Helpful Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens

Finding appropriate storage solutions for a tight space can be a daunting task.  That challenge is doubled when it involves organizing a small kitchen.
 
Last week I introduced the WHO Challenge.  I invited you to look in - and to participate - as I decluttered and organized a few spaces in my kitchen.  I will resume that journey this week.  But for now let's discuss some of the storage solutions I use to make my small kitchen work like a boss for me.

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How to Find More Space in a Small Kitchen

The trick to finding the appropriate solutions for your small space is to think outside the box.  Yes, look for storage solutions in unusual places like the bath, craft, and office supply sections of you favorite home decor stores.

Let me illustrate how this works.  Take a look at the photo below.  What do you think was the original purpose of these tin containers?  Scroll down for the answer.

These bins are actually bathroom trash cans!  Yes - trash cans.  I found them in the bath section of my local Marshalls.  Their size is perfect for corralling those items that often get lost in the backs of cabinets and pantries.  Oil and vinegar bottles fit perfectly inside.  And contents that don't yet fit into the canister designated for them, go into the  bin labeled "left overs", and are used first.  As you can see, they fit nicely in my narrow, shallow pantry.

Let's move on to the office supply section.  I happened to have a couple silver mesh wall pouches below stored away.  I purchased these from the Container Store years ago, and no longer used them.  But their flexibility made them perfect for my cramped pantry space.  How excited I was to learn that the Container Store still sold them.  I use these to store bread, bagels, salad toppings, and popcorn.  If you like this idea, click here for a great alternative, or here to order these exact ones.

The copper holder that you see in the center of two mesh wall pockets is actually an office file box I purchased from Target.  I love how easy it is to see the contents when you slide it out of place.  To purchase this exact same item click here.

To store the grains in my pantry, I settled on these glass jars from Cost Plus World Market.  I've been using this system for over a year now.  And it seems to be working fine, with the exception of one thing.  Apparently the seal is not strong enough to keep the brown sugar from getting hard.  I settled that problem by wrapping plastic over the top before placing on the lid. 

Also, when reading the reviews on this product, I noticed that those living in dry areas of the United States had problems with the seals.  To see if these glass canisters are right for you, click here to read the reviews and/or purchase.   

And that folks, is how I find the perfect storage solutions for my small kitchen.  Please tell me in the comments below, which one is your favorite?