I would suggest you install a 6"D shelf along the whole range/sink wall. This will allow you to move all the cups, soaps and go to spices off the counter top.

You would have more space if you put things in the drawers...declutter. You have 5 different spatulas -- only need one. Put everything away -- put all the dish washing stuff under the sink in a small plastic box that you can pull out to get at soap, brushes etc. Put up some shelving over the sink for spices and coffee. You also seem to have a lot of kitchen cookware and lots of dangerous wiring. What is in the next room? Can you move the refrigerator in there around the corner? I know it's now great, but it will free up some space.

Have you talked to the landlord about the kitchen already? Have the wiring safety issues been checked out by your or your landlord?

I would replace the microwave shelf with a tall shelf so you can use more vertical space (assuming you can't nail into the wall). You might see if you can find another cart like the one next to the microwave that has more storage and a little wider top that you can use for your prep space since it looks like you use the space next to the sink primarily for dishes. Maybe even put another tall shelf where the trash can is, and move the trash to the pantry.

I would move the microwave and small appliances to the pantry and replace the shelf with a rolling ikea cart with butcher block top. It can be pulled out to use for prep or tucked away when not in use.

And definitely Marie Kondo the whole kitchen.

Also, check out some Ikea’s kitchen wall storage solutions. They have pegboards, vertical dish drainers, and the like that would let you use more of your vertical space.

This reminds me very much of an apartment we once had. I suggest two things:

1) these 2’x4’x3’ folding tables are perfect For use as kitchen countertops. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lifetime-4-Fold-In-Half-Adjustable-Table-White-Granite/20690050?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222228015141435&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=42533894672&wl4=pla-81190566152&wl5=9052589&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=20690050&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqdK5-MLw3QIVEsJkCh0H-gB3EAQYASABEgKHvvD_BwE

2) move the fridge as close to the closet as possible So you can place one or two of the folding tables closer to the sink and range.

Sorry for the long links. This is actually the table we have https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lifetime-White-Granite-Adjustable-Folding-Table-80160/202380415

Put a curtain on that closet. Only use extra storage cabinets with doors. Get stuff off the counters. This will all reduce the visual clutter. Go vertical with a cabinet in the open space. Put something in the weird open space over the sink, even if it's just art work.

Purge, Purge, Purge your stuff. Minimize.

If you need need to have some dishes/pots, etc air dry, get a dish drainer to put in one side of your double sink. At least that will clear more space on the counter. Get one utensil holder too. Looks like you have 2 on the counter.

Buy a big cutting board that will fit over the whole sink. After you've rinsed items to be prepped, place them on the small counter area to the right, get out the cutting board, and use it for your prep space beside the range.

Being that it's a rental nothing permanent.

Hang shelves.

If hang shelves, patch holes or leave shelves, whatever landlord prefers.

A rolling cart

Go vertical with storage

Hang curtain rod in closet on rings, to cover when not using. Suggest a light color to keep room looking big.

Magnetic strip

Big cutting board over sink.

Before doing anything take a lot of before pictures to keep for proof of current condition. This will protect you later, if landlord says you did something when you didn't.

If you plan on staying a long time. Ask your landlord to redo kitchen. move dw in middle then sink to right.

In future if ever get another rental, avoid a place with bad kitchen.

Renters deserve a nice kitchen, too;)