Kitchen Storage Shelves: 15 Astounding Hacks To Try

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Organizing kitchen storage shelves can be tricky. You have to make sure that every item is kept in order, and maintain cleanliness at all times. But unfortunately, not everyone has the extra space to design their kitchen storage. Here are 15 hacks you can try! (If you’re looking for ideas that are more general, head over to our storage ideas section instead.)

1. Multiply vertical storage space

Quickly divide your storage shelf into two with the use of wire shelf risers. They give you more room for storing all of your dishware, such as mugs, bowls, and plates. These stackable kitchen storage shelves will help you make the most of your limited space.

2. Organize with bins, labels, and clear tupperware

Follow the “first in, first out” rule to organize your kitchen storage shelves. Put newly bought boxes and containers behind ones that are already in use. Pick transparent options to instantly see what’s inside. Labeling containers ensures that you can easily find what you need without confusion. Plus, it gives you easy access to what you are looking for.

3. Use small bins or dividers inside the kitchen drawer

Divide kitchen tools using small bins or dividers – these will keep small items neatly in place, especially those inside drawers of kitchen storage shelves. Dividers can be used for utensils and flatware of various shapes and sizes. Adjusting them according to their use and size also helps for easy access and organization.

4. Group similar items using baskets

Organize your kitchen storage shelves by using baskets to group similar items together. The best way to do this is by organizing them by category. For example, in the kitchen pantry, you can put labels such as rice, pasta, baked goods, or snacks. You can also use them for storing table linens such as cloth napkins, placemats, or table runners.

5. Store cookware horizontally

Another idea to keep your kitchen storage shelves neat and organized is to store your pots and pans sideways. This will prevent them from turning into one huge jumbled mess. Prevent future frustration by stacking pans, pots, lids, baking sheets, or cutting boards horizontally.

6. Hang kitchen items on the wall

Maximize your kitchen storage shelves by hanging items on the side or on the wall. You can use cork boards, adhesive hooks, magnetic strip, or pegboards to create extra space. These will not take up much of your storage capacity. Keep kitchen utensils, knives, cutting boards or measuring cups within your reach.

7. Install retractable shelves

Retractable shelves are very useful when it comes to organizing kitchen storage. You can use it to store pots and pans, cooking ingredients, canned goods, sanitary supplies and many more.

8.Store cooking or baking ingredients in containers

Instead of filling your kitchen storage shelves with store-bought boxes of snacks or ingredients, you can store them in a set of matching containers. It helps keep the food fresh while preventing unwanted spills or messes. Containers also help organize your pantry by giving it a more uniform look. You can choose from various options including sleek glass containers  and even mason jars.

9. Use floating shelves as a floating pan rack

Avoid the mess and clutter of storing heavy items such as cooking pans with this idea. You can use floating shelves to double as a floating pan rack to make more room for other items in the kitchen.

10. Install slide-out shelves or wire rack

Slide-out shelves provide extra space in your kitchen storage shelves. They can hold most horizontal things while smartly optimizing unused space. You can easily store and pick up heavy items like baking pans, pots, and casserole dishes. Installing a wire rack also allows plates or cutting boards to be stacked together for instant identification and access.

11. Store cooking condiments in a spice rack

Another way to tidy up your kitchen storage shelves is by using a spice rack. You can use small containers for condiments like salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. This will reduce confusion in the kitchen, especially when you are busy cooking. You can also transfer these spices to uniform jars with printed labels. A spice rack is helpful in keeping these flavorings within your reach when you need them.

12. Use a metal bar for easy lid storage

While it might be easy to stack cooking pots and pans, this might not be the same case with lids. Fortunately, there is a smart solution to that problem! You can use a metal bar and attach it on the side of the shelves or inside the kitchen cabinet door. This will serve as an easy storage area for your lids. It is also an ideal place for hanging your dish towels. 

13. Add display at the top of the shelf

Add a decorative touch to your kitchen storage shelves by adding display on top of it. This will provide more storage space and allows you to display your favorite plates or dishes as well. There are many other things you can put on top of your kitchen shelf. Just make sure that it matches the color scheme of your kitchen.

14. Set your plants by installing a wire shelf

If you like having fresh plants or herbs within reach, consider installing a wire shelf between the upper cabinets beside your kitchen window. This is more ideal than keeping them on your countertop. Setting your plants on the counter does not expose them to enough light they need and may take up valuable space. If you install a wire shelf high enough, it’ll be easy to water the plants and snip them when necessary. 

15. Use tension rod for your kitchen cleaning supplies

To avoid your cleaning supplies from falling over and making a mess, you can use a tension rod. Hang the tension rod inside your drawer or cabinet to keep your kitchen cleaning supplies upright. You can use it for plenty of things in the kitchen, and even slide a paper towel roll through it for easy access. It is also a great place to hang your rubber cleaning gloves and dish-drying towels.

And there you have it! Keep these design ideas in mind the next time you plan on revamping or buying a new kitchen shelf. It will save you so much time and make room for more storage space.