Small kitchens could pose some problems for keen chefs. You’re limited for storage space, which means your kitchen can quickly become cluttered. Lack of workspace can also make food preparation difficult, and you could find your evening meal accompanied by a tricky Tetris routine. 

If this sounds all too familiar, here are some kitchen storage ideas to help you organise your kitchen and make the most of your limited space. Picking just a few of these items can make a big difference to a small space. Kitchen storage lifesavers include containers, organisers or even shower racks… Don’t set limits on your imagination and keep your eyes open for clever storage ideas that are lying all around you. 

The inside of kitchen cabinets is a great place to attach hooks to hang small items like measuring spoons or teacups. You could also hang a whiteboard or chalkboard on the inside of cupboard doors for notes.    

When you have limited kitchen cupboard space, add smaller shelves on top of your existing shelves for storing items like plates, mugs, glasses or cans. Not only does this help make better use of a smaller space, it also looks tidier and makes items easier to find and access.

Pegboards are a practical way of storing and organising awkward or bulky kitchen items that you use regularly, and they can look pretty funky too. Simply screw a pegboard to the wall of your kitchen, paint it the desired colour and then hang hooks from the holes. A simple yet effective kitchen organisation idea.  

Not only is this practical and space saving, it’s also the safest way of storing sharp knives. You won’t risk hurting yourself when rummaging in drawers. As an added bonus, blades will stay sharper for longer because they aren’t coming into contact with other items in the drawer. You can take this idea a step further and store other kitchen utensils on there as well. All you have to do is to glue small pieces of magnets on the handles of your utensils. 

Make magnetic spice jars to stick on your fridge door to free up cupboard space and easily organise your spice collection. Use old sweets or chocolate tins that you can easily remove the lids and view all your spices. Alternatively, use metal pots with clear lids and stick magnets to the bottom of each. You can then position them on a metal panel attached to the wall for an effective spice rack solution.  

You don’t have to have a huge, fancy kitchen to proudly display your pots and pans. This is a common (and stylish) storage hack in tiny city apartments. Not only does it free up valuable shelf space, it also keeps your pans in easy reach. 

Cupboards under sinks are rarely equipped with shelves, so adding them yourself is a great way of organising and storing all your essential cleaning supplies. You can even go further and, as well as shelves, attach small baskets to the inside of cupboard doors for storing cloths, sponges, and brushes. You can also add hooks for tea towels and washing up gloves.

Use a storage trolley

Storage trolleys don’t have to be big, even the smallest ones are a great way of adding extra kitchen storage. They are also effective for organising things that you need to use regularly such as spices, cooking oils or kitchen utensils. Roll them around the kitchen with you for ease, and roll them back to their place when you’re done. 

Don’t have the space for a full size kitchen table? No worries. Wall-mounted or fold away tables are just as functional and they are ideal for space saving in smaller kitchens. Plus, they double up on function as a place to eat, as well as extra counter space for preparing food. 

Use labels to organise your kitchen storage containers from meal portions in your freezer to food storage jars, to utensils and pots. Having a labelling system is a great way to get and stay organised. It allows you and anyone else using your kitchen to easily find items (and put them away again in the right place!).

We love thinking outside the box when it comes to kitchen design for smaller spaces. Here are just a few items usually found in other household rooms which are also great for storage and organisation in your kitchen. It’s just a matter of creativity and imagination when it comes to finding clever storage solutions.

Shower caddies for your cupboards

Basket-style shower caddies or simple wire baskets can be hung from the sides of cupboards to create extra storage. These are great for vegetables, or for storing washing up products close to the sink. Some prefer to use them for more aesthetic reasons as well, like displaying small plants. 

Towel rails with hooks for pans

If you can’t hang pots and pans from the ceiling of your kitchen, how about attaching a towel rail to the wall or side of a cupboard, then using hooks to hang your pans?

Magazine racks for recipe books

No storage space for your cookbooks? Try mounting a magazine rack to a wall space or the side of cupboards to store your favourite recipe books, food magazines, and recipe cards.  

Shoe organisers

It may sound strange, but fabric or plastic shoe organisers are great for creating extra space on the back of your kitchen door or inside bigger cupboards. Use these organisers to store items like small kitchen utensils, spice jars, or packets of food.

Having a small kitchen doesn’t always mean you need to cut back on your essentials. Get creative and try these small kitchen storage ideas to make the most of your space!

Check out our tips on how to best design a small kitchen or make your kitchen brighter for more inspiration.