## How to Store Extra Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen is a hub for many activities in the home, from cooking and baking to entertaining guests. There’s no doubt that appliances can make these tasks easier and more enjoyable. However, it can be a challenge to find a place to store all of these appliances, especially if you have a small kitchen. With a little planning and creativity, you can easily store your extra kitchen appliances without sacrificing functionality or style.
### 1. Make Use of Vertical Space
One of the best ways to maximize space in a small kitchen is to make use of vertical space. This can be done by installing shelves, hanging racks, or using corner cabinets.
* **Shelves:** Open shelving is a great option for storing appliances that you use frequently, such as your toaster, blender, or coffee maker. You can also use shelves to store cookbooks, spices, or other kitchen essentials.
* **Hanging racks:** Hanging racks can be used to store pots, pans, utensils, or even appliances like your stand mixer. Hanging racks can be mounted on the wall or from the ceiling, freeing up valuable counter space.
* **Corner cabinets:** Corner cabinets are often underutilized in kitchens. However, they can be a great place to store bulky appliances like your food processor or slow cooker.
### 2. Use Multi-Functional Appliances
Another way to save space in the kitchen is to use multi-functional appliances. These appliances can perform multiple tasks, which means you don’t need to have a separate appliance for each task. Some examples of multi-functional appliances include:
* **Food processors:** Food processors can be used to chop, slice, grate, and mix ingredients. They can also be used to make dough, puree soups, and grind nuts.
* **Blenders:** Blenders can be used to make smoothies, soups, sauces, and milkshakes. They can also be used to grind coffee beans or spices.
* **Stand mixers:** Stand mixers can be used to mix, knead, and whip ingredients. They can also be used to make pasta, ice cream, and bread.
### 3. Store Appliances in Other Rooms
If you don’t have enough space in your kitchen to store all of your appliances, you can try storing them in other rooms of your home. For example, you could store your food processor in the pantry, or your stand mixer in the basement. If you have a spare room, you could even create a dedicated appliance storage area.
### 4. Declutter and Purge
One of the best ways to free up space in your kitchen is to declutter and purge. This means getting rid of any appliances that you don’t use or need. If you haven’t used an appliance in the past year, it’s time to let it go. You can sell it, donate it, or simply throw it away.
### 5. Get Creative
There are endless possibilities for storing extra kitchen appliances. With a little creativity, you can find a solution that works for your space and your needs. Here are a few creative storage ideas:
* **Use a rolling cart:** Rolling carts are a great way to store appliances that you don’t use on a daily basis. You can roll the cart out when you need to use an appliance, and then roll it back into place when you’re finished.
* **Hang appliances from a pegboard:** Pegboards are a great way to store small appliances, such as toasters, blenders, and coffee makers. You can mount a pegboard on the wall or inside a cabinet door.
* **Use magnetic strips:** Magnetic strips can be used to store knives, utensils, and other metal objects. You can mount magnetic strips on the wall, under cabinets, or even on the refrigerator door.
### Tips for Storing Kitchen Appliances
* **Keep appliances clean:** Appliances that are not properly cleaned can attract dirt, dust, and pests. Be sure to clean your appliances regularly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* **Store appliances in a dry place:** Moisture can damage appliances. Be sure to store your appliances in a dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry.
* **Unplug appliances when not in use:** Unplugging appliances when not in use can help to prevent electrical fires. It also saves energy.
* **Store appliances upright:** Appliances that are not stored upright can be damaged. Be sure to store your appliances upright, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
By following these simple tips, you can easily store your extra kitchen appliances without sacrificing functionality or style.