The Simple Storage Addition To Try If You Have Cluttered Kitchen Countertops

When it comes to kitchens, storage is everything. A well-organized kitchen space is more enjoyable to cook and entertain in, since you know exactly where everything is and where everything needs to go. Whether you have a beautifully decanted pantry or ingenious lid storage thanks to a Dollar Tree DIY, everything needs a place to call home. However, what if you don't have as much cabinet space as you would like, and you can't fit all of your essentials behind closed doors? For most, the answer is to store that spillover on the kitchen countertops, but that can create a messy display. Instead, move those items off the counter and onto a rolling cart. 

A rolling cart is more inconspicuous than leaving all of your things on display on the counter, and depending on what kind you get, you can pack some of the items inside drawers or behind doors. It can house everything from small appliances and cooking gadgets to your extensive spice collection to your everyday odds and ends, like knife blocks and olive oil. Here is a closer look at the organizational tool.

When you think of a kitchen rolling cart, you might think of IKEA's iconic RASKOG Utility Cart. And while the three-tiered cart is useful, it's not the only option on the market. But before you decide which one to get, first take stock of what you need to get off your counter. For instance, if you mostly have small appliances and gadgets to stow away, something like an air fryer won't fit in the relatively shallow baskets of the IKEA cart. Instead, the Finnhomy 3-Tier Rolling Kitchen Cart is a better fit, which has an oak wood table-top and two stainless-steel shelves, all of which are 30 inches wide and 18 inches deep. This will allow you to store everything from your rice cooker to your air fryer. When you need them, simply roll the cart next to an outlet and use it. If you have the space, you can also consider storing this in your pantry and rolling it out when you need one of the gadgets. 

On the other hand, if you have a tiny kitchen with little space or have smaller items you need to store, like spice bottles, then the YAMAZAKI home Tower Rolling Slim Storage Cart is a better fit. At 17 inches deep but just 5 inches wide, it's just big enough to corral your spices, olive oil bottles, and condiments. Thanks to its slim profile, you can also easily wedge it where there is dead space, such as next to the stove or fridge. 

If you're keeping your countertops free of clutter for aesthetic rather than organizational reasons, then you will want your rolling cart to be as design-conscious as the rest of the space. In that case, you might want to look more at form rather than function. Luckily, there are tons of rolling carts that are as magazine-worthy as they are useful. For instance, if you have a modern farmhouse design, you would want something wooden and natural over stainless-steel or white plastic. In that case, the Winsome Wood Kitchen Cart is a great pick, which has the added bonus of a closed door cabinet and drawer. The soft beech wood design will pair perfectly with typical kitchen farmhouse staples, such as black lanterns, gingham tea towels, and eucalyptus in vases.

On the other hand, if you're a maximalist and like funkier pieces, then you need something more lively, such as the Modern Two Tier Rolling Cart. You can choose between a mint green or mustard yellow design, and its comically large wheels and cartoon-like handle add a lot of character to the utilitarian tool.