Small Kitchen Storage Solutions: Tips And Tricks
In many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the home, but for those with limited space, it can be challenging to keep organized. Small kitchens may feel cluttered and disorganized, but with the right strategies and small kitchen storage solutions, you can make even the most compact spaces functional and efficient.

By incorporating clever storage techniques, utilizing vertical space, and rethinking how existing kitchen storage is used, it not only saves space but also creates a kitchen that’s easier to work in and more enjoyable to use. In this guide, we’ll explore how to maximize your small kitchen storage, offering tips such as using walls to optimize every drawer and cabinet in a small kitchen.
1. Harness The Power Of Vertical Space
In most kitchens, the potential of vertical space is greatly underused. Vertical storage allows one to make the most of a kitchen’s height rather than its limited floor area. From walls to ceilings, there are numerous ways to add storage without taking up any additional floor space.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is an incredibly effective way to display and store kitchen essentials while keeping everything within reach. A few well-placed shelves above kitchen counters can hold everything from bowls and plates to jars of spices or pantry staples like sugar, flour, and oils.
Opt for a uniform look with matching containers for a clean, organized feel, or add a bit of charm with rustic or decorative containers for a more eclectic look. By keeping these items visible, it will always be easier to know precisely where things are, reducing the need for constant digging through cabinets.
Additionally, open shelving can serve as an opportunity to showcase items like favourite cookbooks, an attractive tea set, or a collection of vintage glassware, turning any kitchen storage into a feature of the room. For a tidier aesthetic, use jars and baskets if the items look too busy or cluttered.
Hanging Storage Systems
Another excellent way to take advantage of vertical space is by installing hanging storage systems. For instance, consider using a wall-mounted rail or pegboard to store cooking utensils, such as spatulas, ladles, and tongs, for optimized small kitchen storage solutions. Smaller items, such as tea towels, oven mitts, or cutting boards, can also be suspended for convenient and immediate access.

Read more: Mastering Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets: Your 2024 Handbook
A pegboard is a versatile solution that allows for rearrangement and customization storage as needed. Adding hooks for hanging utensils, baskets for small gadgets, or even shelves for storing spices or condiments through this wall organization makes it easier to keep essential tools within arm’s reach and reduce countertop clutter.
Ceiling-Mounted Pot Racks
A ceiling-mounted pot rack is a practical solution for kitchens with higher ceilings. Not only does it free up valuable cabinet space, but it can also become a striking feature in your kitchen. This system works well for large kitchens with ample ceiling height but can also be adapted for smaller spaces by selecting compact racks that can hold pots, pans, and utensils.
Instead of stacking pots and pans in hard-to-reach cabinets, a ceiling rack provides a convenient solution by allowing quick and easy cooking access. Its exposed design creates a professional and organized look in the kitchen while also optimizing unused overhead space.
Wall-Mounted Magnetic Strips
Installing a magnetic strip on the wall offers a clever solution for storing knives, scissors, and other metal utensils without occupying valuable drawer or counter space. Being an effective small kitchen storage solution, this approach keeps knives readily accessible while displaying them in a sleek and organized manner.
Additionally, a magnetic spice rack can be mounted to free up cabinet space, making spices more visible and easy to reach. Magnetic strips provide a clean, modern aesthetic and eliminate the need for bulky knife blocks, which can consume precious counter space in smaller kitchens.
2. Revamp Your Cabinets
Cabinets are the foundation of kitchen storage, but their potential is often overlooked. By implementing thoughtful reorganizations and upgrades, their storage capacity can be maximized, creating efficient and functional spaces that help maintain a well-organized kitchen.
Pull-Out Shelves
Deep cabinets can be challenging to organize, with items often getting lost in the back and becoming hard to access. Pull-out shelves provide an effective small kitchen storage solution by offering full visibility and easy access to the cabinet’s contents with a simple glide. These shelves are particularly useful for storing bulkier items such as pots, pans, small appliances, and dry goods or cleaning supplies, helping reduce clutter and improve organization.
Pull-out shelves can be installed in almost any cabinet, from base cabinets to upper cabinets prone to accumulating clutter. Their adjustable design makes them ideal for accommodating various sizes and heights of kitchen items.
Cabinet Door Storage
Using the inside of cabinet doors is one of the simplest ways to expand storage, providing a practical small kitchen storage solution. Adding racks or hooks creates space for small items such as measuring spoons, spice jars, or cleaning supplies.
For instance, a magnetic strip can be attached to the inside of cabinet doors to hold knives, scissors, or small kitchen gadgets. A hanging rack is another option for storing items like foil, plastic wrap, or sandwich bags that often clutter drawers but can be more efficiently stored on the door.

Read more: Before & After: 6 Inspiring Kitchen Renovations
This method is particularly effective for pantry or under-sink cabinets, where maximizing space and improving accessibility for small items is essential.
Lazy Susans For Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets are often challenging to organize, with their deep, awkward spaces frequently going unused or filled with rarely accessed items. Installing a Lazy Susan or a pull-out corner organizer can turn these tricky areas into highly functional storage spaces.
A Lazy Susan allows items to rotate, making it easy to access the cabinet’s contents, whether storing pantry staples like canned goods or heavier items such as pots and mixers, offering a versatile small kitchen storage solution.
Adjustable Shelving
Flexible shelving offers a customizable solution for cabinets, allowing you to adapt the space to fit your specific items and enhance versatility. Adjustable shelves work well in deep and shallow cabinets, helping maximize every inch of storage. They can be arranged into multiple tiers to organize items like dinnerware, pantry staples, or bakeware.
Additionally, the ability to modify shelf heights ensures the configuration can be easily adjusted as your storage needs change over time.
3. Optimize Your Drawers
Drawers play a crucial role in maintaining an organized kitchen, but without proper organization systems, they can easily become cluttered. Optimizing drawer storage ensures a tidy, efficient space that saves time during meal preparation.
Drawer Dividers for Utensils
Customizable dividers effectively keep utensils neatly organized, preventing them from becoming tangled or misplaced. They allow for separating items like knives, forks, spoons, and serving utensils into designated compartments, promoting a sense of order. Many dividers are adjustable, making them adaptable to various sizes and shapes of utensils.
Dividers can also be used in drawers to organize kitchen tools such as peelers, can openers, or rolling pins. Drawer organizers are readily available for purchase, or repurposed boxes and containers can be a cost-effective alternative.
Double-Layered Drawers
For deeper drawers, double-layered systems can maximize space and prevent items from stacking on top of one another. Use stackable trays or baskets to separate smaller items, like baking supplies or spices. This makes it easier to grab what you need without digging through a chaotic pile of pots and pans.

Read more: Top 20 Contemporary Kitchen Ideas For Your Renovations
Rolling Storage Trays
Rolling storage trays or baskets are perfect for organizing spices, small kitchen appliances, or tea bags, providing another small kitchen storage solution. With minimal effort, these mobile trays can easily slide in and out of deep drawers, allowing unhindered access to all items, from small jars to large mixing bowls.
4. Multi-Functional Furniture: The Key To Maximizing Storage
In a small kitchen, furniture that serves multiple purposes is an essential investment. Multi-functional pieces provide a small kitchen storage solution by optimizing space and adding versatility to any kitchen.
Rolling Kitchen Carts
Rolling kitchen carts offer extra prep space and storage while being portable enough to move out of the way when not needed. Many carts feature multiple shelves or drawers for storing kitchen essentials like knives, utensils, or cutting boards.
When extra space for food preparation is required, the cart can easily be rolled to the desired work area. It can also double as an impromptu bar cart for entertaining guests.

Read more: Galley Kitchens 101: Layout, Tips, Pros, and Cons
Drop-Leaf Tables
A drop-leaf table is a versatile piece for small kitchens, serving as a dining table and a workspace. When extra counter space is needed, the leaves can be extended. Once the additional space is no longer required, the leaves can be folded back to create a more compact table. Some drop-leaf tables even feature built-in storage underneath, providing a convenient place to store kitchen towels, placemats, or cutlery.
Compact Islands
A compact kitchen island offers both storage and additional countertop space. For a small kitchen storage solution, look for models that include shelving, drawers, or cabinets to hold cookware, dry goods, or even small appliances. Many modern islands are designed with versatility, often featuring fold-out or extendable counter space to provide extra room when needed.
5. Transform Underutilized Areas
There are likely plenty of underutilized spaces in your kitchen that can be optimized for storage. The key is to think outside the box and turn unused areas into valuable storage hubs.
Under-Sink Organization
The space under the sink is often cluttered and challenging to organize due to plumbing pipes, but it can still be optimized. Pull-out shelves or wire racks are ideal for storing cleaning supplies, trash bags, or extra sponges. Dividers can also be used to separate smaller items, helping to keep them neatly organized and contained.
Above-Cabinet Storage
The space above the upper cabinets is often overlooked, but it offers excellent storage for large or infrequently used items such as serving platters, holiday dishes, or backup pantry supplies. This area is also ideal for storing extra bottles of wine or dry goods in matching baskets, helping to maintain an organized and stylish look.
Toe Kick Drawers
Many kitchens feature space beneath lower cabinets, often called the toe kick. This space is typically wasted, but with a custom drawer, you can store thin items such as baking sheets, cutting boards, or even spare dish towels.
6. Decluttering: The Secret to Success
Maximizing small kitchen storage solutions often involves not adding more storage but rather eliminating unnecessary clutter. Adopting a minimalist approach can significantly improve the use of available space, helping to optimize the kitchen’s functionality.

Read more: Countertop Surface Types: Explore Best Options For Kitchens
Regular Purging
Regularly reviewing kitchen items and removing those that are no longer needed can free up valuable storage space. Set aside time every few months to evaluate what’s essential and donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. This includes expired pantry goods, duplicate items, or gadgets that are rarely used.
Label Everything
Labelling bins, jars, and containers is an effective way to keep everything organized, making it easy to locate items and helping family members or roommates find things quickly. Opt for clear storage containers whenever possible so the contents are easily visible. Labels can also be applied to pantry shelves, drawers, and cabinets to minimize clutter and maintain an orderly space.
Conclusion
Maximizing storage in a small kitchen requires creativity, strategic planning, and using every square inch. With small kitchen storage solutions like vertical storage, multi-functional furniture, and creative use of cabinets and drawers, you can reclaim valuable space and make your kitchen more efficient. The key is to assess your unique needs and experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.
With over 14 years of expertise, Zen Living specializes in mastering a wide range of traditional and modern kitchen designs, producing exceptional quality products in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our storage solutions go beyond practical kitchen renovation ideas, as they are tailored to meet your daily needs and are fully customizable.
Your ideal Calgary kitchen renovation is closer than ever, offering a seamless blend of style, functionality, and durability without compromise. Contact us to get started today!
Fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
By incorporating clever storage techniques, utilizing vertical space, and rethinking how existing kitchen storage is used, it not only saves space but also creates a kitchen that’s easier to work in and more enjoyable to use. In this guide, we’ll explore how to maximize your small kitchen storage, offering tips such as using walls to optimize every drawer and cabinet in a small kitchen.
1. Harness The Power Of Vertical Space
In most kitchens, the potential of vertical space is greatly underused. Vertical storage allows one to make the most of a kitchen’s height rather than its limited floor area. From walls to ceilings, there are numerous ways to add storage without taking up any additional floor space.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is an incredibly effective way to display and store kitchen essentials while keeping everything within reach. A few well-placed shelves above kitchen counters can hold everything from bowls and plates to jars of spices or pantry staples like sugar, flour, and oils.
Opt for a uniform look with matching containers for a clean, organized feel, or add a bit of charm with rustic or decorative containers for a more eclectic look. By keeping these items visible, it will always be easier to know precisely where things are, reducing the need for constant digging through cabinets.
Additionally, open shelving can serve as an opportunity to showcase items like favourite cookbooks, an attractive tea set, or a collection of vintage glassware, turning any kitchen storage into a feature of the room. For a tidier aesthetic, use jars and baskets if the items look too busy or cluttered.
Hanging Storage Systems
Another excellent way to take advantage of vertical space is by installing hanging storage systems. For instance, consider using a wall-mounted rail or pegboard to store cooking utensils, such as spatulas, ladles, and tongs, for optimized small kitchen storage solutions. Smaller items, such as tea towels, oven mitts, or cutting boards, can also be suspended for convenient and immediate access.

Read more: Mastering Two Tone Kitchen Cabinets: Your 2024 Handbook
A pegboard is a versatile solution that allows for rearrangement and customization storage as needed. Adding hooks for hanging utensils, baskets for small gadgets, or even shelves for storing spices or condiments through this wall organization makes it easier to keep essential tools within arm’s reach and reduce countertop clutter.
Ceiling-Mounted Pot Racks
A ceiling-mounted pot rack is a practical solution for kitchens with higher ceilings. Not only does it free up valuable cabinet space, but it can also become a striking feature in your kitchen. This system works well for large kitchens with ample ceiling height but can also be adapted for smaller spaces by selecting compact racks that can hold pots, pans, and utensils.
Instead of stacking pots and pans in hard-to-reach cabinets, a ceiling rack provides a convenient solution by allowing quick and easy cooking access. Its exposed design creates a professional and organized look in the kitchen while also optimizing unused overhead space.
Wall-Mounted Magnetic Strips
Installing a magnetic strip on the wall offers a clever solution for storing knives, scissors, and other metal utensils without occupying valuable drawer or counter space. Being an effective small kitchen storage solution, this approach keeps knives readily accessible while displaying them in a sleek and organized manner.
Additionally, a magnetic spice rack can be mounted to free up cabinet space, making spices more visible and easy to reach. Magnetic strips provide a clean, modern aesthetic and eliminate the need for bulky knife blocks, which can consume precious counter space in smaller kitchens.
2. Revamp Your Cabinets
Cabinets are the foundation of kitchen storage, but their potential is often overlooked. By implementing thoughtful reorganizations and upgrades, their storage capacity can be maximized, creating efficient and functional spaces that help maintain a well-organized kitchen.
Pull-Out Shelves
Deep cabinets can be challenging to organize, with items often getting lost in the back and becoming hard to access. Pull-out shelves provide an effective small kitchen storage solution by offering full visibility and easy access to the cabinet’s contents with a simple glide. These shelves are particularly useful for storing bulkier items such as pots, pans, small appliances, and dry goods or cleaning supplies, helping reduce clutter and improve organization.
Pull-out shelves can be installed in almost any cabinet, from base cabinets to upper cabinets prone to accumulating clutter. Their adjustable design makes them ideal for accommodating various sizes and heights of kitchen items.
Cabinet Door Storage
Using the inside of cabinet doors is one of the simplest ways to expand storage, providing a practical small kitchen storage solution. Adding racks or hooks creates space for small items such as measuring spoons, spice jars, or cleaning supplies.
For instance, a magnetic strip can be attached to the inside of cabinet doors to hold knives, scissors, or small kitchen gadgets. A hanging rack is another option for storing items like foil, plastic wrap, or sandwich bags that often clutter drawers but can be more efficiently stored on the door.

Read more: Before & After: 6 Inspiring Kitchen Renovations
This method is particularly effective for pantry or under-sink cabinets, where maximizing space and improving accessibility for small items is essential.
Lazy Susans For Corner Cabinets
Corner cabinets are often challenging to organize, with their deep, awkward spaces frequently going unused or filled with rarely accessed items. Installing a Lazy Susan or a pull-out corner organizer can turn these tricky areas into highly functional storage spaces.
A Lazy Susan allows items to rotate, making it easy to access the cabinet’s contents, whether storing pantry staples like canned goods or heavier items such as pots and mixers, offering a versatile small kitchen storage solution.
Adjustable Shelving
Flexible shelving offers a customizable solution for cabinets, allowing you to adapt the space to fit your specific items and enhance versatility. Adjustable shelves work well in deep and shallow cabinets, helping maximize every inch of storage. They can be arranged into multiple tiers to organize items like dinnerware, pantry staples, or bakeware.
Additionally, the ability to modify shelf heights ensures the configuration can be easily adjusted as your storage needs change over time.
3. Optimize Your Drawers
Drawers play a crucial role in maintaining an organized kitchen, but without proper organization systems, they can easily become cluttered. Optimizing drawer storage ensures a tidy, efficient space that saves time during meal preparation.
Drawer Dividers for Utensils
Customizable dividers effectively keep utensils neatly organized, preventing them from becoming tangled or misplaced. They allow for separating items like knives, forks, spoons, and serving utensils into designated compartments, promoting a sense of order. Many dividers are adjustable, making them adaptable to various sizes and shapes of utensils.
Dividers can also be used in drawers to organize kitchen tools such as peelers, can openers, or rolling pins. Drawer organizers are readily available for purchase, or repurposed boxes and containers can be a cost-effective alternative.
Double-Layered Drawers
For deeper drawers, double-layered systems can maximize space and prevent items from stacking on top of one another. Use stackable trays or baskets to separate smaller items, like baking supplies or spices. This makes it easier to grab what you need without digging through a chaotic pile of pots and pans.

Read more: Top 20 Contemporary Kitchen Ideas For Your Renovations
Rolling Storage Trays
Rolling storage trays or baskets are perfect for organizing spices, small kitchen appliances, or tea bags, providing another small kitchen storage solution. With minimal effort, these mobile trays can easily slide in and out of deep drawers, allowing unhindered access to all items, from small jars to large mixing bowls.
4. Multi-Functional Furniture: The Key To Maximizing Storage
In a small kitchen, furniture that serves multiple purposes is an essential investment. Multi-functional pieces provide a small kitchen storage solution by optimizing space and adding versatility to any kitchen.
Rolling Kitchen Carts
Rolling kitchen carts offer extra prep space and storage while being portable enough to move out of the way when not needed. Many carts feature multiple shelves or drawers for storing kitchen essentials like knives, utensils, or cutting boards.
When extra space for food preparation is required, the cart can easily be rolled to the desired work area. It can also double as an impromptu bar cart for entertaining guests.

Read more: Galley Kitchens 101: Layout, Tips, Pros, and Cons
Drop-Leaf Tables
A drop-leaf table is a versatile piece for small kitchens, serving as a dining table and a workspace. When extra counter space is needed, the leaves can be extended. Once the additional space is no longer required, the leaves can be folded back to create a more compact table. Some drop-leaf tables even feature built-in storage underneath, providing a convenient place to store kitchen towels, placemats, or cutlery.
Compact Islands
A compact kitchen island offers both storage and additional countertop space. For a small kitchen storage solution, look for models that include shelving, drawers, or cabinets to hold cookware, dry goods, or even small appliances. Many modern islands are designed with versatility, often featuring fold-out or extendable counter space to provide extra room when needed.
5. Transform Underutilized Areas
There are likely plenty of underutilized spaces in your kitchen that can be optimized for storage. The key is to think outside the box and turn unused areas into valuable storage hubs.
Under-Sink Organization
The space under the sink is often cluttered and challenging to organize due to plumbing pipes, but it can still be optimized. Pull-out shelves or wire racks are ideal for storing cleaning supplies, trash bags, or extra sponges. Dividers can also be used to separate smaller items, helping to keep them neatly organized and contained.
Above-Cabinet Storage
The space above the upper cabinets is often overlooked, but it offers excellent storage for large or infrequently used items such as serving platters, holiday dishes, or backup pantry supplies. This area is also ideal for storing extra bottles of wine or dry goods in matching baskets, helping to maintain an organized and stylish look.
Toe Kick Drawers
Many kitchens feature space beneath lower cabinets, often called the toe kick. This space is typically wasted, but with a custom drawer, you can store thin items such as baking sheets, cutting boards, or even spare dish towels.
6. Decluttering: The Secret to Success
Maximizing small kitchen storage solutions often involves not adding more storage but rather eliminating unnecessary clutter. Adopting a minimalist approach can significantly improve the use of available space, helping to optimize the kitchen’s functionality.

Read more: Countertop Surface Types: Explore Best Options For Kitchens
Regular Purging
Regularly reviewing kitchen items and removing those that are no longer needed can free up valuable storage space. Set aside time every few months to evaluate what’s essential and donate or discard items that no longer serve a purpose. This includes expired pantry goods, duplicate items, or gadgets that are rarely used.
Label Everything
Labelling bins, jars, and containers is an effective way to keep everything organized, making it easy to locate items and helping family members or roommates find things quickly. Opt for clear storage containers whenever possible so the contents are easily visible. Labels can also be applied to pantry shelves, drawers, and cabinets to minimize clutter and maintain an orderly space.
Conclusion
Maximizing storage in a small kitchen requires creativity, strategic planning, and using every square inch. With small kitchen storage solutions like vertical storage, multi-functional furniture, and creative use of cabinets and drawers, you can reclaim valuable space and make your kitchen more efficient. The key is to assess your unique needs and experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.
With over 14 years of expertise, Zen Living specializes in mastering a wide range of traditional and modern kitchen designs, producing exceptional quality products in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our storage solutions go beyond practical kitchen renovation ideas, as they are tailored to meet your daily needs and are fully customizable.
Your ideal Calgary kitchen renovation is closer than ever, offering a seamless blend of style, functionality, and durability without compromise. Contact us to get started today!
Fill out our form for a free consultation, or you can give us a call at (403) 720-1928. Our team at Zen Living Kitchen & Bath is eager to work with you and hear all about your project ideas. We are dedicated to turning your vision into a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to adapt the Kitchen Triangle to different kitchen layouts?
What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a kitchen based on the Kitchen Triangle?
How can I integrate additional work zones into a kitchen designed with the Kitchen Triangle design?
Why is it important to consider traffic flow when designing a kitchen with the Kitchen Triangle Rule?
How does the Kitchen Triangle improve ergonomics?
Can the Kitchen Triangle design be applied to kitchens with modern appliances and technologies?
What role does counter space play in a kitchen designed with the Kitchen Triangle rule?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
How to renovate a kitchen on a budget?
How much does a kitchen renovation add to home value?
What should you consider when renovating a kitchen?
Aside from how long does a kitchen renovation take, is a kitchen renovation worth it?
How to choose a kitchen renovation contractor?
How long does a kitchen renovation take and what is included in a kitchen renovation?
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Is it possible to replace kitchen cabinets without replacing the countertop?
Will I still be able to use my kitchen during the remodel?
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I save money on my bathroom renovation?
Should I hire a professional or try a DIY bathroom renovation?
What is the timeline for a small bathroom renovation?
What are the trending bathroom renovation styles in Calgary?
How does a bathroom renovation affect my home's value?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs associated with basement development in Calgary?
How do I determine the total cost of my basement development project?
Are permits required for basement development in Calgary?
How long does a basement renovation project typically take?
How do I address moisture and dampness issues in my basement?
How can I make a basement feel more spacious?
How do I ensure my basement development meets building codes and regulations?
What types of basement finishes are most cost-effective?
Which mistakes should I avoid in basement development?
What are some energy-efficient options for basement development?
Are there any surprise costs associated with basement development?
How do I ensure proper ventilation in my basement?
How can I find reliable contractors for basement development in Calgary?
How does the condition of the existing basement affect development costs?
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do to prevent grease buildup on my kitchen cabinets?
Can I use vinegar to clean my kitchen cabinets?
How to clean kitchen cabinets with sticky residue?
What is the best way to maintain the shine of my kitchen cabinets?
How can I protect my kitchen cabinets from water damage?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kitchen cabinets be used in a bathroom?
What is the main difference between kitchen and bathroom cabinets?
Are kitchen cabinets more expensive than bathroom cabinets?
Do bathroom cabinets need to be waterproof?
What are the latest trends in kitchen and bathroom cabinets?
