Not having a pantry can feel like a big challenge. Where do you store all the snacks, spices, and cooking essentials without creating a mess? It’s easy for things to pile up and feel out of control. If you’ve ever had to dig through a cabinet just to find a bag of rice, you know the struggle.
When I moved into my first apartment, I had no pantry and no clue how to stay organized. My pots shared space with cereal boxes, and I once found a can of soup behind my plates! It was a mess, but it taught me how to get creative with storage.
An organized kitchen makes life so much easier. Cooking is faster, cleaning is simpler, and it’s less stressful overall. Even without a pantry, there are plenty of smart ways to create storage and keep things neat. Let’s explore some easy, creative ideas to make your kitchen work for you!
Make Use of Vertical Space Storage Space
When you’re running out of storage, look up! Your walls are full of potential to help you organize your kitchen. Here are three easy ways to make the most of vertical wall space.
1. Install Open Shelving
Open pantry shelves are a simple way to add extra storage while keeping everything within reach. They’re perfect for displaying plates, mugs, or even jars of dry goods. When I added open floating shelves to my kitchen, it made my space feel bigger and more organized. Bonus: they look great too! Just remember to keep them neat to avoid a cluttered look.
Image by mcgeeandco
Shea McGee, Founder of Studio McGee: “Open shelving can replace upper cabinets, offering both storage and a place to display dishware.”
2. Hang Pegboards
A pegboard can turn a blank wall into a super-functional storage area. Hang your pots, pans, and utensils for easy access, just like Julia Child did! When I installed a pegboard near my stove, it made cooking so much easier—I could grab what I needed without digging through drawers. Plus, you can customize the layout to fit your tools.
3. Add Magnetic Strips
Magnetic strips are perfect for storing knives, spice jars, or metal utensils. They save drawer space and keep your tools handy. I love how mine turned an empty wall into a mini spice rack and made my kitchen feel a bit more professional. It’s a simple fix that makes a big difference.
Optimize Cabinet Space Storage
Cabinets can be tricky. Things get lost, and it’s easy for clutter to build up. But with a few smart ideas, you can make your cabinets work better for you. Here’s how:
4. Use Stackable Bins
Stackable bins are a great way to add layers to your cabinets. Instead of piling everything on top of each other, you can neatly organize items by category. I use them for baking supplies—flour in one bin, sugar in another. It keeps things tidy and easy to find. Plus, you can quickly grab what you need without causing a mini avalanche.
Image by tomhowleykitchens
5. Install Pull-Out Shelves
Pull-out pantry drawer is perfect for those hard-to-reach spots in your cabinets. They slide out, so you don’t have to dig around or move everything to get to the back. I added one for my pots and pans, and it’s been a total game-changer. No more frustration or heavy lifting—everything is right there when I need it.
Image by nakedkitchens
Sarah Sherman Samuel, Interior Designer: “Incorporate deep drawers with organizers for dry goods; they provide ample storage and keep items within reach.”
6. Add Door Racks
The inside of your cabinet doors is a hidden gem for storage. Door racks can hold spices, cleaning supplies, or even small snacks. I put a rack on my under-sink cabinet door to hold dish soap and sponges, and it’s made a huge difference. It’s such a simple fix, but it makes your cabinets feel way more organized.
Utilize Underutilized Areas
Sometimes the best storage spots are the ones you don’t think about. Here are a few ways to make the most of overlooked areas in your kitchen:
7. Store Items Above Cabinets
The space above your cabinets is perfect for rarely-used items like large platters or holiday dishes. I added a few baskets up there, and suddenly, my kitchen felt more organized and stylish. It’s storage that’s out of the way but still easy to access.
Image by maxsinsteden
Justina Blakeney, Designer and Founder of The Jungalow: “Incorporate decorative storage solutions like woven baskets or stylish containers to keep essentials organized and add aesthetic appeal.”
8. Use the Back of the Door
Add hooks or baskets to the back of cabinet doors to hold spices, snacks, or cleaning supplies. I attached a small basket inside my cabinet door for spices, and now they’re easy to grab without cluttering my shelves. It’s such a simple fix!
Tasha Agruso, Creator of Designer Trapped: “Use the back of cabinet doors for additional storage by adding hooks or racks for spices and utensils.”
9. Add a Rolling Cart
Rolling carts are great for extra storage. Use them for pantry items, pots, or even a coffee station. I have one for snacks and canned goods, and I love that I can move it around when I need more space.
Smart Storage Solutions
A few clever tools can make a big difference in how organized your kitchen feels. Here are some ideas to try:
10. Incorporate Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans are perfect for corner cabinets or crowded spaces. I use one for condiments, and it’s so much easier to find what I need. Plus, spinning it feels oddly satisfying!
Image by louiseroehome
11. Label Storage Containers
Labeling makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. After accidentally using salt instead of sugar, I labeled all my jars. It’s a quick fix that saves so much hassle.
Emily Henderson, Stylist and Author: “Utilize drawer dividers and clear bins to categorize items, making everything easily accessible and reducing clutter.”
12. Use Clear Bins
Clear bins let you see exactly what’s inside without digging around. I use them for snacks and leftovers, and it makes my fridge and cabinets look neat and organized.
Image by homewithrue
Kate Arends, Founder of Wit & Delight: “Store ingredients in clear containers to easily see what you have and when it’s time to refill.”
Think Outside the Box
When space is tight, creativity is your best friend. Here are some clever ways to add storage to your kitchen:
13. Repurpose Furniture
Turn bookshelves or old cabinets into extra storage. I once used a bookshelf as a pantry, adding baskets and jars for a tidy look. It’s functional and adds personality to the space.
14. Invest in Over-the-Sink Storage
Over-the-sink racks or shelves are perfect for small kitchens. I added one for drying dishes and storing sponges—it freed up my counter and made cleaning up easier.
Image by edwardian_seaside_home
15. Create a Hidden Kitchen Pantry
Use curtains or cabinet doors to hide storing items. When I covered my messy shelves with a simple curtain, the whole kitchen looked more organized in seconds. This way, you’ll have dedicated pantry space.
Maximize Countertop Space
Keep your countertops clear and functional with these smart ideas:
16. Add Tiered Stands
Stack items like fruit or snacks with tiered organizers. I use one to keep my extra counter space neat while making everything easy to grab.
17. Use Canisters for Essentials
Store flour, sugar, or coffee in countertop canisters. I love using glass jars—they’re practical and make my kitchen feel a bit fancier.
Image by heritageacreshomesteadchas
18. Wall-Mounted Spice Racks
Mount a spice rack on the wall to save counter space. I put one near my stove, and it’s made cooking so much easier. Plus, it looks clean and professional.
Go Minimalist
A clutter-free kitchen is easier to use and feels more spacious. Here are two simple ways to embrace minimalism:
19. Declutter Regularly
Keep only what you use. Do you really need that gadget you haven’t touched in years? When I cleaned out my kitchen, I found expired spices and broken tools I forgot I had. Getting rid of the extras made everything easier to find and use.
Image by thegoodmanhouse
Start small—choose one drawer or cabinet and remove items you don’t need. Doing this regularly keeps your kitchen neat and organized.
20. Stick to Essentials
Focus on the basics instead of buying every gadget. A few good pots, a sharp knife, and versatile tools are usually enough. When I stopped buying unnecessary items, I gained space and made cooking simpler. Now, I only add something if I know I’ll use it often.
Conclusion
A small kitchen doesn’t have to feel cramped. With a little creativity, you can make it functional and organized. Whether it’s adding shelves, using a rolling cart, or decluttering, small changes can have a big impact.
When I started organizing my small kitchen, I was amazed at how much space I could free up with simple ideas. It made cooking easier, and I finally stopped losing things in the back of kitchen cabinets!
Why not try one of these ideas today? Start small and see how it transforms your kitchen. And if you come up with your own solutions, share them—your ideas might help someone else! Small kitchens are all about being creative, so what’s your next step?
If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Home and Garden” board.
