How to organise your kitchen on a budget

Organising your kitchen efficiently can transform the way it looks and functions. Investing in high-end sliding shelving to hide away your pots and pans can quickly eat into your renovation budgets, but luckily there’s plenty of affordable kitchen storage ideas that’ll keep your kitchen organised so you know exactly where everything belongs. 

10 cheap kitchen storage ideas

1. Sort out your food storage containers

Many people are guilty of having a pile of tupperware boxes with mismatched lids in at least one of their kitchen cupboards. Get organised by pairing lids with the correct tubs and disposing of any leftovers – they’ll just end up cluttering your cupboards. 

To store your tupperware, try stacking the empty food containers into one another and sliding the lids separately into the side of the cupboard. This will keep them neatly tucked away and easily accessible. 
 

2. Storage baskets

Storage baskets are a great way to stow kitchen equipment that isn’t used often. Available in most home stores, these low-cost wicker baskets come in a range of sizes so you can pick the ones that fit into your cupboards or slide neatly on top of them to make use of the space above your kitchen cabinets.

These baskets are ideal for baking tools, ingredients or non-perishable goods that end up crammed in your cupboards.
 

3. Repurpose magazine racks

If you have an old magazine rack or document folder lying around, you can transform them into storage containers for loose kitchen items. They’re cheap and can be used in different ways – storing water bottles or chopping boards for example. 

To incorporate them into your kitchen space you can: stand them upright, lie them down or even glue them together for extra storage. They can be easily adapted to suit your kitchen space and add slim storage compartments for small utensils or equipment. 
 

4. Mason jar cutlery holders

The mason jar. A simplistic item that’s become a staple DIY material. Mason jars can be found in most home stores or supermarkets and come in a range of shapes and sizes – or you can save yourself the money by recycling a clean jam jar. These are perfect for small kitchen utensils such as cutlery, scissors or straws. Get creative and decorate them with paint or other craft materials, or leave them completely bare for a minimalistic finish. 
 

5. Command hooks

Adding small hooks around your kitchen can create clever storage solutions without the hassle. Simply stick command hooks to your kitchen cabinets for instant tea towel holders or put one on your kitchen door to store your shopping bags.

You can also try over-the-door hooks in your cabinets which are great for organising under the sink. They are ideal for holding cleaning sprays and cloths, keeping the cabinet neat – plus, making it easier to grab if there’s an urgent spill to clean up.
 

6. Floating shelves

Floating shelves are another great way to organise your kitchen whilst utilising empty kitchen walls. They won’t be the cheapest storage idea but could be ideal for those who enjoy DIY projects and home-installations. They can be fixed to most wall spaces and increase storage without crowding your kitchen.

Fill your floating shelves with anything from mugs to tinned goods, or brighten up the room with some plants. For the ultimate floating shelf storage solution, combine with handy hooks below the shelf to hang utensils such as spatulas or tongs.
 

7. Tidy up your sink area

Tidying up your sink area can make such a difference, especially in small kitchens. Make sure you have a designated space for all of your sink essentials including a home for your sponge (to avoid dripping along the back of the sink) and a large drying rack with cutlery holders. 
 

8. Stackable shelving inside your cupboards

Another cheap storage solution is stackable shelf inserts that fit inside your kitchen cabinets. You can get plastic or metal stands, available in different shapes to hold kitchenware such as plates and mugs. They create internal shelving so you can store upwards and save space. It also makes it easier to take plates out when it comes to dinner time. 
 

9. Labels

Labelling has become a popular organisation trick and can transform a kitchen. Labels are a super cheap way to add a system to your cupboards – simply cut up some paper, write down what’s inside each storage container and stick the label on (you could also print them if you want a uniform finish). These look really effective on clear jars and storage containers. 

If you’re willing to increase your budget slightly, vinyl stickers can be ordered online that easily stick onto your containers for a more professional and modern look. 
 

10. Knife rack

Investing in a knife rack can tidy up your cutlery drawer – making your sharp knives more accessible during cooking. Magnetic knife racks that are stuck to the walls will clear up your countertops and again, utilise that wall space that is often forgotten. 

These affordable kitchen storage ideas can help transform your kitchen without the need for expensive materials or new storage units. Making use of every area in the kitchen – walls, countertops and your cabinets – can help to keep it organised without losing any space.