Clever Kitchen Storage Hacks (That Won’t Make Your Wallet Cry)

Let’s be real—kitchen organization products cost way too much for what they are. 40foraspicerack?80 for a drawer divider? Nope. 

After years of small-space living (and a mild container obsession), here are my favorite cheap/free ways to organize your kitchen—using stuff you probably already own. 

The “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” Solutions 

1. Tension Rod Drawer Divider 

• What: Stick a tension rod vertically in a drawer 
• Why: Creates instant sections for baking sheets, cutting boards, lids 
• Cost: $2 at Dollar Tree 

2. Cereal Box Magazine Files 

• What: Cut cereal boxes diagonally 
• Why: Free organizers for foil/ziploc boxes, spice packets, tea bags 
• Bonus: Cover with contact paper if you’re feeling fancy 

3. Paper Towel Holder for Wraps 

• What: Mount a towel rod inside a cabinet door 
• Why: Keeps foil, parchment, wax paper rolls accessible but hidden 

Pantry Problems Solved 

4. Soda Can Tab Hack 

• What: Use tabs to “stack” lids on jars 
• Why: Finally see all your spices at once 

5. Lazy Susan Alternatives 

• What: Cake stand or microwave turntable 
• Why: 360° access for 5insteadof50 

6. Egg Carton Spice Rack 

• What: Cut lid off, paint if you want, glue to wall 
• Why: Holds 12 spice jars for $0 

Awkward Space Wins 

7. Over-the-Sink Drying Rack 

• What: Cooling rack + S-hooks 
• Why: Dries dishes without counter space 

8. Pegboard Wall of Dreams 

• What: Garage pegboard + hooks 
• Why: Customizable hanging for literally everything 

9. Tic Tac Container Spice Jars 

• What: Washed out Tic Tac boxes 
• Why: Perfect for bulk spices, fits in tiny spaces 

Pretty & Free Containers 

• Glass jars (Pasta sauce, pickles, etc.) 
• Tin cans (Sand off sharp edges, spray paint) 
• Baby food jars (Great for spices or craft supplies) 

Pro Tip: 

Before buying any organizer, ask: “What do I already own that could work?” 90% of the time, you’ve got something perfect hiding in your recycling bin. 

What’s your favorite DIY organization hack? Bonus points if it’s weird! 

P.S. Those plastic fruit containers make great veggie drawer dividers. 
P.P.S. Command hooks can hold WAY more than you think—my strainer lives on the side of my fridge now.