Most people consider these cupboards useless. Here’s the right way to utilize them.
Many homeowners often overlook certain cupboards, labeling them as “useless” or too inconvenient to use. These spots tend to be those hard-to-reach areas, such as cabinets high above the fridge or tucked away in kitchen corners. Yet, with some creativity and smart organizing techniques, these neglected spaces can become highly practical storage areas.
Maximizing every cupboard in your home goes beyond just tidying up—it enhances the overall functionality of your space. By rethinking these overlooked cabinets, you can improve organization and make everyday routines smoother. This guide offers clever tips to turn those forgotten cupboards into efficient storage solutions.
- Assessing Your Overlooked Cupboards
The first step is to fully understand the size and shape of these awkward cabinets. They often have unusual dimensions or are placed in tricky locations. For example, the cabinet above the refrigerator might be “about 12 inches tall and 24 inches deep.” Though standard items may not fit well, such spaces can hold very specific or seasonal items perfectly.
Corner cupboards can be especially deep—sometimes reaching “up to 36 inches”—making them ideal for storing things you rarely need. Knowing these measurements helps you choose the right storage tools and organize effectively.
- Stashing Away Infrequently Used Appliances
Most kitchens have gadgets that aren’t pulled out every day, like “waffle irons, slow cookers, or ice cream makers.” Hard-to-reach cupboards are perfect homes for these. For instance, the space above the fridge can easily fit a “slow cooker roughly 10 inches tall and 15 inches wide.” This frees up your main counters and easy-access cabinets for daily essentials.
By grouping appliances you seldom use and storing them out of immediate reach, your kitchen stays clutter-free yet functional.
- Using Bins to Keep Things Neat and Accessible
Bins are excellent for organizing items in deep or high cabinets. “Clear plastic containers around 12 by 16 inches” allow you to group similar things and label them clearly. You can then simply pull out a bin to grab what you need without rifling through everything in the back.
Stackable bins also make good use of vertical space. Choosing bins with handles adds convenience, helping you slide them in and out of tough spots easily.
- Maximizing Vertical Space
Vertical space in cupboards is often underutilized. Adding adjustable shelving can double your storage capacity in a “24-inch-high cabinet.” Shelf risers are another smart option, letting you stack items without crushing those below.
Hooks or tension rods can be installed to hang mugs or kitchen tools, freeing up shelves for other items. Thinking vertically can drastically increase your cupboard’s storage potential.
- Storing Bulk Items Efficiently
Bulk purchases like paper towels, canned goods, or pantry staples fit well in these less accessible cupboards. A deep corner cabinet is perfect for “large packages of paper towels or toilet paper,” keeping them out of sight yet within reach.
Stackable baskets or bins help organize bulk items, making it easy to rotate stock and ensure older products are used first. This system saves space and keeps your supplies under control.
- Seasonal Item Storage
Items used only seasonally, such as holiday decorations or special cookware, can be tucked away in these cupboards. For example, a cupboard above the fridge can hold a “holiday turkey roaster.” This clears valuable space in everyday cupboards for regularly used items.
Clearly labeling seasonal storage helps you remember where things are and makes it simple to find what you need when the time comes.
- Safety and Accessibility Tips
When storing items in hard-to-reach places, prioritize safety. Keep heavier items on lower shelves to avoid accidents when retrieving them. If a step stool is necessary, ensure it’s stable and the path is clear.
Pull-out shelves or lazy Susans can improve access to items at the back of deep cabinets, reducing the need to move multiple things just to reach one.
- Creative Space-Saving Ideas
There are many inventive ways to increase cupboard storage. Installing a pegboard on the inside of a cupboard door creates extra room for small utensils. Magnetic strips can hold metal lids or knives, freeing drawer space.
Under-shelf baskets add layers within cabinets, and tension rods can be used to hang cleaning sprays or towels. These small tweaks significantly enhance cupboard organization.
- Selecting Ideal Storage Containers
Choosing the right containers is crucial for maximizing cupboard space. Square or rectangular shapes fit more efficiently than round ones. Clear containers let you see contents at a glance, saving time.
For food storage, airtight containers keep products fresh and prevent pests. Stackable options also help you utilize vertical space better.
- Effective Labeling and Organization
Labeling is a simple but powerful way to keep cupboards orderly. Use a label maker or write on tape to identify bins and containers clearly. This makes finding things faster and ensures every item has its place.
Group items by category—baking supplies, snacks, cleaning products—and store them together. This system helps maintain neatness and improves accessibility.
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is overfilling cupboards, which creates clutter and makes finding items difficult. Avoid storing rarely used items that take up valuable space.
Also, always measure your cupboards before purchasing storage products. Without accurate measurements, containers may not fit, wasting space and money. Planning ahead ensures your storage solutions work perfectly.
