Shelves saved me. I put shelves inside the cabinets as well as some hanging hooks in the cupboard doors or some tiny spice racks. Shelves in the fridge and actually store some stuff that does not need to be refrigerated in there, magnetic shelves on the side of the fridge and corner shelves by the sink to put brush, sponges, etc. A narrow sliding cart for a nook next to our stove. Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
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Pinterest
pinterest.com › engineerurspace › small-kitchen-ideas
260 Best Small Kitchen Ideas
Small kitchens can be challenging: here are some small kitchen designs and ideas on how to decorate and organize a small kitchen
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/declutter › ideas for maximizing space in a tiny kitchen?
r/declutter on Reddit: Ideas for maximizing space in a tiny kitchen?
June 22, 2022 -

Just like the title says, I'm moving into an apartment with *very* limited kitchen space. I don't feel like I have an excess of kitchen supplies, but I will definitely be looking at creative ways to make the most out of what I have. What are some tips and tricks you've used to maximize space in tricky kitchens? Any tools or things I should look to purchase are welcome as well. Doesn't have to be limited to the kitchen but that is definitely my most cramped space.

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I have some tips! Get a pot rack to hang pots and pans. If there's a wire shelf on it, too, you can put the lids there. This cleans out massive lower cabinet space. Some people hang pots racks over the stove, but they will always be greasy. I like it over the sink. Use vertical wall space. This can include your fridge doors. In addition to a pot rack, you can hang containers for your utensils, plants, paper towel roll, magnetic spice containers, etc. Declutter your stuff to one of everything you need: one set of dishes, one set of silverware, one can opener, one crock pot, whatever. Duplicates build up fast. Of the items you do need, try to select space-saving items. Some ideas: collapsible colander, nested mixing bowls, nested food storage containers, flat or collapsible grater, nested measuring cup/spoon set, etc etc. I like smaller pans and cutting boards because they are easier to store and wash. I don't know what you need, but keep it in mind while shopping. Use the space above the cabinets. You can get nice-looking matching bins (I have white plastic ones that look woven) and store rarely-used items there, like unopened pantry things or seasonal items. If you use wine glasses, you can get a wire rack that holds them upside-down. This can maximize space in a taller shelf spot. Get risers for your plates to maximize vertical space in your cabinets. You can put your salad plates above your dinner plates while still easily accessing both Use the underside of your cabinets. There is a knife block that hangs under the cabinet almost invisibly, and pulls down when needed, which eliminates the need for a knife block on the counter. You could also find a tablet holder or cookbook holder that uses that space. Or keep it clear for under-cabinet lighting. Mount towel racks for the kitchen towels on the cabinet doors. If you are renting, there are over-the-cabinet-door towel rods. Hooks work well too. You can use the area over your sink. Some sinks can have a cutting board fit over the top, like a lid for extra prep space. Some drying racks go over one sink or part of a sink. We have a tiny rack for soaking silverware, drying an object, and holding our dishrags. It works for us. Drying racks can also be collapsible. I like to leave the entire counter as empty as I can. It feels bigger, less cluttered, and more usable. Use a mise-en-place system while cooking: measure out your ingredients into little bowls before you start, then you're all ready to go when it's time to add them. It's so helpful in a small kitchen. If you have a door in the kitchen, use the vertical space on it to hang a door organizer. There are wire shelves that you can either screw into the door or hang from the top. This is great for extra pantry storage, or cleaning products. Use the backs of the cabinet doors. Hooks for measuring spoons, an organizer for kitchen bags, little spice racks, etc. You can add smaller shelves in places that cabinets wouldn't fit. A spice rack on a narrow wall, a shelf over the door for cookbooks, a little rolling cart in that odd corner. use a round turntable organizer with sides for tall bottles, like oils and vinegar. That way you're not always knocking them over. It's a good use of a corner cupboard, too. A LOT of pantry and cabinet items can be organized into matching bins within the shelf as well. It helps keep the organization long-term. You can also move in furniture from other rooms if it helps. I've seen armoirs used as extra pantry, a table as extra counter space, a dresser for linens. You can move things out if the kitchen that could belong elsewhere. Maybe your cleaning products can go in the bathroom or garage, your table linens in a closet or a dresser in the hall, your dishes in a hutch in the dining room. Add brighter lighting, keep the visual clutter to a minimum, use consistent colors for any visible containers. Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope some of it helps. Edited for formatting
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Look at whether your kitchen shelves are adjustable and whether you'd benefit from those little wire or plastic shelf inserts. In my last tiny kitchen, it vastly improved the limited cabinet space to add the inserts -- NOT because I fit more stuff in (I didn't) but because there was less stacking of things on other things. A specific place for everything, with no stacks, made putting clean dishes away easier and taking things out to cook more fun.
Discussions

Help organizing small apartment kitchen? Album in text.
If you are allowed to install them, get those pull out drawers for the under cabinet storage. They pull out and make it easier to access stuff that is put in the back. They come in various sizes. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/organization
5
3
May 7, 2022
Ideas for maximizing space in a tiny kitchen?
Shelves saved me. I put shelves inside the cabinets as well as some hanging hooks in the cupboard doors or some tiny spice racks. Shelves in the fridge and actually store some stuff that does not need to be refrigerated in there, magnetic shelves on the side of the fridge and corner shelves by the sink to put brush, sponges, etc. A narrow sliding cart for a nook next to our stove. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/declutter
20
28
June 22, 2022
Frustrated with my small kitchen
Instead of that little table in front of the door, you should have a floor to ceiling cabinet the width of that area and it would hold a lot more. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/organization
12
9
September 23, 2022
Storage solution for a small kitchen?
As small as it may be, it is CUTE AS A BUTTON! I’m in love with the sink and the whole vintage vibe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ More on reddit.com
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January 4, 2023
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The Kitchn
thekitchn.com › the-21-best-storage-ideas-for-small-kitchens-250395
The 40 Best Small Kitchen Storage and Organizing Ideas You'll Want to Try ASAP
July 30, 2024 - Try using a slim rolling cart organizer you can pull out when you need so you can make use of all of your space while hiding essentials where guests will never notice them. ... It sounds simple, but if you’ve got a lot of heavy cookware, this ...
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IKEA
ikea.com › products › kitchen, appliances & supplies
Kitchen organization - Kitchen organizers - IKEA
Also, kitchen racks add a dynamic range of color to your kitchen, from the dark reds of powdered paprika to the bright yellow of an aromatic curry blend. Hanging boxes, baskets and containers make it easy to keep things organized in the kitchen.
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Amazon
amazon.com › small-kitchen-organization-storage › s
Amazon.com: Small Kitchen Organization And Storage
Elevate your small kitchen with durable, space-saving storage. Explore a variety of shelves, racks, and organizers to keep essentials within reach.
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Abby Organizes
justagirlandherblog.com › home › organization ideas › how to organize a small kitchen
How to Organize a Small Kitchen | Abby Organizes
May 26, 2022 - Being heartless and throwing out/ giving away things we don’t use is the first rule of organizing. After reading your blog post, I have gotten some great insights on how to organize my kitchen, but the one I really liked was the idea of keeping the lids of the containers together in a basket.
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NYTimes
nytimes.com › kitchen › kitchen storage › 35 small-kitchen organization ideas that make the most of tight quarters
35 Small-Kitchen Organizers That Make the Most of Tight Quarters | Reviews by Wirecutter
December 12, 2025 - The Jono Pandolfi crocks come in three sizes, though we found the medium a bit too wide and short for holding most utensils; the large and small crocks are ideal sizes for holding a variety of tools. If you need a narrow drawer unit to fit in tight spaces or to work around kitchen-sink plumbing: The Container Store’s Silver 2-Drawer Mesh Organizer is durable, and it takes advantage of vertical space in a cupboard without shelves.
Find elsewhere
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › how-to-organize-a-small-kitchen-7255698
How to Organize a Small Kitchen: 22 Ideas
March 13, 2025 - Keep your spices organized with a pull-out spice rack. This clever piece of equipment can help you maximize dead space between cabinets and will keep clutter at bay. ... Arbor & Co. Hang pots and pans from a rack above the stove. This will give your kitchen a cozy, lived-in look and make it easy to grab what you need without rummaging through cabinets. ... Arbor & Co. Install ceiling-height cabinets to maximize space. Store less frequently used kitchen gear near the top.
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Apartment Therapy
apartmenttherapy.com › kitchen-cabinet-organization-ideas-36685671
These Ideas Will Help You Finally Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets
December 18, 2024 - For organizing small items that you need quick access to, Command strip-mounted caddies are an excellent solution. Just stick them on the inside of cabinet doors to streamline storage in seconds.
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BLUSHBEES USA
blushbees.us › blogs › news › small-kitchen-organization-clever-ideas
Small Kitchen Organization: Clever Ideas for Every Home – BLUSHBEES USA
August 11, 2025 - Discover practical and stylish small kitchen organization tips to maximize space, reduce clutter, and create a beautiful, functional kitchen for any home.
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Quora
quora.com › How-do-I-organize-a-small-kitchen-home
How to organize a small kitchen home - Quora
Answer: Any good organizational setup must have a flow to it. Bearing in mind that you will be working with a minimalist mindset and depending on the layout of your small kitchen, work left to right and start with raw materials in the the pantry (if you have one) or a small room or closet next to...
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MyDomaine
mydomaine.com › how-to-organize-a-small-kitchen-without-a-pantry-4797496
Here's How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry
September 5, 2024 - Try installing wall storage behind your sink or near the area where you typically do food prep, so you have your go-to items easily within reach. ... The more organized your drawers, the more stuff you can throw in them and not on your countertops.
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The Strategist
nymag.com › strategist › article › small-kitchens-storage-solutions.html
Everything I Used to Organize My Small Kitchen Layout 2021 | The Strategist
September 8, 2021 - From fridge magnets that store my Swiffer, to a dish rack that rolls up, to some skinny-wheeled shelving that slips beneath my counter.
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The Container Store
containerstore.com › s › kitchen › 1
Kitchen Storage - The Container Store
Can Dispensers and Multi-Tier Organizers - Add these to a pantry shelf for easy access to canned goods. Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Containers - Carefully choose the right fridge and freezer containers to ensure your leftovers and veggies are well-preserved.
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Kouboo
kouboo.com › home › news
15 Creative Organization & Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens
Opt for stackable containers to ... often underutilized in kitchens. Install hooks or small racks on the inside of cabinet doors to store items like pot lids, cutting boards, or even spices....
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Worthing Court Blog
worthingcourtblog.com › home › ultimate guide to storage ideas for a small kitchen
Ultimate Guide to Storage Ideas for a Small Kitchen - Worthing Court | DIY Home Decor Made Easy
June 27, 2024 - It sparked an idea. The next weekend, I installed a couple of open shelves above the sink. Something similar to this… ... It was a game-changer. Not only did it give me extra space to store my spices and dry goods, but it also freed up my counter space, making cooking much less of a juggling act. It was my lightbulb moment in the world of small kitchen organization.
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Architectural Digest
architecturaldigest.com › ad-it-yourself › shopping › 57 kitchen organization ideas for decluttering countertops, cabinets, and more
57 Kitchen Organization Ideas for Decluttering Countertops, Cabinets, and More
January 3, 2025 - Get creative with what containers you already have: Large glass pickle jars work great for dry goods and smaller jam jars look cute when you have leftover grains you don’t cook daily. Even those plastic clam shell berry boxes can be used if you stock up on granola bars. ... Chu likes using glass canisters to store chocolate, candies, and cookies for friends who love rummaging through her pantry for snacks. ... McGee & Co. A styled glass canister elevates your pantry organization style. ... Utilize cabinet dividers to keep the kitchen knick-knacks in their place.
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Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › home & outdoor › home organizing ideas › 58 clever kitchen organization ideas to save space and eliminate clutter
58 Clever Kitchen Organization Ideas to Eliminate Clutter
September 29, 2025 - Your dish towel collection doesn't have to take over your kitchen. Maintain a polished layout by placing them in a cabinet rather than hanging them on cabinets or the dishwasher. ... Rolling carts are one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your home. Try blogger Kimberly's idea and use a wire cart with storage bins to organize all kinds of produce—think apples, oranges, onions, and potatoes.