--- title: "12 Storage Hacks for a More Organized Kitchen" description: "Are your cabinets filled to the brim? These kitchen storage ideas will help you keep your most frequently used items within easy reach." date: "2023-01-09" modified: "2023-06-12" authors: - name: "Michael Franco" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/michael-franco/" - name: "Phillip Tinner" job_title: "Former Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/phillip-tinner/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/kitchen-storage-hacks/" categories: - "DIY" - "Interior" --- # 12 Storage Hacks for a More Organized Kitchen ![A traditional kitchen featuring a pantry storage shelf and maple cabinet]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* It seems as though there’s never quite enough space to store all of a home's dry goods, pots and pans, and dishware. With the right DIY kitchen storage hacks, though, you can make a place for everything and keep everything in its place. From tension rod shelving to tea towel holders, these homemade kitchen storage solutions will save on space and budget at the same time. ## 1. Tension Rod Mug Rack ![kitchen storage hacks - white coffee cup rack]() *Photo: [Jen Woodhouse]()* Tired of rummaging through a full cabinet every time you need a cup of coffee? Organize your [coffee mugs]() quickly and cheaply by installing a series of tension curtain rods and S-hooks. Use an existing tight space to save on work, or build and finish your own open-faced cabinet to make this storage solution an attractive kitchen accent. ## 2. T-Molding Wine Glass Rack ![kitchen storage hacks - hanging wine glasses]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* T-molding is typically used for flooring, but with a little effort you can use it to hang a lot of wine glasses in a small space. All you have to do is cut the molding to the depth of your cabinet shelves, screw pilot holes, and secure. Proper spacing will allow your glasses to slide in and out easily. Cheers! ## 3. Mason Jar Storage ![kitchen storage hacks - floating mason jars]() *Photo: [Two Men and a Little Farm]()* When counters become cluttered with flour, sugar, teas, spices, and other staples that need to be kept fresh but ideally out of the way, consider this solution. Pick a section of your upper cabinets that has ample counter clearance below, and use short screws to secure a magnetic strip to the underside of the cabinet. Any mason jars that come into contact with the magnet should do the rest of the work, hovering in sight but out of the way until they’re needed. ## 4. Cooling Rack Lid Organizer ![kitchen storage hacks - tupperware lid organizer]() *Photo: [The Krazy Coupon Lady]()* If it feels like your Tupperware collection is out of control and you happen to have an extra cooling rack lying around, you can put the latter to good use keeping container lids under control. With just a basket and a wire cooling rack, [The Krazy Coupon Lady’s]() method can corral assorted food storage container lids in a cabinet, on a shelf, or on the counter. **RELATED: [These Cabinet Customizations are Totally Worth It, According to Pro Organizers]()** ## 5. Magnetic Knife Strip ![kitchen storage hacks - knives on magnetic strip]() *Photo: [Grillo Designs]()* Move your kitchen knife set off of the counter and onto free wall space with a homemade magnetic knife strip, as demonstrated by [Grillo Designs]() above. With a drill, magnets, and an appropriately sized Forstner bit, a finished board can hold steel knives within arm’s reach of your cooking prep area. Your new magnetic knife strip can be mounted to the wall with screws or, if you're a renter, with mounting putty. ## 6. Pot Lid Holder ![kitchen storage hacks - pot lid organizer]() *Photo: [Fix This Build That]()* A quick and easy woodworking hack, courtesy of [Fix This Build That](), transforms the inside of a cabinet door into a custom organizer for pot and pan lids. All you need is a tape measure, saw, wood glue, drill, screws, and wood strips. A hand saw and miter box can be swapped out for a [miter saw]() if you have one, and some sanding and a finish to match the cabinet elevates this kitchen storage hack even further. **RELATED: [Buy or DIY: 12 Clever Solutions for Storing Pots and Pans]()** ## 7. Shoe Holder Storage ![kitchen storage hacks - kitchen spice holder]() *Christa Threlfall via The Frugal Homemaker* The words “shoes” and “food” usually don’t go together, but in this case they're a perfect match. Take a cue from [The Frugal Homemaker]() and sling a clean plastic shoe holder over your [pantry]() door, and you’ll have a cheap and effective way to store spices, snacks, or any other food packages that fit. You can also use it to store napkins, cutlery, water bottles, measuring spoons, and small boxes of plastic bags. ## 8. Pegboard Organizer ![kitchen storage hacks - cooking gadgets on pegboard]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Take advantage of unused wall space in a small kitchen by hanging a nicely painted sheet of [pegboard](). Then, attach S-hooks to it and hang lightweight pots, pans, colanders, and utensils. The board keeps everything organized and close at hand, and can even be used to air-dry damp items after washing them. **RELATED: [Get Organized: 25 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage]()** ## 9. DIY Can Dispenser ![kitchen storage hacks - pantry can dispenser]() *Photo: [Ana White]()* Keeping stock of canned goods is especially easy when they don’t share shelf space with other pantry mainstays, and this can organizer achieves just that. If you have an empty wall in the pantry, as well as some thin wood boards, acrylic glass (or, optionally, more wood), and screws, follow [Ana White’s]() detailed plans and instructions to make this useful pantry storage DIY a reality. This intermediate project benefits from some building experience, but beginners can handle it with the right tools and a can-do attitude. **RELATED: [7 Storage Bins That Won’t Crack or Warp Under Pressure]()** ## 10. Farmhouse Tea Towel Holder ![kitchen storage hacks - farmhouse towel holder]() *Photo: [The Wood Grain Cottage]()* Tired of storing your [kitchen towels]() on the handle of the stove but still want them within easy reach? If so, give [The Wood Grain Cottage’s]() farmhouse chic kitchen towel hack a try. The good news is that you only need a hook, wire coat hanger, wire cutters, and pliers. Cut, secure, and reshape the hanger into a circle, then dangle your favorite dish towel on the new holder so it's there when you need it. ## 11. Freezer Bins ![kitchen storage hacks - organized freezer]() *Photo: [Simply Organized]()* In refrigerators with bottom freezers, it’s difficult to keep frozen veggies, junk food, and concentrates separated. [Simply Organized's]() inspired idea to use magazine and other multipurpose storage bins in the freezer will help you find what you need quickly. Repurpose organizers you already have or visit your local office supply store, then empty out the freezer, place two or more bins at the bottom, and sort your frozen foods into much neater groups. **RELATED: [The Best Refrigerator Brands]()** ## 12. Wall Plate Rack ![kitchen storage hacks - wall plate kitchen rack]() *Photo: [Simply Aligned Home]()* If you have some unused wall space and the skills to take on a moderately challenging DIY project, consider installing a trendy floor-length plate rack to organize and display your prized plates, cutting boards, and cookbooks. Use [Simply Aligned Home]()'s guide (along with wood, caulk, power tools, and a few other materials) for a showy kitchen storage hack that also frees up precious cabinet space. ## Author A creative director with [Reader's Digest]() for ten years, also formerly serving as the editor for a division of [About.com](), Michael Franco has spent over a decade covering science, technology, hospitality and home improvement. His writing credits include [Angie's List](), [Good Housekeeping](), [Consumer Reports](), and [National Geographic](). A graduate of Ithaca College and Manhattanville College, with a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing, Mr. Franco once owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Amish country. Today, he lives and works in Asheville, NC. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()