7 Clever Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens

When you have a small kitchen, you’ve got to work with the space you’re given. For storage, that means maximizing every nook and cranny so no space is wasted. Luckily, we have plenty of smart storage ideas for small kitchens that are fully customizable.

The key to storage in a tiny kitchen is organizing potential clutter in a dedicated place. For example, instead of having a revolving spice rack sitting on your countertop, install a spice pullout drawer. This keeps the clutter out of view and makes the most of the tight space between your cabinets and oven that might otherwise have no use.

That’s just one example. Let’s talk through some additional storage ideas you can try in your small kitchen.

Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens

Rollouts

Instead of prodding through the back of a deep cabinet, install rollouts. These allow you to pull the items in the cabinet towards you so you can easily find what you’re looking for. It’s the perfect option for all items — even pots and pans — that can be cumbersome when lodged in the back of a cabinet. It’s easy, quick access in a tight space.

Vertical Tray Cabinet

Tray cabinets are perfect for baking sheets, cutting boards and other flat objects. Depending on the size, they can be great storage solutions for your pans, too. Stack your pans on top of each other (small inside of big) and place them in this cabinet sideways. They’ll take up less space and are still easy to access. Put this vertical cabinet next to your oven for even more efficiency.

Pull-Out Recycle and Trash Bins

If you have a small kitchen, you probably don’t have much room for your trash cans. Give them a dedicated place and hide them inside your cabinets with a pull-out recycle and trash bin. This storage space blends in perfectly with the rest of your cabinets. It’s also highly functional — just pull it out and toss your trash or recyclable in, then push it closed. Out of sight, out of mind, and out of the way.

Under the Sink Storage

The space under your sink is awkward, but you can still take advantage of it. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is on the small side — you need all the storage you can get. Use stacking bins or plastic drawers under the sink. Organize and store sponges, cleaning supplies, dish rags, dishwasher soap, and other essentials that need to be accessible.

Wide Drawers

Standard cabinets aren’t always the smartest storage option because items get shoved to the back and are hard to reach. Wide drawers are more functional because you can pull them out, view, then grab whatever you need in the drawer. For bigger items, choose deep drawers that offer the same advantages for pots, pans, and kitchen gadgets.

Drawer Dividers

Another way to make your drawers even more functional is to add dividers. This keeps the items organized, especially within wide drawers that can quickly turn messy. Adding dividers keeps items like cups, plates, bowls, and even utensils tidy. It’s also a great way to organize kids’ dishes and utensils so young ones can open the drawer and access them easily.

Hanging Storage for Pots and Pans

If your kitchen doesn’t have enough space for cabinets that hold pots and pans, hang them up. You can do this on the wall behind the stove or above the island. This clears up more cabinet or drawer space for other items you want to declutter or store away.

You might feel like there’s no hope for your small kitchen, but that’s not true. Maximizing your storage space is one way to get organized, declutter, and make your small kitchen as functional (and beautiful) as possible. Use what you have to the fullest advantage by adding a few of the small kitchen storage ideas above.

Discover More Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

Every home deserves a kitchen that’s beautiful, welcoming, and functional — designed for the way you live. Established by two long-time central Ohio homebuilders and craftsmen, The Creative Kitchen Co. offers customized kitchen remodeling and refacing solutions, including a plethora of kitchen storage ideas for pots and pans. Get in touch to learn more!