Finding, Creating, and Keeping the Storage Space You Need in the Kitchen
by Joe Cooper

A functional kitchen isn't just where you prepare food - it's also where you store it. Finding the perfect system for storing food and kitchenware is one tough task, but here are some great ways to create (and preserve) cabinet and closet storage in your kitchen using simple organizational strategies.

Get Rid of It
First and foremost, don't be afraid to throw things out. Sure, that ceramic baking set you inherited from Grandma is wonderful, but the layer of dust accumulating on top of it makes it obvious that you don't use it. Getting rid of things in your kitchen (or storing them somewhere else) is the first way to open up cabinet storage space. Like home improvement publications say, "Keep a kitchen a kitchen." Store tools, household supplies, and even pet food somewhere else.

Store Things Together
Next: grouping the items in your kitchen will make cabinet and closet storage easier and more functional. Using storage organizers to maximize cabinet storage can give you more space than you ever knew you had by keeping jars, boxes, and dishes in place and easy to grab.

Closet Storage Success
Closet systems aren't just for bedrooms. They're also great tools for kitchen pantries. There are closet systems for every size and shape closet, and you can construct a custom closet system with as many shelves and shelf types as you need, depending on what you store. Many companies offer specialized solutions including pull-out shelves, storage dispensers for canned goods, and deep drawers for large baking items.

Consider other functional containers that can be kept outside of cabinets and closets in your kitchen. Storage organizers and containers can add decorative flare, not just function, to your storage-starved kitchen:
•Hang baskets above a kitchen sink or island, filled with lighter items like towels, napkins, or other paper products. Baskets storage is a great way to decorate and store important items all at once.
•Set out canisters on a countertop or island filled with pasta, coffee, or other dry goods. This will free up valuable cabinet space. Keep it neat, though.

Focus on creating storage solutions that will serve you well not only today, but down the road as well. Even if you never cooked another meal, your kitchen will still get plenty of use.

Sources
Poineer Thinking
This Old House

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education, technology, and home design writer. He holds a bachelor??s in American Literature from UCLA.