The Handy Solution That Adds Extra Countertop Space Where You Need It Most

No matter how big your kitchen is, there never seems to be enough countertop space. Imagine just wanting to chop some vegetables for your soup, but you first have to make room on your countertop by shoving appliances, cutting boards, and spice racks to the side. It's an all-too-common woe for not just small and mid-size kitchens, but even the larger ones, too.

Fortunately, there is a handy solution that could stop you from playing the classic game of Tetris with your kitchen tools and appliances. It's as simple as using a microwave or baker's rack, which could offer extra countertop space by providing a shelf where you can put your kitchen gear and other essentials. Yes, there are many stylish kitchen countertop decor ideas that could be used to avoid clutter, but this is perhaps the easiest way to save you from potential headaches when you're preparing meals and need more space.

These racks are usually either made of durable metal or plastic, and their shelves provide ample space for whatever need you have. You can place them over your microwave, oven toaster, or any other small appliances. They utilize the space on top of these appliances that's usually not used due to a lack of shelves. Since some racks have several tiers, you can place more items such as dishes, pots, mugs, or even pantry goods on them. They can also feature hooks on the sides for things like towels and oven mitts, too. And some are expandable as well, so the size can be customized to fit your space.

The first thing you'll need to do is choose the best rack for your space, and there are plenty of options on the market. For instance, you could purchase the Generic Kitchen Baker's Rack for under $15. Another option is the AVSTEG kitchen countertop rack from IKEA for $25. Setting these racks up is easy, since you won't need any power tools. Just screw the few parts into place, depending on the manufacturer's instructions, and you're set. The compact designs mean that these racks can fit snugly against a wall, which makes them more steady. Therefore, you don't need to worry that all your kitchen tools will come tumbling down. You'll definitely marvel at how much more organized your kitchen countertop feels once this device is set up.

If a baker's rack is not an ideal option for you, you might want to use a rolling cart as a simple storage solution to declutter your kitchen countertops instead. Because it's mobile, a cart allows you to just wheel it out when needed and tuck it away when not in use. A rolling cart will also likely have more shelves available for storage. Whether you go for a stationary rack or a portable cart, there's no shortage of ways to reclaim your countertops and finally say goodbye to cluttered kitchen countertops –- at least for the sake of peaceful meal preparation.