How to Use the Cabinet Above Your Refrigerator Without Turning It Into a Black Hole
Every home has at least one space that looks good in theory but doesn’t quite work in real life.
In most kitchens, that space is the cabinet above the refrigerator.
It’s high, awkward to reach, and often ends up holding whatever doesn’t fit anywhere else. For many of my Houston clients, it becomes a forgotten storage zone, or worse, a cluttered one that feels stressful every time they think about it.
The truth is, this cabinet can be useful. It just needs to be used intentionally.
I was honored to be featured as an expert in Taste of Home, “This Is What Professional Organizers Store in Hard-To-Reach Spaces”
What This Cabinet Is (and Isn’t) Meant For
Because the cabinet above the refrigerator isn’t easy to access, it shouldn’t hold anything you need regularly. If you’re pulling out a step stool every time you cook, the cabinet is working against you, not for you.
Instead, this space is best reserved for items you use occasionally but still want to keep within reach.
Some of my favorite uses include:
holiday or seasonal serving pieces
specialty dishes used for entertaining
festive cloth napkins or table linens
party supplies that come out a few times a year
lightweight bulk items you don’t need daily
These items stay out of your everyday flow, yet remain easy to retrieve when you need them.
What I Don’t Recommend Storing Up High
One of the most common mistakes I see is placing heavy cookware or appliances above the refrigerator. Even if they technically fit, lifting them up and down isn’t practical or safe.
Items like Dutch ovens, slow cookers, or large appliances belong at waist or counter height. High cabinets should always prioritize lightweight items and ease of use.
If you have to hesitate before pulling something down, it likely doesn’t belong there.
How to Keep This Cabinet From Becoming a Mess
Because this cabinet is harder to see and reach, organization here needs to be especially simple.
When I organize this space, I follow a few non-negotiables:
nothing is stored more than one item deep
everything is visible from below
containers are clearly labeled with large, readable text
If helpful, small stacking containers or a low riser can make better use of vertical space without creating layers you’ll forget about.
The goal is clarity. You should know exactly what’s in that cabinet before you climb the step stool.
Revisit It Once a Year
Out-of-sight spaces quietly collect things we no longer need. I recommend reassessing high cabinets once a year, especially after the holidays.
If something hasn’t been used in a year or more, it’s worth asking whether it still deserves space in your kitchen. Letting go of unused items keeps your storage working efficiently and prevents clutter from creeping back in.
A Kitchen That Feels Calm Is Always Intentional
When every cabinet has a clear purpose, your kitchen becomes easier to maintain and more enjoyable to use. Even the awkward spaces like the cabinet above the refrigerator can support your home when they’re used thoughtfully.
If your kitchen feels cluttered or hard to manage, it’s often not about needing more storage. It’s about using the storage you already have in a way that supports how you live now.
Continue Exploring
➝ Read more organizing tips on the LPO Blog
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➝ Contact Luxury Pro Organizer to discuss your Houston home
