There’s something so satisfying about a neat, tidy home—where everything has its place. If you’re like me, you find it nearly impossible to focus when things are out of order. And yes, that includes the fridge.
But it wasn’t always this way. As a kid, I wasn’t exactly a master of organization—thankfully, I have my mom to thank for showing me how to keep everything looking picture-perfect, like it could be featured in a real estate listing.
One of the best lessons she taught me was how to make the most of those small, often overlooked cupboards above the fridge. You know the ones?
They seem almost useless at first glance, right? Too small for most kitchen items, and who really wants to reach up there for plates or cups? So, what do you put in them?
Well, if you’re scratching your head about how to make the most of this awkward space, I’ve got a few clever ideas for you.
1. Store Infrequently Used Kitchen Gadgets
These cupboards are perfect for those items you only need every once in a while—like food processors, blenders, waffle makers, or slow cookers. They don’t need to be within easy reach all the time, so why not stash them up high?
2. Canned Goods & Baking Essentials
Canned food and baking supplies have a long shelf life, so they’re perfect for the cupboard above the fridge. Stock up on those essentials you don’t use every day, like canned tomatoes, beans, or even that big bag of flour you pull out only on weekends for baking.
3. Cookbooks
If you’re like me and have a few cookbooks collecting dust on a shelf, consider moving them up to that high cupboard. It keeps your kitchen looking tidy and gives you easy access when you feel like trying out that new recipe.
4. Pantry Items & Spices
Similar to canned goods, pantry items and spices that you don’t need every day can live happily in this space. You can even get a small spice rack to keep your seasonings organized and easily accessible.
5. Kitchen Towels
Do you buy kitchen towels in bulk? My wife does! If you’ve got extras, the cupboard above the fridge is a perfect place to stash them. No more clutter in the drawer!
6. Fine China
Got that fancy dinner set you only use for special occasions? These cupboards are a great spot to store your fine china—keeping it out of reach from little hands and out of the way when you don’t need it.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While these cupboards can be super useful, just a couple of things to remember:
- Safety first—be sure not to store anything too heavy up there. When it’s time to grab something down, use a sturdy stool or step ladder to avoid any accidents.
- Watch out for heat—since the fridge is underneath, some items might not be ideal for this space. Be cautious with things that need to stay cool, like chocolate or certain oils.
So, next time you open that cupboard above the fridge, you might just find it’s the hidden gem of your kitchen!
