In recent decades, the size of U.S. homes has been on the decline, partly because modern homeowners prefer smaller residences compared to those from the 2000s. With a smaller home usually come smaller rooms and limited storage, particularly in the kitchen. If you’re struggling to find space for your growing mug collection or can’t fit the coffee bar of your dreams, it’s time to think creatively about utilizing your kitchen’s vertical space. Consider a DIY project using a wire shower caddy, perfect for renters, condo owners, and tiny home residents. By adding storage to the side of your refrigerator, you can free up your kitchen cabinets.
To optimize your cabinet space with a smart Dollar Tree hack for additional coffee mug storage, you’ll need a wire hanger, some hooks, and the empty side of your refrigerator. For supplies, visit Dollar Tree and purchase a Home Collection Wire Shower Caddy for only $1.25. Alternatively, you can opt for the Kenney Rust-Resistant White Metal Wire 2-Shelf Hanging Caddy, although it’s pricier at just over $15. Avoid drilling into your fridge by hanging the caddy with hooks. While at Dollar Tree, grab some Self-Adhesive Hooks, which support up to 2 pounds each. For a stronger hold, try magnetic hooks, like the 6-pack of FINDMAG Neodymium Magnetic Hooks for about $6, each supporting up to 30 pounds.
How to craft your super affordable fridge-side coffee caddy
Start constructing an adorable coffee corner for your small apartment! Clean the fridge’s surface of oil and dust to ensure the hooks adhere securely. Use isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, as cleaning products can leave a film that prevents sticking. If using magnetic hooks, this step isn’t necessary, but it’s still more hygienic to start with a clean area. Use wire cutters to remove the triangular hanger from the Dollar Tree caddy and smooth any sharp edges with a file or sandpaper.
If you’re using adhesive hooks, measure and mark their placement on the fridge before sticking them on to ensure the caddy hangs straight. After attaching the adhesive hooks, you might need to wait before hanging the caddy. Command strips require an hour wait, but check your hook’s packaging for specific instructions. Once the caddy is on the hooks, hang your mugs at the bottom and stock the shelves with lightweight coffee essentials like coffee pods, sweeteners, powdered creamer, a cinnamon shaker, and stirring spoons.
Make your new fridge-mounted coffee caddy your own with simple customizations
This DIY project is perfect for any coffee lover due to its simplicity, allowing for plenty of customization. Match your kitchen’s color scheme by spray painting the wire and using decorative hooks. Haute Decor Magnetic Hangers, available in nine colors and two sizes for around $17, support up to 10 pounds each. Customize the area around the caddy with fridge magnets, coffee-themed signs, or condiments in magnetic jars.
If you’re concerned about items falling through the wire shelves, create custom liners by cutting cardboard to fit each shelf and covering it with contact paper or self-adhesive wallpaper. Alternatively, use plastic shelf liners cut to size. Store items in matching jars or containers that fit the shelves perfectly. This fridge-mounted caddy is intended for one or two people. Be mindful of the hooks’ weight limits to avoid overloading with more than two mugs or heavy containers, which could cause the caddy to fall, breaking mugs and damaging the floor.
