Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the items in the limited storage of your solo living kitchen? Do you feel that you still want to cook comfortably despite having a small kitchen? Many may resonate with these worries.
In studio and 1K apartments suitable for singles, kitchens often tend to be compact and tight. In this article, we are introducing how to organize a small kitchen, as well as simple storage ideas that you can easily replicate.
If you want to organize your small kitchen and make it more user-friendly, make sure to refer to this article. Village House has a wide selection of nice and affordable properties across Japan. If you are looking for a place to move into, please check out our website.
Use Dividers and Book Stands under the Sink
Source: Yamazaki Jitsugyo Co., Ltd
The cupboard storage space under the sink is a convenient place to store pots, pans, and seasonings. However, if you just cram everything towards the back, it is often difficult to take them out.
A good storage method under the sink is to arrange book stands or dividers horizontally and store frying pans and pot lids vertically. This makes it easier to access them when needed.
However, if there are pipes and therefore it is difficult to use book stands or dividers, using dedicated shelves designed for under-sink storage can provide a tidy solution. Dedicated storage shelves are unique for their adjustable height and spacing, hence enhancing usability.
The key point of under-sink storage is to make effective use of the space that would otherwise be wasted. In addition, if you attach hooks or wire netting to the cupboard doors under the sink, you can store plastic wraps, aluminum foil, sink strainer bags, etc.
Turning the Wall into a Storage Space by Using Wire Netting
Source: Yamazaki Jitsugyo Co., Ltd
Wire-net storage is suitable for many small items in the kitchen, as many of them are stored hanging.
Installing wire nets on the kitchen wall and hanging kitchen tools with S-shaped hooks makes frequently used items easily accessible, which is convenient.
However, when hung up, occasionally used items can still get dirty. So, place only the frequently used items on the wire net.
Additionally, you can install a spice rack on the wire net by attaching small baskets to store seasoning bottles and spice jars.
Wire nets are sold in various sizes at 100-yen stores. It’s also a good idea to choose a wire net that matches the atmosphere and interior of your kitchen.
Effectively Utilizing a Movable Cart in the Space Between the Refrigerator and the Sink
Source: Yamazaki Jitsugyo Co., Ltd
It would be very convenient to have a cart that serves as both a workspace and storage. However, finding a place to put it can be challenging in small spaces. That’s where a slim cart with a handle comes in handy.
The movable slim cart fits neatly into narrow spaces such as between the refrigerator and the sink, and by using the handle you can pull it out only when needed.
You can store seasonings and kitchen tools in the movable slim cart and pull them out while cooking. The top of the cart can also be used as a workspace, increasing cooking efficiency.
Using a Cutting Board that is Larger than the Width of the Sink
Source: Rakuten Market
If your kitchen space is too small to accommodate a cutting board, consider using a cutting board wider than your sink. You can secure the workspace by placing a wooden board across the sink.
When doing so, opt for a firm cutting board whenever possible. A firm cutting board can be used without bending when cutting food with a knife.
Another way to create a workspace is to install a stove cover. You cannot cook with a stove cover, but you can place a cutting board on it and cut ingredients. The sink is open so you can wash the cut vegetables there.
Plus, when you’re not cooking, you can hide the stove area, maintaining tidiness in the kitchen.
Use Tension Rods and S-Hooks for Storage
You can combine tension rods with S-hooks to increase storage space. Various kitchen tools such as ladles, spatulas, pot lids, and hand wipes can be hung from S-shaped hooks.
Additionally, you can use two tension rods side by side to create a shelf. You can use them as a dish drying rack by placing a draining basket or arrange spices by placing baskets on them.
Tension rods and S-hooks can be found at 100-yen shops. It’s recommended to choose stainless steel S-hooks as they are less prone to rust.
However, if you try to hang many things, your kitchen may become cluttered and inconvenient to use. When hanging things, make sure to select items that you use frequently. Also, be sure to check their weight, as falling objects can pose danger.
Use a Space-Saving Foldable Dish Drainer
Source: Yamazaki Jitsugyo Co., Ltd
Water-draining baskets might be one of the typical items that cause storage issues when not in use. For a small kitchen, we recommend using a space-saving “foldable dish drainer”.
A foldable dish drainer is used by hanging it over the sink. Since water drips directly into the sink, you don’t need a drip tray. Also, you can roll it up and stand it when not in use, so you won’t have any trouble with storage space.
Additionally, if you use a flat drainer instead of a collapsible type, you can store it upright together with the cutting board.
By choosing a space-saving drainer instead of a typical drainer, you would not have any trouble storing things even in a small kitchen. If you find the water-draining baskets to be an obstacle while cooking, please give this a try.
Use Magnetic Items
Source: Yamazaki Jitsugyo Co., Ltd
Storage capacity can be increased by hanging magnetic items not only on the sides of the refrigerator but also on magnet-compatible walls and other surfaces.
1. Magnet-Attached Knife Holders
Using magnet-attached holders to secure knives and kitchen tools will help organize drawers and therefore will allow easy access to tools. They can be attached to the side of the refrigerator or the wall, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to keep them.
2. Magnet-Attached Spice Racks
Magnet-attached spice racks that attach to the side of the refrigerator or the range hood allow neat storage of spices. It is convenient because they are within your reach even during cooking. It is also recommended for storing small items such as rubber bands and picks.
3. Magnet-Attached Wrap Holders
If you use magnet-attached wrap holders to store wrap and aluminum foil, you will not have any trouble storing them. They can be mounted on the side of a refrigerator or the sink for easy and neat storage.
Additionally, there are types of wrap holders that can also store recipe books, adding to the excitement of searching for the perfect wrap holder for you.
4. Magnet-Attached Paper Holders
Towel holders that can be attached to the side of the sink or the refrigerator door can store kitchen paper and towels. It is convenient because you can take them out immediately when you need them.
Furthermore, let’s use magnet-attached items such as kitchen timers or memo pads efficiently to secure your workspace.
Village House has a wide selection of nice and affordable properties throughout Japan. In addition, there is no deposit, key money, guarantee fee, or commission, making it a great deal. If you’re also considering moving to a property with a larger kitchen so that you can enjoy cooking more, please feel free to contact us.
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Hello, I’m Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.
I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.
We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.
I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.