• Hanging utensils is a great way to free up drawer spacekitchen utensils image by Victor M. from Fotolia.com
  
  Though many home buying shows will inform you that large, spacious kitchens are a must, sometimes you have to sacrifice the kitchen space to get the other requirements you need in a home. This is especially true if you live in an older home. Why storage space may be a problem, small kitchens can work well with the proper organization tools.
  
  

Clear the Counters

• Clutter on the counter tops can make a small space appear even smaller. And from a usability standpoint, working in a kitchen that has cluttered counters can be very frustrating if you don't have anywhere to prepare foods or unload your groceries. Minimize the clutter by storing your toaster and other small appliances in the cupboards. Avoid using knick-knacks and just stick with the basics.
  
  

Move the Unnecessary

• Kitchens often wind up as the go to place for random mail, coupons, scissors, batteries, pens and other miscellaneous items. However, in a small kitchen, where space is at a premium, every drawer is important for storage. Don't take up valuable space with a "junk drawer," or any other unnecessary objects. Move the junk drawer to a different room in the house, or create a junk bin and put it in a closet.
  
  

Hang It Up

• Though your small kitchen may be lacking in counter and cabinet space, chances are you have space on the walls and beneath the cabinets. Utilize those spaces to hang and store items. For example, use a wine glass rack that can be installed to the underside of your cabinets. That way, wine glasses can slide easily under a corner cabinet, freeing up space in your cupboards. Hang pots and pans along the wall on hooks, which will not only free up cabinet and counter space, but will also provide you with easy access while you are cooking.
  
  

Find Other Storage

• Kitchen items don't always have to be stored in the kitchen. Move small appliances that you don't use regularly, such as a waffle maker or pasta maker, into a closet near the kitchen. You can also store special serving platters, punch bowls and other items you don't use often in a separate closet. Consider using plastic rolling drawer sets for spices or utensils, which you can roll out when needed, and then slide back into the closet when you are finished.