Organize + Energize: 6 Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Kitchen

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, GoLocalProv Organizing Expert

You love to cook and entertain, but are frustrated because you wish you could have more space in your kitchen. Sound familiar? Having a small kitchen actually has its advantages. You can have just what you need without the excess clutter hanging around. You can be more efficient and productive because everything is in close proximity. Keep your kitchen simple in nature and you will begin to enjoy cooking and entertaining. 

Here are six ways to maximize the space in your kitchen:

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Get rid of the junk drawer.  If you are limited on drawer space in your kitchen, it’s time to get rid of the junk drawer. Most of the items in the junk drawer are usually duplicates of items that are stored in other areas of the home. It’s time to empty the drawer and free it up for items you grab on a regular basis. While you are getting rid of the junk drawer, also make a plan to get rid of the paper in the kitchen. For more on junk drawers: https://www.golocalprov.com/lifestyle/organize-energize-7-easy-steps-to-an-organized-junk-drawer

Seasonal Items. Remove any items that you utilize only on the holidays. Make room in a closet or the basement for these items. Store them in an organized fashion, arranged by holiday, on a shelving unit. It’s much easier to function in a kitchen when you only have to look at the items you use on a regular basis. 

Appliances. Take inventory of the appliances you have stored in your kitchen. What are you using, what haven’t you used in years, and what is broken? If it’s an appliance that you only use maybe once or twice a year, think about storing it with your seasonal items. 

Re-Organize. How long has it been since you took everything (yes, everything) out of the cabinets and drawers in your kitchen? Do you remember what is hiding in the back corners? You may have lived in your home for 10 years and haven’t re-organized things since you moved in. You have only added to the cabinets, but haven’t removed anything. It’s time to take everything out and re-organize. You won’t believe the space you can save once you take inventory and re-organize. 

Do you really need it? While you are re-organizing, think about if you really need 20 drinking glasses or 15 mugs stored in your cupboard. How often and how many do you use on a weekly basis? Declutter and toss or donate what you no longer need. 

Get creative. Once the kitchen is emptied, you can get a clear vision of what you own and how you want to function in the space going forward. You can’t get a clear vision if the cabinets are full and cluttered. Also, think about using wall space for storing items. Can you add a cabinet? Can you create a cubby space in the wall to use for extra storage? Get creative, stand in the kitchen and brainstorm for a little. The options are endless if you put a little effort into it. 

Once you get a clear picture of how you want to function in your kitchen, you will notice a weight has been lifted; you are motivated and energized to tackle this project head on with an abundance of ideas that will allow you to be happy, efficient and productive in your kitchen.

Kristin Carcieri-MacRae, the founder and owner of Organizing in RI, has always enjoyed finding creative ways to streamline the environment around her. She has appeared on air on Patricia Raskin's Positive Business Radio and her articles have been published in the Rhode Island Small Business Journal and New England Home Life. Kristin's CD, Organizing Basics, is a 1-hour guide for the person who wants to get organized but doesn't know where to start. She is also available for organizing workshops. Tune in to her  radio show, Organize, Energize! on http://www.talkstreamradio.com.

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