The Affordable IKEA Must-Have That Adds Storage And Organization To Any Kitchen

Is there such a thing as "enough" storage in a kitchen? The answer is "no" for many of us. Your drawers could be bursting with random utensils; your cabinets jam-packed with bulky pots and pans. Heck, you might not even have a pantry to store your produce. All of this can make cooking feel like added stress, hence, you're looking for hacks to secretly add more storage to your kitchen. But the problem is that most storage doesn't come cheap. Freestanding pantry cabinets rarely cost under $100; meanwhile, tiered carts often sell for $40 and up. Thank goodness for IKEA's LENNART Drawer unit, though. This gem of a storage piece can be snagged for a mere $14.99.

Let's unpack it. First, this unit is made of steel, which allows it to hold a decent amount of weight — 11 lbs per drawer. It measures 11 ¾ inches wide by 13 ⅜ inches deep, so you can bet it'll fit in the tiniest of kitchens. Storage-wise, there are three 13-inch deep drawers and a functional surface on top. The caster wheels make it easy to roll it around wherever you need it. And to top it all off, it sports a creamy white finish that blends in anywhere. "What's not to like at this price point? Easy assembly and great functionality," one satisfied reviewer wrote.

Not only is this piece ideal for holding books, papers, and art supplies, but it's also a great IKEA buy to optimize a small kitchen. Place it in the heart of your home, and it can house everything from tomatoes and apples to carrots and bell peppers. Not to mention, the wired design promotes airflow, ensuring fruits and veggies stay fresh for longer. But that's not the only job it can handle. You can also use the drawers to organize your kitchen if you don't have a pantry for canned goods, packaged foods, and baking essentials. Maybe even throw in your spices if they're cluttering up your cabinet.

Another idea? Use it to store frequently used kitchen items. Think cutting boards, dishcloths, and food containers. While you're at it, why not dedicate a drawer to utility stuff, such as bills, spare batteries, scissors, and the like? Don't forget you can label the drawers so everyone knows where everything lives.

One thing to point out: Some reviewers complained that the drawers easily slide all the way out since they don't have stoppers. Therefore, you'll need to be extra careful when reaching for things in the back. Or, you could take the advice of one customer who suggested: "It seems like some stick-on rubber bumpers could solve this problem easily and cheaply."