DIY Storage ideas for your kitchen

by Ann Hayward 02/10/2025

If your kitchen lacks storage space, consider adding some DIY storage solutions. It’s not always possible to add more shelves or cabinets, but there are plenty of ways to make your kitchen space more efficient, such as utilizing wall space. Here are some of the best DIY storage ideas for your kitchen:

Standardize & label your ingredients

Most kitchens have a wide variety of ingredients and dry goods in their existing containers. While it can definitely be simpler to store these items as-is, you can save a surprising amount of storage space by tossing the original containers and using jars or cans.

By making all of your containers the same size and shape, you create even more space and make it easier to tell what you have in stock. Just make sure to add labels to each item to get the most out of this DIY storage idea.

Store flat items vertically

Flat kitchen items like baking trays and cutting boards can take up a large amount of horizontal storage space. Instead of storing them in stacks, try turning them onto their sides and storing them vertically.

Use an ordinary file organizer to hold them in place and keep each item within easy reach. This DIY storage idea will leave more room in your cabinets and drawers for other items while keeping the essentials organized.

Add hooks & magnets to cabinet doors

One key to DIY storage is making every vertical space count. In your kitchen, this often means using the inside of doors, cabinet sides and counter sides. Try screwing some hooks to the sides or bottom of floating cabinets to hang utensils and tools. Magnetic strips attached to the insides of a cabinet door is a perfect way to store knives and other flat metal objects.

These are just a few ways to add DIY storage to your kitchen. No matter the size of your kitchen, you can find the right storage solution to save space. Try these ideas if you’re interested in ways to save space and increase your kitchen storage ideas.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]