There’s something deeply satisfying about having every item in your home exactly where it belongs. For people like me, a well-organized space isn’t just a visual pleasure—it’s necessary for peace of mind. Clutter throws off my focus, and having items randomly stashed or left out just doesn’t sit right with me.
That includes everything from the inside of the fridge to those awkward spots in the kitchen that often get overlooked. One of the most underused and misunderstood spaces is the small cupboard located above the refrigerator. Growing up, I didn’t think much about organization. My younger self saw those upper cabinets as practically unreachable and probably useless. But my mom was the queen of a tidy home—she could’ve been ready for a surprise visit from a real estate photographer any day of the week. Thanks to her, I learned not only to appreciate but to truly maximize every inch of a living space.
One of her best tricks? Making good use of those high cupboards above the fridge. At first glance, they seem like more trouble than they’re worth. They’re small, tucked away, and not exactly easy to access. Putting everyday dishes or mugs up there would just mean climbing up and down constantly—not ideal. But that doesn’t mean these cupboards are a waste. In fact, when used thoughtfully, they can become a secret weapon in your home organization strategy. One great use is for storing kitchen appliances or gadgets you only pull out on special occasions. Think of your waffle maker, holiday cookie press, or that bulky food processor you only use once a month. These items don’t need to be within arm’s reach all the time, so the space above the fridge becomes a perfect out-of-the-way zone for them.
Another clever idea is using that space to store canned goods and baking supplies. Since canned food has a long shelf life, it’s okay to forget about them for a while. They’ll be safe up there until you need them. I also find that my bags of flour, sugar, and baking soda fit nicely in a bin up top. These are things I don’t reach for every day but still want nearby when I get the urge to bake. Cookbooks are another item that fit beautifully in this space. If you’ve got a small collection and don’t want them cluttering your kitchen counter or bookshelf, tucking them above the fridge keeps them clean and handy.
@withmaikiI filmed the process of my over the fridge DIY 🤗 For those who are asking, I got these floating shelves from @wilcondepot.ph ✨
I’ve organized mine by cuisine and occasion so I can grab exactly what I need without digging. This storage area is also a smart place for overflow pantry items or spice jars. You might even install a small spice rack inside to keep things tidy. Instead of letting bags of rice, pasta, or lentils crowd your main cabinets, stash the extras up there. It helps keep your everyday pantry more accessible and less chaotic. My wife loves buying household items like kitchen towels in bulk, and we quickly realized we needed somewhere to put them. Turns out, the fridge-top cupboards are ideal for this. Out of sight but easy to get to, we always know where to find a clean towel when needed. And don’t forget about the fancy dishes—your good china or holiday glassware that only comes out a few times a year. It’s safer up high, away from kids or pets, and ready when you want to impress guests. Just a word of caution: always be safe when using these upper cupboards. Don’t try to balance on a chair or reach dangerously far. Use a sturdy step stool or ladder, and make sure the items stored there aren’t too heavy or fragile. Also, remember that the area above the fridge gets warm, so avoid storing anything sensitive to heat. So, how do you use your fridge-top cupboards? Are they just collecting dust, or have you found a creative use for them? Share your tips and tricks—I’d love to hear how others are unlocking the hidden potential of their kitchen space.
