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How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry – 16 Tips

How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry

Introduction Video

If you’re struggling to find space in your small kitchen, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many people find themselves cramped with space in their kitchens, especially if they don’t have a pantry.

But with a little bit of creativity and some strategic organization, you can make the most of your space and learn how to organize a kitchen without a pantry and create a functional and efficient cooking area.

One great way to maximize storage space is to use cabinets wisely. One trick is to install cabinet snack organizers for easy access and some storage space for food and dishes, as well as for pots and pans. This will free up valuable counter space, which can be used for other tasks.

You can also use hanging racks or shelves to store spices or dry goods, which is a great space saver idea. And don’t forget about using vertical space – high cabinets or shelves can be used to store dishes or glassware.

Keep in mind that colors also play a role in how we perceive space, so review our post about color. Additionally, adding some planters and nature will also benefit how you perceive your kitchen.

It’s worth mentioning that if you add plants and have pets, you must make sure the houseplants you select are pet-friendly and not toxic houseplants. With a little bit of creativity and some elbow grease, you can make even the smallest kitchen work for you!

hanging shelves kitchen no pantry

1.- Declutter your kitchen

Decluttering your kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following a few simple tips, you can easily turn your cluttered kitchen into a chic and organized space.

One of the best ways to declutter is to start by getting rid of any unused or unneeded items. If you haven’t used something in six months, chances are you don’t need it.

Donate or sell items still in good condition, and throw away anything broken or damaged beyond repair. And finally, keep an ongoing declutter list so you can avoid letting clutter build up again in the future!

2.- Install cabinet organizers

This simple addition can help you to better organize your kitchen, freeing up counter space and making it easier to access the items you need. Cabinet organizers come in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Whether you’re looking for a place to store dry goods, spices, or pots and pans, there’s an organizer that’s perfect for your kitchen. Best of all, cabinet organizers are relatively easy to install and can make a big difference in how well your kitchen functions.

How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry

3.- Maximize counter space

In a small kitchen, counter space is at a premium. Maximizing the amount of usable space can be the difference between a cramped, cluttered cook space and an organized, efficient one. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your counter space:

-Install shelves or racks on the backsplash, and this is a great way to store frequently used items within easy reach and is a great space saver for kitchen cabinets.

Hang pots and pans from a pot rack, and this frees up cabinet space and makes it easy to grab what you need when you’re in the middle of cooking.

-Invest in some under-cabinet storage, and this is one of the best platter storage ideas. There are now many different types of storage units that can be mounted underneath cabinets, making it easy to store away spices, dry goods, and other pantry items.

rustc open kitchen wall shelves

4.- Use the inside of cabinets and doors for storage.

This is one of the best glassware storage ideas, but you can also store things like pots, pans, serving trays, and glassware.

This will free up some space on your countertops and make it easier to access these items when you need them. You can also use the inside of your cabinets to store spices, dry goods, and other pantry items.

5.- Get a dish rack

Get a dish rack so you can easily access your glassware, utensils, and other items. A dish rack is a great way to Organize a kitchen because it provides easy access to your belongings and keeps them in one place.

mason jars in open kitchen

6.- Store food in airtight containers

Store food in airtight containers to keep them fresh and free from contaminants. Airtight storage containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any need. They can be used to store anything from dry goods to leftovers.

Be sure to label the containers with the contents and date, so you can easily find what you’re looking for. Airtight storage is an easy way to keep your food fresh and organized, and it can help you save money by preventing waste.

7.- Use a bar cart or island for extra storage and counter space.

Use a bar cart or island for extra storage and counter space. This is a great way to get organized in a small kitchen and make things more convenient. You can store all of your dry goods, dishes, serving platters, and serving dishes on the cart or island.

This will free up cabinet space and make it easier to find what you need. Plus, it will give you more counter space to work with when you’re cooking. This is a great solution if you don’t have a lot of counter space. Just be sure to measure your kitchen before buying a cart or island to know it will fit.

How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry

8.- Add a magnetic knife strip.

Magnetic knife strips are a great way to organize your spices and other pantry items. And if you’re worried about the installation process, don’t be – most strips come with easy-to-follow instructions.

9.- Keep often-used appliances on the countertop.

Keeping often-used appliances on the countertop can be both a great storage solution and a way to keep your kitchen organized. This is especially true if you have a small kitchen or limited counter space.

Additionally, keeping appliances on the countertop ensures they are within easy reach when needed. If you’re short on counter space, consider using a cart or island to store appliances and other essentials. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily keep your kitchen organized and efficient.

10- Don’t forget about the walls.

When it comes to kitchen storage, think vertically. Use the space on your walls to store items that you don’t use every day but that you need quick and easy access to. Install a spice rack or a pantry cabinet to get those dry goods off of your countertops and organized.

If you’re really short on space, invest in some storage units that can go on top of your cabinets or even hang from the ceiling. And if you have an unused corner, consider adding a wine glass rack or a plate rack to make the most of your space.

small kitchen no pantry

11.- Use a pegboard for hanging utensils and other kitchen items.

Pegboards are easy to install and come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. You can use them to hang pots and pans, ladles and spatulas, or even store dry goods such as spices or flour.

Pegboards are also a great way to organize a small kitchen. By using different colored pegs, you can easily designate areas for specific items. For example, you could use red pegs for spices, green pegs for vegetables, and blue pegs for fruit.

12.- Add a shelf above the sink.

Add a shelf above the sink to increase your kitchen’s storage space. This is a great way to store spices, dry goods, or even serve dishes. You can also use this space to organize your wine glasses or other utensils. This simple addition will help you keep your countertops clear and your kitchen organized.

13.- Use mason jars for storing dry goods

Using mason jars for storing dry goods is a great way to keep your food fresh and your kitchen organized. Mason jars are perfect for storing dry goods because they are airtight and keep out moisture.

This makes them ideal for storing spices, grains, flour, and sugar. Mason jars are also stackable, so they take up minimal counter or cabinet space. In addition, mason jars are easy to clean and can be reused over and over again.

clean and tidy kitchen no pantry

14.- Install a pot rack

By hanging pots and pans from a pot rack, you can free up cabinet space for other items. Pot racks come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that fits your décor.

You can also find pot racks that are specifically designed for small kitchens. If you’re short on counter space, a pot rack is a great way to keep your pots and pans within easy reach. Plus, pot racks make it easy to grab the right pan when you’re cooking.

15.- Use the space above your fridge.

The space above your fridge is often overlooked as a potential storage space. Still, it can be a great spot to keep things like serving platters and serving dishes. By using cabinet organizers, you can maximize the space in your kitchen and keep your counters clear.

modern open kitchen

16.- Keep frequently used spices within reach.

Keep your frequently used spices within reach by storing them in a dedicated space in your kitchen. This can be a spice rack on your countertop, a cabinet, or even a drawer that is easily accessible.

Having a designated spot for your spices allows you to quickly grab what you need when cooking, saving time and hassle. Keep in mind that it is also important to store spices in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

If you do not have a lot of counters or cabinet space, consider using wall-mounted spice racks or magnetic strips to keep your spices within reach. With a little planning, you can ensure that your spices are always within easy reach.

clean kitchen design

Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry – FAQ

Do modern kitchens have a pantry?

While most modern kitchens do have a pantry, there are some that do not. This is usually due to the lack of space in the kitchen. If you do not have a pantry, there are still many ways that you can organize your kitchen.

Do kitchens need a pantry?

While a pantry is not strictly necessary, it can be a helpful addition to any kitchen. A pantry provides additional storage space for food and dishes, making it easier to keep your kitchen organized.

Where should pots and pans be placed in the kitchen?

Pots and pans can be stored in a number of different places in the kitchen. The most common spot is in the cabinets, but they can also be stored in a pot rack or on the countertop.

How can I make my small kitchen look nice?

There are a number of ways to make a small kitchen look nice. First, try to keep the counters clear and free of clutter.

Second, use bright, light colors to make the space appear larger. Finally, add some greenery or a few kitchen accessories to give the space a more personal touch.

Where should I put everything in my kitchen?

There is no single answer to this question, as the best way to organize your kitchen will vary depending on the layout of the space and your personal preferences. However, some common storage solutions include using cabinets, shelves, and drawers.

How do you maximize storage in a small kitchen?

There are a number of ways to maximize storage in a small kitchen. One way is to use kitchen cabinet organizers to make better use of the space in your cabinets.

Another way is to use the space above your fridge for storing frequently used items. Finally, keep your spices within easy reach by storing them in a dedicated space in your kitchen.

How to Organize a Small Kitchen Without a Pantry - 16 Tips

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M.Arch. Julio Arco
M.Arch. Julio Arco

Bachelor of Architecture - ITESM University
Master of Architecture - McGill University
Architecture in Urban Context Certificate - LDM University
Interior Designer - Havenly
Architecture Professor - ITESM University

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