The "S" Word...

Its almost that time of year - the S word is on the horizon (school that is!) and with that, comes another S word - storage.

Whether you’re cooking in sprawling family kitchen, or cooking in a cosy studio, one thing stays the same: no matter how much storage you have, you never feel like you have enough.

But the good news? We've put together some tips below, to make your kitchen can go from chaotic to curated, without having to add extra cabinets, just in time for school!

Kitchen larder - ensuring all the essentials are organised and within reach.

Start with a Clear-Out

Storage boxes done declutter - so before buying a single organizer or box, take stock of what you actually have and use.

• Get rid of duplicates – You don’t really need those five spatulas.

• Check expiry dates – Pantry space multiplies once expired spices and mystery jars are gone.

• Be ruthless with “someday” items – If you haven’t used that waffle maker in three years, it’s a storage hog, not a kitchen tool.

Think Vertically

Most kitchens are designed with more horizontal space than vertical, leaving valuable spaces untapped.

• Install shelf risers in cabinets to stack dishes, cups & lunch boxes without the leaning tower effect.

• Use hooks under shelves to hang mugs or cooking utensils.

• Magnetic strips can hold knives, spice tins, or even scissors on unused wall space.

A spacious pantry, hidden behind kitchen cabinet doors

Zones are Your Friend

Professional kitchens operate in zones - and you should too. Grouping items by function saves you both time and space.

• Cooking zone - pans, spatulas, oils, spices near the stove.

• Prep zone - cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls near your main counter.

• Baking zone - flour, sugar, mixing bowls, and baking pans together.

Rethink Your Pantry

A well-organised pantry is like a well -stocked library - you can find what you need in the blink on an eye.

• Clear containers let you see whats inside, and cut down on “the where’s the sugar?” moments.

• Labels are essential - and keep family members from confusing salt with sugar,.

• Lazy Susans make awkward corner spaces more accessible.

Chefs Pantry/ Hidden Coffee Station, with deep drawers underneath and appliance storage above

If you have the space, deep drawers are a game-changer for pots, pans, lunch boxes and that collection of drinks bottles, as they get rid of having to dig to the back. A hidden drawer inside a deep drawer is also a great idea - it separates all your smaller bits - knives, spices, cutlery etc.

Dividers keep lids and containers from staging daily avalanches.

Some forgotten spaces can be utilised too - the back of cabinet doors – you can mount racks for foil, cling wrap, or pot lids. Toe-kick drawers are great for storing baking trays or placemats. Above - cabinet spaces can be used to store seasonal appliances & bulky serving dishes.

Maintenance is so important once you have your kitchen in order again. If a new gadget or tool comes, something else has to go. This keeps the clutter from creeping back in. With a mix of smart decluttering, storage, and a little bit of creativity, you can transform even the tiniest kitchen into a space that works with you, not against you.

And if, after all your organizing and decluttering, you decide extra cabinets are the missing piece, you know where to find us! https://www.cherrymore.ie/contact