Ten steps to having enough storage space

Jan 2026
  • Thoughtfully planned cabinets provide additional storage space

  • Creative solutions bring storage to unusual places

  • Organization systems give order to messy drawers

A woman looking away from an open drawer in a SPACE TOWER pantry filled with storage goods

Say goodbye to chaos!

Overflowing cabinets will finally be a thing of the past. A look behind the scenes shows that thoughtfully planned cabinets can ultimately hold more items. These small changes allow you to pack far more into the same footprint. 

1. Close the sides

Drawers are generally preferable to shelves because they’re more ergonomic, bringing the contents of the cabinet out to you. For the best functionality, choose drawers with closed sides and a high back—this allows items to be stacked securely without falling out, while still remaining visible and easy to reach.

An opened drawer with half-height side panels which is filled up to the edge of the side panels

Open drawer sides limit stacking, as items are more likely to fall out.

An opened drawer with closed side panels which is filled up to the edge of the side panels

With closed drawer sides, more items can safely be stacked.

2. Use the full depth

The deeper the cabinet, the more storage space is available. Incorporate drawers that use the complete depth of the cabinet and choose full extension drawer runners. Full extension drawers can be opened completely and ensure that the user can see and reach the entire contents of the drawer, even items at the very back. 

A cabinet with two opened drawers, where one drawer can be pulled out further than the other

3. Width is key

If you have the choice, opt for a few wide drawers instead of many narrow ones. This frees up space that would otherwise be used for drawer and cabinet side panels. The general rule is that the smaller the space, the wider the individual cabinets should be, since fewer cabinets offer more storage space.

A cabinet with two drawers next to one another

Using two narrow drawers leaves unused space between the drawers.

A cabinet with a single continuous drawer

Using one wide drawer instead of two narrow ones creates up to 15% more storage space

4. Consider individual needs

Every household is unique. Storage space requirements are highly individual and depend on your personal habits, the size of your family and your lifestyle. Think about what items you need and where you'll need them. Label every drawer on your kitchen plan with what it should contain so you don't forget to incorporate storage for oddly shaped items—for example, a high-sided drawer for bottles.

A woman cooking in an island kitchen with an opened drawer containing sauce and oil bottles next to her and visible from above

5. Carve storage space out of every nook

Small gaps between cabinets don’t have to go unused. A SPACE TWIN slim kitchen cabinet creates valuable storage space for everyday items such as vinegar and oil bottles.

An opened SPACE TWIN drawer filled with bottles and spices in a white kitchen

6. Reinvent the pantry

The SPACE TOWER unit, featuring inner drawers that can be opened individually, replaces a pantry and has space for stored goods for the whole family. It can be created in various widths to meet your needs. This cabinet isn't just for the kitchen though. Its design makes it useful in other areas of the home too—be it in the bathroom, the hallway or the utility room.

An open SPACE TOWER pantry unit with an open drawer filled with dry goods

7. Embrace creative solutions

Just a few extra inches can work wonders. Declutter your countertop with a U-shaped drawer that makes use of the storage space just below the sink. It's ideal for storing cleaning supplies, dishwasher tablets and brushes. This same solution also works in the bathroom cabinet.

An open U-shaped drawer under a kitchen sink containing cleaning supplies

8. Reach new heights

Why not create additional storage space in the toe kick and also reach tall wall cabinets more easily at the same time? The low drawer and step solution, SPACE STEP, combines these benefits and is also a handy platform for children so that they can safely and easily help out in the house.

A girl wearing a denim dress and standing on a SPACE STEP helps an older woman wearing an apron bake in a kitchen

9. Dedicate space for small items

Hidden behind high drawer fronts, inner drawers are true storage wonders. Now all the small utensils and kitchen tools that you've accumulated over the years have their own dedicated drawer.

An open drawer with a dark front and an inner drawer filled with small items

10. Don't give chaos a chance

Once you've created enough storage space, you need to organize the drawer interiors to make contents visible and easily accessible. AMBIA-LINE organization frames and utensil dividers allow you to make full use of your storage space and keep items nice and tidy.

An open drawer with jars containing pasta, rice and beans

Just a few small changes can often make a big difference. These cabinet solutions in particular open up new opportunities to make the most out of the space available. Ask about them when buying cabinetry or planning your next remodel. 

The ten steps at a glance:

  • Close the sides of your drawers

  • Choose drawers that extend the full depth of the cabinet

  • Width means added space in the drawers

  • Consider your individual needs when planning

  • Carve storage space out of every nook

  • Reinvent the pantry with a tall pantry unit

  • Embrace creative solutions

  • Reach new heights and make use of the storage space up high

  • Dedicate space for small items, e.g. with inner drawers

  • Eliminate chaos with a drawer organization system

Got a question or ideas you want to share?

We'd love to hear from you!
Karen Smith
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