Having an organized kitchen is essential for cooking efficiency and enjoying your time in this important space. However, small kitchens can present unique challenges when it comes to organization and storage. The good news is that with some strategic planning and clever solutions, you can maximize every inch of your small kitchen’s cabinet space.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover key tips and advice for organizing cabinets in a small kitchen. You’ll discover ideas for maximizing vertical space, tips for organizing pots and pans, strategies for spice storage, and much more. With these practical solutions, you can create a highly-functional and clutter-free kitchen that makes cooking a breeze. Let’s get started!

Take Inventory of What You Have

Before you can organize your small kitchen cabinets effectively, you need to take stock of what you currently have. Here are some tips for taking inventory:

Remove everything from the cabinets and drawers. This gives you a blank slate to work with.
As you take items out, group like items together on the counter or table – all the mugs together, all the baking sheets together, etc.
Check expiration dates and discard anything that is past its prime or that you don’t use. Be ruthless here – decluttering is key for a small kitchen.
Separate everyday dishes and cookware from specialty items that are used less frequently. This will help inform what goes back into prime storage space versus further back in the cabinets.
Make a list of new items you need to purchase to maximize storage and organization. For example, you may need more stackable containers.

Thoroughly taking inventory allows you to see all your belongings and make decisions about what should stay and where it should go.

Utilize Vertical Space

In a small kitchen, you need to take advantage of every inch, including vertical storage space. Here are excellent ways to maximize vertical real estate:

Install Shelving to the Ceiling

Many kitchens have several feet of wasted space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling. Close this gap by installing shelving all the way up to the ceiling. This creates a lot more usable square footage. Sturdy wood or metal shelving material works best.

Use Wall Space for Open Shelving

Take advantage of wall space by mounting open shelving. This is great for often-used items that don’t need cabinet doors like spices, cooking oils, condiments, etc. Floating wall shelves above the counter top or stove are also handy for storage.

Buy Extra Tall Cabinets

When remodeling or replacing cabinets, opt for taller cabinetry – 36 to 42 inches is ideal. The extra height is perfect for vertically stacking pots, pans and other bulky items. Just be sure to install adjustable shelves to maximize the usability.

Install a Baker’s Rack

A baker’s rack is essentially a large shelving unit on wheels. It can provide extra storage for taller items like stand mixers, bread makers, and microwave ovens that don’t fit in the cabinets. Roll it out of the way when not in use.

Use Drawers Whenever Possible

Drawers utilize vertical space better than cabinets because everything is on display and easily accessible when you open them. Replace deep base cabinets with drawers of various depths to organize everything from pots and pans to utensils.

Organize Pots, Pans, and Lids Efficiently

Pots, pans, and their cumbersome lids can quickly lead to cabinet chaos. Use these tips for an orderly small kitchen:

Mount a ceiling pot rack or wall-mounted rail so pots and pans can be stored vertically and out of the way.
For cabinets, install vertical dividers so pots and pans can stand upright instead of stack horizontally.
Use S-hooks inside cabinet doors to hang pans and lids from – easy to see what you have.
Designate a drawer just for lids and organize them vertically using divider racks.
Store cookie sheets upright in a vertical file organizer. They’ll take up less precious cabinet real estate.
If cupboards are deep, install a shelf about halfway back to double the storage space.

Create Visibility and Accessibility

When everything is packed tightly into cabinets, it becomes a jumbled mess. Make contents visible and accessible with these tips:

Take cabinet doors off the lower cabinets – open shelving makes everything easy to see.
If removing doors, install pull-out drawers which are accessible.
Use clear storage containers so you can readily see contents. Label everything.
Installlazy susans in corner cabinets so nothing gets lost in the back.
Use tiered turntables in cabinets to double stacked layers of storage.
Pull shelves and racks forward when opening cabinets for easier access.
Position everyday dishes, glasses, and cookware near the front for grab-and-go convenience.

Design Efficient Corner Storage Solutions

Maximize notoriously tricky corner cabinets and drawers by trying these handy solutions:

Install customizeable corner cabinet storage systems with racks that fully utilize all the available space.
Divide a corner cabinet into smaller angled shelves or cubes using wood strips. Great for smaller items.
Use a blind corner lazy susan that extends pull-out racks with tiered shelves from the hard-to-reach corner.
Install vertical racks inside corner cabinets for upright storage of baking sheets, cutting boards, etc.
Use the Magic Corner or Rev-A-Shelf to create a blind corner drawer with easy bifold or swing-out access.

Store Spices Efficiently

Spices often end up cluttering cabinets or stuffed in a hard-to-see drawer. Keep them organized with these tips:

Mount a wall-mounted spice rack for easy visibility and access to favorite herbs and spices.
Use door-mounted spice racks – they make good use of door space without taking up room in cabinets.
Attach spice racks inside cabinet doors for hidden storage that doesn’t clutter your worktops.
Store bulk spices, lesser-used spices, and overflow in a central pull-out drawer organizer.
Arrange spices alphabetically so you can find what you need at a glance.
Use square stackable jars that easily fit on shelves – no wasted space.
Transfer spices from original containers to uniform glass jars for a unified look.

Optimize Drawer Storage

Kitchen drawers often become a disorganized mess. Follow these tips for neatly organized contents:

-Divide drawers into compartments using inserts, trays, or removable dividers. Common configurations are silverware, utensil, and gadget drawers.

-Keep shallow drawers for things like utensils and deeper drawers for bulkier items like hand towels and oven mitts.

-Use vertical dividers in drawers to create dedicated slots for large utensils.

-Install drawer organizers and trays that keep like items together – pens & pencils, spices, etc.

-Use felt, foam, or cut rubber drawer liners to prevent sliding and keep contents in place.

-Label drawers so everyone knows where to return items after use.

Maximize Cabinet Storage with Organizers

From blind corner units to pull-out storage, cabinet organizers are a small kitchen’s best friend. Consider these options:

Rev-A-Shelf: Pull-out cabinets, lazy susans, tilt-out sink trays, and more. Lots of customization options.
ShelfGenie: Glide-out shelves, cabinet door storage racks, pull out baskets. Designed for your specific space.
Clever Storage: Drawer dividers, under-sink roll-out trays, coffee pod organizers, spice racks. Inexpensive options.
YouCopia: Kitchen caddies, divided turntables, tiered storage. Designed for small spaces.
SimpleHouseware: Cabinet lazy susans, can racks, mix food storage. Affordable prices.

Store Less Frequently Used Items Elsewhere

Reserve your prime kitchen cabinet space for the items you use daily or weekly. For appliances and serveware used occasionally, get creative with storage options:

Store holiday dishes and platters in high wall cabinets, top shelves, or on top of the cabinets.
Use space under sinks, dinettes, etc. for bulky appliances like the food processor or juicer.
Install hanging racks or shelving in laundry room, pantry, garage or basement for overflow dishes, pans, and small appliances.
For small kitchens without a pantry, use portable pantry cabinets, utility carts, or a baker’s rack for lesser used items.
If you rarely use your microwave or toaster oven, store them in a cabinet and just pull them out when needed.

Embrace Portable Storage

Items like knives, cutting boards, and food prep tools require storage near the workspace but take up premium cabinet real estate. Solutions include:

Mount magnetic knife strips on the wall to free up drawer and counter space.
Store cutting boards vertically in a slotted rack mounted inside a cabinet.
Use caddies and crockery to keep kitchen tools and gadgets accessible but out of the way.
Designate one drawer for food prep tools fitted with dividers and organizers to keep orderly.
Store prep and cooking utensils in portable caddies or crocks on the counter for grab-and-go convenience.

Remove Seldom Used Appliances

Be honest about which small appliances you really use on a regular basis. Appliances that collect dust are taking up valuable storage space.

Keep often used appliances like the toaster, coffee maker and stand mixer on the counter or stored conveniently nearby.
Lesser used appliances like food processors and juicers can be kept in harder-to-access spaces.
Eliminate seldom used appliances altogether. You can likely borrow or rent them on occasion if needed again.
Store bulky appliances you kept in their original boxes to protect them until the next use.

Add Functional Furnishings

Beyond cabinets, furniture and furnishings can add storage options in a small kitchen:

An island or kitchen cart provides storage for items you use while prepping and cooking meals.
Beautiful hutches provide both storage and serveware display space.
Bench seating with storage drawers built into the base are space efficient.
Shelving units like a baker’s rack can be used for additional open storage.
Install a ceiling mounted pot rack and free up stove top and cabinet space.

With some creativity and the storage ideas above, even the smallest kitchen can be transformed into a highly functional and organized space. Remember to fully utilize all vertical height, install specialized pull outs and organizers, and reserve prime cabinet space for daily essentials. With a little work, your kitchen cabinets can accommodate all your cooking necessities in an orderly fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Small Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about organizing your small kitchen, these frequently asked questions can help you tackle the project.

How should I organize everyday dinnerware?

Reserve lower cabinets and upper cabinets near the countertop for your everyday dinnerware – plates, bowls, cups, and glasses – for easy access. Use organizational inserts like divided turntables to neatly corral plates and bowls. Store cups and glasses in neat rows on shelves usingminor dividers. Keep only the amount you regularly use and store dining sets used occasionally elsewhere.

Where should I store pots and pans in a small kitchen?

The best spot for pots and pans is usually a lower cabinet close to the stove and countertop work area. Install vertical dividers or use a hanging rack so they take up less space. Shelving just below knee height makes items easy to access. A drawer organizer is handy for lids. Only keep pots and pans you use often – store specialty pieces elsewhere.

What’s the best way to organize a junk drawer?

Junk drawers quickly become a jumbled mess. Divide them into compartments using removable plastic dividers and trays. Hot glue or Velcro work well to hold them in place. Label each section for like items – pens & pencils, batteries, tech accessories, expired coupons etc. Only keep essentials like scissors, tape, and screwdrivers. Purge everything else.

How do I find storage for my stand mixer and other appliances?

For bulky appliances like stand mixers, use vertical space whenever possible. Store smaller appliances in upper cabinets. Install pull down shelving or racks to hold larger appliances off the counter when not in use. A baker’s rack or open shelving units can provide appliance storage. And remember – only keep appliances you use regularly. The rest can be stored elsewhere.

What are your best tips for organizing spices?

Maximize visibility and access by keeping frequently used spices on a wall mounted rack, door racks, or turntable inside a cabinet. Arrange spices alphabetically so you can find what you need quickly. Store overflow and lesser used spices in a designated drawer fitted with dividers. Use matching square jars for a unified look. Keeping spices visible and organized saves rummaging time.

How do I create more storage space in my cabinets?

Look for wasted vertical storage space – install shelving to the ceiling and use extra tall cabinets. Add pull outs like blind corner storage units and roll out trays. Use risers or additional shelves to double stack items. Door racks provide bonus space. Remove cabinet doors for open storage. Only keep essentials in the kitchen and give each item a dedicated storage spot using organizers.

Conclusion

Organizing a small kitchen efficiently takes some forethought and clever solutions. Start by thoroughly taking inventory and decluttering items you rarely use. Focus prime storage real estate on items you use daily. Maximize vertical space with tall cabinets, bonus shelving, and hanging racks. Keep contents visible and accessible using open shelving, clear bins, drawer organizers. and pull outs. Take advantage of specialty organizers for tricky corners and blind spots.

With the storage and organization tips provided, you can conquer clutter and maximize every inch of space – even in the tiniest kitchen. An organized kitchen promotes efficiency and makes cooking a pleasure. With a bit of effort, you can create a small kitchen that is highly functional and makes the most of what you have available.

How to Organize Cabinets in a Small Kitchen for Ease and Functionality