As an urban dweller, one dreams of an extra storage space in the same manner as a family in the country would dream of building an extra room. Before deciding to create more space for new things, take into consideration making space for what is currently in your home.

The number one misconception (or should we say myth?) about the kitchen is that it is only an area  to prepare and eat food. What many fail to recognize is that it is also the place where food and cutlery are stored and where - for most homes - our cleaning equipment is stored. In fact, so much more is going on behind the doors of our kitchen cabinets more than what actually goes on beyond it. I dare you to find a home with children that doesn't have an overstocked cabinet.

To properly assess if you need a new space for your things, conduct a general cleaning of your current spaces. Are you still harboring corked bottles of wine from the mid-80's? Is that broken knob from the basement still in your cutlery cabinet? Throw them out. Anything that has been broken or opened within the last 8 months with no sign of getting used should be thrown out. As you start doing this, you just may discover that you actually don't need an extra cupboard.

If after that crucial step, you still feel the nagging feeling to do something about your kitchen's storage space,here are some guidelines you should follow:

China and Cutlery Storage

The most abundant things in your kitchen apart from food are your china and cutlery. China should ideally be kept in sturdy cabinets with glass or wooden doors, to prevent accidents involving broken doors and broken wedding china. If there are children in the home, china should be kept a least 3 feet from the child's head. Cutlery should be stored in child-proof, weather-proof drawers.

Pots and Pans

In a perfect world, pots and pans should be hanging above a butcher block table, ready to be used by your expert hands. However, if this is not possible, a cabinet with a water-and weather-proof lining is ideal. We do not recommend keeping pots and pans in delicate glass cabinets as these tend to be heavier than china and cutlery.

Pre-packaged food

Canned and packaged food are perfect cupboard items. The dream is to have a walk-in pantry lined with rows and rows of delicately packaged and impeccably labeled food. However, most of us would have to do with an organized cupboard.

For ease of use, store condiments and other every day items at the bottom, and work your way up according to frequency of use. Jams and jellies should be stored at midlevel, where they will be remembered but protected from elements. Luxury items should be stored at top level, where they would stay until they are needed.

If your cupboard would allow you to install a lazy susan, this is most ideal. Digging through old jars of mayonnaise to find your favorite ketchup will now be a thing of the past.

Vegetable Storage

For root crops and other vegetables that need no refrigeration, open air baskets with a cloth to cover should be perfect. This is an inexpensive way to keep them fresh, as well as a permanent reminder to use them or throw them out when they're going bad.

Wine and other beverages

If a cellar is not in the budget, consider an inexpensive metal wine rack. This is available in most homeware stores. Wines are kept safe, and these racks double as décor in your home as well.

Cleaning Items

Cleaning items for your kitchen should be kept near the sink, but away from children. Consider dedicating a higher cabinet near your sink for storing soaps and cleaning fluids. These should be kept away from the stove, so as to prevent contamination of your food.

There is no exact science to kitchen storage. Figuring out where everything goes takes a lot of common sense and creativity. Remember that your kitchen should feel organic to you; it shouldn't be so complicated. Listen to what your senses are telling you. Chances are, they're right.