Some of the kitchens in Katy rental homes can be on the small side or may not have enough storage for all the essentials. This can make doing daily tasks more difficult. What’s good is that there are a lot of ways to maximize your kitchen space and have a functional space that is also aesthetic. This article lists down some ideas you can use to add storage and utility to your rental home’s kitchen.
Remember, though, that while some upgrades are easy do-it-yourself options, others may require the permission of your landlord in order to modify things in your rental home. Be sure to check the terms of your lease carefully and follow the process for requesting permanent changes.
Declutter and Organize
The first step to a clean and functional kitchen is decluttering and organization. If your dishes, utensils, small appliances, or kitchenware vastly exceed the available cabinet space, simply getting rid of the things you do not use regularly can help fit everything better. Organizing trays and racks that fit into the drawers or cabinets are also very helpful for corralling the silverware, pot and pan lids, and spice jars. A functional kitchen needs to have a place for everything you use and need.
Use Vertical Spaces
Another way to maximize your kitchen is to create more storage. If you have limited cabinet space, you can use hooks or pegs on unused areas, like walls, the side of a cabinet, or even the ceiling. You might be surprised to find out that you have freed up an entire cabinet or two just by hanging your pots on a rack or your coffee mugs on hooks. Just be sure to install your hanging storage using damage-free mounting tape or get permission from your Katy 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? With the addition of standalone storage or counter space, you can make more space for your kitchen implements. Rolling islands are especially great because they can be used as both storage and counter space, and also serve as an additional place to sit if you bring in some stools. Narrow storage racks are also great because they fit in tight spaces such as between a fridge and a wall and give you more places to store your kitchen essentials or pantry items.
Add Shelves
Adding shelves is an inexpensive way to add more storage space to kitchens that have a lot of wall space, but limited cabinets. Aside from being a place to display glassware or store small appliances after use, open shelves add beauty to a kitchen. Of course, this is a bigger project and will probably require your landlord’s approval before you can start adding any shelves. Most leases also have a stipulation about permanent installations, like shelves. You may need to remove them and repair any damages left behind or perhaps just leave the installed items where they are.
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. Otherwise, you could end up having the cost of removal or repairs deducted from your security deposit when you move out.
While these are all great ideas to maximize space in a kitchen, you might also want to look into a rental with bigger rooms if you still feel cramped. If you’re ready for a move, give Real Property Management West 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 832-532-9800.
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