Kitchen Storage Guide

Over the years, many of us have stressed over limited kitchen storage. Inefficient use of space is often the top complaint from new home owners. Shelves installed by the builders are either spaced too far apart or nonexistent, cabinets are unusually deep and food pantries unusually small. Here are some helpful tips and ideas on how to reorganize your kitchen to save time, money and your sanity.

Cabinet Organizers
There's a variety of things available to maximize your cabinet space, especially under the kitchen sink. These days cabinets are built too deep and there's plenty of wasted spaced. My personal favorite organizer is the pull-out wire basket. It's basically a pull-out shelf installed in the cabinet to put the previously wasted space to good use. Installation is a breeze and you'll no longer have to rummage under the sink for cleaning products. Install two in the same cabinet to double the space.

There's also the cabinet organizer, which mounts on the door of the cabinet. The cabinet organizer is basically several small baskets that are deep enough to hold cleaning supplies. This isn't compatible with the pull-out basket, so go with whatever seems most useful to you.

When choosing an organizer, remember that your goal is to divide the space. If you place a freestanding shelf on a current shelf, you've essentially doubled the amount of usable space that shelf once had.

Pantry Organizers
Rev-A-Shelf is almost a pantry by itself. Once you've put it together, it simply rolls out of your pantry and opens itself up to reveal every organizer's dream - 30 basket shelves. This organizer is pricey no matter which model you purchase, though many will say it's well worth that price.

If you've purchased a new home, it's very likely the pantry didn't come with shelves. If Rev-A-Shelf isn't within your budget, install regular shelves and consider installing under shelf wraps too. Under shelf wraps are attached to the existing shelf; they're like cubbyholes for the small items in your pantry.

Door racks for the pantry are an inexpensive way to store your most used items nearest to the entry. These can be installed on either side of the door, but for appearance's sake, you may want to go with the inside.

Drawer Organizers
Kitchen drawer organizers come in many flavors; silver- and flatware organizers to cutlery inserts, knife trays, expandable in-drawer spice racks and more. If you can place it in a drawer, there's an organizer for it in a wide vary of colors and styles. Drawer organizers can be a little trickier than other organizers. You need to measure the drawer and buy the appropriate size, or look for drawer organizers that can be trimmed to fit.

Install Wall Hooks and Shelves
Hooks and shelves are must-have kitchen storage solutions for any busy kitchen. Acquire easy-to-install hooks or shelves for frequently used utensils or even pots and pans. As an alternative, use pegboards or stainless steel magnetic boards. A bakers rack is great shelving system. It's a very functional piece that can hold a variety of appliances, utensils and other kitchen necessities.

Get an Island
Islands aren't as expensive as they once were. Consider purchasing an island that matches the current decor of your kitchen. Look for one with drawers and cabinets. Shelves are also a common feature on islands, but stray away from this option unless you want everyday clutter to be on display.

Islands are available in many sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular and L-shaped. Some islands come with a top hood or rack that allows you to keep your favorite pots and pans within easy reach.

Put Away Gadgets You Don't Use Often
Some of us come across a neat kitchen appliance, such as a turkey roaster, pizza cooker or indoor grill, and simply HAVE to purchase it. We arrive home and place it on the counter, then play a shuffling game when we need that counter-space and our cool gadgets are in the way.

Other items that are used on a bi-monthly basis are crock-pots, hot dog turners, popcorn makers and rice cookers. Gather up these things you absolutely had to have, clean them well and find them another home when they're not in use. My mother uses her linen and bathroom closets. It's probably a little weird when nosy guests go poking around, but your kitchen's appearance will significantly improve once you've ditched the clutter.

In conclusion, always keep an eye out for organizers that are specifically designed to tackle items that are difficult to organize, like food storage container lids. Group like items together -- bakeware should be in one cabinet and all wooden spoons in the same crock or drawer. Your most frequently used items should be most easily accessible. Heavy items should be near the floor and items that are not used often should be up high, with a step stool within easy reach. Most importantly, enjoy your newly organized kitchen space.