My kitchen is small. It’s 8×9 ft from wall to wall. There is 4 feet. of walkway in between the counters. When you go to unload the dishwasher there is 1/2 inch between the fridge door and the dishwasher door. You have to stop unloading then let someone through.

I have on my counters a toaster, electric tea kettle, my cookbook holder, canisters, cooking utensils, a griddle and stand up kitchen aid mixer. (I have about 14 ft. of counter top space)

Our toaster was a fire hazard. I went to clean it out and there was crud stuck on the bottom that I couldn’t get out. I was afraid it would catch on fire so we bought a toaster oven. We are always baking a small batch of chicken nuggets or warming up pizza. It would taste so much better toasted than warmed up in the microwave. I could also bake 6 cookies instead of an entire batch for the kids and then I’m not tempted. (If it’s there I will eat the sweets!) Was it a “need”? No, but for $10 over the price of a toaster it was worth it.

I didn’t have any room left on my counter without loosing some work space. I love my kitchen aid but only use it about every two weeks now because I am trying not to bake so much. I could not find any place to store it. I didn’t want to put it in the garage because the thing is VERY heavy and I didn’t want to lug it up the stairs when I needed to use it. I also wanted to get my griddle off the counter but I do use it several times a week.

Well I just decided that I had to find space to store them. After looking around and measuring I just had to move just a few things around in the cabinets, adjust one shelf (which was a pain but worth it) and they both fit in.

Just try to re-think everything. Usually there is almost a better way to do something than what you are doing now. Now we don’t “have” to have a larger kitchen, although I do admit it sure would be nice!

Tawra
www.LivingOnADime.com