Organize your kitchen cabinets and take advantage of all the available space
Your mom’s kitchen cabinets were probably organized with nothing more than a couple of drawers and some basic shelves. Today’s cabinets often need to store much more. The good news is that cabinet storage options have expanded tremendously since your mother’s era. If you’re doing a kitchen remodeling project, check out some ideas and gadgets below that can help you keep your cabinets organized and items accessible.
Pull-out drawers: The back of the cabinet was once the place where old pots went to die. No more! Pull-out drawers installed in deep lower cabinets can make everything in the cabinet accessible with a single pull.
Removable trash can: Remove the trash can from the floor with a pull-out unit that looks like another cabinet until it is pulled open.
Lazy Susans: A lazy Susan can help you access all those spices or little jars that get stuck in the back of deep cabinets. Some manufacturers even make full corner cabinets that rotate 360 degrees so you can always see and use the items in the back.
Vertical Organizers: Vertical dividers come in a variety of sizes and widths. This is a great way to store cookie sheets, muffin tins, and pot lids.
Plate storage: Some homeowners like to store their dishes vertically, but you can also purchase tiered organizers that can accommodate dishes of different sizes in one place.
Hang it up: Hanging racks for pots and pans are a great way to free up storage space in the kitchen. You can also mount the microwave and spice rack on the wall to clear cluttered counters.
Specialized Drawers: You can buy drawers specifically designed to store spices. Narrow pull-out shelves can act as a mini vertical pantry and are a good place to store small items.
Appliance Garage: If you have a frequently used appliance, such as a coffee maker or food processor, consider installing a specialized cabinet that makes it easily accessible from the counter. That way, you’re more likely to put it away when not in use.