Having a small kitchen can be challenging when it comes to storage and organization. But with the right strategies, you can maximize the space and create a functional and efficient cooking area.
1. Declutter
Start with a thorough decluttering. If there’s anything taking up space in your kitchen that doesn’t need to be there, it needs to go.
Start by emptying your cabinets and drawers, and take stock of what you have. Dispose of expired food (obvious), duplicate utensils, and any other items that you no longer need or use.
Be ruthless in your decluttering process, and you’ll create more space for essential kitchen items.
2. Make Use of Your Vertical Space
In a tiny room, vertical space is your best friend. Make use of wall space by installing hooks, shelves, or a pegboard.
Hang pots, pans, and utensils on hooks for easy access and to free up precious cabinet space. Install floating shelves to store frequently used items like spices, cookbooks, or decorative pieces.
A pegboard can be a versatile and customizable option, allowing you to hang various kitchen tools and gadgets.
3. Optimize Cabinet and Drawer Storage
When it comes to organizing cabinets and drawers in a small kitchen, it’s all about maximizing every inch of space. Consider installing stackable or expandable shelves to make use of vertical space within cabinets.
Use drawer dividers to separate and organize utensils, cutlery, and small kitchen gadgets. Sometimes you can make use of the inside of cabinet doors by attaching adhesive hooks or small baskets to store measuring cups, pot lids, or oven mitts.
4. Streamline Your Pantry
A well-organized pantry can make a significant difference in a tiny kitchen. Use clear, airtight containers for storing dry goods such as grains, pasta, and cereals.
This not only keeps your pantry neat but also allows you to see the contents at a glance, preventing food waste and duplicate purchases. Group similar items together and label containers for easy identification.
Consider using a lazy Susan or tiered organizers to maximize space and access items at the back of deep shelves.
5. Make Use of Under-Sink Storage
You can actually store a lot under your sink. Install a tension rod to hang cleaning spray bottles or dish towels. Utilize stackable bins or pull-out drawers to store cleaning supplies, garbage bags, or extra sponges.
By organizing this often-ignored space, you can free up room in your cabinets for other kitchen essentials.
6. Choose Multi-purpose Tools and Appliances
The goal with a tiny kitchen is to get the most use out of every tool in it. Instead of buying tools with one use, go for tools that can be used for many things.
Look for space-saving gadgets like a blender that doubles as a food processor. Or a microwave that also functions as a convection oven.
A slow cooker with a browning feature can save you a lot of space. It’s also great for cooking up one pot dinners, which is as easy in a small kitchen as a big one!
This way, you can eliminate the need for lots of bulky appliances, saving both space and money. And choose collapsible or nesting cookware sets to maximize your storage potential.
7. Create Zones for Efficiency
Creating specific zones within your tiny kitchen can help streamline your workflow and increase efficiency. Assign designated areas for food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
Keep frequently used items close at hand in their respective zones to minimize movement and save time. For example, place cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls near the food preparation area, and keep pots, pans, and cooking utensils within reach of the stove.
8. Embrace Wall-Mounted Storage
We already talked about using vertical space, but let’s get specific about using walls for storage.
- Install a magnetic strip on the wall to hold knives or metal utensils, freeing up drawer space.
- Hang a wire rack or basket on the wall to store fruits and vegetables, reducing clutter on countertops.
- If there’s space for it, mount a foldable table or a wall-mounted drop-leaf countertop for additional workspace when you need it.
- Install sturdy hooks underneath cabinets to hang mugs or cooking utensils.
- Attach magnetic spice tins on a backsplash
- Install a pegboard for hanging pots, pans, and kitchen tools.
9. Use Lighting and Mirrors to Create Illusion
Lighting and mirrors won’t make your kitchen more efficient, but they can make it feel brighter, more open, and just a nicer place to spend time.
Natural light can make any space appear more open and airy, so keep blinds or curtains minimal or sheer. Place a mirror on a wall opposite a window to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space.
Adequate lighting under cabinets can also make your kitchen feel brighter and more welcoming.
10. Embrace One-Pot Dinners
This may not work for everybody, but if you can learn to love sheet pan dinners and one-pot dinners, your small kitchen will function just as well as a bigger one.
These are meals where you cook everything in one pot or on one sheet pan. The sheet pan meals could be a meat, some vegetables and potatoes.
The one pot dinners are more like stews, stir fries and pastas – comforting pasta dishes where all the ingredients go together and you can serve it as one dish or add a salad or some bread on the side.