Make the Most of Your Kitchenette!
As many young adults know, space while in college is very limited. Unfortunately many of us are not even given the opportunity to have a kitchenette, but for those who are- they are tiny! There are many ways to utilize every nook and cranny of your kitchenette to create an organized space to keep all of your (and your roommate's) belongings.
Silverware:
One of the best space-saving options I have found for silverware is to find a hanging flatware set ($25.99)- this one from Kohls fit perfectly in the space next to the microwave! Colorful option here.
Extra Bags:
This one is easy- shove them right next to the mini fridge! Have them at easy access!
Step Stool:
When you're 5'3" like me, you may need a little help reaching the top shelves. This is where a collapsable step stool comes in handy. Ones like this are inexpensive ($10.47) and come in fun colors! Store it on the other size of the mini fridge that isn't being used for extra bags.
Under Shelf Storage:
Make use of vertical space! Get an Under Shelf Basket like this one here ($9.15) to add extra storage space. These can be used for holding items normally put in a drawer if your small space lacks one. I used additional inexpensive organization baskets from the dollar or container store ($1.29-1.49/ea.) to hold small items such as salt and pepper shakers, and napkins!
Cutting Board:
Having a small cutting board on hand is always useful, so consider purchasing one that has the ability to hang on a hook- then just use an extra Command Hook you may have laying around to hang it next to the sink for easy access!
Make your own Pantry:
This was one of my favorite hacks I found on pinterest (here). Use a clear over-the-door shoe rack ($9.78) to store all of your favorite snacks! Perfect for grabbing on-the-go snacks for those breaks between class, or storing your favorite K-Cups for quick access for those early morning 8am classes.
This was the first day after move-in, so we only had our K-Cups in, but later we added granola bars, a bottle of honey, peanut butter crackers, chips, and more! We faced the dilemma of not having enough space between the door and doorframe to hang it over the top- so we improvised. We hung two Command Hooks near the top of the door, and used two shower curtain hooks we had left over through the holes to hang on the hooks. It worked out perfectly! This was the front door of our dorm- and it was right next to the kitchenette.
Collapsable Bowls:
There are so many options out there about collapsable kitchen items- from measuring cups to mixing bowls to colanders. Especially for the larger bowls- this is a great option when tight on space. They stack easily and take up so much less space than regular bowls and colanders. Here is an example of a space-saving collapsable colander ($9.99).
Dealing with a Roommate:
Odds are you're sharing this small space with your roommate- just as with every other small space you have! Keep communications with your roommate about what you have purchased for the room before the year begins- no dorm needs two Keurigs! Make sure you know what you're bringing and what they are bringing. When you get to school- designate shared space and personal space. For cabinets and the mini fridge- make sure you and your roommate agree with who gets what space. Agree to keep your areas clean, and to take turns with the cleaning the common space. Communication is important with your roommate no matter what.
I hope you enjoy my tips on dealing with a small kitchen space during college! Please share if you did!
Love,
Lauren
