Some Chattanooga rental homes have kitchens that don’t seem to have enough storage for all the essentials, making many daily tasks more challenging to do. However, you can maximize your kitchen space to create a functional and beautiful working space you will
enjoy being in. This article lists down some ideas you can use to add storage and utility to your rental home’s kitchen.
One quick note: the upgrades mentioned here will be a mix of easy do-it-yourself options that you can easily take with you when you leave the rental home and some ideas that 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. Getting rid of things you do not use regularly can help you fit your oft-used dishes, utensils, small appliances, or kitchenware in the limited cabinet space. 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. As soon as you have a place for everything you use and need, your functional kitchen will soon be a reality.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another way to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. Adding hooks and pegs to unused areas like walls, sides of cabinets, or even the ceiling is a great way to make up for limited cabinet space. 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 Chattanooga 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. Have you noticed that small kitchens often have gaps or corners that are not fully utilized? By adding some standalone storage or counter space, you can store your things better. 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. Aside from being a place to display glassware or store small appliances after use, open shelves add beauty to a kitchen. Adding shelves is one of the projects that will probably require your landlord’s approval. Most leases also stipulate that any permanent installations, like shelves, have to be removed upon leaving and you may need to repair any damage left behind.
If your lease is like most leases, you may be required to have the installation done by a licensed professional, so it is best to check with your landlord for the guidelines when it comes to projects like this. Or else, the cost of removal or repairs might be deducted from your security deposit upon move-out.
While all of these are great tips to maximize your kitchen space, you might need to look for a rental with bigger rooms if you still feel cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management Your Home 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 423-704-9944.
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