Never Enough Storage? How to Add More Kitchen Cabinets in Tight Spaces

If your kitchen cabinets are bursting at the seams no matter how much you organize, it may be time to look into expanding your storage. Extra cabinets can work wonders for containing the chaos, but fitting more units into a small kitchen can be tricky. With some strategic planning and creative solutions, even the tiniest kitchens can gain organized storage space. Follow these tips to maximize every inch and keep your essentials easily accessible.

Start by taking a careful look at your current layout. Are there any spots where filler cabinets could be squeezed in, like next to the refrigerator or between countertop gaps? Pay attention to wall space above the existing cabinets too. If you have room to go up to 42 or 48 inch cabinets, do it. Every inch gained vertically yields more storage within easy reach.

Strategically Add Extra Wall Cabinets

The most obvious place to gain more storage is on the walls. If your kitchen has standard 30 inch tall upper cabinets, consider bumping up to 36 or 42 inch cabinets for a huge boost in space. Measure carefully to ensure they won't bump into ceiling lights or hanging décor. For tiny gaps between windows and appliances where standard sizes won't fit, check out narrow filler cabinets specifically designed to maximize awkward spaces.

Another option for extra wall storage is rail systems installed just below the ceiling. Available in multiple lengths, these rails can hold S-hook accessories like baskets, utensil hooks, and wine glass racks. They're perfect for light, oft-used items you want to keep out of the way but easily accessible.

Increase Existing Base Cabinet Storage

Maxing out wall space opens up more room, but don't forget about tweaking your existing base cabinets too. Simply replacing regular cabinets with deeper, more capacious units can make a dramatic difference. Many stock cabinets come in 18 to 24 inch depths, so go as deep as you can without sticking out too far.

For more customizable organization inside existing cabinets, turn to pull-out trays, shelves, and other smart inserts. Spinning "lazy susans" effectively double corner cabinet space, while slide-out trays and angled drawers neatly arrange oddly shaped areas.

Take Advantage of “Bonus Spaces”

Take a fresh look at your kitchen layout for any wasted vertical real estate. The air space above large appliances is prime for extra storage. Shelving or mini cabinets can be installed over refrigerators, ovens, and even dishwashers. Just be sure to allow for proper ventilation.

Don't forget soffits, short walls, and the area around chimneys either. These spots tend to get overlooked but can often accommodate narrow, custom-sized cabinets. Repurposing these untapped "bonus spaces" can lead to major storage gains.

Get Creative with Renter-Friendly Solutions

Don't let rental restrictions deter you from a more organized kitchen. Plenty of clever, non-permanent cabinet hacks exist for renters seeking extra storage. Tension curtain rods placed on top of wall cabinets instantly provide space for spices, oils, and other height-restricted items.

Over-the-door racks hook right onto existing cabinet fronts, gaining a platform for small appliances, pots and pans, or utensils. Floating shelves and rail systems can mount on walls without drilling or hardware. And don't overlook standalone utility carts, movable islands with both storage and extra surface area.

Optimize Cabinet Interiors

A final strategy is optimizing what's already inside your cabinets. Spinning "lazy susan" turntables, sliding racks, tilt-out bins, and other inserts won't take up more physical space but will seriously expand storage capacity.

Get the most out of cabinet doors too. Door racks for foil, cutting boards, utensils, and more utilize this overlooked zone. Arrange products upright and sideways to triple door storage space.

With some out-of-the-box thinking and strategic use of space, it's amazing how many extra cabinets can be worked into a small kitchen. Focus on making the most of vertical areas, discovering unused nooks, and trying creative renter-friendly ideas. Your storage woes will be a thing of the past, no major renovation required.

Now those once overflowing cabinets can close with room to spare. A place for everything and everything in its place - your organized kitchen dreams just came true.