Clutter on kitchen countertops drives me crazy. Sure, I like having my flour and sugar in decorative jars in plain view. And, I love a good strategically-placed, distinctive cutting board as much as the next girl. But, I don’t want every jar, container, and utensil taking up valuable kitchen counter space. Which is why I’m always on the hunt for clever ways that will show me how to eke out even a few more feet of precious prep space – with no major renovations needed. Heaven really is having meal prep made easier without having to rip out your kitchen and starting over!
Want to reduce the visual chaos on your kitchen counters? It’s easier than you might think to increase your work surface area. Here are 11 solutions from super simple to a tad bit more involved (meaning some DIY work required).
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11 Storage Ideas to Clear Up Counter Space
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Appliance Pantry
A pantry with the sole purpose of freeing up your counter space (and hiding the toaster that somehow looks atrocious regardless where it’s placed on the counter)? We’ll take it!
Source: Wide Open Eats
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Creative Basket Storage
You've seen tips about using baskets below and above your cabinets, but what about along the side? Unless it hinders you getting into the kitchen, the side cabinet is a genius spot to sneak in some additional storage in the kitchen.
Source: Golden Boys & Me
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Open Kitchen Shelving
Rows of open shelving create limitless storage options for kitchens that lack cabinets.
Source: The Kitchn
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Bookcases
Why not buy some good, inexpensive bookcases and make a storage wall for all of your kitchen items? A selection of baskets can serve as drawers in your bookcases, ready to catch all the smaller items and linens.
Source: Fresh Home
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Use a Cake Stand
A cake stand (you can DIY one or simply buy one at a home goods store) can be surprisingly useful, especially by the sink as a place to store soap, sponges, kitchen towels and dish cloths.
Source: Liz Marie Blog
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Chalkboard Cabinet Door
Write measurements on an interior chalkboard cabinet door and hang measuring cups and spoons on hooks. This will free up valuable drawer space so you can store additional items that would otherwise take up counter space.
Source: Tidbits from the Tremaynes
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Magnetic Kitchen Storage Rack
Utilize the side of your fridge for more than just a spot to hold onto unused chip clips. This storage rack will organize kitchen odds and ends that normally create clutter.
Source: Birch Lane
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RIMFORSA Stainless Steel Rail
Keep your plethora of Pinterest recipes at eye level and your spices at-hand by hanging them from this wall-mounted rail system.
Source: IKEA
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Pegboard Kitchen Command Center
Move everything, even your laptop, to the wall by using this brilliant pegboard organization idea to store your counter cluttering kitchen items.
Source: The Kitchn
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DIY Rolling Storage Rack
Maximize the space between the counter and the fridge to store spices, sugar, and flour off of kitchen surfaces.
Source: DIY Passion
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DIY Shower Caddy Produce Rack
Mount a shower caddy on the side of a cabinet to move peppers, tomatoes, even bananas from a bowl on the counter.
Source: Domestic Diva
