One quick note: While many upgrades are very easy do-it-yourself options that you can take with you. In case that you leave your rental home, others may require the permission of your landlord. Make absolutely sure to check the terms of your lease carefully and follow the required process for requesting permanent changes.
Declutter and Organize
Your first step for creating a clean and functional kitchen is to declutter and organize it. If you have more dishes, utensils, small appliances, or kitchenware than you have cabinet space, chances are that carefully getting rid of the things you don’t use regularly can actually help it all fit perfectly. Also procure several organizing trays and racks that you can slide right into a drawer or cabinet to corral things such as silverware, pot, and pan lids, and spice jars. When you finally have an assigned space for everything you use and need, you are surely on your way to a more functional kitchen.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another means to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. If you have limited cabinet space, take into account adding hooks or pegs to vacant areas, namely walls, the side of cabinets, or even the ceiling. Hanging your pots on a rack or your coffee mugs on hooks can possibly free up a cabinet or two for other things. Just make sure to install your hanging storage using damage-free mounting tape or obtain permission from your Nelson County property manager to drill holes in the walls or ceiling.
Add Rolling Storage
For tenants, one efficient way to add storage space to a small kitchen is by having a rolling island or storage cabinet. Plenty of small kitchens have gaps or corners that are not fully utilized. You can add more space for your things by adding standalone storage or counter space. Rolling islands are definitely superb taking into account that they impart both storage and counter space, and also a place to sit if you add a couple of stools. Narrow storage racks designed to fit between a fridge and a wall or other tight space can as well grant you more places to store your kitchen essentials or pantry items.
Add Shelves
If your kitchen has many wall spaces but not many cabinets, one common technique to add more storage would be to install shelves. Open shelves can add function and beauty to a kitchen and provide you with places to display glassware or tuck small appliances away after use. But having said that, adding shelves is an essentially larger project that will surely require your landlord’s approval, so be sure to ask first. Indeed, also remember that many leases stipulate that if you install anything permanent, like shelves, you may need to remove them and repair any damage left behind or can leave them where they are.
Your lease, like many leases, may also require you to have the work done by a licensed professional, so really make sure you ascertain what your landlord requires and follow the guidelines they provide. Otherwise, you may discover, too late, the cost of removal or repairs deducted from your security deposit upon move-out.
Though conceding these are all best solutions to maximize space in a kitchen, it’s probably time to look for a rental with bigger rooms if you are still feeling cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management Cairn a call. We have a wide range of rental home listings, possibly even one with your dream kitchen in it! View our listings online or reach us at 434-215-3028.