Kitchen cabinet storage is a crucial element in any kitchen design. Having adequate and accessible storage space allows you to keep items organized and within easy reach. However, many homeowners find their cabinet space lacking, especially in older homes with smaller kitchens. The good news is there are many clever ways to add and optimize kitchen cabinet storage without undertaking a full remodel.

Adding extra storage to existing cabinets or installing new specialty storage items can make a world of difference. With some thoughtful planning and inexpensive upgrades, you can transform your kitchen into an organized dream space. This guide will walk you through useful tips, ideas, and DIY projects for maximizing your kitchen’s storage potential.

Assess Your Current Storage Situation

Before adding any new storage elements, take stock of what you currently have in your kitchen. Here are some key things to analyze:

Take inventory of cabinet contents – Remove everything from cabinets and drawers. Decide what you use frequently, occasionally, seasonally or not at all. Organize and consolidate items you’re keeping and create space by donating or recycling unused items.
Look for wasted space – Are there any gaps between cabinets and walls or tall empty spaces that could fit extra shelves? Make note of these “dead zones” ripe for better utilization.
Identify problem areas – Double check upper cabinets and base cabinet corners which are prone to becoming cluttered black holes. Also take note if you’re short on space for dishes, pots and pans, food staples, appliances, etc.
Assess door and drawer storage – Check if current cabinets make items easily accessible. Can you see everything at a glance or is it a jumbled mess behind doors?
Take measurements – Note cabinet dimensions, shelf spacing, drawer width/depth and any other key measurements to inform optimal storage additions.

Once you’ve analyzed your current situation, you’ll have a clearer sense of your most pressing storage needs. This will help focus your efforts on the upgrades that will make the biggest impact.

Creative Ways to Add Storage In Existing Cabinets

Many kitchens have unused space in their existing cabinetry if you get creative with storage solutions. Here are tips for modifying cabinets to maximize every inch:

Install Pull-Out Shelves

Stationary shelves in deep base cabinets and corner cabinets often end up with wasted space. Install pull-out shelves that extend all the way out for full access. This allows you to see everything in the back and utilize all available space.

Pull-out cabinet shelves allow you to access all the space

Add Tiered Storage

Make use of vertical space by adding tiered storage racks. You can stack multiple levels of spice racks, pan lids, cutting boards, trays, pots and more. This takes advantage of empty space between shelves.

Tiered storage adds multiple levels to utilize vertical space

Install Drawer Organizers

Cutlery trays, utensil dividers, tiered holders and other drawer organizers keep contents neatly sorted. Customize drawer organizers based on what you need to store for optimal use of space.

Custom drawer organizers keep contents neatly arranged

Use Tension Rods for Extra Shelving

Install tension rods across cabinets to double your shelving space. Place between existing shelves or hang rods from ceilings for additional storage racks. Use for canned goods, spices, or other small items.

Tension rods add extra shelf space

Add Hooks

Adhere hooks inside cabinet doors or sides to hang utensils, oven mitts, towels and more. This clears up drawer space and uses empty vertical storage space.

Install Rolling Trays

Add pull-out trays on wheels to base cabinets to access items in the back more easily. The rolling trays bring items right to you and store neatly when pushed back into the cabinet.

Use Door-Mounted Storage

Install door-mounted racks, baskets or shelving to hold frequently used items right inside the cabinet door. This makes items more visible and convenient to access.

Attach Spice Racks

Screw slim spice racks to the inside of cabinet doors to store herbs and spices. Position them at eye-level for quick viewing.

Easy DIY Cabinet Upgrades

With a trip to the hardware store and some DIY skills, you can upgrade your existing cabinets on a budget:

Cabinet Doors

Replace old or dated cabinet doors with new shaker-style doors to give cabinets a fresh, updated look. New hardware like knobs, pulls or handles also refreshes the look.

Glass Door Inserts

Insert glass panels into existing cabinet doors to create see-through storage. This allows you to easily spot items inside.

Removable Wallpaper

Apply removable wallpaper or contact paper inside cabinets for an instant facelift. Choose patterns like faux marble or tile for a high-end look.

Chalkboard Paint

Paint cabinet interiors with chalkboard paint. Use chalk to label contents or make grocery lists you can wipe away after.

Under Cabinet Lighting

Install battery-operated or plug-in puck lights under upper cabinets to brightly illuminate countertop tasks. Choose dimmable or motion-sensor lights.

Crown Molding

Upgrade base cabinets by installing decorative crown molding along the top edges. This instantly dresses up plain cabinetry.

Specialty Storage Solutions

In addition to improving existing cabinets, consider adding any of the following specialty storage solutions tailored to your needs:

Lazy Susans

These rotating trays are ideal for corner cabinet storage. They provide easy access to items all the way in the back. Great for food staples, spices, pans, and Tupperware.

Lazy susans maximize corner cabinets

Pull-Out Pantry

Convert unused space between cabinets into a pull-out pantry for extra storage. Use for appliances, cooking tools, or dry goods.

Pull-out pantries utilize dead space between cabinets

Vertical Spice Racks

Free up drawer space by installing vertical spice racks inside a cabinet. Often used in corner cabinets or on cabinet sides.

Vertical spice racks store seasonings in less space

Microwave Shelf

Install a shelf above the microwave to take advantage of empty space. Use to store small appliances or cookware.

Pot and Pan Drawers

Replace lower cabinets with wide, deep drawers to hold pots, pans and lids upright and organized. Allows you to easily see everything at a glance.

Pot and pan drawers keep cookware organized

Wastebasket Pull-Out

Install garbage/recycling bins that pull out from under the sink or a base cabinet. This frees up floor space.

Appliance Garage

An appliance garage is a pull-out cabinet that hides small appliances when not in use. Keep your countertop clutter-free.

Pegboard Backsplash

Install pegboard as a backsplash and use hooks to hang utensils and kitchen tools vertically to save drawer and counter space.

Cabinet Storage Ideas for Specific Items

Here are clever ways to store some of the most common kitchen items:

Dishes and Bowls

Install vertical dividers in lower cabinets to neatly organize stacked dishes and bowls.
Use shelf risers/racks to create extra tiered storage.
Purchase a dish organizer that pulls out for easy access to back rows.

Baking Pans and Trays

Store pans vertically in a cabinet or drawer to save space.
Use pan and tray dividers to keep them neatly stacked.
Store lids separately on a shelf, magnetic strip or hanging rack.

Cutting Boards and Baking Sheets

Stand cutting boards upright in a lean-back rack inside a cabinet.
Hang baking sheets vertically from hooks on the cabinet wall.

Spices and Condiments

Utilize empty wall space for spice racks.
Use tiered racks, lazy susans or door racks to consolidate spices in one area.
Store frequently used spices near the stove in a wall-mounted rack.
Designate a drawer just for condiments and sauces. Use small bins to divide and organize.

Kitchen Appliances

Store small appliances like the blender or food processor on pull-out trays or in rollout cabinet “garages”.
Utilize vertical space by installing shelving above the refrigerator.
Create charging stations in a cabinet to store and hide electric appliances when not in use.

Pots, Pans and Lids

Opt for pull-out cabinets or deep drawers to neatly store stacked pots and pans.
Keep lids separated but easily accessible on a wall-mounted rack, hanging hooks or over-the-cabinet storage rack.
Use S-hooks to hang pans from the interior wall of a cabinet vertically.

Food Staples and Dry Goods

Use shelves and drawer dividers to neatly sort and keep food organized.
Transfer items from original packaging into clear, airtight containers to easily identify contents.
Label bins, jars and canisters for quick identification.

Maximizing Tricky Spaces

Certain spots like corners, narrow cabinets and countertop gaps tend to become cluttered catch-alls or underused spaces. But with some strategic tweaks, you can turn these tricky spots into super functional storage.

Corners

Take advantage of wasted corner space with these solutions:

Install pull-out corner cabinets with built-in lazy susans or multi-tiered shelving.
Use a vertical bookshelf-style storage rack. The “L” shape is ideal for corners.
Attach corner spice racks or small shelving units where the walls meet.

Narrow Cabinets/Spaces Next to Fridge

Long, narrow spaces like the area next to the fridge can be challenging. Use these tips to maximize them:

Insert narrow, floor-to-ceiling shelving units. Ideal for canned goods, baking sheets, cutting boards.
Install pull-out drawers stacked vertically. Great for utensil storage.
Use multiple tension rods or floating shelves to double storage capacity.

Countertop Gap Space

Take advantage of the narrow space between your countertops and upper cabinets:

Install an upside-down wall-mounted pot rack or utensil hooks.
Attach a spice rack, paper towel holder or floating shelves.
Use decorative wine glass racks or utensil crocks.

Under the Sink

This spot tends to become a black hole. Get organized with:

Tiered pull-out storage racks and sliding drawers to neatly arrange cleaning supplies.
An under-sink pull-out to hold trash/recycling bins.
Door-mounted racks to hold sponges, scrub brushes and gloves.

Maintaining an Organized Kitchen

Once you’ve added storage and customized your space, adopt these habits to maintain organization:

Give Everything a Home – Designate specific homes for kitchen items and put them back after each use.
Do a Weekly Tidy – Do a quick tidy up each week to prevent clutter build up.
Purge Regularly – Go through items every few months and donate unused items.
Store by Category – Group like items together so you can easily find what you need.
Label Storage – Use labels so anyone can locate items.
Store Daily Use Items Conveniently – Keep items you use most within reach.
Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule – If something new comes into your kitchen, something must go out.
Start from Scratch – Do an entire reset of your space annually to maintain optimal organization.

Get Creative with Kitchen Cabinet Storage

With a bit of creativity and some DIY spirit, you can transform the storage capacity of your kitchen cabinets. Use tips like pull-out shelves, drawer organizers and specialty racks to maximize your existing space. Adding just a few key storage solutions can make your kitchen significantly more functional and decluttered. Experiment to find the custom options that work best for your unique storage needs and kitchen setup.

How to Add More Kitchen Cabinet Storage – FAQs

Adding more kitchen cabinet storage helps maximize unused space and prevent a cluttered, disorganized cooking area. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about expanding kitchen cabinet storage:

How much should cabinets cost per linear foot?

The average cost of stock cabinets ranges from $100-$300 per linear foot. Semi-custom cabinets cost $200-$500 per linear foot. True custom cabinetry averages $500-1000+ per linear foot.

What are some good organizing ideas for kitchen cabinets?

Some top organizing ideas include:

Install pull-out shelves and roll-out trays for easy access to items in back.
Use drawer organizers and bins to neatly divide contents.
Attach hooks to interior walls to hang utensils and free up drawer space.
Store items you use most often on easy-access door racks or shelves.
Add tiered racks, extra shelves or vertical storage to maximize vertical real estate.
Designate spaces for specific items like dishes, pans, spices, etc.

What are the most organized kitchens?

Characteristics of the most organized kitchens include:

Strategic layout with zones for cooking, prepping and storage.
Ample cabinets with pull-outs, roll-outs and drawer organizers.
Open shelving and glass doors for visibility.
Functional islands with storage for quick access.
Specific spots assigned to certain items and tasks.
Utilizing vertical space with racks and extra shelving.
Minimal clutter and items stored out of sight.

How do I organize my small kitchen cabinets?

Tips for organizing small kitchen cabinets include:

Add tiered racks, extra shelves and drawer dividers to multiply storage.
Install sliding shelves and roll-outs in deep cabinets for full access.
Use vertical space with stacking racks and hanging utensil storage.
Store only essential items and frequently used tools. Donate unused items.
Use door racks, hanging racks and narrow wall shelves for extra storage.
Label cabinets and drawers so items can be returned to proper homes.

What are some tips for a small kitchen with no storage?

For a small kitchen with minimal storage, try these solutions:

Remove cabinet doors and shelves to fully expose the interior space.
Add extra lighting inside cabinets.
Use clear canisters and containers to see contents easily.
Install ceiling-mounted racks or rails for pots and utensils above the island.
Use space-saving collapsible storage bins that slide under counters when not in use.
Purchase a freestanding pantry unit with pull-outs and roll-outs.
Attach narrow shelving to the sides of cabinets or refrigerators.
Utilize hidden spaces like under and behind appliances for specialty pull-out cabinets.
Declutter and keep only essential kitchen tools accessible in the workspace.

How do you optimize kitchen cabinets?

To optimize your kitchen cabinets:

Remove everything and edit down to essential items used most.
Upgrade storage with pull-outs, roll-outs and drawer organizers.
Use racks, shelves and hanging storage to take advantage of vertical real estate and “dead zones”.
Assign specific homes to certain items like dishes, pans and food staples.
Store by category – group like items together in prime access areas.
Label cabinets and containers so items can be returned to proper places.
Store daily use items conveniently within arm’s reach.
Maintain with weekly tidying and regular purging of unused items.

Conclusion

With some clever storage solutions and DIY upgrades, it’s easy to gain control of your kitchen cabinets and operate in an organized, optimized workspace. Assessing your needs, getting creative with utilizing all possible space, and maintaining tidy habits will keep your kitchen in top working order. Just be sure to focus on changes that make the biggest difference based on how you specifically use your kitchen. The investment of time and money into storage upgrades will make cooking and meal prep so much more efficient and enjoyable.

How to Add Kitchen Cabinet Storage to Maximize Space and Organization