There’s a comforting joy in knowing every item in your home has its special place. If you’re like me, you might find it tough to focus amidst clutter or when things are not exactly where they belong. This includes ensuring everything is in order, even inside the refrigerator and around the kitchen.

Interestingly, when I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to organization.

Thanks to my mother, however, our home always looked as if it was ready for a photoshoot by a real estate agent. Her knack for organizing taught me numerous helpful tips and tricks, including the optimal use for those small cupboards located above many fridges.

You know the ones I mean? If you have these in your kitchen too, stick around to learn how best to utilize them.

Initially, the small cupboards above the refrigerator may seem disappointingly impractical. They’re not spacious enough for some items, and storing everyday plates or cups up that high doesn’t seem sensible. So, what should you do with them?

If you’re puzzled about the best use for these cupboards, don’t worry—we have some clever ideas and suggestions to share.

Storage Space for Infrequently Used Kitchen Gadgets:

These cupboards might not be suited for items you use daily, but they’re perfect for storing gadgets you only bring out occasionally. Consider using them for your food processor, blender, or waffle maker. These are things you use perhaps on special occasions, so they can safely rest above the fridge until they’re needed.

Canned Products and Baking Essentials

Canned goods have a long shelf life, making them suitable for storage in these overhead cupboards. Placing them high up means it’s fine if you forget about them for a bit. This can also be a great spot for your baking essentials—items you tend to use only on weekends or special baking sessions.

Cookbooks

If you’ve got some cookbooks you’d prefer not to keep on the counter, these cupboards provide a neat storage solution. I keep my collection there, ensuring they’re organized and accessible when it’s time to try a new recipe.

Pantry Items and Spices

Just like with canned foods, there might be pantry items that fit perfectly in the cupboard above your fridge. Consider placing a small spice rack up there for your cooking spices, keeping your kitchen clutter-free and spices within easy reach.

Kitchen Towels

If you buy certain household items like kitchen towels in bulk (as my wife often does), these cupboards make an excellent storage area. Prepare in advance by having ample storage for these everyday necessities while keeping them out of plain view.

Fine China

If you own plates or cutlery that you reserve for special occasions, storing them above the fridge makes sense. They’re safely out of reach of children and ready to impress your guests when needed.

Exercise Caution:

It’s important to exercise caution when accessing these higher cupboards. When storing or retrieving items, ensure they’re not too heavy to handle safely. Always use a sturdy stool or step ladder, and remember that the heat from the fridge below can affect certain items, so choose your storage wisely.

Do you find yourself using your fridge-top cupboards for anything specific at home? Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments section—we’d love to hear from you!