This Smart $3 Hack Turns Any Available Surface Into Temporary Extra Storage

published May 7, 2018
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Is your kitchen bursting at the seams? If you’re going a little crazy trying to fit all your stuff in your space, this is the hack for you. It’s a great quick (and temporary) way to up your storage game with an affordable, DIY solution that makes better use of your cabinets and shelving.

Each of these hacks start with inexpensive PVC strips , which you can buy very cheaply at Home Depot, or for a little bit more on Amazon. Officially called divider molding, they are designed to finish off the seams between large wall panels or ceiling tiles, and hold them in place. Turns out, their grooves also make perfect impromptu railings that, when mounted, can also be used to slide objects onto.

(Image credit: Home Depot)

A 96″ length sells for under $3, so this is a super easy, budget project—fantastic for renters, or for those who want something temporary. The PVC strips come with either one channel or two (seen above) and they easily cut with scissors, a utility knife, or trim snips. Using adhesive velcro strips, attach underneath a cabinet or shelf:

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Here are just three potential ways to use them:

Create an Extra Drawer

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Mount these under any surface, then slide a bin into the railings. We used some clear caddies from Target (which sell for $4.99), which have a little lip that slides perfectly into the grooves. Not only are these useful to add inside cabinets, but could also be mounted on the underside of a drawer-less desk, for storing office supplies—or anywhere else you need extra space to stick a little extra stuff.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Mount Loose Coffee Pods

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

If your coffee pods live in one of those bulky carousels on your counter, or taking up an entire drawer, they are using precious kitchen real estate. Instead, mount a series of these PVC strips—either on the side of your cabinets or fridge, or under a shelf—then store all those loose K cups into the channels. Not only does this free up space, but you can easily see and grab the flavor you want.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Stash Your Cutting Boards

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Need a spot for your cutting boards? Narrower cutting boards (like this flexible set from Target) also fit nicely in the grooves. Store a set where they’ll be handy to grab, and you won’t have to go digging around inside your cabinets.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Those are just a few ideas, but there are bound to be others. Keep an eye out for items that will fit (maybe even upside down wine glasses?) and ramp up your storage capacity at home.