The Affordable IKEA Pots & Pans Storage Solution That Keeps Kitchens Clutter-Free

While there are many hacks that can help keep kitchen cabinets tidy and clutter-free, perhaps the most difficult things to store in a functional and space-saving way are your pots and pans. It turns out that your only option isn't just to throw them in your cabinet and swiftly slam the door — in fact, you may have better luck keeping them out of the cupboards altogether. You'll find that there are a ton of organizational tools out there that can help keep your small kitchen organized, but one of the best comes from IKEA. 

Aside from an affordable organizer which is a game-changer for cluttered countertops, there's another solution which is particularly straight forward and just as budget-friendly. Installing a hanging rack on your wall won't cost much, but it can be an excellent way to store pot and pans out of the way while also keeping them in view, which is both useful for accessing what you need while you cook, and for making the most of a small space. 

Though there are a few different options to choose from, one of the most cost-effective items is the HULTARP collection of hooks and rails. The rail is listed at only $6, and the hooks are just $3 for a set of five. Despite being so inexpensive, they're both highly rated by customers who have purchased them. The rail comes in two sizes, 23.5 inches and 31.5 inches — with the larger one only costing $3 more. Both the hooks and rails come in three color options — black, nickel, and polished brass, which gives you options to choose the one that will work best for your kitchen aesthetic. 

The key to making this work for you relies quite a bit on the space you're working with, the amount of pans you have, and the material of your walls. Though you can technically drill through a tile backsplash, it will be significantly easier to work with a bare wall (and easier to patch up any possible mistakes!) If you're looking to hang a large number of pans, you'll also probably want to spread them out between a few rails so that you aren't putting too much pressure on just one, and risking it pulling out from the wall. 

When it comes to hanging your rack, the first thing to note is that you'll need to mount it wherever your space allows. Since pots and pans are a bit bulkier than say utensils, you want to make sure that they will be hanging somewhere that they're not in the way, as well as in a space that does not look unbalanced when fully loaded. It's also important to consider the functionality of the rest of your space — for example, you would not want to inhibit your cabinets from opening fully, or block access to a light switch. 

One of the best things about this rack is its versatility. Not only can it be used to hang your pots and pans, but it's also useful in many other ways around the kitchen and the rest of your home. It's ideal for holding utensils, dish towels, or even drying herbs in the kitchen, but it also has a ton of compatible accessories that make it a great option for other rooms of the house as well. Whether a craft room, garage, or bathroom, variations of this rack can be used in almost any area of the house. Plus, for renters or those with very minimal space, it's a super affordable, non-permanent, and versatile way to keep organized without eating up your floor space. With the right accessories, this IKEA hack can also function as a nifty solution to keep paper towels and utensils off your counter.