Kitchen storage can be a challenge when the space you have to work with is not plentiful. However, there are several ways to make the most of the space you have. With an organized action plan and the discipline and dedication to stick to it, you can make the most of whatever space you have available. Does this Spark an idea?
Analyze your situation
One of the first things you'll want to do is analyze your storage needs. Ask yourself which particular areas are creating the biggest challenges. Do you find yourself running out of food storage space? Is it that you have no place to put your pots and pans or all those storage containers? What about small appliances and/or knickknacks? Oftentimes we start out designating a certain space for particular items and that space quickly becomes a catch-all for the items that don't have a particular home. Make sure every item that's in your kitchen actually belongs in the kitchen. Most cookbooks should be banned from the kitchen. Although the kitchen might at first seem like a logical location, but if you have more than five cookbooks and they are taking up too much space, consider moving them to a bookshelf in another room and keeping only two or three at most in the kitchen.
Once you've determined what your real challenges are, the next step is to decide what you can eliminate. This task within itself is a major challenge for most of us, but if you have a limited amount of space to work with, it has to be done. Ask yourself how often you actually use that vegetable chopper or that other gadget you were coerced into buying four years ago and is still in the box. Once you have determined what your real challenges are and purged a few items, you can begin the process of creating some real storage solutions.
Ideas for organizing
Keep as many items off the floor and countertops as possible. Shelving, hanging racks, and slide-out storage free up a lot of space and can even be attractive. If you have a small kitchen, practically everything in it should also be small. From the table---if you even need one in the kitchen---to the trashcan, to the storage bins, a small kitchen requires small furnishings. If you have a separate dining area, a kitchen table may not be necessary. A smaller trash bin may require taking out the garbage more frequently, but it will save you much-needed space. The only exception is large appliances since they're, well, large. A stove and refrigerator are pretty standard in size; therefore, unless they can be rearranged to create more space, you will have to work around them. If you absolutely need a table and chairs in the kitchen, consider using a bench in place of chairs---a storage bench.
Another possible solution is to try mounting as much on the wall as possible; but be careful not to clutter up your walls. Mounting the microwave on the wall frees up a ton of space! Another option to consider is something called an "appliance garage," which is simply a built-in storage area that can be recessed into the wall. An appliance garage is an excellent choice because it can keep seldom-used appliances out of sight, and recessed models free up more counter space. An appliance garage does require a minimal investment if your kitchen doesn't already have one.
For plastic food storage containers, use a large bin to store all the lids in one place. Take the time to toss any incomplete or mismatched items. A lid that doesn't match any of your containers is just adding to the clutter.
Label any containers that will be stored outside your immediate reach. Use trays with compartments to keep inside drawers to hold small items like scissors, pens and pencils, or fast food menus.
Recap
Once you've taken a few steps to purge, organize and maintain your kitchen space, this area should become more enjoyable and more useful. Perhaps you'll be inspired to try out some of those recipes in all those cookbooks you've been collecting.
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