The appliances in our kitchens can be great time savers and allow us to carry out a wide variety of kitchen tasks. Despite this, kitchen appliances can be a pain to store when they are not being used. Storage space may be at a premium, and each device will need its own space that is easy to access. Let’s take a closer look at six handy appliance storage solutions that will help you to get your kitchen organized.
- Some General Concepts
Find a spot where you can arrange some storage for your devices in their original packaging or an even better option is to use plastic bins. Stackable containers can be used if heavier devices are kept at the bottom. Each appliance box could have a label; this is especially useful if there are multiple smaller appliances in a single storage bin. The storage bins could be located in existing shelves or perhaps you even have enough space to add a freestanding shelf unit. If you want to use a new shelf unit, remember that some of the appliances could be heavy. Make sure the shelves can handle the weight and that the shelf is secured to the wall for safety.
- Always Start High
When you’re looking for storage, always start high up on the top shelves of cabinets or high up in your pantry. Above the refrigerator may be a good spot and many of these high up areas are neglected and are not used for practical storage. Larger appliances may be too large for shelves, but they could be stacked on top of kitchen cabinets. This will allow you to make the most of your storage space and appliances can easily be reached with stool.
- Storage Below
Larger and/or heavier appliances need to be stored on lower shelves in a pantry or on a dedicated shelving unit. Clear space in lower cabinets, especially those that don’t seem to get used very often. If you keep your back straight, bending at the knee and lifting a heavier appliance is far safer than trying to lift the same device off a higher shelf.
- Consider Other Locations
There are other rooms in your home that may be related to serving food or entertaining. These can act as an overflow for your kitchen appliance storage efforts. As an example: a buffet piece in a dining room could be used to store your linens and serving trays. This could free up valuable kitchen space for storage, and as a final resort, appliances that are used very rarely could be kept in the basement.
- Careful Storage
Kitchen appliances can represent a significant investment, so it’s essential to protect them during storage. If you need to store appliances in the basement or garage, use the original boxes where possible or a plastic storage bin. Keep appliances off the floor to protect them from moisture and multiple appliances in the same storage bin should be wrapped to prevent scratches.
- Use Labels
Ideally, there should be a label for each storage bin displaying the contents of the container. This will help you to find the appliance you need and remind you where it’s stored when you want to put it away. If you have a lot of storage bins or bins that contain lots of smaller appliances you may need a master list. This will tell you at a glance where everything is, without hunting through shelves and reading lots of labels. A master list will be handy for reference when you’re planning a meal that requires a specific appliance. Getting this organized can be difficult initially, but it will be worth the effort later and save you a lot of time.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your appliances, you can explore your options with this online collection or speak to a home appliance expert for professional advice and guidance.