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Kitchen & Bath Designs and Remodeling in Burlington, IA and Beyond

The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Storage

May 16, 2025

Maximize Your Kitchen Space with Smart Storage Solutions 

When it comes to designing your kitchen, the question of how many shelves and drawers you need can feel overwhelming. The truth is, storage solutions are incredibly personal—what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re meticulous about ensuring every item has its place, I have a strategy that can help.

Create a Comprehensive Inventory

Start by making a list of everything you want to store in your kitchen: reusable water bottles, spatulas, dish towels, oven mitts, etc.  As you create your inventory, be sure to categorize your items for easier organization in the next steps. 

This approach will help you keep track of what you have and streamline your kitchen organization process.

Organize and Prioritize Your Items

Once you’ve listed every item, assign a number to each one. Organizing and prioritizing your items not only creates a clear inventory but also allows you to visualize how each piece fits into your kitchen layout. By assigning numbers, you can easily determine which items are essential and should be most accessible, helping you maximize space and improve the overall functionality of your kitchen.

Visualize Your Layout with 3D Design 

Next, take your 3D design images or cabinet plans and label the corresponding cabinets and drawers with those numbers, matching each item to its designated space. This step not only enhances the organization but also helps you visualize how the final layout will function in real life. By having a clear plan in front of you, it becomes easier to make adjustments and ensure everything is in the right place before installation.

Reevaluating Your Storage Strategy

Identifying Unforeseen Needs

This step might reveal a few surprises. Perhaps you'll find that some items don’t quite fit where you originally planned and might need to be relocated to another room. Or maybe you’ll discover that one more drawer is needed after all. While this process can be time-consuming and even a bit tedious, it’s an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that every item in your kitchen has a designated home before you make any final purchases.

By taking the time to map everything out, you’ll have a much clearer picture of your storage needs, and you'll be better equipped to make smart decisions when it comes to your kitchen's layout.

Essential Kitchen Items Checklist

  1. Dinner plates, bowls
  2. Drinking glasses
  3. Silverware
  4. Cooking knives
  5. Coffee cups
  6. Reusable water bottles
  7. Protein powders, shakers
  8. Sugar, flour, baking powders
  9. Spatulas, mixing spoons, tongs
  10. Cookie cutters, sprinkles, food coloring
  11. Cookie sheets, pizza pans, cutting boards
  12. Casserole dishes
  13. Aluminum foil, ziplock bags, etc.
  14. Pots, pans, lids
  15. Mixing bowls
  16. Measuring cups, rolling pins, cooking tools
  17. Can opener
  18. Slow cooker
  19. Toaster
  20. Air fryer
  21. Blender
  22. Stand mixer
  23. Muffin pans
  24. Plastic food containers
  25. Oven mitts
  26. Dish towels
  27. Candle melts, air freshener refills
  28. Plastic or paper plates, bowls, cups
  29. “Junk drawer”: batteries, pens, etc.
  30. Koozies aka Can Coolers
  31. Birthday supplies: candles, etc.
  32. Pet treats
  33. Pet food
  34. Coffee pot
  35. Pantry goods: cereal, bread, chips, boxed goods, cans, etc.
  36. Spices
  37. Cookbooks
  38. Cooking oils

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Cabinetry
Bathroom Design & Remodeling
Kitchen Design & Remodeling