Have you ever found yourself wishing your tiny kitchen had just a little more room to breathe?
We’ve spoken with plenty of Australians who share the same frustration. From studio apartments in Sydney to cosy units in Melbourne, small kitchens are everywhere. The good news is that there are clever ways to squeeze every centimetre out of the space you already have. Over time, we’ve gathered practical tips from our own customers and what we’ve seen work in real kitchens, and today we’re sharing twelve of our favourite storage hacks.
Clear out what you don’t need
One of the first things we recommend is to be ruthless about what lives in your kitchen. Those single-use appliances that haven’t been touched in months? They can go into storage or be passed on to someone else. Many people also find it easier to keep their kitchen functional if they only keep their everyday plates, cups, and cutlery in cupboards while storing entertaining pieces elsewhere.
If you’re after some inspiration on simplifying your space, here’s another article that shows how others in small apartments cut down their kitchen clutter.
Go vertical with wall storage
Walls are often wasted space. Simple solutions like spice racks mounted to a wall or cupboard door can instantly free up shelf space. The same goes for magnetic knife holders or rails where you can hang utensils. We’ve found this not only makes storage easier but also makes cooking feel more fluid since everything is within easy reach.
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Try over the sink solutions
Benchtop space is precious, so think about using the sink as a temporary workspace. Roll-up dish racks or over-sink drying trays mean you can dry dishes without hogging the counter. We stock clever dish racks that can be used across the sink and tucked away when not needed.
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Bring in a mobile trolley
Sometimes you simply need an extra surface. A slimline kitchen trolley gives you room for prep, storage underneath, and the bonus of being able to move it out of the way when not required. Our storage trolleys come in different styles to suit small kitchens, making them a favourite choice for those in rental apartments.
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Stack and nest wherever you can
We’ve noticed that people with smaller kitchens tend to favour cookware that stacks neatly. Saucepan sets with removable handles or stackable mixing bowls are smart investments. The same applies to pantry storage – using pantry containers that stack neatly means less dead space on shelves and an easier time keeping track of what you’ve got.
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Make corners and deep cupboards work for you
Lazy Susans aren’t just a throwback – they’re lifesavers in deep or awkward cupboards. Being able to spin to the item you need means nothing gets lost at the back. We often recommend these to customers who complain about unused corners in their kitchen cabinetry. Here’s another article that shares creative ways people are making use of tricky kitchen corners.
Keep the fridge organised
It’s easy for a small fridge to feel overstuffed, but the key is to use it smartly. Grouping items in clear bins makes it easier to grab what you need, while stackable drawers can separate snacks from fresh produce. We’ve put together some handy advice in our guide on how to organise your fridge which can save both space and time.
If you want even more tips, here’s another article packed with fridge and pantry organising ideas from real households.
Use the inside of cupboard doors
That empty real estate behind doors can be fitted with shallow racks to hold foil, wraps, or even small cleaning supplies. These add-ons are easy to install and remove, making them renter-friendly as well.
Think under the sink
Under the sink is often a messy zone filled with cleaning products. Using pull-out baskets or tiered shelves makes it easier to keep this space functional. We’ve shared more ideas in our under sink storage tips which can be applied directly to kitchens too.
We also found another article that highlights how under-sink storage hacks can transform the tightest of kitchens.
Hide your bins
Small kitchens can feel cluttered quickly, and freestanding bins don’t help. A pull-out bin inside a cupboard frees up floor space and keeps smells contained. You’ll find our kitchen bins perfect for compact spaces.
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Make pantry space flexible
Not every kitchen comes with a walk-in pantry, but even a tall narrow cupboard can be transformed with adjustable shelving. That’s where modular systems like elfa pantry storage shine. We’ve seen this setup make the most of cupboards that once felt too cramped to be useful.
Don’t forget mobile and multi-purpose furniture
Sometimes a bench can double as a dining table, or a bar cart can become a pantry on wheels. Thinking beyond fixed storage makes a small kitchen more flexible. Customers often tell us that once they add one of these multi-purpose pieces, it changes how the entire space feels.
Pulling it all together
Every tiny kitchen is different, but the principles stay the same:
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go vertical
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choose smart storage pieces
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keep things simple
By adding products like kitchen storage solutions designed for compact spaces, you can stop feeling boxed in by your kitchen and start enjoying cooking again.
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If you’d like some tailored advice or need help finding the right products, you can always get in touch with us directly. We’re always happy to help fellow Australians make the most of their homes.
