If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself constantly battling for more space in your kitchen cabinets. The struggle is real, especially for those of us who love cooking or just have a large family to feed. It’s all too easy to let your kitchen become cluttered with items that either don’t belong there or could be stored more efficiently elsewhere.
In this post, I’ll share fifteen items that I never store in my kitchen cabinets, in hopes that it might inspire you to rethink your own kitchen storage strategies.
1. Bulk Items
Bulk items are great for saving money and reducing packaging waste, but they can quickly eat up your cabinet space. I prefer to store bulk items like rice, flour, and pasta in large, airtight containers in my pantry or basement. It’s easier to keep track of what I have, and it frees up valuable cabinet space for other items.
For instance, instead of keeping a large bag of rice in your kitchen cabinet, transfer the rice into a clear, airtight container. Not only does this save space, it also allows you to easily see when you’re running low and need to buy more. Plus, airtight containers keep your food fresher for longer.
2. Spices
While it might seem logical to store your spices in a kitchen cabinet, doing so can actually shorten their shelf life. Spices should be kept in a cool, dark place to maintain their flavor. A cabinet above the stove or next to the oven is often too warm.
I prefer to keep my spices in a drawer or on a spice rack in a shady corner of the kitchen. If you don’t have a spice rack, a simple, inexpensive solution is to use a magnetic spice rack. These stick to the side of your fridge and hold small jars of spices, saving you both cabinet and counter space.
3. Non-Perishable Foods
Non-perishable foods like canned goods, boxed pasta, and baking supplies can take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets. Instead, consider storing these items in a pantry or in a separate shelving unit.
This not only frees up space in your cabinets for items that you use regularly, but it also makes it easier to keep track of your non-perishable food items. When they’re all stored together, you can quickly and easily see what you have and what you’re running out of.
4. Cooking Utensils
Cooking utensils like spatulas, whisks, and ladles can quickly clutter up your kitchen cabinets, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. Instead of stuffing them in a drawer or cabinet, I like to keep my cooking utensils in a large jar or crock on my countertop.
Not only does this free up space in your cabinets, it also makes your utensils much more accessible. When you’re in the middle of cooking a meal, you don’t want to have to rummage through a drawer or cabinet to find what you need.
5. Cookbooks
Cookbooks are another item that can quickly clutter up your kitchen cabinets. While it might seem logical to keep them in the kitchen, they can actually take up a lot of valuable cabinet space.
Instead, consider storing your cookbooks on a bookshelf in another part of your home. You can pull out the ones you need when you’re planning a meal, and then put them back when you’re done. This also helps to keep your cookbooks in good condition, as they’re less likely to get splattered with food or damaged in the kitchen.
6. Baking Sheets
Baking sheets and other large, flat items can be a challenge to store in kitchen cabinets. They often don’t fit well, and can be difficult to get in and out. Instead, consider storing these items vertically in a lower cabinet or drawer.
By storing baking sheets vertically, you can easily see and access each one, without having to lift or move the others. This also helps to prevent any damage to the sheets, as they’re less likely to get scratched or dented.
7. Glassware
Storing glassware in kitchen cabinets can be risky, as they can easily get knocked over and break. Instead, consider storing your glassware on open shelves or in a hutch.
Not only does this keep your glassware safe, it also allows you to display your beautiful glasses and mugs. This can add a nice touch of decor to your kitchen, and makes your glassware easy to access.
8. Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can be a real pain to store in kitchen cabinets. They’re bulky, and it’s often difficult to find the one you need without pulling out all the others. Instead, consider storing your pots and pans on a pot rack or on hooks mounted on the wall.
This not only frees up cabinet space, it also makes your pots and pans much more accessible. Plus, it can add a nice touch of decor to your kitchen.
9. Snacks
While it might seem convenient to store snacks in your kitchen cabinets, doing so can actually lead to overeating. It’s much easier to reach for a snack when it’s right there in front of you.
Instead, consider storing your snacks in a separate pantry or cupboard. This way, you’ll be more mindful about snacking, and it will be easier to control your portion sizes.
10. Appliances
Kitchen appliances can take up a lot of space in your cabinets. Instead of stuffing them into a cabinet, consider storing your appliances on your countertop or on a separate shelving unit.
This not only frees up space in your cabinets, but also makes your appliances much more accessible. When your appliances are easily accessible, you’re more likely to use them regularly.
11. Cleaning Supplies
While it might seem logical to store cleaning supplies in the kitchen, they can actually take up a lot of cabinet space. Instead, consider storing your cleaning supplies in a separate closet or under the sink.
This not only frees up space in your cabinets, but also keeps your cleaning supplies out of the way and out of sight.
12. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags can quickly clutter up your kitchen cabinets, making it difficult to find what you need. Instead of stuffing them in a cabinet, consider storing your plastic bags in a designated bag holder.
This not only keeps your bags organized, but also makes them easily accessible for whenever you need one.
13. Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs can take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets. Instead of storing them in a cabinet, consider hanging them on a mug rack.
Not only does this free up cabinet space, but it also makes your mugs easily accessible and adds a decorative touch to your kitchen.
14. Paper Towels
While it might be convenient to store paper towels in a kitchen cabinet, they can actually take up a lot of valuable space. Instead, consider using a paper towel holder that mounts under your cabinets or on your wall.
This not only frees up cabinet space, but also keeps your paper towels easily accessible.
15. Bread
Bread can take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets and can get crushed or damaged easily. Instead, consider storing your bread in a bread box on your countertop.
Not only does this keep your bread safe and fresh, but it also frees up space in your cabinets. Plus, a bread box can add a nice vintage touch to your kitchen decor.