If you have a small kitchen, you know the struggle—counter space always seems to disappear. One minute, it’s clear; the next, it’s cluttered with dishes, appliances, and random groceries. Suddenly, you have no room to prep your meals, and cooking feels like a chore.
The good news? You don’t need a complete kitchen remodel to fix this. With a few smart strategies, you can free up space, maximize what you have, and make your kitchen feel bigger and more functional. From clever storage solutions to space-saving appliances, this guide will show you how to create more counter space—even in the tiniest kitchens.
Assess Your Current Kitchen Layout
Before adding new storage solutions or rearranging everything, take a step back and evaluate your kitchen layout. Sometimes, the biggest space-saving improvements come from simply organizing what you already have.
Identify Clutter Hotspots
Look at your countertops—what’s taking up the most space? Is it small appliances, dish racks, or spice bottles scattered everywhere? Pinpoint the biggest culprits so you can find ways to clear them.
Rearrange for Efficiency
Think about how you use your kitchen daily. Are your frequently used items within easy reach? If you’re constantly moving things around just to chop vegetables or make coffee, it’s time to rethink your setup. Keep essential items handy and relocate the rest to cabinets or shelves.
Make Use of Underutilized Spaces
Many small kitchens have hidden storage potential. Check if you have unused wall space for shelves, empty cabinet interiors that could fit extra organizers or awkward corners where a rolling cart could add extra counter space.
Once you assess what’s working—and what’s not—you’ll have a clear plan to start maximizing your kitchen’s potential.
Declutter and Organize to Free Up Counter Space
One of the easiest ways to create more counter space is by simply getting rid of the clutter. If your countertops are covered with appliances, utensils, and random kitchen items, it’s time for a reset. A well-organized kitchen not only looks better but also makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Store Appliances You Don’t Use Daily
Be honest—how often do you use that bulky stand mixer or slow cooker? If it’s not an everyday essential, it doesn’t need to live on your counter. The best place for these less frequently used appliances is inside cabinets, on pantry shelves, or even in a dedicated appliance garage if you have the space.
For items you use occasionally but not every day, consider storing them in harder-to-reach spots, like high shelves or lower cabinets. If you’re short on storage space, investing in stackable bins or pull-out organizers can help maximize every inch of your cabinets.
And if there’s an appliance you haven’t touched in over a year, it might be time to donate or sell it. Clearing out unused gadgets frees up space for what really matters.
Utilize Wall and Vertical Space
When counter space is limited, the walls can become your best friend. Installing floating shelves is a simple way to keep frequently used items accessible without taking up valuable prep space. Use them for spices, cookbooks, or small kitchen tools that often clutter countertops.
A magnetic knife strip is another game-changer. Instead of keeping a bulky knife block on your counter, mount your knives on the wall for a sleek, space-saving solution. Similarly, hanging racks for pots, pans, and cooking utensils can free up entire drawers and cabinets.
If your backsplash area is empty, install a rail system with hooks to hold measuring cups, ladles, or even small baskets for spices and condiments. Every bit of vertical space can be used to keep your counters clear and your essentials within reach.
Optimize Cabinet and Drawer Storage
Your kitchen cabinets and drawers might be more spacious than you think—you just need the right organizers to maximize their potential. Stackable shelves can double your storage space inside cabinets, making room for dishes, bowls, or even small appliances. Pull-out shelves are another great investment, allowing you to access everything easily without digging through cluttered cabinets.
Drawer organizers can help keep utensils, measuring spoons, and other small tools neatly arranged, so they don’t end up scattered across your counter. If you find yourself constantly rummaging through your kitchen drawers, a tiered insert can create extra levels of storage, making everything easier to find.
Don’t forget about the inside of your cabinet doors. Adding adhesive hooks or small shelves can create extra storage for cutting boards, lids, or even spice jars. These little adjustments can make a big difference in freeing up counter space.
Keep Counters Clear with Smart Storage Solutions
A simple rule to follow: if you don’t use it every day, it doesn’t belong on the counter. But even daily-use items like cooking oils, coffee supplies, or utensils can be stored more efficiently to keep your prep space open.
Consider using a small tray or basket to group similar items together. For example, a stylish tray near the stove can hold oil, salt, and frequently used spices, keeping them organized while reducing visual clutter. A rotating turntable inside a cabinet or pantry can help you access condiments and ingredients without digging through shelves.
If your dish drying rack takes up too much space, swap it for a roll-up drying mat that sits over the sink and can be stored away when not in use. For even more flexibility, a foldable cutting board that fits over the sink can provide extra prep space when needed.
Keeping your kitchen counters clear isn’t just about aesthetics—it makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. With the right decluttering strategies and storage solutions, you can transform even the smallest kitchen into a functional and organized space.
Before you can truly maximize your counter space, it’s essential to get rid of unnecessary items. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this guide on how to declutter your kitchen for practical tips to clear out unused gadgets, expired pantry items, and countertop clutter.
Invest in Space-Saving Kitchen Gadgets and Appliances
When counter space is limited, the right kitchen appliances can make all the difference. Instead of cluttering your kitchen with multiple gadgets, choosing compact, multifunctional appliances can help you maximize space while still getting the functionality you need.
Choose Compact or Multifunctional Appliances
In a small kitchen, every inch counts. Instead of having separate appliances for air frying, baking, and toasting, consider a multi-functional air fryer toaster oven. It does the job of multiple appliances while taking up less counter space. Similarly, a multi-cooker, like an Instant Pot, replaces a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and pressure cooker—all in one device.
Here’s a quick comparison of space-saving appliances versus their traditional counterparts:
| Space-Saving Appliance | Replaces |
| Air Fryer Toaster Oven | Air fryer, toaster, convection oven |
| Multi-Cooker (Instant Pot) | Slow cooker, rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer |
| Immersion Blender | Stand blender, hand mixer |
| Compact Coffee Maker | Large drip coffee maker, espresso machine |
| Roll-Up Drying Rack | Traditional bulky dish rack |
Use Collapsible and Nesting Kitchen Tools
Traditional mixing bowls, measuring cups, and colanders can take up a lot of cabinet space. Switching to nesting bowls and collapsible measuring cups can instantly free up storage room. Look for foldable colanders, stackable food storage containers, and compact cutting boards to keep your kitchen more organized.
Collapsible dish drying racks and over-the-sink strainers are also great space savers. They provide the convenience you need but can be stored away when not in use, keeping your counters clear.
Swap Bulky Dish Drying Racks for Over-the-Sink Options
A large dish drying rack can take up nearly half of your counter space. Instead, opt for an over-the-sink roll-up drying mat. It lays flat over your sink when needed and can be rolled up and stored when not in use. Some versions even come with compartments for utensils and plates, making them even more functional.
Another great option is a two-tier drying rack that sits above the sink, allowing dishes to drip dry directly into the basin instead of onto your countertop. These racks utilize vertical space rather than taking up valuable counter space.
Consider a Portable or Foldable Kitchen Cart
If your kitchen lacks counter space, a rolling kitchen cart can be a lifesaver. It provides extra prep space and can double as a storage unit for small appliances, spices, or cookware. Look for a foldable version that can be tucked away when not in use. Some carts even come with built-in cutting boards or extra shelving for added versatility.
The key to a functional small kitchen is choosing appliances and tools that serve multiple purposes while taking up minimal space. With the right gadgets, you can keep your counters clear, stay organized, and make your kitchen feel bigger than it actually is.
Expand Counter Space with Clever Additions
Sometimes, no matter how much you declutter, your small kitchen still lacks enough counter space. That’s where clever additions come in. With the right upgrades—like over-the-sink covers, rolling carts, or pull-out counters—you can instantly create more prep space without a major renovation.
Use Over-the-Sink or Stovetop Covers
Your sink and stovetop take up a huge portion of your kitchen’s surface, but they don’t always need to. Adding a cover for either (or both) can give you instant extra counter space when you’re prepping meals.
An over-the-sink cutting board is a simple yet effective solution. It extends your counter while allowing you to chop ingredients directly over the sink, making cleanup easier. Some versions even come with built-in colanders for rinsing vegetables or draining pasta.
Stovetop covers, also known as burner covers or noodle boards, are another great option. They sit on top of your burners, creating a solid surface for extra prep space. When not in use, they can be stored away or even serve as decorative pieces. If you rarely use all your burners at once, this is a great way to get more workspace.
Add a Rolling or Foldable Kitchen Cart
If your kitchen lacks counter space, a rolling kitchen cart can act as a portable prep station. These carts come in various sizes and designs, with some featuring built-in shelves or drawers for added storage. The best part? When you’re done using it, you can roll it into a corner or against a wall to keep your kitchen open.
For even more flexibility, consider a foldable kitchen cart. These models can be expanded when you need extra workspace and collapsed for easy storage when not in use. Some even come with drop-leaf extensions, allowing you to adjust the size based on your needs.
If you have a small gap between cabinets or appliances, a narrow rolling cart can slide right in and provide extra storage for spices, utensils, or even small appliances. Every bit of available space can be used to make your kitchen more functional.
Install a Pull-Out or Drop-Leaf Countertop
A pull-out countertop is a hidden gem in many modern kitchen designs. Installed beneath an existing counter or inside a cabinet, it slides out when you need more workspace and tucks away when you’re done. This is perfect for small kitchens where permanent counter extensions aren’t an option.
A drop-leaf countertop works similarly but is attached with hinges, allowing you to fold it down when not in use. These are especially useful in galley kitchens or tight spaces where you need flexibility. Some drop-leaf counters attach to walls, acting as a small dining or prep area that disappears when you need more room to move around.
If you have a kitchen island or dining table nearby, consider adding a fold-out leaf extension to give yourself more workspace when cooking. It’s a simple way to expand your prep area without taking up permanent space.
Smart Habits to Keep Your Countertops Clear
Creating more counter space isn’t just about adding storage solutions—it’s also about maintaining a clutter-free kitchen. Without the right habits, it’s easy for counters to become a dumping ground for dishes, mail, and random kitchen items. Here are some simple daily routines to keep your countertops clear and your kitchen feeling open and organized.
Clean as You Cook
One of the fastest ways to lose counter space is by letting dirty dishes pile up while you’re cooking. Instead of waiting until the end of meal prep, get into the habit of cleaning as you go. Wash utensils and cutting boards between tasks, and load dishes into the dishwasher right after using them. If you don’t have a dishwasher, keep a small bin of soapy water in the sink to quickly rinse and soak items as you cook.
A clutter-free workspace makes cooking easier and prevents the overwhelming mess that can build up by the time dinner is ready.
Put Items Back Immediately
It’s tempting to leave the toaster, blender, or spice jars out after using them, but these small habits quickly add up to a crowded countertop. Make it a rule to return everything to its designated spot as soon as you’re done.
If certain items always seem to linger on the counter, consider whether they need a better storage home. Drawer organizers, cabinet risers, or even a small hanging rack can make putting things away quicker and easier.
Limit What Lives on Your Counter
The less you keep on your counter, the more space you have for cooking and meal prep. Try to keep only the essentials out—like a coffee maker, a cutting board, and a small container for cooking utensils. Everything else should be stored away.
If you find it hard to minimize counter clutter, designate a tray or basket for frequently used items. This keeps things contained and makes it easier to wipe down surfaces. A small spice rack near the stove, for example, can hold everyday seasonings without taking over the entire counter.
Use a “One-Touch” Rule
A simple trick to keep counters from becoming cluttered is the one-touch rule—if you pick something up, put it away in its final place immediately instead of setting it down somewhere else. This prevents mail, grocery bags, and random kitchen tools from accumulating on the counter throughout the day.
Applying this habit consistently keeps your kitchen looking tidy without much effort.
End the Day with a Clear Counter
Before going to bed, take five minutes to wipe down your countertops and put everything back in its place. A quick reset at the end of the day prevents clutter from building up and ensures you start each morning with a clean, open workspace.
Conclusion
Making more counter space in a small kitchen isn’t about having a bigger kitchen—it’s about using the space you have more efficiently. By decluttering, organizing smartly, and investing in space-saving appliances, you can create a more functional and open workspace without a full renovation.
Simple changes like using over-the-sink cutting boards, installing pull-out countertops, or adopting better daily habits can make a huge difference. The key is to keep only what you need on your counters and find creative ways to store the rest.
With these tips, your small kitchen can feel bigger, work better, and make cooking a whole lot more enjoyable.
