Cooking in a small kitchen is no simple task, but making a small kitchen functional makes all the difference. If you have a small space and you’re on a budget, then these must-haves are for you.
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The Small Kitchen Struggles are all about Space
When I first moved into my kitchen as a new wife, I was so excited. I mean, what new wife isn’t excited about her very first kitchen?
I think that we all look at small kitchens as cute and adorable, especially with the whole trend on tiny homes. Tiny homes and tiny kitchens get romanticized!
But if you’re reading this then you probably know I was just dreaming about my small kitchen.
I was dreaming because at times small spaces can be difficult and hard to work with. Don’t get me wrong a well-organized small kitchen is a dream, but when it’s unorganized it’s a nightmare.
Let’s use Vertical Space and not Counter Space
I know your small kitchen doesn’t need another thing taking precious counter space needed to chop veggies.
So, number one on this list is a little handy paper towel holder. You know you need it, but man do they usually take precious space on the counter and dining table.
Here is the first small kitchen must-have to save space.
#1. Wall Mount Paper Towel Holder
This particular paper towel holder keeps your counters clear and if you don’t want to screw it, then it also comes with a stick-on adhesive. Mine personally lasted about a year until the adhesive started getting weaker.
Pretty good small kitchen vertical solution and great for rentals as well.
#2. Hanging Wire Baskets
Here is another vertical space opportunity! Don’t use your precious counter space, you need that for working.
These wire baskets are durable, see through and best of all affordable for you small kitchen space.
#3. Wall Hook Varieties
Storage Space is the Nightmare of any Small Kitchen
Where do I store the pots and the rice?
Where do I cut the vegetables and mix the batter for the muffins?
These are realistic questions that come into your mind when you have limited storage and counter space.
That’s why I wrote this blog post! I want you to work and thrive well in your small space. Your kitchen might be small but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you.
So, let’s get on with the rest of the list of small kitchen must-haves. Time to get your small kitchen functioning well!
#4. Rolling Cart / Mini Island
Rolling Cart Mini Island (Mine is out of stock, how sad!)
Having extra space for storage is the key in any small kitchen. But you must measure and make sure the dimensions fit your space.
The rolling cart in the picture is the exact one I own, but sadly it’s out of stock, nonetheless I linked it in case you want the measurements and for you to get some inspiration and price comparison.
This small kitchen list is for people on a budget, so do believe me when I say that this rolling cart was on the affordable (cheap) side, but it does give me the storage I personally needed. And for the price, the quality has surpassed my expectations.
I found a similar Rolling Cart for you that is in stock. Remember to measure your space before buying anything.
#5. Sideboard Buffet Cabinet
Sideboard Buffet Cabinet (out of Stock!)
Again, sadly this particular cabinet is out of stock, but I include the link so you can look at the measurements.
A cabinet like this helps you have extra storage in your small kitchen and every small space needs a closed cabinet to hide things ha-ha. As long as the outside is cute then the mess can be ignored.
I personally use it as a coffee table, and it gives me extra counter and storage space!
If you are really in need of a cabinet for your small kitchen, I searched for a similar one that’s actually in stock. It shares a similar look, price and measurements.
#6. Food Grade Flour Containers
These containers will give you extra storage for those precious grains and flours. Honestly, you can store anything in them, but I believe they are for flour purposes.
I have used them in the fridge as well. I like the lids and the measurements on the side. The plastic is durable, and I will say they are not super cheap.
This is a list for those on a budget, but these are a bit on the high end for 2 containers, nonetheless for the size and quality I love them and made a thoughtful decision to buy them for my small kitchen needs.
So, these containers still made the list of must haves for a small kitchen on a budget! I guess their functionality surpass any price.
Watch the YouTube Video to see these Must-Haves in Action
#7. Twist Stools to Save Space
These stools are my favorite because you can twist them and simply store them under the table or bar. I think it gives your small kitchen a clean feel.
Visual clutter is the enemy of small kitchens, at least I think so ha-ha. Unfortunately, I got mine at a vintage shop, but I included a link of a similar one I found on amazon.
#8. Portable Baby Chair
This product is for those parents with a small kitchen.
Not only is this chair affordable but it saves space. Why might you ask?
It attaches to an already existing chair, so no need to buy a whole other chair to take you table of four seats to a table of 5.
Now, if you have multiple kids this might not work because it does go on top of an already existing chair, but it’s still something great to consider if you need one.
Free Must-haves for your Small Kitchen
#9. Recycle Glass Containers
I say glass containers because they tend to be more durable and beautiful. But you can use any kind of container! You got yourself some extra and free storage or buying them at a farm/bakery works too.
#10. Decorate with your Dinnerware
Decorate with what you already own. We have pretty things, cups, bowls and party items that take up space in the cabinets. Use them on a visible area and get your cabinet space back for food or pots.
#11. Extra Storage Tip for Food
Now, this is not free but it’s affordable and it helps you store food in the freezer or fridge. This doesn’t work for liquids. Parchment and Aluminum paper is your friend. It replaces zip lock bags for those things like meat.
Enjoy your Small Kitchen Everyone!
That’s all I have for you today! Please leave a comment if this post was helpful and share it with a friend.
Feel free to explore other posts like these below!
In Christ,
Rosa Rosa
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