FROM a jumbled pantry and cluttered cutlery drawer to an extra-deep cupboard that has to be emptied every time you need to reach a pot lid or can of soup at the back, kitchens can be one of the most dysfunctional rooms in the house. But improving the efficiency of the space doesn't have to cost big dollars. For $20, you can do a lot by adding non-permanent fixtures.
From slide-out shelves and stackable bins to compact spice racks and handy drawer dividers, there's a plethora of inexpensive add-ons to conquer kitchen clutter and make the best use of your storage and counter space.
We went shopping for affordable, smart solutions to boost the function of the kitchen and found these for under $100.
On the hook
Short on storage space? Hang cooking utensils and pot holders close to the stove with the GRUNDTAL wall organizer from IKEA. $9.99 for the stainless-steel rail; $2.99 for a pack of five S-hooks
Wheel into action
Vibrant and functional, these steel mesh baskets on wheels can be used to store everything from loose potatoes and onions to cleaning supplies and extra boxes of cereal and crackers. $9.99 each at HomeSense
Pop goes the strainer
Stainless or hard plastic colanders are space hogs. These collapsible silicone strainers from Good Grips store flat so they can be hung on the inside of a cupboard door without taking up much space. $24.99 each at Home Outfitters
Made to fit
Tired of throwing out half-empty bags of chips and cookies because they've gone stale before you could eat them? Keep dried goods fresh and organized with the new Modular Canisters from Rubbermaid. Available in four sizes, the slim containers stack evenly and one lid size fits all. $4.49 to $9.79 each at Walmart and Home Hardware
Off the wall
No need to monopolize premium counter space with a bulky knife block. Instead, hang your favourite cutting tools on the wall with the GRUNDTAL magnetic knife rack ($14.99) from IKEA.
Roll on out
No more getting down on your hands and knees to reach something at the back of a cabinet with the Knape & Vogt double-tiered wire rollout shelf unit. $99.99 at Home Depot
Divide and conquer
Tame the mess in your cutlery drawer with the Bamboo Expandable Utensil Tray from Axis. Adjusts to fit most kitchen drawers. $34.99 at Home Outfitters
Stack and spin
Ideal for spices, canned goods or glassware, the Copco Turntable boosts storage space in hard-to-reach cabinets. $11.99 to $19.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond
-- Postmedia News
