Living in a small, cozy apartment imeans every inch of space counts. If you’ve found yourself staring at the large, awkward space beside your fridge, wondering what to do with it, you’re not alone. Your fridge is beautiful, but you also need to leave enough room for the door to open, which can often result in a large, empty gap. This seemingly unused space is a great opportunity to get creative and make the most of your apartment!
If you’re like many people, the thought of wasting any space in your home—especially in a small, open-concept apartment—can be frustrating. Maybe you’ve tried a few ideas, like storing wine or even brooms, but nothing really worked aesthetically. The kitchen is small, and you want to maintain that open, airy feel without cluttering it. So, what’s the solution? Let’s talk about how you can turn that unused space beside your fridge into a functional and stylish feature.
The Perfect Find
On a trip to HomeSense, you might find the perfect little trolley cart that fits just right in the space beside your fridge. It’s small, but practical, and it slides in and out easily—exactly what you need. However, you might notice that it’s just a little too short for the look you’re going for. No problem! You can solve this by getting a second trolley.
When you bring home a second cart, it’s time to stack them for more height and extra storage. With a simple DIY upgrade, you can make this setup work perfectly for your space. Here’s how.
A Simple DIY Upgrade
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your new trolley system work like a charm.
Here is the before:
Find Your Perfect Cart
Homesense is a great place to find these little trolleys. Amazon has some great options too Here.
Stack ‘Em Up
Grab that second cart and remove the wheels from the bottom one. Now, stack the second cart on top of the first, creating a taller trolley that will be more versatile.
Drill a hole into the trolly and use a piece of plywood behind for support. We used a 3 inch piece of plywood. Secure with a screw on each end of the trolly.
Then, drill pilot holes through the wood and attach the pieces with screws to keep everything secure.
Strengthen It
To ensure the two trolleys stay sturdy, glue a small piece of plywood to the back of the carts using E6000 glue. Here
Apply a weight (a workout weight will work!) to add pressure while the glue dries and everything sets in place. You don’t have to add the glue but it will provide a better support for when you pull on the handle over and over.
Add a Handle
To make it easy to pull the trolley in and out, head to Home Depot and grab a gold handle. It should be long enough to cover the front and inside panels, so it’ll be both functional and stylish.
7. Style It Up
Once everything is dry and secure, add some pretty flowers or other decorative touches to the top of your trolley. It’ll be both functional and a cute accent to your kitchen.
The Perfect Storage Solution
Now, you have a hidden, yet easily accessible storage solution right beside your fridge. This trolley is perfect for storing those awkward, bulky items that don’t fit well on shelves but that you use regularly—things like tall bottles of alcohol, protein powder, or baking supplies. Best of all, it keeps everything out of sight but still within easy reach.
The trolley also complements any design elements in your kitchen, like shiplap or other features. It’s a sleek, subtle addition that ties the whole space together while maintaining that clean, open feel.
Why It Works
If you’re looking for a way to utilize that tricky space beside your fridge (or any other unused corners in your home), this DIY project is the perfect solution. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and doesn’t require a lot of effort. It keeps your kitchen tidy and organized while maintaining a stylish, open atmosphere—ideal for small spaces where every inch counts.
So, if you’ve been wondering what to do with that extra space in your apartment, why not try this idea? With a little creativity and a few affordable materials, you can turn even the smallest, most overlooked areas into functional and beautiful features in your home.
Would you try this? I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments!
