5 Inexpensive Ways to Add Storage to the Kitchen

Sure, we all want to remodel and build the kitchen of our dreams (the one with granite countertops, $10,000 internet-connected appliances, built-in islands with tons and tons of storage space, and don't forget that huge bay window that lets the sun stream in...

The problem is that most of us don't have that kind of money, especially today!

Fortunately, you don't need to take on a huge kitchen remodeling job to improve this room. Just adding a bit of extra storage space to the kitchen can really make it a much nicer place to work. Some items are fairly inexpensive too, and in many cases you can find them used on Craiglist!

5 Simple Ways to Increase Kitchen Storage

1. Get a microwave cart

If you're hurting for counter space but you do have an unused corner of the kitchen (or even the dining room or kitchen nook), a microwave cart can be an easy way to get that large appliance off the counter and out of the way.

Not only does a cart give your microwave a dedicated spot to loiter, but carts usually have plenty of storage space underneath. You can find models with cabinets, drawers, shelves, or a mix of all of these (if you're a clutter bug, it makes sense to get a cart with "hidden" storage, AKA doors you can close!).

2. Install under-cabinet stemware racks

It's pretty common for folks to install a paper towel holder under upper cabinets, but why stop there? That's just dead space anyway.

There are a lot of stemware racks you can pick up that are specifically designed to hold sets of wine or martini glasses (any glass with a stem, really). If you have a DIY person in the family, these racks could even be handmade from scraps of wood or metal. All you need is a little spot to slide upside down glasses into.

As a bonus, hanging those wine glasses upside down keeps the dust out!

3. Add shelves

Shelves are inexpensive and a great use of otherwise empty wall space. Chances are you can find some used wall-mounted units for sale on Craigslist, but really all it takes are some brackets and boards to make basic shelves. With a little bit of paint, you can make them fit into your kitchen decor.

4. Create between-the-studs cabinets or nooks

There isn't a lot of space between the studs in your walls, but there's enough for a cabinet that holds a fire extinguisher or a little nook to house some knickknacks.

This is a project for a do-it-yourselfer, but if you've got a stud finder in your toolbox, it's not too big of a job to cut a hole in the wall and finish it nicely. If you shop around, you can even find inexpensive shelves and cabinets designed to fit this space.

5. Install cabinet racks to make dead space accessible

If you've got a kitchen with cabinets built around corners, there's probably some dead space back there that is hard to get to.

Instead of just shoving things you don't use often way in the back, make that space easily accessible with Lazy Susans or pull-out racks.

You can also get racks to create tiers under your sink, which can double the space you have for storing cleaners, garbage bags, etc.

There you go: five inexpensive ways to increase kitchen storage!