The Best Storage and Organization Hacks for a Small Kitchen

Keeping surfaces clutter-free in a cramped kitchen can be a logistical nightmare – and who needs that kind of stress? Instead, try these game-changing storage and organization hacks that will leave your small kitchen with plenty of room for some actual cooking. You can thank us later.

A sleek white kitchen with a magnet strip for knives above the stove and hanging rack for various pots and pans

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Hang it Up

Skip the clunky store-bought storage containers entirely: the best small kitchen ideas often involve simple little organization hacks – such as installing a hanging rack for pots and pans and a magnetic strip for knives.

A white kitchen with subway tiles, cutout window overlooking the living space and above-cabinet shelves lined with various storage containers

Lauren Kolyn

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Reach for the Sky

Utilize any empty space above your cabinets or window ledges. One of the easiest kitchen organization ideas is to decorate this space with colourful storage containers that are both functional and stylish.

White and blue dinner plates and bowls stacked to dry in a vertical dish rack against a bamboo curtain

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Mounted Dish Rack

Kitchen organization hacks can often be as simple as a quick trip to the store. Grab a vertical dish rack to help avoid clutter and make better use of your precious counter space. (Moving? These kitchen counter upgrades will increase the value of your home).

A tiny kitchen with limited storage solutions that feature some additional open shelving that allows for style and space

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Open Things Up

If limited upper cabinets are a nuisance thanks to lack of adequate space, reconfigure your kitchen to accommodate a mixture of open shelving that can deliver fast storage solutions without appearing cluttered.

A small kitchen with various magnet spice storage containers on the side of the fridge

Lauren Kolyn

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Spice Magnets

Spice racks can be awkward and cumbersome, taking up a large swath of valuable counterspace. Instead, grab a set of these chic and adorable magnet spice containers and organize them on your fridge however you see fit.

A three-tiered mesh hanging fruit basket filled with bananas, limes, lemons and strawberries

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Hanging Produce Baskets

This quick hack will not only save you from cramming your fridge full of fruit and veggies, but it’ll free up your counter space for more important household appliances. Also, all those bananas, oranges, limes and apples will offer up pretty pops of colour.

A large white pegboard against a wall in front of a coffee maker, espresso machine and other various appliances

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Handy Pegboard

Traditional backsplashes are cool, but what if you took the quirky and unique route and opted for a large pegboard instead? Not only does it allow for creativity and diversity in how you arrange it, but you can store and organize a significant amount of your day-to-day kitchen appliances and utensils on it, freeing up your cabinets and counters.

A small vertical herb garden in mason jars between a handmade white wine rack and chalkboard decor

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Secret Garden

You’re already cooking in cramped quarters, but adding a mini living wall to your kitchen might just be the chic, yet practical, final touch you need. Bonus: The basil, mint and rosemary will make your kitchen smell divine. Try this DIY mason jar version from the Save My Reno team.

A horizontal railing above a kitchen sink lined with potted plants, wine cork, scissors, knives block and cutting board

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Lift Off

If you want to clear your counters entirely, keep them empty by installing a horizontal railing that can house everything from knife blocks and cutting boards to stray utensils and potted plants.

A young women, at a side angle, looking into a large fridge with recipes on the door

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Easy Access Fridge

A rotating tray (or Lazy Susan) isn’t just for countertops. Keep your fridge well-stocked and organized by adding one to its interior. It’ll make grabbing your favourite condiment or ingredient that much easier to spot.