4 Budget-Friendly IKEA Finds That Add Much-Needed Extra Storage To Cabinet Doors
Keeping your kitchen tidy is important for helping you make the most of your space and find objects you need quickly. In addition, having well-ordered cabinets is a great way to avoid food waste, as it is easier to be aware of which products may be close to expiration. However, figuring out how to organize your kitchen cabinets isn't always an easy task, particularly for ones that are difficult to access, such as corner units. Thankfully, IKEA has a variety of helpful items that can make arranging your cabinets a breeze. We have examined a range of customer reviews, as well as product features, price, and level of practicality to bring you the best options available.
Whether it's a small container that can organize utensils or a plastic bag dispenser, many of these products are specifically designed to make the most of the cupboard space that generally goes unused. By hanging or sticking them to the door of the cabinet itself, they allow you to easily access items you use every day without having to dig around a bunch of clutter to get to them. And the best part? They are incredibly budget-friendly, meaning that you won't have to break the bank in order to get cabinets that are tidy, easy to manage, and versatile for a number of different purposes. So, which of these IKEA products could you use in your own kitchen?
Collect plastic bags using the VARIERA dispenser
Many homeowners collect plastic bags in order to reuse them for further shopping, organization, or even repurposing around the home. For example, you can turn plastic bags into wall decor art or transform them into a variety of helpful objects such as rope, holiday decorations, and even water-resistant rugs. However, collecting too many of these bags can result in a crowded kitchen cupboard that is difficult to manage. Enter: the IKEA VARIERA plastic bag dispenser, available for $4.99. This clever product is designed to be mounted to a flat surface and filled with plastic bags, thus preventing them from taking over all the available space in your cabinets. Reviews for this product praise its durability and design, though some customers recommend screwing it into the cupboard door rather than using the adhesive strips for the best hold.
So, how can you use the VARIERA inside your own kitchen cabinets to save space and keep your plastic bags under control? As shown in the product photos, this IKEA dispenser can be mounted vertically on the inside of a cabinet door. If you do opt for this positioning, it is important to first check that the dispenser has enough clearance so that it doesn't get caught on existing shelves and stop the door from closing. Alternatively, you could try installing the dispenser horizontally. This means that the dispenser will fit easily over shelves and other objects. Or, if you'd prefer not to have to bend down to get to the bags, you could opt to mount the VARIERA in a higher cabinet, where it will be out of sight but still easy to access.
Organize small items with the ÖBONÄS
Another way to make use of vertical space in your kitchen cabinets is by collecting together small items like utensils, sponges, and cleaning supplies. Objects like these — particularly little ones such as dishwasher pods and spice packets — tend to get lost in cupboards and can even make a mess if they get spilled or broken. To help with this problem, IKEA has released the ÖBONÄS, a clever suction-cup container that sticks pretty much anywhere you want it to go and which can hold a variety of small, useful items.
This product is definitely budget-friendly, costing only $5.99, and is particularly useful on the inside of cabinet doors, as it can corral small items without cluttering your countertop. In addition, both the item description and customer reviews agree that the suction cup feature works perfectly in areas with a high level of humidity. This means that if you'd like to place it in the cabinet under your sink, you won't have to worry about it becoming unstuck due to excess moisture. One reviewer states that they use the ÖBONÄS to hold their sink plug and sponge in order to keep them accessible but out of the way. Just keep in mind that the container comes with outlet holes in the bottom, so you may need to place a drip tray underneath if you plan to use it for any wetter items like sponges, dishrags, or towels.
Easily pull objects out with the UPPDATERA
If you're looking to organize larger items on a budget, however, IKEA has you covered there, too. Some kitchen objects like spray bottles, scrubbing brushes, and even cans of food tend to stack up in cabinets, making it hard to reach the ones at the back. But with the sliding UPPDATERA box from IKEA, you can bring these items easily within reach and put them away again — all at a moment's notice. This box is designed to be mounted to a vertical surface, like the inside of a cupboard door, to help you utilize every inch of cabinet storage space. It features a slider design so that it can be pulled out from within the cabinet, making it easier to reach those items that are hard to access in the back of the cupboard. This item is a little pricier than some other IKEA boxes at $24.98, though it is certainly more economical than having to add extra storage to your kitchen.
This product is perfect for improving the available space in your kitchen cabinets because it can be attached to the inside of the door over existing shelves, thus making the most of the rarely used upper area. Keep in mind that IKEA recommends a maximum load of 6.6 pounds on the UPPDATERA, so it is best not to place heavier items like dishwasher detergent or plates on it. Instead, it is a good idea to place overweight items at the bottom of the cabinet and save your lighter objects for the UPPDATERA to ensure it stays attached to the wall and is able to slide without issue.
Tackle waste and clutter using the SKOLÄST
The kitchen is a place that often results in a lot of waste — from food scraps to general recycling and product packaging. Regular trash cans are great, but they may not always be readily available when you're looking to dispose of the organic waste that can collect in your sink. Having a small one tucked away in your kitchen cabinet can therefore be a huge help, as it means you don't have to rush across the kitchen to get rid of wet or smelly debris.
The SKOLÄST from IKEA is a small, affordable bin that costs $5.99 and has been designed for organic waste. It is a great option for collecting food scraps, which can then be carried to a larger trash can in one go. Keep in mind that some reviews have commented that the lid on the SKOLÄST is not always airtight, so it is best not to leave food waste in it for long periods of time, as it may cause your kitchen to smell and can even attract fruit flies. If you'd rather not use the bin for organic material, it can also be used on the back of a cabinet door to hold miscellaneous items such as hand towels, trash bags, or cleaning gloves.
Our methodology
In order to bring you a well-rounded look at the best products for extra cabinet storage, we have examined a range of different sources. From product features to customer reviews, price points, and practicality, we always make sure to build a balanced viewpoint when recommending any product. Each item on this list has a minimum of a 4-star rating and comes with a range of customer reviews citing their experience with the product's features, usability, price, and overall look. We make sure to include any important concerns customers have had about the item and offer guidance on how to use the product in your own home for the best results.