How can we manage storage space in a compact kitchen ? One of the first steps toward a more functional and less overwhelming kitchen is to spend some time looking over what you have in there already. If real estate is limited, it makes sense that anything taking up space should be something useful. One key area to look over is small appliances. What do you have? How often do you use it? If you have a waffle maker but seldom make waffles, it might make sense for you to donate it. Multi-purposedevices like the Instant Pot are crucial for small kitchen owners. Other ideas include: Cookware: If you bought a full set, chances are you don’t really need every pot and pan that came with it. Can you get by with fewer? Do you need a large, medium, and small saucepan? Get rid of a few pieces and free up a lot of space. Bakeware: Similarly, some of us (ahem,  me) have waaaaaay more bakeware than we need. Is it necessary to have three glass casserole dishes plus two metal pans and one stoneware dish? Probably not (unless you make and freeze many lasagnas). Utensils: One thing I noticed when decluttering my own kitchen is that I had a utensil holder on the counter plus a full drawer of utensils. I hardly ever touched that drawer! Everything I use often stays in the utensil holder, so I got rid of a ton of old spatulas, gadgets I never use, and miscellaneous pieces and freed up an entire drawer. Storage containers: It’s so easy to accumulate a mass of Tupperware and various storage containers. From food gifts to leftovers from a dinner party, there are many ways that we find ourselves in possession of an army of plastic. Discard or donate what you don’t need and consider upgrading to a matching set that will last a long time and store comfortably nestled together. Mitts, towels, etc.: Hanging on to old and shabby oven mitts and dishtowels probably doesn’t take up a huge amount of space, but it’s a good area to clean out anyway.  There are plenty of other areas to condense and declutter, but this list should get you started and help open up a lot of space in some cases. 2. Be discriminating with purchases The next step after clearing out your kitchen is an ongoing one: You have to be vigilant with your kitchen purchases. It’s easy to fall prey to the latest and greatest gadget, but if you don’t have the space,  it needs to really be something you’ll use often if you’re going to devote precious storage space to it. Take time to review your needs and the available space before committing to a purchase. Or, make yourself throw out or donate one thing when you buy something new. Another tip in this area is to look for things that fit together well or that will combine easily with what you already have. One example is storage containers. If you stick to one brand or buy a full set, it should be easier to stack them together, maximizing space in all directions.