This Easy Storage Spot Is Hiding In Your Kitchen

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There's a spot in your kitchen that is a magnet for random items that you're not sure what to do with. You know, those things that don't really belong in any of the cabinets but you're hanging onto "in case" they'll be useful. They're often tucked away on top of the fridge, along with the oversized cereal box that doesn't fit in the cupboard. With a few tweaks, the space above your fridge can become one of the most useful storage spots in your kitchen. It's time to clear everything off and reassess.

Your first step is to give it a good clean using the handy cleaning tool that makes de-griming the top of your fridge a breeze. Once it's sparkly, check the manufacturer's instructions for how much breathing space your fridge needs and see if they mention any weight limitations. Keep those in mind as you go about rearranging that spot into usable storage space.

Also, be aware of the heat your fridge generates. Depending on the make and design, the top of the fridge may be a hotspot. It's not recommended to store food up there, as the warmer temperatures can cause food to spoil. The same goes for wine. You'd be better off opting for a freestanding wine rack, like the PAG Arched Floor Metal Wine Rack, in this case. 

One of the biggest issues of using fridge top storage when you don't have cabinets is the mission of keeping the area clean. This is especially true if you have multiple free-standing items packed on top. The thought of moving them all one at a time is enough to kick that chore straight to tomorrow's to-do list. And we all know what they say about tomorrow. Fortunately, overcoming that is simple. Invest in a couple of beautiful containers with lids (like these Neatjelai Plastic Storage Bins with Bamboo Lids) and store essentials inside them. Now, cleaning only involves moving two or three things and giving the lid a quick wipe — so much easier!

If your issue is reaching items stacked at the back of the fridge top, consider using a lazy Susan. Pick one, such as the HGF Acacia Wood Turntable, that has raised edges to prevent things from falling off and disappearing behind your fridge. In addition, this space offers great potential for green friends, even if they aren't classed as storage. If you consider all the tips for bringing plant life into your kitchen, a bare fridge top can be a unique place to add some greenery, especially if your kitchen is naturally bright. Pick plants such as the heartleaf philodendron or Chinese money plant, that thrive in a range of temperatures and don't need a lot of water.

Have cabinets over your fridge? Let's face it, getting to those cabinets isn't easy. That's often why some people dump things there that they simply don't know what to do with. However, you can make it a workable space by keeping a small step stool handy. Choose one that matches the vibe of your kitchen so it blends in and looks like it intentionally belongs in the room.

There are always kitchen items that you don't use regularly but still need (such as holiday-themed dishes), and the hard-to-reach cupboard above your fridge makes the perfect storage spot. Hands up all those with a Santa Claus cookie jar, we see you! This cabinet is also ideal for appliances you don't use often — for example: breadmakers, slow cookers, rotisserie grillers, or specialty baking supplies and muffin tins.

If you'd prefer not to put bulky appliances that far up, you can opt to store lighter items that are easier to take down and put back up again. Think about using the cabinet for extra tablecloths, placemats, and other kitchen linens. Storing them here means they're close enough to grab when the occasion calls for it instead of stealing space from daily-use essentials. To keep the area useful, it helps to be intentional about organizing the space. In fact, you can utilize every inch of cabinet storage space with these genius hacks that include shelf raisers and under-shelf organizers, to name a few.