Using Shelves to Increase Kitchen Storage

The last four years or so have been pretty tough economical times for Americans.  However, one positive that can be taken away from this difficult time is many people have learned to simplify their lives and live within their means. Even as we slowly but surely pull out of the recession and folks find themselves with a little bit of extra spending money compared to the last few years, sustaining these new-found principles is a very healthy thing.

One of the easiest ways to simplify your life is to have a renewed focus on preparing meals at home. There are several great reasons to make a point of eating at home instead of out at a restaurant:

1. It saves money. The dollar menu at your fast-food joint may seem like it is a good deal on paper, but comparing it the amount of money you spend per-person, per-meal when you cook at home shows just how wasteful it can be
2. It is often very difficult to register just what kind of nutritional value meals at restaurants contain. While many large chains are now required to label meals with their caloric count, one-off restaurants and fancier restaurants do not. When you cook at home you know exactly what is going into your meal, and how much of it.

The problem many people face when it comes to cooking food in the kitchen is that there simply is not enough space to cook a proper meal. Often this comes down to a lack of counter space – I know I struggle with it often in my one-bedroom apartment.

One great way to clear up counter space (and pantry space) is to install a slide-out storage tower in the kitchen. This unique shelf is able to fit into areas of the kitchen you never imagined could be used for storage! With a pull-out design you can store spices, canned food and other items that normally would take up valuable counter space in the kitchen.

This week and next I will explore a variety of ways that shelves (yes, shelves and yes, there are a variety of ways) can increase the storage space in your kitchen, making it easier to cook meals for yourself.