Don’t be discouraged if your rental kitchen is not to your liking! Making the space work for you can be a fun challenge. Here are great ways to organize a rental kitchen.

Here are 21 ways to organize a rental kitchen that will make you feel comfortable and at home, and keep your landlord happy.

I’ll focus on movable storage items and easy, cost-effective solutions. You won’t have the hassle of permanent installations and you can take your setup with you when it’s time to move.

1. Coffee Station

Source: @neatobsessions

My first must-have to turn a rental kitchen into a friendly welcoming spot is to install a coffee nook. The wonderful aromas and pick-me-up feeling will instantly make the family feel at home.

A stylish ladder shelf like this holds your coffee-making appliances, coffee canisters, creams, flavored syrups, cute spoons, napkins, trendy mugs, and of course – some biscuits or cookies.

2. Baking Cart

Source: @neatobsessions

Nothing beats the warm aroma of baking to make a rental kitchen feel inviting and lived-in.

A batch of brownies or fresh bread transforms any space, filling it with that cozy, homey vibe that makes everyone want to gather around.

Arrange all your baking essentials on a rolling 3 tier cart like this and simply pull it out when you are ready to try a new delectable recipe.

3. Under Shelf Basket

Source: @welcomehomeke

Rental kitchens can be very frustrating when they don’t provide enough shelf space.

Under shelf baskets instantly create storage space and are easy to install with no drilling, screwing, or damaging existing structures.

Use them to hold plates, pots, pans, tinned foods, and even small appliances.

4. Wall Mounted Wire Baskets

Source: @minimalistbymun

Here’s a fun and easy way to make a rental kitchen look attractive and add loads of storage areas.

Mount wire baskets like these on a wall using the supplied removable hooks. When you leave, just peel off the hooks and remove the baskets. The kitchen is seamlessly returned to its original state.

5. Floating Spice Racks

Source: @savvyandsorted

Unpacking your world tour of exotic spices can be challenging in a rental kitchen with limited space.

Clear acrylic floating shelves are a breeze to mount and offer a stylish way to showcase your spices. Add matching labels for a polished, chic finish.

6. Behind the Door Storage

Source: @grovecollaborative

Here’s a fabulous idea to create storage space where none existed before – behind the door!

Use command hooks like these to hang up brushes, cloths, sponges, scrub pads, rubber gloves, and other under-the-sink items to free up shelf and cabinet space.

7. Hanging Undershelf Wire Basket

Source: @roseberry_home_design

Struggling to find storage space in your rental kitchen? This idea is a winner.

A hanging undershelf wire basket like this instantly creates a new surface area at a budget-friendly price, with no need for tools or installations.

Double up on your storage space for canned foods, bottles, packets, plastic containers, utensils, and more.

8. Water Bottle Storage

Source: @mdesign

If your family is like mine and each person has at least a dozen water bottles of different sizes, shapes, and colors, it becomes a challenge to find space to store them all.

Water bottle racks maximize space, using the floor-to-ceiling area in a cabinet to organize your bottles. And, you can see at a glance exactly which one you need to choose to match your athleisure outfit for the gym session.

9. Meal Prep Pull-Out Work Station

Source: @sauderusa

This smart pull-out work prep station turns a rental kitchen into a well-organized space where you’ll instantly feel comfortable.

The unit has three adjustable shelves for items like spices, bottles, wine glasses, and more. It also holds large appliances at the bottom. By pulling out the inner section, you have a table for both prepping and serving meals.

10. Shelf Spice Rack

Source: @morganizewithme

When your rental kitchen doesn’t provide space for your spices, you need to get spicy! A free standing small spice rack like this can stand on a countertop or hang on a wall.

Buy a set of matching glass jars to hold your spices and add name labels. Your spice jars are organized, look super-attractive, and are easily accessible when you want to get cooking.

11. Organizer Shelf

Source: @itskatiedickens

Here’s another genius way to organize a rental kitchen – an adjustable free-standing organizer shelf. Why be limited to one surface when you can create additional levels?

Shelf organizers like this are budget-friendly and hassle-free. Position them to suit your space and you will instantly have more surfaces for your kitchen essentials.

How cute is this coffee station? I’m luvin’ the mugs!

12. Canister Corner

Source: @thestylishhomedecorator

A corner offers valuable storage space in a small rental kitchen. Take a look at this fun DIY project!

The homemaker created an attractive and functional canister corner. This is a great way to store dry goods like flour, sugar, or cereal, and add a pop of color to your kitchen.

13. Rolling Kitchen Island

Source: @organized_home

A rolling cart makes the perfect mini kitchen island.

It gives you extra prep space and storage, and you can move it wherever you need. It’s a great idea for making the most of a rental kitchen without a big commitment.

I found a stunning wooden cart on Amazon that comes with a cutting board, knife holders, 2 shelves, and a holder for a cloth or dish towel,

14. Pegboards

Source: @homganize

Space issues in a rental kitchen? Look to your walls!

A pegboard is a fantastic way to turn an empty wall into a versatile storage area. It allows easy access to your kitchen essentials while keeping everything neat and tidy and looking soooooo attractive.

15. Command Hook Mug Wall

Source: @mesadreamsleather

After water bottles, mugs are other kitchen items that miraculously multiply when you aren’t looking.

How many mugs can you have? Well, in my house, it’s an infinite number!

This clever organization idea uses versatile command hooks to hang mugs on a wall. The hooks won’t damage your rental kitchen and can easily be removed when you move on – mugs and all.

16. Lazy Susan

Source: @mdesign

Turn and spin your way to an organized rental kitchen with Lazy Susans.

These handy containers can hold everything from baking supplies to spices, vinegar and oils, canisters of dry goods, and even a selection of treats for the kids.

Get yours at the dollar store or look at these well priced Lazy Susans from Amazon.

17. Appliance Cabinet

Source: @letstidywithnermeen

Don’t waste precious counter space by crowding it with appliances! Instead, dedicate a cabinet for those gadgets you don’t use every day.

You’ll keep your counters clear and your rental kitchen looking neat and spacious. Appliances remain dust and damage-free, and can be taken out when needed.

18. Wall Mounted Spice Rack

Source: @sumnerovertherainbow

Spices have a way of taking up every last inch of drawers and cabinets. In a rental kitchen – that’s the last thing you want!

Corral your spices into a stylish wall mounted spice rack. You’ll free up space and create some serious spice-envy when friends come over and see your culinary lineup on display.

19. Magazine Holder

Source: @ciara.niclasen

Who would’ve thought a magazine holder could become a versatile storage option in a rental kitchen? I certainly didn’t until I saw this.

Mesh magazine racks like these  allow for airflow, making them ideal for storing fresh produce. They fit into small spaces, maximize vertical space, and don’t require any installation that may damage your rental kitchen.

20. Snack Prep Station

Source: @ourmontessorijoy

For kids who enjoy cooking, a rental kitchen may not offer the perfect setup. Don’t let them get discouraged.

Take inspo from this innovative Mom and set up a snack prep station. Include healthy food options and essential items kids can use to prepare fun treats for the family.

21. Dry Food Dispenser

Source: @affordable_adorable_utensilss

Take a look at this fabulous dry food dispenser, perfect for a rental kitchen.

It’s lightweight and durable, convenient to move, and can store up to 22lb of grain. The design keeps the contents fresh in sealed containers and dispenses them easily at the push of a button.

And, you can take it with you when you move into your own home!