Want to free up an entire cupboard? Install a hanging pot rack and store your
pots and pans overhead. Pans stored this way are easy to access and efficient to
keep organized. Hanging pot racks can be purchased ready-to-hang at most cooking
and home-improvement stores, or you can build your own custom solution.
If you have empty wall space, hang shelves or wire storage units to create
additional storage space.
The space under cabinets can be used to hang smaller items on cup hooks or to
hang spice racks. Also look for appliances such as can openers and coffee makers
that are made for under-cabinet mounting.
If you have a pantry door, use over-the-door hangers to keep items
conveniently arranged. This type of storage is especially useful for small
baking items such as baking soda and powder, vanilla, and yeast. Small racks can
also be used for baby food jars, pet food cans, and individually packaged
snacks. Alternately, use a garage style pegboard system to store extra utensils
and cooking implements in this area.
A magnetic knife rack can be mounted on the wall to hold knives conveniently
within reach without using counter space for a knife block. Magnetic racks can
also be used for other regularly-used metal utensils.
Instead of a counter or stovetop kitchen timer, purchase one with a magnet so
you can hang it on the front of the refrigerator or oven.
Drawers
Drawers can keep your kitchen implements convenient and safe or they can
become jumbled catch-alls. Invest in some drawer organizers, but make sure they
are flexible enough to store everything you need and that they do not use up
more space than they create.
If you have ample drawers but are tight on other storage, think about using
drawers in novel ways. For example, devote a drawer to storing spices. Each
bottle can be placed label up, making it easy to see all of your herbs and
spices at once. Drawers are also good for keeping food and beverage items such
as tea, seasoning packets, drink mix packets, and pudding and gelatin mixes.