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 optimize the storage space under the sink, consider utilizing stackable bins or clear plastic drawers to organize items such as sponges, dishwasher pods, rags, and other essentials. This approach not only maximizes your space but also provides a clear view of your inventory, helping to ensure that you are aware of what you already possess.

2. Add Floating Shelves

Open shelving can improve the visual attraction of kitchen walls while also creating additional cabinet space. Even a narrow shelf designed for storing glasses can significantly improve functionality, especially in smaller areas.

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

When considering a remodel of a smaller kitchen without altering the existing layout, it may be beneficial to consider wider drawers instead of traditional lower cabinets. This approach can significantly enhance storage capacity while maintaining accessibility.

5. Add Risers for Organizing Canned Goods

Consider enhancing vertical storage by installing risers in your pantries and cabinets. This solution can effectively increase the number of items, such as cans, that you can store in limited spaces while also allowing for better visibility of your inventory, helping to avoid duplicate purchases. You can purchase risers, or you can use your creativity to craft them from items you already possess.

6. Perfectly Organize Your Food Containers

Organizing food storage containers can be challenging, regardless of the kitchen’s dimensions. When you have coordinated sets, everything fits neatly together, whether stored in a drawer or cabinet.

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

If you’re lacking in shelf or drawer space, take advice from professional organizer Laura Cattano and consider using a hanging bar for your pots and pans. All you require are some basic S-hooks and a sturdy bar capable of holding the pots’ weight, plus it gives a small kitchen a trendy industrial vibe that appears stylish and contemporary.

8. Use Baskets For Storage In A Compact Pantry Area

Baskets and canisters can be quite beneficial, but a particularly significant item for maximizing small spaces is the lazy Susan, which elegantly organizes oil, vinegar, and other bottles.

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 for pantry storage are not only stylish and visually appealing but also practical for maximizing space. By reducing the amount of air-filled packaging, these containers can help achieve a more efficient, well-organized pantry.

11. Maximize the Use of Countertop Area

Countertops can serve as both display and storage areas for a variety of items, such as cutting boards, utensils, and knife blocks. Accessories in neutral shades can help create a cohesive look, contributing to a more organized, visually appealing space.

12. Optimize Corner Cabinets

To enhance storage efficiency in a compact kitchen, it’s important to thoughtfully organize your cabinets. By strategically arranging items in your corner cabinet, you can ensure everything is easily accessible and well-organized, creating a more streamlined cooking experience.

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 the smallest refrigerator has the potential for an effective organizational transformation. Using clear bins for food storage not only enhances visibility but also allows for more efficient use of vertical space through stacking.

15. Keep Kids’ Plates In Drawers

Including dividers in deeper drawers can greatly enhance the organization of plates, bowls, and utensils, ensuring they remain tidy. Additionally, placing children’s plates in a lower drawer allows for easy access, empowering them to reach for what they need independently.

16. Use Drawer Separators/Dividers

Enhance the functionality of your drawers by adding dividers. This approach allows for a designated place for each item, reducing the likelihood of drawers becoming stuck due to overcrowded tools.

17. Keep Tea Bags In The Doors Of Cabinets

Utilizing the inner surfaces of cabinet doors presents a practical opportunity to create additional storage for smaller items. According to professional organizer Laura Cattano, spices and tea bags can be efficiently stored on the door rather than occupying valuable space within the cabinet, allowing for a more streamlined organization.

18. Include a Spice Storage Drawer

Even in small compact kitchens, having a designated spice drawer can be quite beneficial. This thoughtful design allows for easy visibility of your spice collection, helping to prevent the purchase of duplicate spices.

19. Include a Few Woven Pantry Baskets

When your pantry or cabinets are thoughtfully organized and free from clutter, it effectively enhances the functionality of your kitchen space. Using labeled woven bins not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also ensures that every item has its designated place within this system.

20. Use Space Near Your Cooktop

The area around your stovetop offers a great opportunity for additional storage. You might consider adding narrow cabinets on either side of your cooktop to conveniently store spices, sheet pans, and other essential cookware. This thoughtful addition could enhance both functionality and organization in your kitchen.

21. Add a Movable Island in a Small Space

A movable countertop and shelving combination, similar to the design utilized by Whittney Parkinson, offers an effective solution for enhancing storage and additional counter space in compact kitchens. Its mobility allows for flexible placement, enabling storage to be positioned wherever it is most needed at any given time.

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

For those looking to enhance storage in a compact kitchen, extending your shelving or cabinetry to the ceiling may be beneficial. This approach can significantly increase your available storage space, helping to maintain an organized and functional kitchen environment.

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, similar to the one used by Arbor & Co. in their kitchen, offers a practical, space-efficient solution for knife storage. It may be beneficial to install your knife rack close to your primary food preparation area for optimal accessibility.

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

Looking for a way to access your snacks effortlessly? Think about adding a snack drawer. Use drawer dividers, containers, and baskets to maintain the separation and organization of items.

38. Optimize Your Utensil Drawer for Greater Efficiency

Consider enhancing your utensil drawer’s organization by including additional bins and slots. By making the most of the available space, you may be able to accommodate not only steak knives and children’s utensils but also serving ware, ultimately creating a more functional kitchen.

39. Include a Pull-Out Spice Rack

Consider adding 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

Consider installing 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