If the kitchen in your Wilmington rental home is somewhat on the small side or doesn’t really have substantial storage for all the essentials, it can make a lot of daily tasks harder to do. The good news is that there are ways to maximize your kitchen space and create a functional, amazing space you’ll take delight in spending time in. In this article, we’ll examine a few ideas you can easily use to add storage and utility to your rental home’s kitchen.
One quick note: While certain upgrades are uncomplicated do-it-yourself options that you can take with you as soon as you leave your rental home, others may require the permission of your landlord. Bear in mind to check the terms of your lease closely and follow the whole process for requesting permanent changes.
Declutter and Organize
Your first effective action for planning a clean and functional kitchen is to declutter and organize it. If you have more dishes, utensils, small appliances, or kitchenware than you have cabinet space, the chances are high that simply getting rid of the things you don’t use regularly can enable it all to fit. In addition, buy a few organizing trays and racks that you can slide right into a drawer or cabinet to corral things such as silverware, pot, and pan lids, and spice jars. When you do have a specific area for everything you use and need, you are certainly on your way to a more functional kitchen.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another effective way to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. If you have limited cabinet space, assess adding hooks or pegs to not-so-used areas, as for instance walls, the side of cabinets, or even the ceiling. Hanging your pots on a rack or your coffee mugs on hooks can empty a full-scale cabinet or two for other things. Just always remember to install your hanging storage using damage-free mounting tape or ask permission from your Wilmington property manager to drill holes in the walls or ceiling.
Add Rolling Storage
For tenants, one simple solution to add storage space to a small kitchen is by adding in a rolling island or storage cabinet. Most small kitchens have gaps or corners that are not fully utilized. You can have more space for your things just merely adding standalone storage or counter space. Rolling islands are ideal since they provide both storage and counter space and, at the same time, a place to sit if you add a couple of stools. Narrow storage racks designed to fit between a fridge and a wall or other tight space can further impart more places to store your kitchen essentials or pantry items.
Add Shelves
If your kitchen has lots of wall space but not many cabinets, one pocket-friendly way to add more storage would be to install shelves. Open shelves can add function and beauty to a kitchen and furnish you with places to display glassware or tuck small appliances away after use. But definitely, adding shelves is a far bigger project that will likely require your landlord’s approval, so be sure to ask first. In addition, many leases stipulate that if you install anything permanent, like shelves, you may need to remove them and repair any damage left behind or possibly leave them where they are.
Your lease, like many leases, may also require you to have the work done by a licensed professional, so make absolutely certain you understand what your landlord requires and follow the guidelines they furnish. Otherwise, you may figure out, too late, the cost of removal or repairs deducted from your security deposit upon move-out.
Granting that these are all the best ways to maximize space in a kitchen, maybe it’s time to look for a rental with bigger rooms if you are still feeling cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management Champion 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 910-782-4488.
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