If chaos in the kitchen is sending you to the drive-through window a bit too often, it’s time to take control with the help of some time-saving, storage-friendly kitchen hacks. Here are five to get you started.
Pull-out shelves. If you have to kneel down and rummage through deep corner cabinets, pull-out shelves may be an excellent option for you. These ingenious systems can be installed in your existing cabinets for better utilization of space and easier access. These systems can be pricey, but adding just one or two may make a big difference in terms of convenience.
Hangers. Can’t find it? Why not hang it up? Under the sink, suspend spray bottles by their handles on a tension rod. For pots and pans, a hanging ceiling rack frees up cabinet space and makes cookware more accessible. Suspended multilevel, metal baskets work well for produce.
Office supplies. Kitchen-specific organizers can be pricey so why not repurpose your office supplies. Nest your plastic storage containers and then use a CD rack to hold all the lids. File organizers work well for larger items such as cutting boards and bakeware. If you have mesh organizers, try hanging one up to hold soap, sponges, and other cleaning supplies. Magazine organizers turned sideways can act as multi level shelves. Try freezing broth or other leftovers flat in plastic bags and sliding them in the organizers to keep your freezer nice and neat.
Lazy susan. This hardworking object is best known for allowing you to access kitchen items in your corner cabinets. But the lazy susan can do so much more. Try using one in your pantry or refrigerator to maximize storage. Or turn one into a serving station for coffee or tea. Add teabags or coffee pods, sugar packets, honey, a container with spoons, and a small selection of mugs to complete the set up.
Magnets. These can be used for much more than displaying family photos and children’s artwork on the refrigerator. Install magnetic strips on the inside of cabinets or even on a wall to create a great place to store knives, spices in metal tins, and other metal objects.
