Kitchen Storage

Pantry and kitchen storage is one of the biggest complaints from homeowners and renters. Regardless if you have a large, spacious kitchen with many cabinets and drawers or a small, tiny kitchen that is limited on space, the complaint seems to be the same.  Instead of wishing for more storage space, make the most of it. Utilize every inch of space in your kitchen and pantry to ensure that there is ample room for your pots, pans, dishes, gadgets, appliances, food products, and anything else that need to be stored in your kitchen. Remember, organization is the key to proper pantry and kitchen storage, since messy, disorganized spaces that are in a state of chaos do not correctly utilize the space.

The first step is kitchen storage is to look at what you have in your collection. Carefully evaluate every piece of kitchen equipment you possess and discard judiciously. A good rule of thumb is that if you have not used something in six months, it is time to discard it and free up space. If you are hesitant to get rid of something, include it in your organization strategy and if it is not used within three months, then you should discard. Throw away old plastic containers that are stained, warped, or missing their lids. Donate dishes, glassware, pots, or pans that you no longer use. Separate everything that does not belong in a kitchen and move it to another spot in your home. Once you have identified what you own and use, it is time to begin looking into the matter of kitchen storage.

The next step in kitchen storage is to begin putting away your items. Use space saving tools like pot racks, drawer organizers, and pull out shelving that allow you to maximize your space and ease use. If you find that you do not have enough storage space for your items, think outside of the cabinets and drawers. Hang shelving units that allow vertical storage to hold items or suspend a pot rack so that you can free up critical cabinet space.  Also, consider adding extras like movable kitchen islands, which can help you a great deal in providing additional countertop space in addition to kitchen storage.

In addition to kitchen storage, many individuals find themselves frustrated over a disorganized panty. Often, a panty must serve double duty as a mudroom or laundry room in addition to a place to hold your shelf stable foods. If this is the case, create separate sections and devote each for a specific use. In addition to providing ample storage space for all purposes of the room, you can keep items separated and easier to find. Look to turntables that allow your food items to remain within arm’s reach. Also, consider purchasing a step like system for displaying canned food and maximizing the space on your shelves. Store like items together just like they are on a grocery store’s shelf. For example, keep cereals and breakfast items in one section, canned foods in another, snacks in another, and so on. If space permits, use your pantry for kitchen storage and place small appliances or rarely used items on the shelves.