If you have a small kitchen, it is highly likely you think you do not have
enough cupboard space. While this may be true, you are probably not using your
cupboard space as efficiently as possible. If you have deep cupboards, one great
way to make each shelf more accessible is to install sliding shelves or wire
baskets on slides. Sliding shelves pull out to make it easier to see and reach
items that are toward the back of each shelf.
Have an awkward corner cabinet? Install a Lazy Susan so that items are easy
to spin toward the front. If your cupboard shelves are too widely spaced, insert
an additional shelf so you do not waste the space. You can also find tiered
shelf inserts to make it easy to see items that are stored in the back of each
shelf.
If you have many small, loose items in your cabinets, try to group them and
place them in stackable baskets.
As you place the items back in your cupboards, arrange them so the most
commonly-used items are at the front of each shelf and less-used items are near
the back. Also keep in mind what items you use together and keep them in close
proximity to one another. These tips can save a lot of time since the cooking
tools you use daily will be together and conveniently located.
Pan-lid storage is a common problem. If pans are stacked to conserve space,
the lids must be stored separately. Some cupboards will accommodate lid hooks on
the insides of the doors. If your doors will not work with hooks and you need to
store the lids on the shelves, place them on their sides in order from smallest
to largest. Or, try using a dishpan or wire basket to contain all of the lids.
Instead of storing baking pans in a large or nested pile, turn them on their
sides and slide them into the cupboard like books on a shelf. This efficient
method makes it very easy to find the pan you need and to remove it from the
cupboard without having to dislodge every other pan.