How to Find or Make Extra Storage Space in Your Kitchen

It seems that no matter how large a kitchen you have, no matter how open the floor plan, there's never enough room to store everything you need. Counter tops end up cluttered with appliances. Canisters of food get stuffed in nooks and crannies for want of pantry space, and refrigerators become a collage of magnets and disorganised reminders. Thankfully, there is a way to make order out of this chaos, and here are five tips to help:

Get Rid of Duplicates.
It doesn't matter how much you cook; you don't need fifteen wooden spoons. Pick two--a long one for sauce, and a short one for fying, then pitch the rest. You don't need more than one bottle opener, more than one can opener, or more than one ice cream scoop. Getting rid of these duplicates will help make room for the things that you use every day, and if you need to replace something, you can buy the newest model.

A Stand Alone Pantry.
Chances are, your kitchen comes with a built-in pantry. It's probably not big enough, and inconveniently located. One of the easiest ways that you can get more storage space in your kitchen is to purchase a stand-alone unit to store your chips, cans, and bottles. If modern is your style, invest in a shelving unit with doors from Ikea, where true bargains can be had. If you're more of a traditionalists, look for an armoire on sale at a local furniture store. It may have been designed for clothing or entertainment, but no one will know if you stock it with baking supplies. Moreover, a stand alone pantry will lend a stately air to your kitchen. Best of all? You can use the old built-in pantry for pots, pans and appliances you would normally have out on your countertop. But what if you can't afford to buy a new pantry, and you don't even have one built into your kitchen? Who says that the pantry has to be in the kitchen? Linen closets can be easily converted if you store your sheets under the mattress of each bed. Remember, necessity is the mother of invention.

Buy Space Saver Appliances.
By installing a microwave over the stove and under your cabinetry, you free up valuable counterspace. The same concept can be applied to can openers, televisions, and other appliances that command prime countertop real estate in your kitchen. The cleaner your countertops are, the more cooking space you'll have, and the more you'll love your kitchen.

Use the Insides.
Storage space can be found on the insides of appliances and cabinets. Use a wire wrap organizer to fasten onto the inside of a cabinet door, and free up a drawer for other things. Use your microwave as a bread box when you're not cooking with it. Store your paper towels on a holder that goes over the top of a cabinet door. Store your spices on inside-the-door spice clips. By keeping all these items and more out of sight, your kitchen will look open and airy.

Use the Undersides.
Many items that take up shelves in your cabinets don't fill the entire space. That gives you room to play with. By using an under-shelf rack, you can store more in your cabinets, and less on your countertops. There are even under-shelf holders for mugs--a proposition that can double the amount of dinnerware you can store efficiently in your kitchen.

Simplify Your Plastic Containers.
It's ok to let go of your yogurt cups and lids. After all, they are likely mismatched, stained, and poised to fall out of your cupboard every time someone opens the door. Invest in a compact container system like Smart-Spin and you won't be sorry. Imagine your life without the need to play "find the matching lid" ever again.

As you can see, with a bit of creativity, you can find extra storage space and declutter your kitchen without breaking the bank, or exhausting yourself in the process. So good luck, and get started!