Great Utility Storage for Kitchens of All Sizes

The utility closet is one those megahardworking house components. Actually, it's what allows us to do the hard work. While it's commonly placed in a garage, laundry room or hallway, utility storage can benefit the kitchen just as much — if not more.

Even if you don't have room to dedicate an entire pantry to the cause, here are some tips for creating useful utility storage in the kitchen.

Let form follow function. If you find yourself getting pooped just from simply hunting down the right tools for the job, it's official: You need a new system — one that brings the tools to you.


Ideally, a kitchen cabinet can hold both brooms and mops, as these two tools do the lion's share of the work in this room. In addition to a tall, narrow space to hold them, you'll need a safe place for cleaning solutions.


Sure-Grip Tool Holder - $9.98 » Get the right ingredients. Good storage is not haphazard, especially when it comes to utilities. This is because of one very important fact: Tools (brooms, mops, ironing boards) and cleaning chemicals can cause serious bodily harm if not stored properly.

To keep long-handled objects from constantly falling over, hang them up with wall hooks or holders that allow you to snap in the handles.

See more broom holders in the Products section


Organize the space. You don't need a lot of space to hold the basics, but whatever you do have, keep it organized. There are few things more deflating than mustering up the energy to clean, only to have your utility space be a disorganized mess.

Cubbies, though less space efficient than continuous shelving, offer a space for every like item. Because of this, they fight clutter and a crammed-in feel.


Trinity 5-Tier NSF Outdoor Wire Shelving Rack, 48 by 18 by 77 Inches, Gray T - $119.99 » If cubbies or wall shelves aren't possible, add the type of shelving that suits your space best. Metal or wire racks and shelving work well because they're easy to clean.

Caution: If you're including utility storage in the food pantry, keep chemicals, cleansers, brooms and mops as far away from food as possible. Use different shelving to delineate the two purposes and never give children or pets the opportunity to touch chemicals or unsanitary tools.


Stock your utility storage with everything that makes sense. Candelabras, vases, tablecloths and other accoutrements can be stored as well in a utility area, as they are a natural part of prep and cleanup.

Here offset shelves and pullout wire baskets keep things tidy and visible. Long dowels are a smart solution for storing linens.


Use space dividers. Even if your utility storage is limited to the back of a door, space dividers do their part to turn a junk pile into a sensibly ordered group. See-through pocket organizers can store batteries, rubber bands, first-aid supplies and the like neatly and in plain view for every member of the household to easily find.

Bonus tip: Dedicate a pocket to a shopping list and pen. When an item runs out, add it to the list. That way the next person making a run to the hardware, grocery or office supply store can pick another one up.


37-Pocket Hanging Clear Jewelry and Accessory Organizer - $8.99 » Shoe pocket organizers work well for large items, while accessory organizers are ideal for small items like watch batteries, eyeglass repair kits and the all-important Super Glue.


In this custom hidden utility pantry, pegboard keeps items tidy; its design allows hooks to go where they're needed.

Tell us: What keeps your kitchen utility storage in check?

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