If you’ve ever felt like your kitchen is too small to function the way you want, you’re not alone. I live in a 900 sqare foot apartment with a husband and two kiddos, so I know the pain.
Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or tiny home, organizing a small kitchen can feel overwhelming.
The good news? With the right systems, smart tools, and clever design hacks, you can create a space that feels bigger, functions better, and makes cooking (and cleaning) much less stressful.
This ultimate guide to kitchen organization for small spaces will cover everything from cabinet hacks to storage solutions, plus a few must-have products that can truly transform your kitchen.
If you’ve been searching for a way to maximize every inch of your space while keeping things clutter-free, this post has you covered.
There are affiliate links in this post that I might make a commission on at no extra cost to you!
Why Kitchen Organization Matters in Small Spaces
A disorganized kitchen can cost you time, energy, and money. When things don’t have a dedicated place, you’re more likely to:
- Buy duplicates of items you already own but can’t find.
- Waste food because you forgot it was shoved in the back of a cabinet.
- Avoid cooking because the mess feels overwhelming.
When your kitchen is organized, you’ll:
- Cook more efficiently.
- Enjoy meal prep without stress.
- Have countertops that look clean and inviting. This is my favorite part about having an organized kitchen. It relieves a lot of stress for me having a clean and open house.
- Create a visually calming environment in one of the busiest rooms in your home.
Step One: Declutter Before You Organize
Before investing in storage bins, shelves, or fancy organizers, start by decluttering. Small kitchens simply can’t handle excess.
Tips for Decluttering a Small Kitchen:
- Toss duplicates – You don’t need six spatulas. Keep your favorites and donate the rest.
- Check expiration dates – Pantry items, spices, and sauces can take up valuable space long after they’ve expired.
- Let go of “someday” appliances – If you haven’t used that bread machine in two years, it’s probably not worth the space. You could also make some extra money selling your old, unused appliances.
- Keep only what you love and use daily – Small kitchens thrive when you streamline.
Step Two: Maximize Vertical Space
When horizontal counter space is limited, the only way is up.
Vertical Storage Ideas:
- Wall-mounted shelves: Install floating shelves above countertops for everyday essentials like spices, jars, or mugs.
- Over-the-door organizers: Use them for cutting boards, foil, or cleaning supplies.
- Magnetic knife strips: Free up drawer space while keeping knives accessible.
- Under the cabinet pot racks: Store pans vertically in your cabinets to save space and keep easy access to your entire set.
Step Three: Use Cabinet and Drawer Organizers
Cabinets and drawers are often underutilized.
Best Cabinet Organizers for Small Kitchens:
- Pull-out shelves: No more digging to the back.
- Lazy Susans: Great for corner cabinets or under the sink.
- Stackable bins: Ideal for snacks, canned goods, or baking supplies.
- Shelf risers: Double your vertical space inside cabinets.
Best Drawer Organizers:
- Adjustable bamboo cutlery trays.
- Small bins for snacks, seasoning packets, or tea.
- Drawer dividers for utensils, measuring spoons, and gadgets.
Step Four: Create Zones for Efficiency
Think of your kitchen like a mini workstation. Everything you need for a task should live together.
Examples of Zones:
- Coffee station: Coffee maker, mugs, sugar, and pods all in one spot.
- Meal prep area: Cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls together.
- Baking zone: Flour, sugar, measuring cups, and baking sheets stored in one cabinet.
- Snack station: Easy-to-grab bins with healthy snacks.
Zones help you work smarter, not harder. I actually clean in zones too. It keeps me on task and creates a much more efficient environment.
Step Five: Make Use of Counter Space Wisely
Countertops in small kitchens are prime real estate. Only keep out what you use daily. If you have ample counter space consider yourself blessed.
Tips for Clear Counters:
- Store appliances you don’t use often (like waffle makers). I keep some of mine in a storage unit that is on my apartments property.
- Use vertical stands for spices or cooking oils. The one below even has pull out drawers!
- Keep utensils in a slim canister rather than sprawled in drawers.
- Add a rolling cart that can tuck away when not in use.
Step Six: Small Pantry Solutions
Not every small kitchen comes with a pantry—but you can create one. I do not have a designated pantry, but I needed to create a space where I could store my dry goods. I put in the rack linked below into my apartments coat closet and BOOM! A pantry was born.
Ideas for Pantry Alternatives:
- Convert a hall closet into a pantry.
- Use an over-the-door rack for spices and snacks.
- Get a freestanding cabinet or tall shelving unit for food storage.
- Store bulk goods in clear airtight containers to save space and keep food fresh.
Step Seven: Hidden Storage Hacks
Sometimes the best storage solutions are ones you don’t immediately see. Try and use as much vertical space as possible!
- Toe-kick drawers: Utilize the baseboard area below cabinets.
- Under-shelf baskets: Add instant storage without drilling.
- Fold-down tables: A great hack for tiny kitchens needing dining space.
- Hooks under cabinets: Perfect for mugs or utensils. I use some for cutting boards and collapsable colanders.
Step Eight: Smart Appliances for Small Kitchens
If you’re short on counter space, multifunctional appliances are your best friend. I personally have the Ninja Countertop Oven and it has saved my sanity!
Top Picks for Small Kitchens:
- Instant Pot (pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer—all in one).
- Compact air fryer.
- Single-serve coffee maker.
- All-in-one counter oven which eliminates the need for multiple appliances. I use the Ninja Counter Oven and it is DIVINE.
Step Nine: Keep it Stylish and Minimal
Organization isn’t just about function—it’s also about making your kitchen feel inviting. There are plenty of ways to add warmth without over cluttering your kitchen!
Tips for Aesthetic Small Kitchens:
- Use matching storage containers for a clean look.
- Add under-cabinet lighting for brightness.
- Choose a neutral color palette to open up the space.
- Keep décor minimal—one or two statement pieces, not cluttered countertops.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Organizing a small kitchen doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. By decluttering, maximizing vertical space, and using clever storage hacks, you can turn even the tiniest kitchen into a space that feels functional, stylish, and welcoming.
Remember, the goal isn’t to have more things—it’s to make the space you already have work smarter for you.
If you’re ready to take the next step, check out some of the space-saving organizers and kitchen essentials linked throughout this post.
Small investments can make a big difference when it comes to creating a kitchen you actually enjoy spending time in.
