Keeping surfaces clutter-free in a cramped kitchen can be a logistical nightmare – and who needs that kind of stress? Instead, try these game-changing storage and organization hacks that will leave your small kitchen with plenty of room for some actual cooking. You can thank us later.
![Hang it Up A sleek white kitchen with a magnet strip for knives above the stove and hanging rack for various pots and pans](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-hanging-pots-unsplash.jpg)
Hang it Up
Skip the clunky store-bought storage containers entirely: the best small kitchen ideas often involve simple little organization hacks – such as installing a hanging rack for pots and pans and a magnetic strip for knives.
Related: Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2021
![Reach for the Sky A white kitchen with subway tiles, cutout window overlooking the living space and above-cabinet shelves lined with various storage containers](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-high-shelves-lauren-kolyn.jpg)
Reach for the Sky
Utilize any empty space above your cabinets or window ledges. One of the easiest kitchen organization ideas is to decorate this space with colourful storage containers that are both functional and stylish.
![Mounted Dish Rack White and blue dinner plates and bowls stacked to dry in a vertical dish rack against a bamboo curtain](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-mounted-dish-rack-pexels.jpg)
Mounted Dish Rack
Kitchen organization hacks can often be as simple as a quick trip to the store. Grab a vertical dish rack to help avoid clutter and make better use of your precious counter space. (Moving? These kitchen counter upgrades will increase the value of your home).
Related: Small Kitchen Ideas: 15 Apartment Kitchen Layouts That’ll Inspire You to Makeover Your Cooking Space
![Open Things Up A tiny kitchen with limited storage solutions that feature some additional open shelving that allows for style and space](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-cabinets-getty-images.jpg)
Open Things Up
If limited upper cabinets are a nuisance thanks to lack of adequate space, reconfigure your kitchen to accommodate a mixture of open shelving that can deliver fast storage solutions without appearing cluttered.
![Spice Magnets A small kitchen with various magnet spice storage containers on the side of the fridge](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-spice-magnets-lauren-kolyn.jpg)
Spice Magnets
Spice racks can be awkward and cumbersome, taking up a large swath of valuable counterspace. Instead, grab a set of these chic and adorable magnet spice containers and organize them on your fridge however you see fit.
Related: Forget Salt: I Cooked With 6 Trending Spices to See if They’re Actually Worth the Hype
![Hanging Produce Baskets A three-tiered mesh hanging fruit basket filled with bananas, limes, lemons and strawberries](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-hanging-fruit-basket-getty-images.jpg)
Hanging Produce Baskets
This quick hack will not only save you from cramming your fridge full of fruit and veggies, but it’ll free up your counter space for more important household appliances. Also, all those bananas, oranges, limes and apples will offer up pretty pops of colour.
Related: Do You Really Need an Air Fryer? (And 5 Other Kitchen Essentials You’ve Been Eyeing)
![Handy Pegboard A large white pegboard against a wall in front of a coffee maker, espresso machine and other various appliances](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-pegboard-getty-images.jpg)
Handy Pegboard
Traditional backsplashes are cool, but what if you took the quirky and unique route and opted for a large pegboard instead? Not only does it allow for creativity and diversity in how you arrange it, but you can store and organize a significant amount of your day-to-day kitchen appliances and utensils on it, freeing up your cabinets and counters.
Related: Bryan Baeumler’s 10 Simple Kitchen Updates That Cost Less Than $100
![Secret Garden A small vertical herb garden in mason jars between a handmade white wine rack and chalkboard decor](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-mason-jars-save-my-reno-hgtvcanada.jpg)
Secret Garden
You’re already cooking in cramped quarters, but adding a mini living wall to your kitchen might just be the chic, yet practical, final touch you need. Bonus: The basil, mint and rosemary will make your kitchen smell divine. Try this DIY mason jar version from the Save My Reno team.
Related: Pinterest Predicts 12 of the Most Popular Home Decor Trends for 2021
![Lift Off A horizontal railing above a kitchen sink lined with potted plants, wine cork, scissors, knives block and cutting board](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-hanging-under-cabinets-getty-images.jpg)
Lift Off
If you want to clear your counters entirely, keep them empty by installing a horizontal railing that can house everything from knife blocks and cutting boards to stray utensils and potted plants.
Related: 10 Kitchen Organizing Tips That Practically Do the Cleaning for You
![Easy Access Fridge A young women, at a side angle, looking into a large fridge with recipes on the door](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/small-kitchen-hacks-lazy-susan-fridge-pexels.jpg)
Easy Access Fridge
A rotating tray (or Lazy Susan) isn’t just for countertops. Keep your fridge well-stocked and organized by adding one to its interior. It’ll make grabbing your favourite condiment or ingredient that much easier to spot.
Related: 12 of the Most Organized Pantries We’re Panting Over
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