Maximize Indian Kitchen Storage: Trunk Makeover, DIY Tray & Shelf Organizer
If your Indian kitchen is short on cabinet space, the fastest way to add storage is to repurpose an old trunk, build a DIY jute-covered tray, and clip a no-drill organizer onto an open shelf — three low-cost fixes that hide clutter and free up your counters.
How do I turn an old trunk into hidden kitchen storage?
Most Indian homes have an old metal trunk lying unused in the storeroom. Instead of throwing it away, give it a quick makeover and use it as a closed storage box for everything that clutters your kitchen.
The makeover is simple:
- Wipe the trunk clean and dry it fully.
- Stick square waterproof printed stickers on all three visible sides — square shapes are easier to align than odd sizes.
- If the top of the trunk is uneven, place an old, unused chess board on top to create a flat surface.
- Apply matching stickers to the chess board so the top blends with the rest of the trunk.
- Paint the handles later when you have paint on hand — it is not urgent.
The stickers are waterproof, so you can wipe the trunk down whenever needed — important in a kitchen where oil and steam settle on every surface.
Why should I pack items separately before putting them inside the trunk?
Before loading anything into a trunk or large box, pack each item in its own container. This keeps things from mixing, prevents spills from spreading, and lets you pull out any one item quickly without unpacking the whole trunk.
In the video, oil goes in a separate container, and so do namak, masala, and other staples. Items you do not use often — extra packets, backup containers, occasional-use masala — go inside the trunk so they stay out of sight but remain organized.
How can I use the top of the trunk as extra storage?
The flat top of the trunk is valuable real estate. Once the chess board levels it out, you can stack a strong wired basket on top and use it to hold small glass jars that no longer fit in your cabinets.
This is especially useful for the cute small jars most homemakers collect over time but cannot find space for. The wired basket keeps them upright, visible, and easy to grab.
What is a zero-cost DIY tray I can make for kitchen organization?
A jute-covered cardboard tray. If you have a strong cardboard box at home, this costs nothing.
Steps:
- Choose a strong, rigid cardboard box — flimsy ones will sag.
- Cut it down to tray height if it is too tall.
- Cover the outside with jute fabric and secure it neatly.
- Place it on your trunk top, counter, or inside a cabinet.
This DIY tray is perfect for storing milk packets, coffee sachets, sugar-free sachets, and other small pouches that otherwise scatter across the counter. It looks tidy and costs nothing if you reuse what you already have.
How do I add storage to a kitchen shelf without drilling holes?
Use a clip-on shelf organizer that hooks onto the edge of any open shelf or cabinet. The one used in the video was bought from Amazon and works without any drilling — important if you live in a rental and cannot make holes in walls or woodwork.
Key features to look for:
- A strong holder that grips the shelf edge and supports weight on its own.
- Double-sided tape included for extra strength, but optional if the grip is firm.
- Enough internal space for small items like pouches, sachets, soaps, brushes, and chocolate bars.
It fits on open shelves or inside cabinets, so you can use vertical space that is currently empty.
Which small items work best inside a clip-on organizer?
The organizer is designed for lightweight, small-sized goods that get lost in deep cabinets. Good candidates:
- Coffee and sugar sachets
- Sugar-free packets
- Soaps
- Chocolate bars
- Brushes and small cleaning tools
- Tea or instant-mix pouches
Keeping these in a dedicated clip-on organizer means you can see them at a glance instead of digging through a drawer.
Can I really expand kitchen storage without buying new furniture?
Yes — the three ideas in this video together add a full chest, a top-shelf jar zone, a sachet tray, and a small-items organizer, and only the clip-on organizer required a purchase. The trunk, the chess board, and the cardboard tray were all repurposed from items already at home.
The principle is straightforward: before buying anything new, look at what you already own that could be cleaned, covered, or repositioned for kitchen use.
📺 About this video. This post draws on Jasmine Choudhari’s YouTube video Kitchen Organization Ideas | Ideas To Maximize Kitchen Storage. Watch the full video for visual demonstrations of every tip.
Watch the video
Frequently asked questions
How can I create extra storage in a small Indian kitchen without a renovation?
Repurpose an old trunk from your storeroom as a hidden storage chest for items that clutter your kitchen. Cover it with waterproof printed stickers for a clean look, pack each item separately in containers before placing it inside, and use the flat top as a second surface for jars and trays. This adds storage without buying new furniture or breaking walls.
Why should I pack items separately before storing them in a trunk or box?
Packing each item in its own container keeps things from mixing up and makes it easy to take anything out without rummaging. In the video, oil, salt, and spices are each placed in separate containers before going into the trunk. This is especially important for less-frequently-used items so they stay clean and accessible.
What is a cheap way to make a DIY kitchen organizer tray at home?
Take a strong cardboard box and cover it with jute fabric to turn it into a sturdy organizer tray. This zero-cost DIY tray can hold milk packets, coffee sachets, sugar-free sachets, and other small items that otherwise clutter the counter. It is a quick way to add organization without spending on a new product.
Can I organize my kitchen shelves without drilling holes?
Yes, a clip-on shelf organizer that hooks onto the edge of any open shelf or cabinet works without drilling. The one shown in the video has a strong holder that grips the shelf and includes double-sided tape for extra strength, though the holder alone is sturdy enough. It is ideal for renters who cannot make holes in walls or cabinets.
What kinds of small items fit well in a clip-on shelf organizer?
Pouches, sachets, soaps, chocolate bars, brushes, coffee and sugar sachets, and similar small kitchen or bathroom items fit neatly inside. The organizer is designed to hold lightweight, small-sized goods that otherwise get lost in deep cabinets. It keeps these items visible and reachable on any open shelf.
How do I make an old trunk look presentable for kitchen use?
Cover the trunk with square waterproof printed stickers on all visible sides for an instant makeover. If the top is uneven, place a flat board, such as an unused chess board, on top and apply matching stickers so it blends with the trunk. The handles can be painted later to complete the look.
Where can I store glass jars when my kitchen cabinets are full?
Use the flat top of a storage trunk along with a big, strong wired basket to hold small glass jars. This turns dead space above the trunk into functional jar storage and keeps the jars visible and within reach. It is a practical fix when cabinet shelves are already packed.
Is repurposing old items a reliable way to expand kitchen storage?
Yes, old trunks, cardboard boxes, and unused chess boards can all be turned into useful kitchen storage with a sticker makeover or fabric cover. Repurposing costs almost nothing, hides clutter, and adds surface area for jars and trays. It is one of the simplest ways to gain storage in a small Indian kitchen.
About Jasmine Choudhari
Jasmine Choudhari shares practical, no-frills ideas for organising small Indian kitchens and homes. Follow her on YouTube (600K+ subscribers · Silver Play Button), Instagram and Facebook. For collaborations: collab@jasminechoudhari.com.