Smart Ways To Use Shoe Storage In The Kitchen To Get More Organized

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Kitchens often become disorganized when there isn't enough cabinet space. You end up having to keep pots permanently on the stovetop or less-used plates boxed away in the garage. But, you also need stovetop space, and you definitely don't want to have to rummage through boxes every time you need your crockpot. Luckily, the internet is filled with solutions to this problem. As you browse through social media, you'll probably see articles about how to use Command hooks for extra kitchen storage or how to choose storage containers for an open shelf kitchen. But maybe you're running low on wall space or your landlord won't let you install a shelf. In those cases, try using something a bit more unconventional: shoe storage.

On Amazon, most shoe racks sell for between $10 and $100. Across that price range, there are various metal, wooden, and plastic options. From over-the-door shoe organizers to wooden shelved units, these pieces are surprisingly multifunctional when used to solve common kitchen storage problems. Putting these shoe storage options to (unexpectedly) good use in your kitchen, you will find it much easier to store all your favorite dishes and pantry items, and to access them when you need them.

Over-the-door shoe organizers are excellent for saving space in your closet, but they also work well in a pantry. This solution optimizes a space that you might not otherwise use: the back of your door. If your shelves are cluttered with boxes of snacks, you can empty those boxes and place the individual snack backs into the pockets of a shoe organizer. This solution also helps your older children to be more independent, making snacks quickly accessible at a convenient height within their reach.

Most people store cleaning fluids beneath the sink, but there's not always a lot of space down there. A storage cube shoe shelf may help solve your problem. Just make sure never to store toxic chemicals like bleach or Lysol on the lowest shelf if you have kids. Cube storage shelves come in many shapes and sizes, including ones like the Jpiziso cube organizer, that can fit in a kitchen closet or an awkward, unused nook. 

Soft drinks are a nice treat to have on hand, but they take up a lot of space in your fridge; and unless you have a garage, you may struggle to find space in your home to keep an 18-pack of soda. If you can clear a corner in your kitchen pantry, set up a small shoe rack, and line it with sodas, organized by flavor or brand. Pick a shelf in your fridge to keep a few drinks at a time, and whenever you need to refill them, you can snag them from your handy nearby shelf.

You likely store most of your pots and pans in your cabinets, but if you're running out of room, there's a smarter storage solution that involves using a shoe rack. You can place wicker baskets on a shoe shelf and fill it with your smaller pots and pans or easily misplaced items like measuring cups, veggie peelers, and tongs. If you plan to leave your shelf on display (a nice option for a chic bamboo shoe rack), use decorative vases to hold spoons and serving utensils.

The over-the-door shoe organizer can fulfill many storage needs — like holding reusable water bottles in these pockets. Many people tend to collect these colorful bottles, so they can accumulate quickly. Just slip a shoe organizer over your pantry door, and you'll have a convenient place to store upwards of 24 bottles (like with this Amazon Basics shoe organizer). Plus, you'll have them all at a glance if you opt for an organizer with clear-front or mesh pockets.

Most people like to store their dishes closer to eye level because it means they don't have to bend down as often. But, you likely have some dishes you don't use as often and need to keep handy but out of the way. Install a shoe rack in your kitchen closet or pantry, and you'll have a handy and compact place to stack your occasional dishes. Taller pieces, like cups and pitchers, can go on the top shelf, while bowls and plates are easily stacked on the lower shelves.

If you become overwhelmed opening your freezer because things are piled on top of each other, then you can reorganize by adding a shoe rack. The IKEA Grejig shoe rack, which sells for $5, will fit snugly in your freezer. Suddenly, you have an extra shelf allowing you to organize frozen foods at a glance. Go an extra step and add bins atop and below your new shelf for extra organization.

Storage cubes allow you to visualize and label where you will put things. One cubby can hold your chips, another can hold canned goods, and another can hold a bowl of fruit. Once again, you can place plastic bins in each of your cubbies to keep your goods contained. On top of the storage cube, you can keep appliances, like a blender or a microwave, to clear counter space. There are plenty of other innovative ways to use storage cubes, including as a wine station or a kitchen island.