7 Kitchen Storage Mistakes You're Making
A well-organized kitchen is not just a dream for the ultra-tidy among us – it’s a practical necessity that can transform the way you cook and enjoy your home. Yet, even the most meticulous planners can fall victim to a few common storage mistakes that turn their home cooking haven into a mammoth mess.
If you find yourself constantly searching for the potato peeler or cursing the cluttered countertops, you might be making one of these all-too-common errors.
We've enlisted the help of home organization experts to identify the seven most common storage mistakes that could be holding you back from achieving the perfectly organized kitchen of your dreams.
1. Overcrowding the countertops
One of the biggest culprits of kitchen chaos is overcrowded countertops.
It’s tempting to keep your frequently used appliances like the toaster, coffee maker, and blender out for easy access, but too many items can make your kitchen look cluttered and leave little room for meal preparation.
Solution: Aim to keep your countertops as clear as possible. Cleaning Influencer Nicki Rodriguez, aka Essex House Dolly, tells Country Living: "Only have items out that you need (ie kettle, air fryer) as well as a few decorative items."
She adds: "It is essential to keep your worktop clean from germs, as they are frequently used for food."
Store appliances you use daily in easily accessible cabinets or drawers, and put away less frequently used items.
Consider investing in a few key pieces of vertical storage or shelving to keep things within reach but off your valuable countertop space.
2. Neglecting vertical space
Many kitchens suffer from a lack of storage because homeowners fail to utilize vertical space.
Cabinets often stop short of the ceiling, leaving a gap that collects dust instead of housing your kitchen essentials.
Solution: Install shelves or cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling. Use the uppermost shelves for items you rarely use, like cake stands and toastie makers that aren't required every day.
Danielle Taylor, Founder of Cosu Studio, explains that open shelving can not only be a great means of storage, but it can also look incredibly stylish.
She says: "Embrace open shelving to showcase your curated collection of handmade bowls and cups. To maintain a harmonious look, style your shelves selectively."
Danielle added that kickboards – also known as plinth boards – are incredibly underrated. Kickboards add an extra compartment below cabinets, transforming this unused space into a valuable storage area.
She explains: "Kickboards are the most overlooked area of the kitchen and commonly left unused.
"If there isn’t an appliance installed above, this space can be adapted and utilised for storing baking trays and cooling racks, or even a built-in dog bowl!"
Magnetic strips can be a great way to store knives, freeing up drawer space and adding a touch of professional kitchen flair.
3. Improper food storage
Storing food improperly can lead to wasted space and spoiled goods. Many people shove items into their pantry or larder without a second thought, leading to forgotten cans and expired ingredients.
Solution: Nicki suggests investing in plastic or glass storage containers for food items such as cereals, pastas, and snacks.
She explains: "This is not only a great way to save space, but you can also visually see what you have.
"There is nothing than reaching for your favorite cereal and inside it only has a few crumbs at the bottom!"
Also, consider a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to ensure older items get used before new ones.
4. Ignoring the potential of cabinet doors
Cabinet doors are often overlooked as storage space. The inside of these doors is a perfect spot for organizing items like measuring cups, pot lids, and cleaning supplies.
Solution: Attach hooks or racks to the inside of your cabinet doors. Small wire racks can hold spices, while hooks can keep measuring spoons and cups neatly arranged.
This not only frees up space within the cabinets but also keeps these items easily accessible.
5. Storing items based on aesthetic, rather than function
It’s easy to fall into the trap of arranging your kitchen to look like a Pinterest board, but prioritizing aesthetics over functionality can hinder your cooking efficiency.
Solution: Organize your kitchen based on how you use it. Keep pots and pans near the stove, store baking supplies close to your prep area, and ensure that everyday items are within easy reach.
Reserve the decorative touches for open shelving or display cabinets where they can add charm without disrupting your workflow.
6. Overlooking the importance of decluttering
Holding on to too many kitchen gadgets and tools can lead to overwhelming clutter. Many of us are guilty of keeping items "just in case," but this often results in crammed drawers and cabinets.
Solution: Regularly assess your kitchen tools and gadgets. Donate or recycle anything you haven’t used in the past year. Decluttering "sprints" can help you make progress quickly.
Keep only what you use regularly and consider multifunctional tools that can perform multiple tasks, reducing the need for excess items.
7. Failing to create dedicated zones
A common mistake is not creating dedicated zones within the kitchen for different activities, such as food preparation, cooking, baking, and cleaning. Without designated areas, it’s easy for items to end up in the wrong place, leading to disorganization and inefficiency.
Solution: Create specific zones for various tasks. For example, keep all baking supplies together in one area, store cooking utensils near the stove, and organize cleaning supplies under the sink.
This approach makes it easier to find what you need when you need it, streamlining your kitchen activities.
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