Some of the mentioned upgrades are do-it-yourself options that you can take along when you leave your rental home, but others may require the permission of your landlord. Be sure to check the terms of your lease carefully and follow the process for requesting permanent changes.
Declutter and Organize
Step one to creating a clean and functional kitchen is to declutter and organize it. 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. Organizing trays and racks that easily fit inside a drawer or cabinet are very useful for corralling your silverware, pot and pan lids, and spice jars. Once you have made a space for everything and put everything in its place, you are on your way to a more functional kitchen.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another way to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. Hooks and pegs are also a great way around limited cabinet space. You can add them to unused areas like walls, the side of cabinets, or even the ceiling. You can also hang your pots on a rack or your coffee mugs on hooks and free up an entire cabinet or two for other things. Just be sure to install your hanging storage using damage-free mounting tape or get permission from your La Conner 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 these standalone storages, you can add more counter space or storage for your things. 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. Open shelves not only give you places to display glassware or store small appliances away, but they also add beauty to a kitchen. Since adding shelves is a much bigger project, you may need to ask for your landlord’s approval, so be sure to ask first. Also, many leases state that anything permanent you have installed, like shelves, has to be removed and any damage left must be repaired or perhaps they can be left where they are.
If your lease, like most leases, requires you to have the work done by a licensed professional, make sure you follow what your landlord requires. Otherwise, you might find the cost of removal or repairs deducted from your security deposit once you move out.
While these ideas to maximize kitchen space are all good, you might still want to consider a rental with bigger rooms if you are still feeling cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management Teyata 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 206-861-5525.