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Doing Without – Giving up Convenience for Space

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So as we begin to adjust to life in a much smaller space and learning to make use of items we kept in some unusual ways, there has been only one glaring thing that the kids have missed…a microwave.  That became quickly apparent one night when they tried to make chicken wings for dinner from the frozen bag and plated them only to determine there was no quick fix for defrosting them.  Conventional oven route they went.

As we laughed together about this incident, I was grateful that we had used up all our typical microwave treats as we were eating through our pantry in preparation for this move.  The one that stands out is popcorn.  Microwave popcorn has definitely been one of their go to snack items, and we arrived here with just one bag left (and I’m sure they didn’t know that one was there or it would have been used.)

I knew coming in here there wasn’t a microwave and my thought was that they aren’t too expensive now, especially with the smaller, no-frill options so I would just buy one when we got here.  But here’s the dilemma (aside from the money woes I mentioned in this morning’s post:)

Our new apartment kitchen - it may look messy but really I just haven't found space for everything.

Our new apartment kitchen – it may look messy but really I just haven’t found space for everything.

We are WAY out of space.  There is no pantry. There is one drawer (and it falls out every time we open it.)  Truly, this is not a mess.  Everything you see is clean, I just haven’t been able to find storage for everything.

So as I think about this, I think…what about a year without a microwave, without a toaster (which we got rid of during the purge thinking we could use the oven to serve the same purpose.)  Not only will it save me the expense of a microwave, but with only one section of counter space large enough to hold it, it will free up a large amount of space that would otherwise be non-negotiable.

So for now, we are going to go old school and be microwave free.  I know there are others who do this…any hints for me?  (On a positive note, you may remember my hemming and hawing about the kids’ tendency to buy frozen meals with their grocery budget and how I got so tired of those…well, that won’t be an option for the time being.  Woohoo!)


35 Comments

  • Reply Sarah |

    Well, because I’m old 🙂 and they weren’t around yet, I grew up without a microwave and survived. I sure know I’d miss it now but, hey, we used to love to make popcorn on the stove and a bag of that stuff goes a whole lot farther than the pricier microwave bags! And potatoes in the oven take longer, but I think they taste better. You will have to plan ahead so that meat gets defrosted and dinner is cooking way before hunger hits, but I’ll bet after a month or so it will become old hat and you won’t be missing it so much. I really admire what you’re doing and look forward to hearing about your adventures in your new place!

  • Reply Heather |

    My husband found a popcorn popper at bass prow shops for $30 I think that makes popcorn on the stove. you just add oil and kernels, and turn the handle as it heats up. My 6 year olds LOVE to make popcorn this way, and we don’t buy microwave popcorn anymore. Its 5 bucks for a big jar, plus cooking oil.

    Its called a Stovetop Popcorn Popper. I’m sure you could find one cheaper elsewhere.

    • Reply Hope |

      Ha, that’s funny! I saw one of those as we were picking up a few items at Target that we can’t live without…read toilet plunger *winks and walked by one of these. I just don’t have the space for it right now, but maybe, maybe in the future.

  • Reply Marzey doats |

    I live in the city, so I’ve never had a kitchen bigger than that! You really don’t need the gadgets. For popcorn, put some oil in the bottom of a heavy pot. Put kernels in 1/4 cup makes lots of popcorn. Put on the lid and shake vigorously while heating. Eat popped corn and wonder why you ever bought microwave popcorn!

    One gadget that I do like is the brita filter that fits over the faucet. Costs about 30 bucks, but you don’t need a pitcher, and you never run out. Saves counter space!

    Do you have wall space for a pot rack? They are not expensive, save cupboard space, and sure beat rooting around in the cupboard looking for the right pot. Also, a wall mounted knife rack can save space if you have the wall space.

    For coffee i use a French press. Makes enough for one, and is easily stored rather than taking up permanent counter space. Plus, yum!

    Best of luck in the new space. Once you have settled in, you will have to give us your small space tips!

    • Reply Hope |

      Yes, I’m definitely considering a Brita filter. The twins want a Brita pitcher so they can always have cold water (we also don’t have an ice maker here.) Right now, I’m not spending any money on non-necessities, but possibly down the road.

      I’m definitely going to look into popping corn on the stove with what we’ve got. Will be a fun family night event.

      • Reply Jenny |

        You don’t need a brita for cold water. You can just put a pitcher of regular tap water in the fridge. Works fine if you don’t mind the taste of your tap water, and I find that some time sitting out takes away some of the chlorine taste. You might want to replace it each night or so if it hasn’t been used or it can pick up some fridge flavors. The extra can be used to water plants or fill pet dishes so not to waste it. Or you could have each kid keep a water bottle (reused gatorade bottles are good if you don’t have reusable ones already) in the fridge and keep it full themselves.

        I’m glad I finally got a stand up water cooler though. I really don’t like the taste of tap water, and was tired of always having an empty brita in the fridge. I love having it. It doesn’t take up much floor space and I find with tasty always cold water on hand, I drink so much more of it and less juice/soda. It also heats water, so I have no need for a kettle, and without a microwave, that might make it even more convenient. 5 gallons only costs 3$ at the grocery store and lasts quite awhile. The biggest problem is carrying the bottles up. My boyfriend does it for me, and it sounds like you have some teens who might enjoy the exercise.

        • Reply christy |

          We have a Brita filter on our faucet, which we use to fill up a glass pitcher that has a little sprout on the bottom. This way our 6 and 8 year-olds can fill their own cups of COLD water. They sell the pitchers at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It saves me money on bottled water and the headache of having to clean up all the spills.

          I also have a tiny kitchen (I have less cabinet space than you!). I basically only have the essentials. I do use the buffet in my dinning room to store all of my large pans and baking items. I also have my crock pot on the buffet. It save me counter space in the kitchen. I also store some pans in my oven. Yes, I have to take them out every time I use the oven, but it keeps them hidden 90% of the day.

          We also homeschool, and I find storing all the homeschool stuff to be the most challenging!

    • Reply hannah |

      I second the pot rack. Our last place was the tiniest kitchen ever. My husband built a pot rack on the one empty wall and we hung all the pots and pans.
      It’s simple, shelf hung on the wall and braced well, then cup shaped hooks screwed into the underside. Or if you don’t have room for that, you can screw hooks into a narrow piece of wood and screw that to the wall.
      Sorry you are having to deal with tiny kitchens, it’s a struggle.

  • Reply KK |

    I don’t know how high your cabinets extend (in regards to the ceiling), but at my last apartment we were running out of storage space and found that above-cabinet space to be really helpful! We put appliances up there that would normally take up a lot of cabinet space!
    The only downside to this particular storage solution is that you really have to dust up there. So I wouldn’t recommend putting everyday plates or anything up there.

    • Reply KK |

      Also, hopefully your stove has a storage drawer instead of a broiler beneath it. That really helps in regard to storing awkward shaped things!

    • Reply Hope |

      Unfortunately, no above cabinet storage here. And probably good too since I am not a huge fan of dusting let alone way up high.

  • Reply Mary |

    I downsized many years ago from 1750 square foot 3 bedroom house with a basement, to 1200 square foot apartment, then 750 then to a 650 square foot studio (bought a 1000 square foot townhome last year, my forever home, lol) so I know a thing or two about maximizing space.

    In my tiny studio, there wasn’t a pantry so I used my coat closet that was near the kitchen/front door and put in this adjustable shelving from Menards. That was my new pantry. I then hung a coat rack on the wall next to the front door for my coat. The coat closet turned pantry stored my pantry items and all of my kitchen appliances. For the shelving, basically, it’s two tracks that hang on a horizontal piece and all of that is bolted in the wall. From there, you put in wire shelving and there are braces that you can purchase to hold the shelving. When you move, you simply unscrew the tracks from the wall and take them with you. Easy peasy. There is more of an upfront cost, but it’s worth it. I also did it in my studio apartment in my laundry room that was a stackable with virtually no washer space (I think you could fit 2 bath towels in it, lol.) I had a stackable on one wall and some free space across from it. Once I put in this system, I was able to store 4 single laundry baskets (I color code the baskets and sorted into the right one so I didn’t have to sort before doing laundry.) and some other things. The wall tracks/horizontal piece/braces are by John Sterling Corporation. I just used Rubbermaid “linen” shelves. You’ll need 2 tracks, 1 horizontal piece, linen shelving, 2 braces per shelf, a shelf cutter, electric drill/screwdriver and 1 large box of #10 x 3 inch screws.

    One other thing I did in my kitchen was to put a wire linen shelf in the kitchen beneath the kitchen cabinets (mine were hung high enough to do this). I hung it about six/eight inches below the cabinet (don’t remember exactly) and it was six feet long so I got additional storage. Also, I had space above my cabinets so I used these Sterlilte bins to store items and places those above the cabinets. In your kitchen cabinets, you can get some shelf organizers for around $2 or so I think. It’s just a 3 piece wire mini shelf to put in your kitchen cabinets so you can utilize every inch of space. I have dinner plates then I put one of these over them to store the salad plates. I also use the insides of my cabinets to store things as well. You can get some 3 M hooks to hang hot pads and to hand measuring cups etc. I put a basket on the top of my refrigerator and I store wax paper and baggies in there. I like everything to look clean and neat so I have everything behind closed doors. I maximize every cabinet and closet space.

    In my studio, I had a king sized bed and then put a bookshelf at the end of the bed with a sofa on the other side of the bookshelf (basically the bookshelf was sandwiched between the end of the bed and the back of the sofa). In the bookshelf, I stored screwdrivers and tools in Sterilite shoe box bins. No one could see it but when I needed it, I just pulled the sofa out and grabbed what I needed. For my kitchen table, I used a storage ottoman as a bench on one side and stored my son’s things in there so everything looked neat. Hopefully, some of these ideas help.

    With every move, you’ll have to spend a little bit of money and you’ll definitely need to spend a little bit of money when you are moving into small spaces since you need to maximize every inch of space. Pinterest can be a good source of solutions since you can see the image then click on the links to the original site for more detail.

    Regarding the microwave, I haven’t used one in years because I don’t think they are healthy (they denature your foods!). Regardless, it’s pretty easy going without a microwave. Here’s how:

    1) To reheat any foods, put them in a glass dish and put your oven on 350 degrees for 15 minutes. It works nearly every time.
    2) Every morning, I set the next day’s beef or chicken in the refrigerator. It takes a day or so to defrost. 1 pound of chicken is defrosted by the next day but 1 pound of beef may take longer. I use 1 pound of chicken and 1 pound of beef each week and the other days I do other things (pizza, black beans, tuna, eggs, pasta or whatever).
    3) For popcorn, I put 2 tbsp. of organic coconut oil in a saucepan, let it melt, add 1/3 cup of popcorn and put the lid on it. Keep the lid on it and remove from the heat when the popping starts to slow down. You can add toppings after that. It’s shockingly easy.
    4) Instead of a microwave, I really like the Breville Smart Oven…it’s a combination toaster/convection oven which means you can cook nearly anything you can make in an oven, in this compact oven. That means you use less energy since you aren’t heating up a big oven. The one I like is the model that runs around $250. It has settings on there for reheat, for pizza making (whether from frozen or fresh) and just a multitude of settings. Very EASY to use. On the outside of the glass, it shows what setting to use on each shelf. I love this thing.
    5) If you need a microwave, you can find them on Craigslist for a song. I know I sold mine for $20 years ago and it was in perfect shape and clean as a whistle.

    I totally think it’s fine without a microwave. I know that it might be rough the first week but you won’t think about it after that.

    Regarding your contractor, check out homeadvisor.com I think it’s national.

    • Reply Hope |

      Mary,
      I LOVE all your ideas. Right now the only space that isn’t packed is the “coat closet” and I’ve been thinking like you did of putting shelves in there. But rather than kitchen stuff I need it for books. We got rid of tons, but still have some that I need out, especially those we use for school. Haven’t done anything yet, trying to get the feel of the space before I invest any money.

      I definitely will try popping corn with coconut oil, didn’t know you could do that.

      Thank you so much for your tips!

  • Reply Walnut |

    My old kitchen only had two tiny drawers and were wedged next to my oven in a way where you had to oven the oven to open the drawers. Who on earth thought that was a workable solution?? To work with this I skinnied down my kitchen utensil collection to just the couple of them that I loved, used often and could contain in a single on counter canister. My bowl, strainer, measuring cup collection was pared back to JUST items that would nest inside of each other for compact storage. The measuring cups fit inside of the strainer. Also think hard about paring back measuring spoons. You don’t need a 1/2 cup and a full cup, as just the 1/2 cup will do.

    One suggestion I have would be to take everything in the kitchen and put it in boxes in a different room. Only bring things into the kitchen as you use them. At the end of a week or two, you’ll have your collection pared down to just the things that you use.

  • Reply DC - Kate |

    I’ll just add that we ditched microwave popcorn about 5 years ago. Coconut oil in a pot on the stove is the way to go. It tastes so much better and only takes about 3 minutes. Plus, it’s cheaper. A bag of popcorn is about $1, and a container of coconut oil from Costco lasts forever.

  • Reply Noreen |

    My boyfriend and I recently acquired a microwave (free from his grandmother since she was moving). We had done without one for about 2 years and honestly — never missed it. I wanted hot tea – took out a pot and boiled water. We don’t have a kettle. I wanted to cook a frozen pizza? Tasted better from the oven anyway. We did have to plan a bit more, but even now we don’t use the microwave all that much unless we pop popcorn or want to heat up a frozen meal (maybe 2x/week).

    It may take a while, but eventually you won’t notice or even miss it.

  • Reply Theresa |

    Bagged Microwave popcorn has some nasty chemicals in it. Don’t buy it. We use http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Ware-Microwaver-Popcorn-Popper/dp/B00004W4UP/ref=zg_bs_1090764_3 And while you still need a microwave it makes awesome popcorn.

  • Reply Mary from SC |

    I love your attitude and sense of adventure. This tip has absolutely nothing to do with the kitchen but I read somewhere about storing extra blankets between a mattress and boxspring. I did this for this summer with our electric blanket and it saves so much storage space in a closet. 🙂 Just make sure you have it smoothed out between the mattresses and you are good to go.

    • Reply Hope |

      Ooh, that’s a great idea when spring gets here. I’ll have to make a note of this one.

      For now, we are using our big cooler that we use constantly for travel and days out as a side table/lamp stand/winter blanket storage in the living space. It’s works great and I figure if we ever have guests it could also be extra seating.

  • Reply Ms. Mintly |

    We love our Whirley Pop! (http://www.amazon.com/Wabash-Valley-Farms-25008-Whirley-Pop/dp/B00004SU35) It takes up space, for sure, but it just hangs out on top of the stove anyway because we use it so much! Fun for kids (to keep turning the handle – but exercise safety, of course!) and we use coconut oil and bulk-bought popcorn kernels. Awesome!

    Additionally, we use those little white wire shelves in our cabinets to maximize space for our dishes. We just moved ourselves and while I made it a priority to get our kitchen organized with all items cleaned before being put away, it still took foreeeeeevvveeerrrrrrrrrr….. good luck! 🙂

  • Reply Jerome |

    We live with a family of 7 in a 1100 sq ft house (downsized from 2300) and it works fine. For me the big trick was seeing it as a intellectual challenge. Once I had that mindset I started enjoying our small house. One of the tricks I used was to put every item in the kitchen whichI had not used for a while in storage to see whether I could really do without. Usually I could and than I sold it or gave it to a welfare-shop. And I learned to use a kitchen knife properly. This saved a lot of gadgets and a electric stuff.

    • Reply Hope |

      That’s a great idea about seeing what I really use. I did downsize a great deal before the move. But there is probably more I could get rid of.

      And what exactly do you mean about using a kitchen knife properly?

      • Reply Jerome |

        I used to have/use a lot of ‘handy’ tools for cutting things up: ie. an onion-cutter and a garlic press and something for carrots, a ‘slicer-dicer’ etc. I have now learned to do almost all cutting while cooking using one kitchen knife and got rid of all the ‘handy’ tools. This saved quite a bit of space in my kitchen. I learned the proper use of a kitchen-knife in a local cooking course but Youtube is also a great source. The only items for cutting in my kitchen-drawer are a japanese style kitchen knife (cutting and transport), a potato-peeler and a sharpening steel.

  • Reply Jenny |

    One thing I have done to get extra space in our kitchen is to extend it into the dining room. Ours is laid out very similarly to yours, with our dining room being behind where your picture was taken from. I put a microwave stand in there with the microwave on it (placed just at the end of the counter with the orange cup from your picture) and there is plenty of storage underneath it, and a large bookshelf on the far wall where I keep our coffeemaker and coffee supplies along with snacks and lunch-making things, and other odds and ends. I also keep large bulk purchases such as toilet paper, unopened juice jugs, and cat food under our bed.

    The best way to reheat pizza is in a cast iron pan on the stovetop. Just turn heat to medium-ish and place the pizza crust down in the pan and put a loose fitting lid on top. The hot pan crisps the crust while the lid holds in enough heat to heat it through. To make it extra tasty I flip the pizza topping side down for just a minute or so to get some crusty tastiness on the top, but don’t do this so long that it melts the cheese. When I tried this, it was the first time I enjoyed the reheated pizza as much as the fresh. It doesn’t get soggy like the microwave or dry like the oven.

    I’m also a fan of popcorn on the stovetop. I just add oil and three kernels to the bottom of a nice heavy pot. When the three kernels are popped, I add kernels to cover the bottom and pop on the lid. Then just shake occasionally as it is popping and remove from the heat when the popping slows down. You don’t want to leave it until the popping is completely stopped or you will likely burn the rest of it. My favorite toppings are Lawry’s seasoning salt and parmesan cheese from the green can.

    • Reply Hope |

      Oooh, I so want a cast iron pan. It’s on my wish list for sure. When I get one I will definitely try it with the pizza. (Actually, I adore cold pizza so not really an issue, but I still want a cast iron pan!)

      I would have definitely extended into our dining room as well except that it is my office, the kids computer room and between the necessary two desks there’s really only space to walk through…kitchen to living room and even that’s tight. So no extra room here either.

  • Reply Sandra G |

    Check out this great post with a ton of fantastic storage ideas for the bathroom, some could transfer over to the kitchen.

    http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/09/tips-organized-bathroom.html

  • Reply Sandra G |

    http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/09/tips-organized-bedroom.html

    http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/09/tips-organized-kitchen.html

    http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2014/09/fall-organizing-week-family-room.html

    There are a few other great organizing posts on her blog, fantastic ideas!

  • Reply Sandra |

    Hope, The Container Store sells counter high, very narrow white wire shelving (four shelves about two cans deep) that we used in our apartment. You could put it against the end of your counter and free up some space in your kitchen. I’ve used ours for 15 years and now use two in our home in the laundry room.

  • Reply Christine |

    What about hanging some shelving in that laundry room area? That can give you some extra out of the way space to store things. Maybe cover some shoe boxes with pretty wrapping paper you have, or fabric and then you can store a lot of the smaller things that would go in drawers in there. Just a thought!

  • Reply Susan |

    That looks like the size of my kitchen. First off, anything you don’t use every day, you can store it under you bed, in bathroom cabinets, in a box behind the couch. We have to keep all our food, dishes, pans, etc in that size kitchen (yours actually looks a bit bigger – you have room for a dishwasher!). If you decide you do want a microwave and/or toaster, get a used microwave cart (or a sturdy folding snack table). You put the microwave on that, and then the toaster on top of the microwave (that’s my current set up). When you’re not in the kitchen, you can leave it anywhere in the kitchen). If you are in there and not using those things and they are in your way, you push them beyond the entrance and then they are in another room. Plenty of space.

    We can only fit 4 plates, 4 bowls, 6 glasses and 2 coffee mugs in our cabinet, so we’ve learned to work with that. We don’t have a dishwasher so I just stay on top of them. The rest of the dishes are stored in the living room in a storage box under the couch.

  • Reply Jill |

    I’m 42 and I have never owned a microwave. I have five children and all of their friends were amazed that we never had a microwave. Just tell your kids how healthy they will be without it.

  • Reply Dorothy |

    For toast I’ve started doing the fourth option in this link – described as grilled bread. I find it gives a much better result than an electric toaster anyway – nice and brown on the outside but still soft and moist in the middle. I do mine on a French steel crepe pan, but the cast iron skillet works well too. The electric toaster would always dry it out in the middle and not heat it up as well.
    http://theboatgalley.com/toast-toaster/

  • Reply Tania |

    We used to make popcorn in just an old rice pan (iron one, haven’t seen anything like them in the US), but I suppose stainless steel may work. Add oil, kernels, salt, and cover it with a lid. Shake shake shake, take off fire, enjoy.

    As far as space, I feel ya. Have you considered one of those carts with wheels you can wedge right outside the kitchen to use as extra storage?

So, what do you think ?