Turn Old Mason Jars Into Space-Saving Kitchen Storage With A Clever DIY

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Need more kitchen storage without having to take up additional cabinet or counter real estate? Whether you're a seasoned prepper or just someone who loves to make their homemade jam, you know how useful mason jars can be. But, have you considered attaching them to the bottom of a cabinet as floating storage jars? Well, if you're tight on kitchen space, you should. This under-cabinet hanging storage idea is often used in garage workshops to keep tools and hardware within easy reach while minimizing clutter.

One clever TikToker gave us a peek inside her version of this hack, which allows you to secretly add more storage to your kitchen. In the video, she filled a handful of mason jars with her favorite snacks to place in her RV's tiny kitchen space. She first drilled a hole in the cabinet's floor to thread a sizable screw through, locking the lid in place with a washer and nut. So every time she wants to grab food from one of the jars, she simply has to twist and remove it from the lid.

To replicate this idea, snag some affordable mason jars on Amazon. A 4-pack of 16-ounce BEWAVE Glass Mason Jars is currently available for $10. For the hack, you'll also need a screwdriver and a hardware set that includes nuts and screws (one for each jar). Needless to say, if you've been looking for ways to make your small kitchen space seem bigger, this storage idea may be a good fit.

Not only is this DIY affordable and easy to perform, it's a clever way to reuse old glass jars around the house. This project is doable in about an hour, depending on the number of jars used. First, clear out your cabinets and ensure the mason jars (and lids) are clean and dry. It's best to choose at least a 3/32-inch drill bit to ensure sufficient support.

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For larger jars, a 7/64-inch bit may be a better option to support the additional weight. If you're creating a pilot hole with a 3/32-inch drill bit, it'll pair best with a #8 screw, and a 7/64-inch hole with a #10 screw. Once you have your tools ready, measure the space of your cabinet floor and then the diameter of your mason jars to determine the best spacing. Keep in mind that 3 inches of space between each jar is best if you want to be able to easily untwist them.

Next, mark the drill spots below the cabinets with a pencil and then drill the pilot holes. Follow this up by drilling holes into the center of each mason jar lid using the same drill bit. Now, going one by one, thread a screw through the inside of the cabinet floor. Then, from beneath the cabinet, slide the mason jar lid over the screw, followed by a washer and a nut. Tighten the nut until the lid sits flush against the cabinet bottom.

The basic setup is only the beginning of this convenient kitchen idea. Creating a few custom features in your new storage setup can add a sense of style and help keep things even more organized. For example, instead of using just plain metal lids, consider using colored or even plastic ones. You can also add a personalized (or store-bought) label to the front. This makes it easy to quickly locate what you're looking for and to identify similar-looking pantry items (like flour and sugar). 

Also, consider mixing up the sizes of the mason jars. If you have the cabinet space, try incorporating different sizes for certain areas. For example, small mason jars containing spices can go beneath one set of cabinets, while daily snack options can go under another. 

Messy or wet, soapy "dishwasher hands" may not be ideal for removing these hanging jars, so if you're worried about accidentally dropping them in this type of setup, consider buying ones that have ribbed glass or a textured surface instead. This 6-pack of 16-ounce WELLIFE Mason Jars with Lids is currently available on Amazon for $22. You can always glue a non-slip material, such as pieces of felt, around the jar for a more secure grip, or install a sliding rack for easier handling.