you can actually reach what you need without digging around. A little bit of planning here will make cooking so much easier and way less stressful.

13. Make the Most of Cabinet Space

It’s surprising to see that this beautiful kitchen resides in a garage. The white cabinetry creates a light and spacious atmosphere, while compact appliances free up counter space. Making sure that both upper and lower cabinets (such as those under the bar in this case) are practical and easy to reach allows you to make the most of every inch of space in a small kitchen.

14. Perfectly Organize Your Refrigerator

Even if your fridge is tiny, you can totally give it a makeover. Try using clear bins for your food—they make it so much easier to see what you have, and you can stack them to use every bit of space.

15. Keep Kids’ Plates In Drawers

If you’ve got deep drawers, try adding some dividers to keep your plates, bowls, and utensils from turning into a jumbled mess. And if you have kids, putting their plates in a lower drawer makes it so much easier for them to grab what they need all by themselves.

16. Use Drawer Separators/Dividers

If your drawers are always a jumbled mess, try adding some dividers. Giving everything its own spot makes it way less likely your drawers will get jammed up with too many tools.

17. Keep Tea Bags In The Doors Of Cabinets

Using the inside of cabinet doors is a smart way to add more storage for small things. Professional organizer Laura Cattano says you can keep spices and tea bags on the door instead of taking up space inside the cabinet, which helps keep everything more organized.

18. Include a Spice Storage Drawer

Even in small kitchens, having a special drawer for spices can be very helpful. This setup makes it easy to see all your spices and keeps you from buying the same ones twice.

19. Include a Few Woven Pantry Baskets

When your pantry or cabinets are neatly organized and not messy, your kitchen works better. Using labeled woven bins not only looks nice but also makes sure every item has its own spot.

20. Use Space Near Your Cooktop

The space near your stovetop can be used for extra storage. Try adding narrow cabinets on each side of your cooktop to keep spices, sheet pans, and other cookware within reach. This simple change can make your kitchen more organized and practical.

21. Add a Movable Island in a Small Space

A movable countertop with shelves, like the one designed by Whittney Parkinson, is a great way to add storage and extra counter space in small kitchens. You can move it around and place it wherever you need more storage or workspace.

22. Consider Using Your Dining Room

If you find your kitchen space limited, consider using your dining room or nook for additional storage. A dish cabinet or buffet could be an excellent solution for organizing and easily accessing items used less often, such as small kitchen appliances and seasonal dishware.

23. Add Slim Shelves at The Edge of The Cabinetry

Consider exploring the potential of the unused space on the sides of kitchen islands and corners. By transforming this area of your cabinetry into narrow shelving, you can create a practical and accessible storage solution for ingredients or cookbooks.

24. Install Cabinetry All The Way To The Ceiling

If you want more storage in a small kitchen, try making your shelves or cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling. This can give you a lot more space to store things and keep your kitchen neat and easy to use.

25. Organize Your Junk Drawer

Managing a junk drawer can be a challenge, even in the most organized kitchens. To create a more harmonious space, consider using small drawer organizers, which can help ensure that each item has its designated place.

26. Consider Enhancing Storage on Your Cabinet Doors

Using the back of your cabinet door can be a practical way to create additional storage space. One effective approach is to install a small rack of shelves, as Emily Henderson Design has successfully done. However, it’s important to ensure that your cabinet hinges can adequately support the added weight before proceeding with this enhancement.

27. Add Glass Shelving to Window Spaces

Consider including glass shelving in front of your windows as a clever storage solution for smaller spaces. This approach allows natural light to filter through while providing an elegant display option for glassware and stemware. It’s a thoughtful way to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in your home.

28. Combine Storage with the Style of Your Wall Storage

You can achieve both aesthetics and practicality when you allow your storage to serve as decoration. The displayed cutting boards in the kitchen above illustrate how appealing this can be.

29. Place Cookbooks on Your Counters

Rather than keeping your cookbooks tucked away, consider showcasing two or three of your favorites on the counter. Using some attractive bookends can add a touch of style while keeping them easily accessible.

30. Place Ingredients On the Counters

An additional approach to maximizing counter space is to showcase a selection of jars containing commonly used ingredients, such as pasta or sugar. By choosing visually appealing jars, you can create an inviting display that enhances your kitchen’s aesthetic rather than appearing purely functional.

31. Use a Magnetic Knife Holder in your Wall Storage

A magnetic rack, like the one Arbor & Co. uses in their kitchen, is a simple and space-saving way to store knives. It can help to put your knife rack near where you usually prepare food so your knives are easy to reach.

32. Use Sloping Walls in a Compact Area

It’s a great idea to take advantage of sloped wall space in a small kitchen. By installing shelves, you can improve storage capacity and make the most of the available area for your essentials.

33. Consider Utilizing Additional Pantry Space Wisely

Your pantry can serve purposes beyond food storage. If you find yourself with extra shelf space, it can be an excellent opportunity to store kitchen-related items, such as cookbooks. Additionally, you might want to consider placing small kitchen appliances and seasonal dishware in your pantry, keeping everything organized and easily accessible.

34. Consider Using Lazy Susans

Adding Lazy Susans to your kitchen storage solutions can greatly enhance accessibility. They allow easy access to all items, minimizing the risk of overlooked products, such as red wine vinegar tucked away in a corner. Consider using them in various areas of your kitchen —from your pantry to your spice cabinet —for improved organization and convenience.

35. Organize Your Spices Alphabetically

When organizing your spices, consider using drawers alongside spice racks for optimal storage. Arranging your spices alphabetically can enhance accessibility and efficiency, allowing you to quickly locate what you need when cooking.

36. Organize Your Pots and Pans Under the Oven

Consider using the drawer beneath your oven as an excellent storage option for your pots, pans, and skillets. To maximize space and minimize the risk of scratches, you might find it beneficial to nest your pots and skillets together.

37. Create a Snack Drawer

Want easier access to your snacks? Try setting up a snack drawer. Use dividers, containers, and baskets to keep everything organized and separate.

38. Optimize Your Utensil Drawer for Greater Efficiency

Try adding more bins and slots to your utensil drawer to keep things organized. This way, you can fit steak knives, kids’ utensils, and serving ware, making your kitchen work better for you.

39. Include a Pull-Out Spice Rack

Add a pull-out spice rack into narrow spaces beside your appliances. This thoughtful addition can provide an efficient, space-saving solution for organizing your spices and enhancing your kitchen’s functionality.

40. Consider installing a Towel Rack

Install a towel rack at the end of your cabinetry to improve kitchen organization. This addition can provide valuable space for hanging kitchen linens and produce bags. Additionally, adding a few hooks to the rack can accommodate various storage needs.

41. Implement Stacking Lazy Susans

Consider implementing Lazy Susans in a stack for a clever storage solution. This method effectively doubles the available storage while efficiently utilizing vertical space in tall cabinets or shelves that might otherwise remain underutilized.

Read also:

30 Small Closet Organization Ideas

36 Genius Pantry Organization Ideas

5 Smart Ways to Organize Under Your Kitchen Sink