High kitchen cabinets can be quite difficult to access, and they're often a victim of taking up clutter we probably no longer want to see or deal with on our kitchen countertops.
If you're wondering how to make your kitchen cabinets more functional, then the first step would be to ensure you're utilizing your space properly. Upper cabinets can often be overlooked, too. But, not to worry, as there is a way you can make high kitchen cabinets more accessible.
We spoke to a few professional organizers to find out how we can access hard-to-reach places and what options we should consider. Here's what they had to say about it.
1. Use a Step Stool
Whether you use your upper kitchen storage to store your fancy glassware or just your spare tins of food, don't take the risk of balancing on your counter just so you can reach them.
By far, the easiest way to reach those higher cabinets is with the help of a step stool, allowing you to safely reach your items without worrying about accidents. "I highly recommend a foldable stool to easily and safely access your items as they can be stored away when not in use," suggests professional organizer Kayleen Kelly. #
You can also get plenty of stylish options that will blend seamlessly with your kitchen decor. It might be a more rudimentary solution, but this reliable method has been used for centuries for a reason.
Price: $41.79
Was: $58.99
Available in two, three, and four steps — this product is easy to use and stored away when no longer in use. It will also allow you to reach those upper cabinets with ease.
2. Install a Pull-Down Organizer
There are plenty of more advanced solutions on the market to improve the utility of your high kitchen cabinets.
Pull-down organizers like this one from Amazon are clever tools that make it easy to access your items with baskets that slide down.
All you need to do is simply attach the tracking system to your cabinet shelves by screwing them in. The basket will then slide out and can be pulled down vertically for easy reach.
Price: $207.82
Was: $259.77
This pull-down shelf organizer measures around W x D x H): 30~32" W x 11" D x 22" H and can be easily installed with an installation manual and locator card.
3. Use a Lazy Susan
"To ensure they're within reach, arrange deep upper cabinets with the help of a kitchen organizer like a Lazy Susan," says Julie Peak, professional organizer and owner of The Precise Place.
They might remind you of the eighties, but these clever turntables are one of the best ways to easily reach the back of high cabinets (although you might still need a helping hand to get to them). "Maximize space and storage by choosing one with the same diameter as the cabinet," adds Julie.
To organize a corner cabinet, a lazy Susan will make it possible to use every inch of awkward space. These turntables attach to ball-bearing hardware and mount to a shelf that extends outwards as you open the door.
Price: $29.99
This 14" wooden lazy Susan makes for the perfect little upper cabinet organizer. It's made from wood with rich grain and comes in an easy-to-spin design.
4. Add a Rolling Library Ladder
It might be a costly installation, but if you have a more functional space, a rolling library ladder can make a genius (and seriously enviable) addition to your kitchen.
These ladders come on castors and attach to the space above your cabinets with a tracking system, allowing you to sweep around your kitchen like a Gothic librarian.
While they're only really worthwhile if you have a long row of cabinets along one wall, library ladders are becoming a far more popular design choice (plus it's guaranteed to be the coolest feature of your home).
Price: $1,599.99
Was: $2,687.99
Stylish and unique, this lightweight wood rolling ladder from Wayfair features a sturdy, solid aluminum rail and patented quiet glide technology. It's perfect for kitchens and pantries.
5. Think About What You Store Up Top
It might sound obvious, but spare some thought on what to store in your high kitchen cabinets. We're all about working smart, not hard, and by storing infrequently used items in your upper cabinets you'll be making day-to-day life far smoother.
"Things that are not frequently used can be stored in lightweight bins, bags, or baskets that are easy to grab," suggests organizer Melissa Gugni. "I also like to put things like entertaining supplies (fondue pots, chafing dishes) up there as well as seasonal holiday items. I access these heavier items with a sturdy, lightweight ladder that I keep nearby."
Ready to make your kitchen more convenient? Set yourself a weekend project and give your storage a rehaul with these smart solutions for high cabinets.
