Small Kitchen Organization: Dollar Store Solutions That Actually Work

Hey there! Chas The Easy Organizer, and today I’m sharing how I transformed my cramped kitchen into an organized dream space using affordable solutions (mostly from Dollar Tree!). If you’re dealing with no pantry, not enough drawers, or a lazy Susan that’s turned into a black hole – I’ve got you covered.

DIY Small Kitchen Organization IDeas Video

Starting with the Drawer Drama

Let’s be real – the first step to organizing is facing the mess. Here’s my process:

1. Pull everything out of each drawer
2. Wipe it clean (fresh start!)
3. Sort through items and ditch the extras
4. Really think about where each item should live

Pro tip: I found measuring drawers and planning layouts before organizing made a huge difference. Using Dollar Store baskets, I created systems that made sense for my cooking style. Though honestly, I’m still debating if I should swap my cooking utensils drawer closer to the stove!

Making the Most of Awkward Spaces

That Weird Corner by the Sink

You know that super deep corner space that’s too awkward to actually use for food prep? I turned mine into bonus pantry space using:

• Three Dollar Tree dish racks
• Dollar Store containers for cereal and snacks
• Strategic placement to maximize vertical space

Want to make it look prettier? Just add a tension rod and a Dollar Tree shower curtain as a makeshift curtain!

The Corner Cabinet Solution

Those awkward corner cabinets? They became my new favorite pantry space:

• Added vertical storage with more dish racks
• Grouped similar items together
• Used dollar store containers for tea and coffee
• Stacked tea boxes efficiently

Above-Fridge Storage Tricks

Those deep cabinets above the fridge are prime real estate if you know how to use them right. My solution? Dollar Store bins that can slide in and out. I can fit four tubs in each cabinet, making it super easy to organize different food groups and actually reach what I need.

Taming the Lazy Susans

The Pots and Pans Lazy Susan

Here’s a game-changer for your pots and pans storage:

• Stack items strategically to maximize space
• Use dollar store dividers between pots and pans to prevent scratching
• Store pot holders between the dividers
• Use dividers to organize pot lids too
• Pro tip: That empty space behind the lazy Susan? Perfect for storing items you don’t use often but still want to keep handy!

The Problematic Corner Lazy Susan

My kitchen came with a particularly challenging lazy Susan – you literally have to open the fridge to access it properly (who designed this?!). After some trial and error, here’s what worked:

Put frequently used items like drink cozies in eas

Clear dividers (I found these on Amazon) to keep things from falling over

Grouped similar items together in bins

Maximizing Counter Space

Counter space is precious! Here are my favorite space-saving moves:

• Placed the toaster oven diagonally in the corner
• Used the top of the toaster oven for hot pad storage
• Created an efficient drink station with my kettle and soda stream
• Used underneath spaces for additional storage

Quick Toaster Oven Hack

Here’s a game-changing tip: Line your drip pan and crumb tray with Dollar Tree aluminum foil sheets. When they get grimy, just peel off and replace – way easier than scrubbing!

Smart Cabinet Solutions

Deep Bottom Cabinet Organization

For my only lower cabinet, I had to get strategic. Here’s what worked:

• Assessed frequency of use: frequent items up front, occasional items in back
• Placed larger items like the Instant Pot and popcorn popper toward the back
• Stacked mixing bowls together with their lids underneath
• Storage containers got grouped with their lids in separate containers
• Positioned cutting boards sideways to save space
• Stacked baking pans with lids underneath

The key here? Don’t overcrowd! Leaving some breathing room makes it way easier to grab those less-used items in the back when you need them.

Deep Corner Dish Cabinet

This tricky space became super functional with some planning:

• Top shelf: Less-used bowls and dishes (step-stool required!)
• Middle shelf (most accessed): Plates in front for easy grabbing, bowls slightly behind
• Used the depth strategically to store all our everyday dishes
• Everything’s visible and accessible, just arranged by frequency of use

Glassware Storage Tricks

First Cabinet:

Got those annoying single-shelf cabinets? Here’s how I doubled the storage:

• Used a Dollar Tree plate stacking holder (turned sideways!)
• Tall glasses on top
• Short glasses underneath
• Instantly doubled my glass storage space

Second Cabinet:

• Stemware stored safely on top
• Another plate stacking holder (this one fit sideways)
• All mugs organized below

Bonus Storage Solutions

Even though we don’t have a proper pantry, I got creative:

• Added an IKEA shelf next to our stacked washer/dryer for extra pantry space
• Used vertical organizers wherever possible
• Maximized deep cabinets with strategic stacking

What’s Next?

I’m still working on perfecting my baking and spice cabinet (and getting my husband to stop cluttering the counter!). But that’s the beauty of organization – it’s always evolving to work better for your needs.

Want more organizing tips? I’ve got a free decluttering guide waiting for you over at ChazsCrazyCreations.com. Drop a comment below if you’ve got a tricky space you need help with – it might inspire my next video!

Remember, organizing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sometimes the best solutions are the simple ones from the dollar store. Happy organizing!

More Small Kitchen Organizing Ideas

• 9 Super Easy Small Space Organization Hacks for Your Home
• Quick and Easy DIY Kitchen Organization Ideas
• DIY Storage Shelf: Easy, Versatile, and Multi-Purpose Solution

If you’re looking for Kitchen Decor Ideas, you might enjoy this post: Kitchen Decor Ideas: Unleash Your Kitchen’s Potential