Most people think these cupboards are pointless. Here’s how to properly use them


Making the most of available space and keeping your home or office tidy require creative storage solutions.

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Regardless of the space—your office, home, or any other—smart storage solutions can make a big difference.

Cooking can be difficult and disorganized when there is not enough room in the kitchen, which frequently results in a messy and unusable workspace.

But what about those cupboards above the fridge?

Kitchen Detail in Newly Remodeled Home: Hardwood Floors, Stainless Steel Refrigerator, and Quartz Counters

Make use of the little cabinets over the refrigerator to access a useful but frequently disregarded organizing tool. These tucked-away areas may help you keep your kitchen organized, declutter, and maximize its storage capacity. We’ll explore a variety of techniques for optimizing the usefulness of these cabinets and offer real-world instances of their effective application.

Storing Appliances You Rarely Use in That Space Above the Refrigerator

Small modern kitchen appliances - Isolated on neutral background

A main use for the cabinets over the refrigerator is to store little appliances that you don’t use every day in the kitchen. Here are a few instances:

  1. Food Processor: This cabinet is ideal if you only break out the food processor now and then for chopping or slicing.
  2. Blender: Keep your blender tucked away yet within reach for those rare smoothie desires.
  3. Waffle Maker: Save this cabinet for appliances like a waffle maker, which see less regular use but remain vital when needed.

Bins or Baskets

Flat lay view of zero waste products inside organization boxes and wicker baskets. Open drawer at kitchen closet with washing dishes items, bamboo brushes, eco friendly sponge and textile towel

To make organizing your cabinets easier, think about utilizing bins or baskets. You can arrange the following items in this manner:

  1. Baking Supplies: Categorize items like measuring cups, rolling pins, and pastry brushes in labeled bins.
  2. Canned Goods: Employ clear plastic bins to sort canned goods such as soups, sauces, or vegetables.
  3. Cookware Accessories: Arrange pot holders, oven mitts, and trivets in a basket for effortless access.

Maximize Vertical Space

Miami, Fl, USA: March 1, 2021: Kitchen Cookbooks bunched together on shelf. Many different cuisines are shown.

Leverage vertical space by adding extra shelves or adjustable racks. Here are examples of what you can store:

  1. Cookbooks: Stand cookbooks vertically to save space and display your collection.
  2. Spices: Install small shelves to house your spice jars, creating a compact spice rack in the cupboards above the fridge.
  3. Glassware: Store seldom-used glassware or wine glasses vertically on the shelves.

Storing Bulk Items and Kitchen Linens

Almonds and dried apple slices stored in glass jars, reducing the use of plastic

Kitchen linens and bulk items can be conveniently stored in the cupboards above the refrigerator. Here’s how to make use of this area:

  1. Bulk Staples: Store surplus pantry staples like flour, sugar, or rice in airtight containers to keep them fresh and easily accessible.
  2. Paper Towels: Make space for extra supplies of paper towels and tissues, reducing clutter in other areas of your kitchen.
  3. Kitchen Towels: Keep kitchen towels, dishcloths, and cleaning rags organized and readily available in this cabinet.”

Seasonal Items and Special Occasions Storage in That Space Above the Refrigerator

Assorted Glittery Christmas Ornaments in Box

Items that you use only occasionally or during particular seasons can be stored in small kitchen cabinets above the refrigerator:

  1. Holiday Decor: Safely stow your holiday-themed serving dishes, table linens, and decorations until the festive season arrives.
  2. Picnic Supplies: Keep picnic blankets, outdoor dining accessories, and reusable plates for warm-weather outings neatly stored and easily available.
  3. Special Serving Dishes: Dedicate space for special occasion dishes, such as fine china or elegant serving platters, ensuring they remain in mint condition until needed.

Regular Maintenance and Safety

Cleaning and wiping the doors of the facade of the kitchen cabinet. Hand in a yellow glove with a blue rag

The following should be remembered in order to preserve the functionality and security of these cabinets above the refrigerator:

  1. Periodic Assessment: Regularly review the cabinet contents and declutter items you no longer need to maintain an organized and efficient storage space.
  2. Safe Access: When accessing items from these cabinets, use a sturdy step stool or ladder to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
  3. Heat-Sensitive Items: Exercise caution with heat-sensitive items, as the space above the fridge can become warm due to the appliance’s heat emissions.