Maximizing Kitchen Storage on a Minimal Budget

No matter how big a kitchen is, it never seems big enough. The number one complaint is the lack of storage space. But, you don't have to break the bank to solve this problem. Here are a few economical ideas for adding storage space and simplifying your life:

1.  Rollout shelves are a growing trend in kitchen storage and for good reason. All too often things can get "lost" in the dark depths of cabinets, and much of the hard to reach space is wasted. A drawerlike shelf allows you to utilize your cabinets more efficiently and more conveniently. Oh, and they are not very hard to install.

2.  A spice rack installed on the inside of a cabinet door at eye level is a simple way to organize your spices and keep them from cluttering up your cupboards. Or store your spice containers horizontally in a shallow drawer near the stove. This keeps them easily accessible and they are not taking up valuable countertop or shelf space.

3.  If you have a big enough kitchen, adding a center island can be a great way to add more storage space. Not enough room for it? Consider replacing your kitchen table with the more versatile island-the top can serve as the eating area or work area, and the bottom, of course, for storage.

4.  Baking sheets, cutting boards, pizza pans, or anything thin or shallow is best stored vertically. Install vertical dividers in a lower cupboard for convenience and easy access.

5.  Organize according to frequency of use. Keep frequently used things within an easy reach and near areas where you use them. Seldom used stuff can be stored on top shelves, or even in another room (empty chest or armoire in the living room maybe?).

6.  Use Tupperware-style stackable containers for dry goods. The original packaging is usually too bulky and takes up too much space.

7.  Install a pull-out storage tray behind the false drawer in front of your sink. Sure, it's narrow and can't hold a lot of stuff, but it can keep frequently used utensils from cluttering up your countertop.

8.  Get rid of some stuff. Just like you go through your closets once a year and sell or donate clothes you no longer need, "unloading" unneeded kitchen things will free up space for more useful stuff.