If the kitchen in your Chelsea rental home is on the smaller side and does not have enough storage for all the essentials, daily tasks may become inconvenient. But there are many ways to maximize your kitchen space to create a functional and beautiful space you can enjoy working in. In this article, we list down some ideas you can use to add storage and utility to your rental home’s kitchen.
While some of the mentioned upgrades are easy do-it-yourself projects you can remove when you leave your rental home, others may require the permission of your landlord before you can begin. Be sure to check the terms of your lease carefully and follow the process for requesting permanent changes.
Declutter and Organize
The first step to a clean and functional kitchen is decluttering and organization. Compare your cabinet space against the number of dishes, utensils, small appliances, or kitchenware that you have. If you have more than what can be stored inside, getting rid of some stuff can help it all fit better. Investing in organizing trays and racks that easily slide into a drawer or cabinet is also a good idea. You can use these to corral things like silverware, pot and pan lids, and spice jars. As soon as you have a place for everything you use and need, your functional kitchen will soon be a reality.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another way to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. Adding hooks and pegs to unused areas like walls, sides of cabinets, or even the ceiling is a great way to make up for limited cabinet space. You will be surprised how much space you can free up by hanging your pots on a rack or your coffee mugs on hooks! These usually take up an entire cabinet or two that you can now use for other things. Just be sure to install your hanging storage using damage-free mounting tape or get permission from your Chelsea property manager to drill holes in the walls or ceiling.
Add Rolling Storage
Tenants have also added storage space to a small kitchen by bringing in a rolling island or storage cabinet. Many small kitchens have gaps or corners that have not been maximized. With the addition of standalone storage or counter space, you can make more space for your kitchen implements. An advantage of rolling islands is the ability to serve as an added place to sit if you add a couple of stools. This is in addition to giving you more storage and counter space. There are also narrow storage racks made to fit between a fridge and a wall or other tight spaces so you have more places to store your kitchen essentials or pantry items.
Add Shelves
In case you have a kitchen with a lot of wall space but very few cabinets, installing shelves is an inexpensive way to go. Aside from being a place to display glassware or store small appliances after use, open shelves add beauty to a kitchen. Of course, this is a bigger project and will probably require your landlord’s approval before you can start adding any shelves. Most leases also stipulate that any permanent installations, like shelves, have to be removed upon leaving and you may need to repair any damage left behind.
If your lease is like most leases, you may be required to have the installation done by a licensed professional, so it is best to check with your landlord for the guidelines when it comes to projects like this. Otherwise, you could end up having the cost of removal or repairs deducted from your security deposit when you move out.
While all of these are great tips to maximize your kitchen space, you might need to look for a rental with bigger rooms if you still feel cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management Victory a call. We have a wide range of rental home listings, possibly even one with your dream kitchen in it! View our listings online or reach us at 205-793-0700.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
