I'd recommend getting some quotes on all those items you listed that you would like to do and then whittle down your choices from there, because countertops and floor/backsplash tile alone could use up the budget depending on your choices. New appliances alone could take the budget depending on your choices. If you are seriously thinking you'll move in a few years' time, I'd put the money into savings. We're in the middle of a flood-induced remodel, and although our house isn't our dream home either just as you said in relationship to yours, the investment is making us plan to stay put for a long time to get the use out of it. You won't recoup all your expenses at sale based on national averages. Kitchen remodels generally end up costing more than you'd think. A professional prep and re-paint of that cabinetry could cost half your budget, for example.

Extend flooring from adjacent room into kitchen.

Do cabinet doors close nicely? Several seem ajar; perhaps, reface cabinets with new doors.

Keep pantry.

Most of the money you spend on this house is money you will be gifting to the next owner and won't have to spend on your next home.

If I were you, I would concentrate on what will make the space function better for the time you are going to be there. It looks like you are struggling with storage space. I would concentrate my efforts on creating better storage.

Nothing will make a bigger impact than clearing off the countertops and fixing the cabinet doors that don't shut. Consider hiring a personal organizer to optimize your cabinet and pantry space. There may be some fairly inexpensive things like pull outs in the base cabinets that could make a big difference in everyday use. Lighting in the pantry can be a big help. Bigger knobs instead of the tiny ones on the pantry would be more comfortable to use.

There's a big difference between staying for 1 more year vs 7. Either way, I think I would probably look at redoing your pantry to make it more functional, so you have less stuff on your countertops.

Thanks all for your comments! A lot of great ideas and definitely makes me rethink some things. Storage shouldn't be a problem for us as is - we have a lot of empty cabinets, but we do need to be more intentional about putting things away. That's a free way to make it better :)

Lots of good advice. I agree, forget about moving walls and focus on smaller tasks. If those cupboards don't shut, that would be my #1 priority + new pulls. I'd also re-do the pantry so you can be better organized & get rid of all the clutter; install an in-cabinet trash barrel to get that out of the way. Under counter lighting is another easy one & looks like you could use it.

I think the pantry is a great selling point - I would not get rid of that. Maybe some nicer doors. I agree with others about the cabinet doors - do they stay closed?? Can that be fixed? Look into refacing if you want, but that can be as costly as a new kitchen sometimes so make sure to shop around.

The floor isn't horrible - it may look better if you have a professional steam clean done and regrout it in a color that almost matches it.

After that...I don't know

Self-inflicted on the cabinet drawers not closing :) and easily fixed.

When we moved in, the cabinets banged really loud when we shut them, so I installed some "soft close" attachments inside the corner of the cabinets. Some work great, others not so much. Probably a good idea to remove with everyone pointing that out!

I'd price out base drawer cabs on fridge side. you have 60 in or so? You can get two 30 in stacks for 1500.00 approx . Butcher block top from IKEA on that side will help w costs , but you want new counters anyway ....so price out corian or what you expect to do. New hardware , floor runner. Get slab fronts on the drawers to blend w sink side. .....it won't be that hard . Those base cabs w hinges in a galley do not make the galley user friendly .....a galley can be one of the best kitchens so get going w base drawers / you will reap the benefit as well any living soul who lives there.