Not all apartment kitchens provide ample storage and counter space. However, you can still make the most of your small kitchen as a renter. We're here to help you achieve a spacious, organized, and beautifully decorated kitchen.
Start By Decluttering
If you're a renter wondering where to begin, it's as simple as decluttering. Yes, you heard it right. It's time to roll up your sleeves and say goodbye to those unused items.
Remember that old blender gathering dust for ages? Or those fancy plates you barely use? It's time to let go. If you haven't used something in the past six months, chances are you won't need it in the future.
Suppose you have a cluttered drawer in your kitchen. In that case, it's time to go through it and organize it using drawer organizers that allow you to maintain your current setup but with added organization.
Decluttering can reveal valuable space you never knew you had. It will make you feel lighter and prepared to tackle the next steps in organizing your small kitchen.
How to Organize Without a Pantry
A common challenge for renters is limited kitchen space with no pantry. But worry not! Here are some alternative solutions to help you organize without a pantry in your apartment.
1. Utilize shelving units: If you have a small bookstand or shelving unit, repurpose it as a pantry substitute. Even the plastic, easily assembled ones can do the trick. Store dry food items like cereal, pasta, bread, and canned goods on these shelves.
2. Try over-the-door spice racks: If you're familiar with storage solutions for small closets, you'll appreciate over-the-door spice racks. Hang them on the laundry room door if you don't have a pantry. Alternatively, smaller versions can be hung inside cabinet doors.
3. Opt for small cupboards: If you prefer a pantry with doors, consider using a smaller cupboard. This can be placed in the kitchen, dining room, living room, or any available space. Add a personal touch with picture frames and your favorite succulent on top. It is not only a functional pantry solution but also a decorative piece.
4. Utilize the Top of Your Fridge: Another way you can maximize storage space in your kitchen is by utilizing the top of your fridge. Use stackable baskets or bins to neatly store additional dish towels, dry goods, or fresh fruit. To easily access these items, keep a step stool nearby.
How to Store Items Without Counter Space
Counter space is crucial in any kitchen, but what can you do when your countertop is so cramped that you can barely fit a cutting board and your coffee maker? Here are some tips to help you store items without sacrificing valuable counter space.
1. Swap the knife block for a magnetic knife strip: Instead of wasting counter space with a bulky knife block, consider installing a magnetic knife strip on the wall. This allows you to keep your knives easily accessible without cluttering up your countertop.
2. Invest in a rolling island: A rolling island can be a game-changer when you need extra counter space for chopping veggies or food preparation. It provides a portable and versatile surface that you can easily move around your kitchen. You can store the island against an available wall when not in use, freeing up your valuable counter space.
3. Install floating shelves: Floating shelves are both functional and decorative, making them a great choice for renters with limited counter space. Use them to display coffee mugs, plants, and utensil holders, keeping them off the counter and creating a more spacious feel in your kitchen.
4. Use a small dish rack: If you don’t have a dishwasher and you handwash dishes, consider opting for a compact and space-saving dish rack. Look for options that can conveniently fit inside the sink or easily store away when not in use.
How to Organize Without Cabinet and Drawer Space
The limited cabinet and drawer space in small apartments can make organizing a kitchen daunting. However, with a little creativity, you can maximize your storage options and keep your kitchen functional and visually appealing.
1. Utilize cabinet and drawer inserts: To avoid the hassle of storing your dishes in inconvenient spots, consider utilizing cabinet inserts. Cabinet inserts consist of pull-out shelves that can be placed inside any cabinet, providing enhanced organization. For your silverware and small cooking utensils, opt for drawer inserts to keep everything tidy.
2. Hang items from the ceiling or wall: If your cabinets can't accommodate all your cookware, hanging your pots and pans from the ceiling can be a great alternative. Furthermore, wall-mounted plate racks can save you additional cabinet space while adding a decorative touch to your kitchen. Take advantage of storage solutions that double as stylish decor, even on a budget.
3. Invest in a shelving unit or rolling cart: A shelving unit or rolling storage cart can be a lifesaver for oversized appliances like microwaves, blenders, and toasters. Consider repurposing a bookshelf or crafting your own coffee bar on a rolling cart. By showcasing your kitchen essentials, you can bring a touch of personal flair to your space while keeping it organized.
4. Use turntables in your cabinets: If your cabinets are small and cluttered, consider adding turntables (also known as lazy Susans) to use your limited cabinet space effectively. Turntables spin back and forth ensuring everything you put in the cabinet is easily accessible.
Don't let the size of your kitchen discourage you. Embrace the opportunity to organize, declutter, and unleash your creativity in storage and decoration. And when you're ready for a more spacious kitchen, explore larger apartments with Apartments.com. Use our keyword search feature to find your perfect place, whether you're looking for a "spacious kitchen" or other specific features. Apartments.com is your reliable resource for finding the rental you need, keeping everything organized, and enjoying the place you call home.
