Not Drawers, Not Shelves — The Bathroom Essential You Can Use To Store Spices

Kitchen clutter can be truly frustrating, and it's the number one reason we look for better storage ideas for everything from pots and pans to measuring cups. Sometimes, the most unexpected and useful solutions come from an item that typically belongs in another room, such as repurposing a shower caddy into a spice rack. Many of us keep our essential spices in drawers or on cupboard shelves where they quickly become disorganized and out of reach when we're cooking. By storing them in a shower caddy and hanging them on the wall within reach, you can solve multiple spice storage problems at once.

It's a genius way to store spices without cluttering your kitchen, and you won't have to open a drawer or a cupboard, which some may find tedious and cause workflow friction. Simply reach and grab your spices from the hanging caddy. Since shower caddies are designed with shelves to keep shampoo bottles, they can hold everything from garlic powder to olive oil. 

If you buy a new one, there are many stylish and modern options to choose from. The Home Collection Wire Shower Caddy from Dollar Tree only costs $1.50. You could also repurpose an old one you have in storage or put a few DIY touches on inexpensive ones available at thrift stores or home centers. A can of spray paint can do wonders.

Whether you decide to go with a new or thrifted shower caddy to use as a spice rack, consider wire ones with tiered shelves. They're sturdier than plastic, and the open construction makes it easy to see your spices at a glance. For a larger spice collection, look for a shower caddy with more tiers or get two to hang side by side on the wall.

There are many ways to customize a shower caddy as a spice rack. You could wire or zip-tie Small Rectangular Slotted Plastic Baskets from Dollar Tree to it for $1.50 for a three-pack to create even more storage space for spices. You can also add some S-hooks to the bottom for hanging utensils or potholders. If you've been searching for ways to repurpose scrap wood, you could even make small wooden shelves that fit snugly inside the wire racks. This keeps items from slipping through and adds some rustic style or farmhouse charm. 

You could also create a spice rack to use when you're grilling outdoors. Fill it with all your barbecue spice essentials, and store it in the pantry. When you're ready to barbecue on the weekend, you can bring the whole rack out with just one hand.