As you may know, I recently moved apartments, and once again, the kitchen has become a major point of contention for me and my roommates. Since I moved off campus at the end of first year, I’ve never had less than three roommates. I have no problem living with that many people, as long as we don’t ALL have to share the same bathroom, no one throws wild parties and no one gives me crap about my messy bedroom.
My biggest problem though, is kitchen space.
When you have 4 or 5 people living together and each person has a plethora of their own kitchen stuff you know that things are bound to get a little crazy and cramped. Organizing a kitchen that is essentially filled with enough stuff for 5 kitchens is an incredibly daunting task, but it can be done. And since I just did it again last week, I’m resurrecting and updating this post to show you how I managed.
Most of these tips also apply if you’re living on your own in a shoe box where the kitchen doubles as the hallway, as I hope to be one day soon, once I graduate and become a ‘real’ adult.
1. Share
My $21/lb goji berries are MINE but having 5 bottles of ketchup in the fridge is just a waste of valuable kitchen space. Sit your roommates down, come up with a list of things you’re willing to share and split the cost. It saves money and kitchen space.
Also, just sharing a cupboard for things like pots, Tupperware and cutlery can make a big difference. Instead of trying to give everyone their own shelf, just label your stuff and store it together. It makes no sense for each person to have a half filled drawer for their knives and forks.
2. Food Prep
I buy a lot of fruits and veggies and even though that helps keep my grocery bill low, they pick up a lot of extra fridge and counter space. So, in addition to my regular weekly meal prep, I do a little food prep when packing away groceries. If I buy pre-washed spinach or salad greens in a container, I transfer them to Ziploc bags instead. I chop up some of my veggies so they don’t take up all the room in the crisper. I also put my meats in freezer bags instead of just tossing the entire container into the freezer.
Repackaging food into easier to store containers may take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for the grab and go convenience and the extra kitchen space.
3. Get Matching Tupperware
I’m still working on this one, but I can definitely see the benefits. Matching Tupperware does more than look good; it’s also a lot easier to store. Save yourself the trouble and get dishes that can be stacked. It’s a great way to use up the wasted vertical kitchen space, both when storing containers in cupboards and when using them to store leftovers in the fridge.
4. Limit your dishes
When I first moved into my old apartment, 2 of the shelves in one of the 3 cupboards were already filled because one of my roommates had multiple plate, bowl, glass and mug sets. And don’t even get me started on the cutlery and pots and pans. Not only did we always have a mountain of dishes to do, but those unnecessary dishes took up a lot of kitchen space. Do yourself a favour and keep you dishes to a minimum.
5. Plan and keep Track
The fastest way to run out of kitchen space is to buy more food than you need. These days I try to keep careful count of exactly what I’ve got in my pantry and fridge so I don’t end up with duplicates. Apart from the stuff I buy in bulk, I try to make sure I only buy what I actually need. That way I avoid wasting space and potentially spoiled and wasted food.
6. Clean often
On the topic of wasted food, the first thing I did when I moved into my new place last week was clean the fridge. There was so much expired stuff in there taking up all the room on the shelves. The fridge literally couldn’t hold anything else. Cleaning out your fridge and pantry frequently is a great way find extra kitchen space and make sure all your food is fresh or at least edible. Plus, you end up with a clean kitchen, which is always better than a dirty one.
7. Rethink your appliances
I would love a Vitamix (if I could afford one) and a stand mixer and a juicer. But I have no idea where I would put all of that. As much as having all those appliances would make things easier when cooking, I’d have to trade off a lot of kitchen space to get them. For now, I make do with smaller appliances like a Nutribullet, a hand mixer and my other must have appliances. Yes, some recipes require a little more elbow grease, but I also don’t have an overly cluttered kitchen counter.
8. Improvise
My most used kitchen space is the broiler drawer of the oven. In my oven in Trinidad, it was actually used for broiling, but in Canada all of my cookie sheets, muffin tins and other baking pans live there. Another kitchen space saving option is using the walls to hang pots and pans. If you rent, you may want to chat with your landlord before you go crazy drilling holes, but it’s an effective way to clear up cupboard space for things you can’t hang. Don’t be afraid to find creative ways to utilize the little kitchen space you do have.
What about you?
Is your kitchen tiny? Or do you have enough space for all your needs? Is the broiler drawer in your oven actually used for broiling? What tips do you have for making the best of limited kitchen space?
Share in the comments below!
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Good ideas! I have a decent amount of space and cabinets, but there are still times that space runs out. I like to use the stacking accessories so some of the things I put in my cupboard can fit the space better. So I might put spices on a stacker shelf and under it keep Quinn’s sippy cups since neither of those items are tall and there would be wasted height!
Kayla recently posted…Get Off The Buzzword Bandwagon
I’ve been meaning to get some mini shelves – it that’s what they’re called – for my shelves so I can do something similar with my spice jars. Right now I just have them stacked directly on each other but it’s becoming a bit of a leaning tower lol
I really have MINIMAL cooking appliances, etc…. Because I HATE CLUTTER! I put everything in cabinets too. However, when you open those cabinets…. You are greeted by.. A HUGE MESS! LMFAO!!!
GiGi Eats Celebrities recently posted…Tote-ally Fashionable For The Summer
LOL our kitchens sound identical. I’m slowly getting accessories that’ll help me organize my cupboards better but right now, some of them are still a bit of a mess…it’s a work in progress 😀
omg this girl. Her kitchen is pristine. She eats her sardines from a CAN.
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Man Sass and the city
If I ate sardines, I’d prob do that. Less dishes? lol
I found that using basic tools that have multiple uses is a good bet. No frizzelator cupcake baking icer factory appliances for me! Thanks for sharing with Let’s Get Real (I’m co-hosting this week)!
Melissa French, The More With Less Mom recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #42
Multiple uses for the win. I recently bought my food processor to handle certain things but for almost a year I used the milling blade on my blender to do things that required a processor. Two blades & one device = genius lol
And congrats on co-hosting 😀
I feel your pain! My kitchen is so tiny. I really need to work on #6 because with a food processor, coffee maker, magic bullet, vitamix, microwave, and toaster on the counter, there’s really no room to make a sandwich 🙁
Whitney @ To Live & Diet in L.A. recently posted…Is It Bad to Skip Breakfast?
Wow, that’s a lot of appliances 😯
I read an article once that some people put their cutting boards over their sinks for extra counter space when they cook…maybe you should try it lol
Also, congrats! I commented on your post already but I had to do it again haha
Oh man. I have such a tiny kitchen that I really needed these tips! But how can I rethink my appliances when I use 2 crockpots regularly?? I suppose I can store one away when it’s not in use, but that sounds like such a big headache. Ah, decisions, decisions.
Ashleigh recently posted…How To Improve Spiritual Health: Tips for Everyone
I think the crockpots are worth the lack of space hassle to be honest but maybe you could try getting something that’ll allow you to stack them one on top the other?
My kitchen is very small. The major struggle is with the fridge. We try to optimize our spaces by using plastic bags for my bulk meals instead of tupperware. And I don’t need to wash them all everyday. 😉
Debbie Rodrigues recently posted…40 things before 40
I’ve never tried using plastic bags for storing bulk meals but I can definitely see how it’ll save space. And the no dishes thing is a huge bonus haha
I started using plastic bags and ziplocs during contest prep. There was not 6-pack bag that could handle all my meals. LOL
So, to use one compartment for two dishes, I swift from tupperware to plastic bags. It saved time in the evening too. 😉
Debbie Rodrigues recently posted…Move It Monday : The Fit Journey
Great tips! I have to admit, I don’t miss those roommate days one little bit! I’m a gal that likes her space 🙂
Ree recently posted…2014 beach trends and fashion
I totally get it. I can’t wait for my roommate-less days. Even if it takes living in a shoe box at first haha
Even with plenty of kitchen space, repackaging and cutting up your food into usable portions right away is a good idea. It make sure you use it.
Carla recently posted…The Opera, Clothes, and June Goals
So true! I’ve wasted so many carrots in the past just because it’s a hassle to cut them as I need them. Now I just grab and go cuz I’ve got the ready before hand. Saves space, time & money and I get my veggies in 😀
Love your tips! I pinned them to my Saving for College board.
We’ve switched to doing only one brand of plastic for storage. As you say, it definitely makes it easier to store stuff. I love the tip about repackaging food, too, to maximize space.
Barb @ A Life in Balance recently posted…Glimpses of Daily Life 6.7.14
Thanks for sharing Barb! Glad you like them 🙂
These are all GREAT ideas. I have a semi small kitchen now, and I overcome it by “sneaky storage” and an additional storage table. Sneaky storage are all my bulk items, hidden behind my couch, classy I know. And I purchased a table to keep my blender, food processor, protein powders, etc. on top of. Moving to a place with an even smaller kitchen, not too sure how that’s going to work! But I have these tips now 🙂
Amber recently posted…Hardwiring Happiness
For a single person I am blessed with a large kitchen. I still need more space! When I eventually move I plan to whittle down to just the essential appliances.
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: @USATodayHealth, @suzannecbowen Giveaway Plus Book Vs Movie “The Stepford Wives”
What I need to do is give away something when I upgrade. A couple months ago, I bought a bigger food processor to make nut butter. Unfortunately, I’m still hanging on to my old food processor/chopper thingy
We have no space! Right now…..since I’m still in the midst of unpacking too, there is zero room in the kitchen and SOOO much food….(blogger probs) and….I have like 4 blenders…..
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Spicy Spiralized Sweet Potato Fries
hahah I think the 4 blenders might be the problem
Planning and having enough tupperware are key for sure. Great tips! Is anyone’s kitchen really big enough??
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Tofu Scampi-Meatless Monday
You know, I don’t think so. Even at home, where the kitchen is huge and everyone doesn’t have different things, we have trouble finding storage space. Maybe it’s a never ending battle lol
Haha, the broiling drawer is definitely not used for broiling in my house. In fact the second oven in my double oven serves as storage! All great tips!
I wish I had a double oven. I can just imagine all the stuff I would bake (or store LOL)
Oh my goodness! I’m not even going to tell you what I had stashed in a broiler drawer once!
Marcia recently posted…Weekend Rewind and a Recipe
Girl. I feel you. Before I started baking it was basically the place to hoard stuff I’d probably never see again haha
I’ve never known anyone to actually use the broiling drawer (can you?), I just assumed it was storage, since that’s what I’ve always seen it used for. Ha.
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Motivate Me Monday: 5/11
The stove we have at home in Trinidad is different to the ones I’ve seen here. The broiler drawer is actually designed for broiling – it’s raised and has grooves for the broiling rack. I was so confused when I saw my first oven up here LOL
Good ideas. My kitchen isn’t tiny but it’s not huge. I think the main thing is keeping it clean especially when you share a space. No one wants to try to cook something and they have to fuss with a mess first. Great tips.
Ivanna recently posted…How To Become A Certified Personal Trainer
I had so many issues with this with some of my old roommates a couple of years ago. Hopefully the new ones aren’t horrendous at keeping things clean!
Only buying what you actually need is important for so many reasons. You’ll save money, and you’ll be more likely to buy healthy foods and stay away from unhealthy snacks.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon Training Log – Week 1
I have a decently sized kitchen compared to most NYC apartments, but I could definitely use a little organization! Great tips!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Double Chocolate Chip Protein Brownies {gluten free}
Considering we are going to be full timing in an RV with the kids pretty soon, we are definitely losing a LOT of kitchen space 🙂
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Strawberries & Cream Protein Smoothie {Gluten Free, Vegan, Soy Free}
Oh man. I can’t even imagine attempting to live in an RV on my own haha. Good luck with that!
I have a larger kitchen in my current home, although the tips you give are useful for anyone. If you don’t stay organized it can get cluttered in any size room!
Kelli recently posted…Riding, Running, and Strava recon
My kitchen isn’t small, but it doesn’t make the most of the space I have. There’s no outlet in my island (my husband never finished that–15 years later) and so I have to do a lot of food prep on the counter in the corner. Ugh.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Sole food
Oh, that would suck. To have space and not be able to use it. Maybe one day he’ll surprise you and get to it lol
I live in a 450 square foot bachelor apartment, so I know what it’s like!! I can cook pretty easily with limited counter space, but baking gets out of hand and turns into a huge mess. I have a microwave, coffee maker, spiralizer and Blendtec on my counter, and a tiny spot for prepping food. I sometimes use my bar height table for food prep, and store everything else on top of my fridge.
Bri recently posted…Why you should run when you’re on vacation
I used to store food on top my fridge but read somewhere that it’s not the best idea. It is a great place to store appliance that aren’t always in use though, like the slow cooker or hand mixer and just pull them down when I need them.
we just moved and so have a lot more space than we used to, but i’ve been there! the idea of installing a rack or something from the ceiling saves a ton of space and is visually appealing 🙂
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…How to Stay Balanced with Garnier
Yes! Every ‘dream kitchen’ picture I’ve looked at has some kind of hanging or mounted pot rack. It always looks so good 😀
These are great tips!! I’ve never shared an apartment (except with my husband) and I don’t think I would have done well at sharing kitchen space! We have lived in smaller spaces so I am always getting rid of extra dishes, kitchen items, etc. We rarely need the extra and it’s not worth storing in my opinion!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…7 Fast and Healthy Snack Ideas
Definitely not worth storing! I bought a set of blue plates and bowls about 3 or 4 years ago and I hardly every use them. Finally added them to the donate pile in the last move haha
Also, lucky you for never having to share!
I love this! Have you ever heard of the TV show Tiny House (or something like that)? It’s about the tiniest of living spaces and they make the most of every single inch.
jill conyers recently posted…Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Just checked it out. It looks cool! I’ll have to add it to my list of TV shows to watch 😀
Great tips! I definitely remember needing to share a lot in college when I had a small kitchen – though I will be honest that I use some of the same tips even with a bigger kitchen as far as food prep and using tupperware containers!
Elena recently posted…Find Your Wellness Lifestyle with Laughter and Friendship
Glad to know these tips will stay relevant as my kitchen (hopefully) grows 😀
My kitchen in my apartment is SMALL. I hate it. I barely have any counter space when I’m cooking which makes cooking such a pain. I do need to buy more tupperware for storing stuff though.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Madison Holleran’s Story
I saw a show once where people bought a plank of wood/used a chopping board over their sink for more counter space when cooking. I thought it was genius. Maybe it might help?
We keep a ton of pans/baking sheets/etc in our oven when not in use
Carmy recently posted…Monday on the Run #22
Some of my old roommates did that and I hated it. Mostly because I’d forget and preheat the oven before checking to see if anything was in there. the number of times the fire alarm went off was unreal haha
Sharing a tiny kitchen has got to be tough. I love the idea of getting matching tupperware so you can keep track of what belongs to who.
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…It’s Not Half of Anything! Skirt Sports 13er Race Entry Giveaway.
Hi!! I’m new. I actually found you on Facebook. I really liked this post. We don’t have a tiny kitchen, but we try to keep our tupperware down to a minimum and extra appliances that we don’t need or use, as its easy to just keep filling up space when you don’t really need to fill it.
Emily recently posted…Thursdays are for Thinking and MEETING!
Nice tips. No matter how hard I try I don’t think I will ever have matching tupperwear. I can dream though!
Find a showroom that offers a full range of products in the actual showroom. Many locations will just show you a catalog where you can order products for future delivery.
Wonderful tricks to maintain kitchen workspace. If a family member more how to limit the dishes? I can not agree with this tips. but all of the works great.
Find kitchen equipment that are not so bulky yet very reliable in performance. You can use it to make limited space organized.
kitchen bench Sunnybank recently posted…10648
These are great tips! It really helped me organize my kitchen space!
Great post for new couples like me. Thanks for Sharing.
One of the bests! I loved how you share your knowledge. In addition, drawers aren’t just for silverware — they can hold spices, pantry items, and all those little things. This smart kitchen uses a combination of drawers, wall shelving, and shelf stackers to make counter space.
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Alexander recently posted…Best Shower Sponge & Natural Exfoliating Loofah for Your Skin in 2020
Great Tips!!
This is first I have read your blog. I love your outlook and kitchen tips. I can’t handle my greed to apply your ideas. I will apply these tips soon. Very helpful presentation to me. Thank you for the excellent sharing.
Rita C. recently posted…7 Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Island Reviewed and Buying Tips
These are indeed some useful advice, thanks for sharing 🙂
Amazing post and really informative!! There are so many things in the kitchen that has no use. Thankyou btw.
Hi, Giselle I’ve been following your blog since long and today when I came across this post regarding limited kitchen space solution. I couldn’t stop myself to comment on this post. Kitchen renovation is really a tired some job. For a month, now I couldn’t find any proper placement for my kitchen gadget on the shelf. Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips for utilizing kitchen workspace and manage dishes. Very helpful presentation indeed. Loved it!
Ella Watson @bestportableblenderonline recently posted…15 of the Best Portable Blender for Crushing Ice – The Ultimate Guide
nice work