Using Storage Solutions to Solve Kitchen-Organizing Dilemmas

Storage tip! As a general rule of thumb, I like to use basic containers instead of those designed for one specific purpose. This allows you to adapt to changing storage needs without having to reinvest in new containers every time you rearrange or repurpose a space. For example, after years of use I swapped the Sterilite bins in my pantry for turntables. I’m sure I’ll be able to put these bins to use in other areas in my home, either now or in the future.

Problem: I can’t reach (or see) items in the back of my cupboards, pantry or refrigerator!

A turntable, also known as a Lazy Susan, makes it easy to get your hands on all sorts of items with the flick of a wrist. Try one in a cupboard for spices, in the pantry for baking goods, canned goods or snacks, or in the refrigerator for condiments, dressings and olives. Regardless of how deep your cabinet or shelf, a turn table makes it easy to see and access your items, which will make you question why anyone thought Susan was lazy. (She was one smart cookie, if you ask me.)

If a turn table isn’t your jam, consider a three-tiered organizer. They’re terrific for storing small items on cupboard or other narrow shelves, making items easier to see so they don’t getting forgotten behind other items.

Pull-out shelves allow you to more easily access the items in the back of a deep cabinet. For a lower cost alternative, create a makeshift drawer using a bin placed on a shelf. This can work well for light-weight items or when you’re storing items above eye level. Simply pull the bin down to the counter to see and access what’s inside.

Problem: I can’t find a good place to keep the lids for my pots and pans.

Problem solved! A simple lid rack for pot and pan lids helps keep your lids accessible. I keep mine in a pull-out drawer right in front of my pots. Lid racks are readily available at stores like Walmart, Target and The Container Store and come in a variety of types and styles. Some sit stationary in your cupboard while others can be mounted on the inside of the cabinet door.

Problem: My kitchen drawers inevitably end up in complete disarray!

Problem solved! Drawer organizers give the inside of your drawers definition and division, making it easier to designate a specific spot for all of your kitchen essentials. It’s also easier to know where items go when you take them out of the dishwasher or out of the dryer rack. Try these white organizers from Madesmart or these clear Linus organizers. Measure your drawers and pick an assortment of containers that will fit your drawers and the items you need to store inside. You could either sketch out your arrangement ahead of time, or cut out paper templates the size of your organizers of choice, to plan your arrangement.

Problem: I can’t easily access my utensils while cooking.

Problem solved! While I like to keep my counter relatively clear, I love the function and look of a utensil crock. I fill mine cooking necessities and keep it on the right-hand side of my stove. It’s easy to grab what I need without extra steps. For even greater versatility, try this combination of two of my favorite things, a utensil crock with an accompanying turn table.

Problem: If I can’t see it I forget I have it…which means I waste a lot of food.

Problem solved! Whether you’re storing leftovers or dry goods like cereal, rice or pasta, clear food storage containers allow you to see your food in the refrigerator, pantry or kitchen cabinets. Here are some options to consider:

Plastic containers or glass containers for meal prep or left-over storage.

Plastic containers or glass canisters for bulk food storage (i.e. flour, sugar, pasta, beans or chocolate chips)

Canning jars are cost-effective, readily available and come in a variety of sizes, making them a good choice for many purposes.

Problem: My counter-tops look cluttered, but I need to keep things out due to limited storage space.

Problem solved! Trays are an organizing essential in the kitchen.  If you need to keep items out due to limited storage space (or for ease of access) try placing items on a tray. When you group a collection of items on a tray, your eye sees just the tray, which makes for a more streamlined and clutter-free look. This small tray would be terrific for corralling oils, vinegars and essential spices next to your stove.  If storage space isn’t an issue, consider using a larger tray to store items together in your pantry for easy removal in a single step. I keep my toaster on a tray in the pantry, which makes it easier to move the toaster out onto the counter when we need to use it, plus it keeps crumbs from falling through the wire shelves.

Problem: I need more storage space in my kitchen.

Edit your belongings. If your kitchen is short on storage space, the least expensive solution is to declutter your kitchen and keep only items you use, need and love. Remember, it doesn’t make sense to spend money on storage for items you don’t use.

Consider storing kitchen items in another room. This was one of my go-to strategies when organizing my kitchen and it freed up a ton of storage space. Consider where in your home you could add a shelving unit (or declutter an existing one) to create space for kitchen items.

Add extra shelves in your kitchen. If you’re short on storage in your kitchen, do a quick scan for white space—open areas where you can add a shelf. If you have open space in a cupboard, consider adding a small, free-standing cabinet shelf to expand your storage capacity. If you have available space on a wall, consider a small ledge shelf for spices jars or bottles of oil and vinegar. In our kitchen, we added a shelf above the top shelf in the pantry, which became an out-of-the-way home for infrequently used appliances.

Consider using the backs of doors for storage. Add hooks to the inside of your cupboard doors to hang utensils like measuring cups or spoons. Put the inside of your pantry door to use with an over-the-door shelving system or repurpose an over-the-door shoe organizer for spice packets or light-weight kitchen gadgets.

Add free standing storage such as a cart or armoire. If you have open floor space in your kitchen or in a nearby room, consider using a kitchen cart or an armoire to store overflow kitchen items.

Remember, the big trick when selecting storage is to find containers and organizers that will solve the problems you’re currently experiencing in your kitchen.

Happy shopping—and happy organizing!