16 Easiest DIY Small Kitchen Organization Ideas

Living in an apartment or small home can provide a challenge when it comes to storage space. And you can only take minimalism so far!

No matter where I lived, the kitchen was always the most difficult room to set up. The struggle is real when trying to find a workable storage solution. It is easier to prepare food if you know exactly where the ingredients are. And it’s easier to keep tidy if everything has its place. Easier said than done! I’ve put together a few tips – and a few fun DIYs – to keep your kitchen tidy and organized.

Repurposed File Organizers

Sometimes a DIY project is as easy as using a tool for a different purpose. The file holder that you see in office supply stores can be used in your kitchen as a tray rack. Or, store foil, plastic wrap, lids, and sponges in it.

Baskets and Bins

Cupboards can easily get very messy when you’re regularly taking items in and out. Baskets are an excellent way to keep everything neat and orderly. Get a few to fit neatly inside your cupboards, and group similar items in each of the baskets. Label them too! 

Use a Peg Board and Hang it Up

A pegboard is one of the most customizable storage ideas. Attach hooks, baskets, and shelves to the pegboard to store a variety of items, from pot holders to measuring spoons. Plus, you can easily rearrange the pegboard as your needs change.

Tension Rods

A tension rod can be surprisingly useful! My favorite way to use them is to organize cleaning supplies under the sink. You can also use them to hang up kitchen towels, and spray bottles, or inside cupboards to store trays and baking sheets.

Hang Pots and Pans

I love this DIY pot and pan hanger that’s made out of a ladder! Or, you can buy a pot rack or simply install a few hooks on your wall or ceiling to hang your pots and pans. Any will help declutter your cabinets and provide easy access to your most-used cookware.

Create a Pull-Out Pantry

If you’re short on pantry space, consider creating a pull-out pantry by installing narrow shelves on wheels between your refrigerator and the wall or between your cabinets. This will provide extra storage for canned goods, spices, and other small items.

Add Extra Shelving

Maximize vertical space by adding extra shelves to your cabinets, pantry, or even above your sink. This will provide additional storage for dishes, cookware, and pantry items. You can either purchase pre-made shelves or create your own using brackets and plywood.

Install a Lazy Susan

Lazy Susans are a great space-saving solution for small kitchens. Install one in a corner cabinet or pantry to easily access items that would otherwise be difficult to reach. You can even use a Lazy Susan on your countertop for frequently used items like spices, cooking oils, and vinegars.

Create a Kitchen Command Center

A command center can help you keep track of your grocery list, meal plan, and even your family’s schedule. Choose a small section of the wall or the inside of a cabinet door to create your command center using a chalkboard, corkboard, or magnetic board.

Utilize the Space Above Your Cabinets

Don’t let the space above your kitchen cabinets go to waste. Use it to store rarely used items.

Install an Over-the-Sink Cutting Board

An over-the-sink cutting board is a clever way to extend your counter space while still having access to your sink. Purchase a cutting board that fits snugly over your kitchen sink or make your own by cutting a piece of wood to the correct dimensions. This will provide extra prep space in a small kitchen and can be easily stored away when not in use.

Use a Rolling Cart for Extra Storage

A rolling cart can serve as both additional storage and extra workspace in a small kitchen. Choose a cart with shelves, drawers, or a combination of both to store frequently used items like pots and pans, cooking utensils, or even food storage. When you need more counter space, simply roll the cart out and use it as a makeshift kitchen island.

Hooks for Coffee Mugs

Instead of storing your mugs and cups in cabinets, save space by hanging them on hooks or a wall-mounted rack. This frees up cabinet space and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Opt for Stackable Storage Containers

When it comes to food-storage containers, stackables are king. It’s my husband’s favorite small kitchen storage idea we have implemented! 

How do I start a kitchen organization?

Clear Out Your Cabinets

You almost certainly have items that you don’t need. This could be extra utensils, unused pieces of kitchen equipment, or old and expired food. The first step in kitchen organization is to purge your kitchen of all unnecessary items.

Empty your cabinets. Lay all the contents on a flat surface and determine the tools and kitchen equipment you use, then donate or sell the rest. You could also stop using that one kitchen drawer as a junk drawer!

Sort and Group Similar Items

A functional kitchen is a useful kitchen. However, it has to be functional for cooking and preparing food. For most, grouping similar items together makes the process of cooking and food prep simpler. All you need to do is open a cupboard and you have all that you need to make a certain dish. Talk about easy meal prep!

A great example of this is making a small coffee station and keeping your coffee-related items together. No more going back and forth between different cupboards and drawers just to make your morning coffee.

Invest in Clear Containers

An organized kitchen is an investment. So you’ll need to invest a little in order to get a clean and tidy kitchen that requires little time to maintain. To avoid having to rummage through all the bottles and cans in your cupboards or fridge, purchase clear containers to store food such as leftovers or herbs in the cupboard.  And who doesn’t love making labels with cute handwriting?

Make Use of Vertical Space

A tight kitchen can be difficult to work in. A small apartment cannot afford to have all the storage and furnishings of a big house. If you have limited floor space, don’t forget to use your walls and ceilings to store food and other kitchen gadgets.

Develop a Habit

Cleaning and clearing your kitchen once doesn’t make a completely workable area. You have to keep it organized and to be honest, this is where you start getting into trouble. Create a habit that works for you. Try to put back the things that you use right after you’re done. I MEAN IT! You could also clean in sprints. It is your choice – what matters is that you find the tricks and techniques that work for you.