| It pays dividends to begin to plan your storage strategy well ahead of the kitchen floor plan/design process.  Take a careful inventory of all categories of items you now store in your kitchen. Go to storage planning chart.
Add to the list any items you hope to be able to add to kitchen storage that are currently being stored elsewhere.  Is Aunt Mattie's crystal packed away in the attic because you have no place for it? How about planning a wall cabinet or hutch with glass doors and shelves in your new kitchen where you can show it off?
Note the size of existing space being used to store each item on your inventory. If you need additional space for an item, note that, too. (Need more space for groceries so you can buy in larger sizes or quantity? Note that!) Estimate the amount of space required to store those extra items not currently stored in your present kitchen but that you would like to store in your new one. (Approximately how much space will be required for Aunt Mattie's china?) Note items that you would like to be able to store differently. Would it be more convenient to store an item in a drawer than on a shelf? Deep drawers with full-extension runners make efficient storage for pots and pans and take less effort to access than roll-out shelves behind a door. Or how about a pantry planned for canned or boxed groceries, rather than storing them in wall cabinets? Note functional features that might assist with accessibility or convenience. Built-in cutlery divider or cutting board? How about an ironing board that neatly retracts into the space of a single drawer? A bread box or veggie bins that keep food items fresh longer? If you've dreamed it, note it on your inventory.) Place your inventory in your Selections Journal/Project File. This will be a great resource when discussing your new kitchen with the kitchen planning specialist you select. | 
