What to store in kitchen drawers
20 Clever Ways to Organize Crowded Kitchen Drawers
By
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt
Kate Van Pelt is a contributing writer for The Spruce, based in the PNW. Kate has been a full-time digital content creator for nearly a decade, covering everything from home decor to personal finance.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 05/20/22
Natalia Kostikova / EyeEm / Getty Images
Even if cooking isn't your cup of tea, no one likes a messy kitchen. As one of the most frequented rooms in a home, your kitchen should be easy and enjoyable for the whole family to use. The quickest way to transition from cluttered to clean is to start by tidying up your kitchen drawers. Never again should you lose a kitchen towel to the backside of a drawer or slice your finger on a pizza cutter while digging for the spatula. These 20 creative tips can help you organize your kitchen drawers and create a space even guests can navigate with ease.
-
01 of 20
Give Every Item a Home
@afreshspace / Instagram
If you're the family member constantly pulling utensils out of the dishwasher and wondering where they go, the first step you should take to create a well-organized kitchen is to choose a specific home for every item. This is also a great time to discard duplicate kitchen tools as well as those you don't use. Never again will you ask where the potato peeler or citrus juicer belongs!
-
02 of 20
Organize Snacks Vertically
@afreshspace / Instagram
If you're familiar with Marie Kondo, this tip may sound familiar. Just as Kondo would organize t-shirts and jeans, snacks such as chip bags and granola bars can be arranged vertically to save space.
This will also help you keep track of how much of the snack food you have left, so you know when you're running low. -
03 of 20
Purchase a Spice Drawer Liner
@afreshspace / Instagram
There are a variety of unique tools you can use to keep your drawers tidy and neat, many of which are designed for specific kitchen goods. For example, if you prefer to keep your spices in drawers, consider a spice liner. This will prevent your spice jars from rolling around as you open and close the drawer and will also keep the labels upright so you can skim and grab quickly.
-
04 of 20
Use Clear Storage Cubbies
@joanna_organize / Instagram
One of the easiest ways to de-clutter your drawers is with storage compartments of varying sizes. It shouldn't be hard to find these at your local department store, but if you can try to find some clear options. Clear cubbies are particularly practical, since you can see everything without pulling out the bins.
They're also helpful if you've installed drawers in your cabinets, since you can stack the bins vertically. -
05 of 20
Keep the Kid's Stuff Together
@joanna_organize / Instagram
Odds are your kids won't have the same urge to keep the kitchen tidy as you do. With this in mind, be sure to separate the kid's utensils, plates, and such from the rest of your kitchen goods. A low drawer is an ideal location for these items, since the kids can play in the drawer while you work on dinner.
-
06 of 20
Find What Works for You
Neat by Meg
Just because an organization tool is designed for a specific purpose doesn't mean you must abide by it. Don't be afraid to create a unique system that matches your preferences. For instance, this drawer was meant to be a roll-out spice rack, until the owner discovered it didn't work for her. Instead, she converted it into a utensil holder and knife block.
-
07 of 20
Eliminate Counter Clutter
Neat by Meg
Instead of sorting kitchen goods on your counter, keep them hidden in the drawers below.
For example, this homeowner's adorable tea bar features a tidy countertop with just a kettle on display. The drawer below it houses everything else you'd need for tea time. -
08 of 20
Buy a Knife Dock
Neat by Meg
If you're hoping to free up some more counter space, try swapping your knife block for a knife dock. The option pictured above has a cork lining, like this one from Williams-Sonoma, so there's plenty of room for all your favorite knives as well as any future additions.
-
09 of 20
Don't Stack Pots and Pans
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
Just because your drawers have room for extra items, doesn't mean you should squeeze them in. Especially for bulky kitchen tools like pots and pans, avoid the temptation to stack. Instead, keep your drawers minimal and clean, only leaving space for the items you use regularly.
-
10 of 20
Try Rolling Your Kitchen Towels
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
If it works in hotel suites, it can work in your kitchen drawer! Rolling your kitchen towels makes them easier to grab quickly without dirtying the rest in your drawer.
Not to mention, it'll be much harder for a towel to slip off the top of a stack and slide behind your drawer. Say goodbye to drawer jams. -
11 of 20
Keep Your Plates in Drawers
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
If you're accustomed to stacking your plates and bowls in an upper cupboard, perhaps it's time to think outside the box. Try storing these kitchen tools in a deep drawer instead. This location will be much easier to access.
-
12 of 20
Convert Cupboards to Drawers
@afreshspace / Instagram
If your kitchen is short on drawer space, consider adding drawers inside your lower cabinets. No more digging past chip bags and miscellaneous Tupperware! Simply slide out the contents of your cabinet with a built-in drawer.
-
13 of 20
Store Water Bottles in a Drawer
@afreshspace / Instagram
Some kitchens may feel short on drawer space, while others have ample room to go around.
If yours is the latter, get creative! For instance, this homeowner used stackable water bottle holders in drawers instead of a cabinet. -
14 of 20
Add Drawers to Your Refrigerator
@afreshspace / Instagram
Refrigerator drawers can become a crowded catch-all for fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses, and more. To keep these drawers tidy, add some smaller drawers on your fridge shelves so you can sort and access ingredients quickly.
-
15 of 20
Break It Up and Stick It Down
@afreshspace / Instagram
Before you toss your ladles and slotted spoons into an open drawer, divide the space into sections with bamboo or plastic dividers. The team at A Fresh Space recommends using adhesive dots on the underside of your drawer dividers to prevent them from sliding around.
-
16 of 20
Create Custom Dividers
Neat by Meg
If store-bought storage bins don't provide the best solution for your kitchen, create a customized plan that fits your drawer space and storage needs.
This clever homeowner used a combination of wooden dividers and white plastic storage tubs to sort their snacks. -
17 of 20
Bring on the Baskets
@nycneat_louisa / Instagram
Like clear, plastic bins, storage baskets such as those pictured above can help you sort foods quickly and see everything at a glance. For foods that may leave dirt or debris, such as potatoes and onions, opt for clear cubbies for easy clean-up. Meanwhile, bagged items can work well in either baskets or clear containers.
-
18 of 20
Arrange Items by Use
@afreshspace / Instagram
When you're selecting "homes" for different kitchen tools and utensils, consider the item's use and arrange accordingly. For example, it makes perfect sense to store spices in the same drawer as your measuring spoons, since both items are often used together.
-
19 of 20
Label Your Drawers
Neat by Meg
Another helpful tip from Neat by Meg is to label your drawers with the utensils or items that belong in each section.
For a utensil drawer, you might use the following categories: tongs, spatulas and spoons, and measuring cups. This nifty kids cupboard has helpful labels, like bottles, bibs, and such. -
20 of 20
Keep it Minimal
Neat by Meg
The key to organization is to create a plan, keep it simple, and stay the course. Resist the urge to stuff your drawers with extra spatulas and mismatched Tupperware. Fill the space with what you know you'll use and avoid adding excess clutter in the future.
43 Kitchen Pantry Ideas For Smarter Storage
12 ways to order essentials |
Organizing kitchen drawers has become more critical since the noticeable shift towards using drawers for storage as opposed to the more traditional cabinets in the last few years, with everything from crockery to pots and pans now being housed in them.
Added to this, organizing a kitchen so that it functions seamlessly is vital to our sanity and its aesthetics in a busy home.
‘Kitchen drawers are essential when planning kitchen storage ideas, particularly a small kitchen, as they often offer maximum use of space,’ explains Tom Howley, design director at Tom Howley . ‘They can be tailored to your exact specifications, allowing easy access to kitchen essentials rather than delving into the back of bulging kitchen cupboards.’
With that in mind, a hardworking kitchen drawer organization system – alongside clever storage – is essential to creating a kitchen that’s not just functional, but enjoyable to function in, as well.
Organize kitchen drawers
Alongside our own advice, we’ve gathered top tips from professional organizers, designers and kitchen experts on decluttering and organizing kitchen drawers to ensure your space runs as smoothly as possible. Bear them in mind for any drawers that are part of laundry room organization and utility room organization, too, for a super-efficient home.
1. Give yourself convenient access to regularly used items
(Image credit: Life Kitchens)
‘Try to give each item its own space,’ advises Richard Davonport of Davonport Kitchens .
‘Storage drawers can be designed to be super deep and therefore can hide away a lot of clutter but this doesn’t necessarily make them more user-friendly. If your non-stick frying pan is always hiding underneath five other saucepans of various shapes and sizes, it will be frustrating every time you need to use it. Give important items their own space.’
2. Are you left- or right-handed?
(Image credit: Future/Paul Massey)
For maximum efficiency, factor access in when planning kitchen cabinet organization, and arrange both cabinets and drawers according to your handedness.
‘I recommend that you put tools for cooking very close to the stove,’ says home organizing expert Katherine Lawrence of Space Matters . ‘This can be in a drawer that is right next to the stove. If you are right-handed, place them in a drawer on the right and if you are left-handed, place them in a drawer to the left.’
It’s worth taking the same approach with everyday cookware: keep pots and pans to the right of the stove if you’re right handed and to the left if you’re left-handed.
3. Think outside the cabinet
(Image credit: Symphony)
Organizing kitchen cabinets might be a chore you're taking on at the same time as you organize kitchen drawers, but they do need a different approach.
‘Cupboards may be the traditional go-to storage option, but it’s worth bearing in mind that so many items store better in a drawer,’ says George Forsyth, director at Drew Forsyth & Co .
Professional organizer Lucy Mansey , dubbed ‘the Marie Kondo of Britain’ by her celebrity clients agrees: ‘There is a plethora of practical storage solutions out there for drawers, so giving proper thought to what you’re storing is an important step if you want a well-organized kitchen. Start organizing drawers by taking everything out and laying it on a surface – that way you can see exactly what you’ve got and start to work out which storage systems might work for you.'
4. Clear clutter and clean
Next, consider whether you’ve been making room for things you barely use (holiday and special occasion items aside) and discard them.
Non-food items can go to a charity, if someone else could find a use for it, which will give you extra space, handy if you’re working with a small kitchen.
While the drawers are empty, give them a quick clean – it’s not often they’ll be clear, so it’s worth making the most of it.
5. Zone drawers to suit your workspace
(Image credit: Neptune)
Think about how you use your kitchen and position drawers accordingly where you can. Pans and utensil drawers stored next to the range or cooker top, glassware drawers in the kitchen island, for example. If you like to entertain, organize drawers with chinaware near to a clear countertop for plating up, and keep cutlery and glassware in drawers away from the main cooking area. That way, servers and chefs can work together in perfect harmony.
‘When you have everything grouped and assigned to drawers, you can then assess what items you use most and prioritize access to them’, says Stephanie Nix, kitchen designer at Neptune .
Juliette Thomas, Founder & Director of Juliettes Interiors agrees; ‘A good rule of thumb is to keep higher drawers for items used most and lower drawers for items not so often used,’ she says. It may sound simple, but this can make a huge difference when it comes to using your kitchen functionally.
6. Dedicate deep drawers to pots and pans...
A wide drawer will likely allow you to organize pots and pans in one readily accessible space, which is much easier than rummaging around at the back of a cabinet – particularly if you’re using them every day.
‘Graduated drawer units like the ones in our Suffolk collection give you the option to neatly store lids in the shallower drawers at the top and deeper pots in the bottom,’ says Stephanie.
Stacking pots and pans can result in scratching, as well as rattling when you open and close the drawer. Installing an internal pan rack to organize kitchen drawers neatly can solve the problem, allowing for easy access and space around each item.
Choose from vertical and horizontal designs, or you speak to your kitchen designer about bespoke options.
If you do decide to stack, invest in pan protectors and line the bottom of the drawer to prevent scratches.
7. …and to chinaware
(Image credit: Harvey Jones)
Stack tableware by type for ready access, and bear weight in mind. This is particularly important when organizing formal dishware, where a maximum of 12 dinner plates is a good rule of thumb. Lighter dishes can go higher. Invest in appropriate dividers and buffers to keep the dishes from sliding and chipping when you’re opening and closing the drawer.
Lining chinaware drawers with a pegboard is a clever hack – you can simply adjust the dowels to neatly separate your dinnerware sets, think plates from bowls, and so on.
8. Divide and conquer
When it comes to organizing drawers that are shallow and for utensils, save yourself the hassle of rummaging through by using kitchen organizers.
Measure the inside dimensions of each drawer, including height, width and depth to ensure you maximize on storage space. Separate your sections by category: knives, cutlery, peelers, baking equipment etc, and consider adding labels for extra clarity.
‘If you have any extra-long items, like a rolling pin, salad servers or a large wooden spoon, try a diagonal drawer organizer,’ advises Alexandra, co-founder and interior designer at Clairrow . ‘This configuration provides space for bulkier items, and the small corner cubbies are perfect for tiny or oddly shaped utensils.'
New York-based home organizing expert Caroline Solomon also recommends taking materials into account: ‘drawer organizers, particularly silverware ones, should be made of durable and sturdy materials like wood or bamboo. It’s such a heavily used area, you’ll be in and out of it all the time.’
For deeper drawers, a technique handy for organizing deep pantry shelves of using vertical separators to categorize larger items like baking trays, chopping boards and cooking equipment is a sound strategy.
9. Consider bespoke inserts – especially for spices
(Image credit: Life Kitchens)
Kitchen drawers can be a great place for organizing spices. ‘While standard drawer dividers are an essential, niche inserts to hold and organize chopping boards, spice jars, knife blocks, coffee pod refills and more are becoming increasingly popular,’ says Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens . 'Not only do they make your drawers look neat and tidy, but they also help you locate items quickly and easily for a much smoother cooking experience,’ he explains.
‘Herbs and spices are one of the trickiest items to keep organized in the kitchen. ‘A bespoke drawer inlay allows you to lay jars with their labels easy to read at a glance, so you can clearly see what you have. Not only is this more efficient when cooking, but storing them in a cool, dark drawer can extend the life and flavor of your spices,’ says Tom.
10. Keep food storage clear
Just as when organizing a pantry, organizing a refrigerator or for chest freezer organization, the best way to organize kitchen drawers is to decant dried foods into labeled, transparent containers.
Not only does it make it much easier to locate what you need, you’ll also be able to see when essentials are running low, so you can add them to your grocery list and buy as you need rather than ‘stocking’ up needlessly. Plus, you won’t run the risk of packets opening and spilling everywhere. Meanwhile, for temporary storage, organizing Tupperware so it‘s near to kitchen drawers can be a time-saver.
Arranging items in height order allows you to see what you’ve got more clearly, and helps to avoid knocking things over when you’re reaching in. Professional organizer Brenda Scott also suggests implementing the ‘FIFO’ method; ‘Think: "first in first out" – when you purchase an item it goes to the back of the grouping so the item with the nearest expiration date always remains at the front,’ she says.
Keen cooks will know that fruit and vegetables do much better stored out of the fridge. Wooden crate-style drawers that slide into open cabinet shelves will keep fresh items well-ventilated, as well as bring rustic style to your kitchen design.
11. Organize drawers vertically
(Image credit: Drew Forsyth)
Storing utensils upright is a practical solution for locating what you need quickly and easily, which is why they’re so often positioned in jars on the countertop – not ideal if you’re trying to declutter. An alternative solution is to utilize a deep, narrow drawer (ideally near the stove top) by insetting containers inside. As well as cutlery, they’re useful for storing longer items that might not fit horizontally – think rolling pins, wooden spoons, whisks, etc. Grab what you need, then simply slide them out of view.
Similarly, store baking trays and chopping boards vertically by installing tall drawer dividers.
12. Don’t be tempted to overfill
If you’re limited on drawer space, cramming everything in may feel like your only option, but it’s not conducive to well-organized kitchen drawers. Instead, think about ways you could free up space by storing designated ‘drawer items’ elsewhere.
‘As your cookware collection expands, start dedicating new spaces for it,’ says George. ‘We’ve noticed visible plate racks are making a comeback, or you could consider wall-mounted knife blocks and ceiling-hung pan racks for a classic, homely feel.'
What should go in kitchen drawers?
Before deciding what should go in your kitchen drawers, it’s worth taking everything out of your existing storage – some things currently residing in your cupboards and cabinets might store better in drawers as could some items left over from organizing kitchen countertops. Next, look at the range of sizes you have available and dedicate items appropriately. Cutlery, utensils, napkins, tea towels and table linens all sit well in slim drawers, while bespoke inserts allow smaller, more awkward items such coffee pod refills, spice jars, foils and films to be stored neatly, too.
Deeper drawers suit larger items such as pots, pans, chinaware and electrical cooking equipment such as blenders and smoothie makers.
Baking trays, chopping boards and casserole dishes can be stored vertically between dividers to save on space.
If stored correctly, food can also go into kitchen drawers; decanting packet goods into airtight glass containers makes it easier to see what you have avoids the risk of spillages.
How do I organize my 'everything' drawer?
Every kitchen needs an ‘everything’ drawer, and it’s an essential when you’re organizing a small kitchen, too. However, despite what its name suggests, it shouldn’t become a dumping ground for literally everything. Regular decluttering is a great way to avoid this. Set aside 10 minutes every few weeks to go through and get rid of anything that’s snuck its way in – think old take-out menus, shopping lists, broken pens, etc.
Dividers are also your best friend when it comes to keeping it an 'everything' kitchen drawer organized. You could assign each family member their own section, or categorize by type: take out menus, spare change, batteries, pens, etc – don’t forget to clearly label so you know exactly what goes where.
Use lidded containers for things such as paper clips and small batteries. You could also consider including integrated sockets for recharging phones and tablets – no unsightly wires trailing on the countertops is a bonus.
12 ideas how to organize storage in the kitchen
12 ideas how to organize storage in the kitchen
Headings: All about furniture 2 , Kitchens 88 , Living rooms 2 , Bedrooms 3 , Hallways 2
-
If you have limited space to organize your kitchen utensils, it is very difficult to use every centimeter. Endless utensils, jars and pots may soon fill the space of kitchen cabinets, so it is necessary to think about the organization of storage in the kitchen.
Clever storage solutions with a bespoke kitchen set will make life in the kitchen much easier, whether you use the space for cooking, work or play.
For most families, the kitchen is the center of the home.
To avoid cluttering your countertops, check out these practical storage ideas. They will keep the room functional and beautiful. Make the most of your corner cabinets
Rotating corner storage helps you keep your kitchen organized and provides easy access to kitchen utensils.
The corner table can accommodate bulky items - pots, pans, etc. Thanks to the different door styles and colors, you can match the corner cabinet to any kitchen.
Watch the video review of the magic corner in the corner table straight
If you have limited space for a corner cabinet, corner drawers will be the way out.
Cutlery storage boxes
Storage boxes make life in the kitchen much easier.
You can store serving and silver cutlery in them. This is perfect for a busy modern kitchen filled with gadgets and gizmos. Scissors, a pizza cutter will find a place in the drawer, it also has a compartment for cutlery.
Drawers with which draw-out mechanism are the most convenient? Which to choose? Watch our video review:
Pencil cabinet
Pencil cabinet is a popular storage option for modern kitchens. Being inside the kitchen, it is a practical storage solution while maintaining the style of the room. The advantages of the pencil case are obvious: compact, roomy, functional.
Use wall storage
Store essential kitchen utensils in close proximity. If you have few cabinets and drawers, but enough dishes and accessories, wall storage is a good solution.
Use the space to store everyday items such as decorative mugs, coffee, tea and sugar.
With the railing you can not only decorate the kitchen, but also increase its functionality, since the railing can accommodate a considerable number of items and at the same time save space, so valuable for a small kitchen. On the railing, you can (if desired) place hooks, mesh shelves, holders for bottles, glasses, towels, knives, lids, hanging drying and even a holder for cookbooks. The choice of accessories is very wide, which will make the kitchen not only comfortable, but also cozy.
How to make the kitchen more functional with a railing system, see our detailed video review.
Add a pull-out organizer: Bottle Desk
If you don't have pantry space, a pull-out organizer paired with a door can offer you a neat and alternative storage solution.
Maximizing closet space, the pull-out organizer keeps everything within easy reach, which is practical for everyday use.
Make use of the space under the sink
Place the draw-out U-shaped basket in the sink table. What does a roll-out basket under the sink give?
- full extension with closer;
- is installed in a sink table with a width of 900 mm;
- is easy to use - everything is at hand;
- is an excellent place to store household chemicals and cleaning supplies.
The wastebasket is most often placed in the table under the sink, it is convenient to do this:
Use the space under the bar counter
Acting as a dining area, very often the bar counter is also part of the desktop and storage space.
If space is available, a breakfast bar kitchen set can offer additional storage space.
Chests of drawers and cabinets can easily be hidden under a long tabletop. Use the plate drawer
Sturdy and deep plate drawers keep bowls, plates and cutlery within reach.
Where is the best place to store dishes? Types of dishwashers Watch in our video review!
If space is available, use the extra space to store pans and oven trays.
Open shelves
A popular trend for both modern and traditional kitchens, shelves allow decorative kitchen utensils to be beautifully arranged.
Available in a variety of colors and designs, but be careful not to make the kitchen look cluttered and untidy.
Pull-out shelves are a practical alternative. They provide easy access to kitchen utensils.
You won't have to reach out to reach the pots deep in the corner. Use the combination of fronts - open shelves with the SlideLine system:
Use the space behind the plinth
To effectively use every centimeter of the kitchen behind the plinth under the oven, place tables under the built-in oven with the Orga Box plinth system, manufactured by Hettich company.
Add narrow shelves
Narrow shelves are ideal for storing spices and oil bottles. To prevent items on the shelves from creating visual noise and clutter, use the same vessels, one of the best options is glass jars and bottles of the same size. Also, with the help of these shelves, you can add zest to the kitchen by placing decor items.
Open shelves for plates
You can store dishes not only in the tables and cupboards of the kitchen set, but also in open shelves.
Add containers
The functionality of kitchen furniture is determined not only by the equipment of various types of mechanisms, but by the organization of the internal space of drawers and modules with hinged facades.
The container systems presented above have a rather high cost, the most budgetary way is to use ordinary baskets that can be purchased at a hardware store.
-
Read also ↴
-
Interior: how to make the kitchen safe for children
The article will help young parents to design the interior of the kitchen in such a way as to protect the baby as much as possible.
Read more...
-
Installing a washing machine in the kitchen
In a small apartment, there are inconveniences due to the placement of household appliances. That is why the design of kitchen sets includes a variety of objects that are not used for cooking. In particular, the undercounter washing machine is increasingly appearing in our homes.
Read more...
-
We place the TV in the kitchen. Tips
Even the smallest TV in the kitchen can save the hostess from depression caused by many hours of daily cooking and other household chores. Therefore, you should immediately install it so that it performs three main tasks: entertain, do not interfere and fit into the interior as much as possible.
Read more...
-
Where to place a microwave in the kitchen
A rare family considers a microwave oven an unnecessary purchase.
After all, such a multifunctional technique is capable of defrosting, heating, boiling, frying and even baking. Moreover, in a microwave oven, these procedures take much less time than usual. But in some kitchens, it is simply impossible to find a place for an extra household appliance, unless you are smart. The placement method depends on the type of microwave.
Read more...
Kitchen storage: 15 life hacks
The kitchen is a place where many things are stored, from food to dishes and household items. Therefore, the order and functionality of this space play an important role, regardless of its size. We tell you how to make the kitchen cozy and comfortable
Photo: Shutterstock
You open the kitchen cabinet, and a colander and baking bags fall out from there, looking for spices for frying - you find vanillin, and again there is nowhere to put a ladle and pot lids. Familiar? To minimize stress during the cooking process, the kitchen space must be organized so that it is pleasant and comfortable to be in it.
- 15 kitchen storage tips
- Spice storage
- Vegetable storage
- Storing pans and pots
First of all, you need to identify areas that require revision: overflowing spice racks, cluttered drawers and cabinets, a clogged refrigerator, etc.
adv.rbc.ru
Photo: Pexels
Then it is worth identifying the areas that require the most prompt intervention - usually these are places to store essentials (pots and pans, a dish dryer, bulk products, etc.). Thanks to small steps and a clear understanding of what you want to see in the end, you can save time and effort. After each new decision, it is worth stopping and evaluating - perhaps the bar for kitchen comfort has already been reached and you can just enjoy the cozy and comfortable space or add finishing touches.
7 tips for organizing a small kitchen
Storage, cooking and social gatherings are often not enough. Alas, not every apartment has the opportunity to re-equip the kitchen, expand the space or organize a separate pantry for food. But even with these inputs, there are ways to deal with kitchen chaos.
15 kitchen storage tips
1. Organize your work area
All items that are used daily for cooking and table setting should be placed in close proximity so as not to waste time looking for them. Then it is worth evaluating the workplace, ideally it should be between the stove and the sink, so it is more convenient to quickly remove dirty dishes from the working area and quickly add ingredients to dishes cooked on the stove.
Photo: Pixabay
The optimal length of the countertop is 80-90 cm. It is also better to place the refrigerator nearby so that you do not have to move around the kitchen while cooking and waste time.
2. Use the space under the ceiling
If the space between the ceiling and the kitchen cabinet is empty, it can be used for storage. It is better to place rarely used or decorative items there.
Photo: Pixabay
These can be, for example, serving plates that only reach the table on holidays, bottles of alcohol that do not require refrigeration, a supply of oven mitts or other cooking utensils. If you want visual uniformity, you can buy wicker storage baskets that are the right size.
3. Install rails
Rails can be used to save space. This accessory is great for storing a variety of items - from spices in special jars to ladles, potholders, mugs, pans.
Photo: Pixabay
4. Place shelves with hooks
When choosing new furniture for the kitchen, you should pay attention to its functionality. For example, on a horizontal surface of a shelf with hooks, you can put frequently used dishes so that they are always at hand. You can also use this surface for decorative purposes: to place bright dishes, vases, etc. The hooks under it are suitable for cutting boards, potholders, ladles, kitchen scissors.
Photo: Shutterstock
5. Hang Magnetic Knife Holder
Countertop space is an important part of a comfortable cooking experience and should be as free as possible. One way to tidy up is to hang a magnetic holder for knives, kitchen scissors and other cutlery above the countertop.
Photo: Shutterstock
6. Buy containers
Plastic containers are a great way to store both food and kitchen utensils. They can be placed in the refrigerator and signed to know exactly where everything is, as well as placed in kitchen drawers and cabinets and store spices, rarely used utensils, bulk products, and household items there.
Photo: Unsplash
7. Use the space under the sink
The space under the sink can be used for more than just a trash can. There is a small bookcase for storing household items: sponges, gloves, garbage bags. You can even hang hooks for towels and oven mitts or small hanging shelves for detergents on the cabinet door. Another option is vertical drawers.
Photo: Shutterstock
8. Use organizer
Organizers are a convenient solution for storing things that are always needed at hand. Transparent drawers, with which it is easy to organize space in the refrigerator, will save space, and rubber holders can be hung on the sink, placing a dish sponge and detergent in them.
9. Store bulk food in containers
Grains, pasta, breakfast cereals and other bulk products are best stored in containers of the same type with labels on the contents. Such jars / boxes can be used not only as a place of storage, but also as an element of decor.
Photo: Pexels
10. Hang a shelf above the table
This way you can solve the problem with items that clutter up the table, but are needed only at meals - napkins, spices, a sugar bowl. Cups can be hung on hooks under the shelf so that they can be reached without getting up from the table.
Photo: Unsplash
11. Use the side walls of hanging furniture
On the sides of kitchen cabinets, it makes sense to place small shelves for spices, sauces and dressings that do not require storage in the refrigerator. On such shelves you can store textiles, potholders and other kitchen utensils.
12. Use drawers
Instead of a decorative panel, a drawer can be built into the bottom of kitchen cabinets. This is a convenient way to store pans, baking sheets, cutting boards, or other items that fit.
Photo: Shutterstock
13. Install Insert Shelves
Kitchen cabinets can be fitted with custom built-in shelves to help you make the most of space, organize items by type, and save time looking for what you need.
14. Don't Forget the Top of the Refrigerator
If the ceiling and height of the refrigerator allow, the top surface can be used to store refills, rarely used crockery, kitchen utensils, canned food and other non-perishable foods.
Photo: Pexels
15. Buy a cutting board basket
A low-sided, moisture-resistant basket is perfect for cutting boards. So they will be in one place, they will not interfere during cooking and fall into the sink.
10 unusual gadgets for the kitchen
Storage of spices
Spices are best stored in a cool, dry place: they lose their properties from humidity and high temperature. It is worth considering a place to store them away from the stove and heating, but not next to the sink.
Photo: Shutterstock
If the spices are stored in retail packaging, all of them can be placed in a container and placed in a kitchen cabinet. It is convenient to rank them according to the frequency of use and put those that are not needed all the time on the top shelves.
Jars of spices can be placed on hanging shelves on cupboard doors, hung on rails or placed in drawers.
Storing vegetables
The place where vegetables should be stored depends on their type.
