HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR KITCHEN

A Step-by-Step Guide for a Functional and Stylish Space

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, but it can quickly become a source of stress if it’s cluttered and unorganized. With a bit of time and planning, however, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and enjoyable to use. Here’s a guide to help you get started on how to organize your kitchen for maximum efficiency and style.

Start with a Clean Slate

To begin with, clear everything out of your cabinets, drawers, and pantry. This allows you to see exactly what you have, identify items you no longer need, and clean out any crumbs or dust.

Tip: Have a trash bag, a donation box, and a recycling bin nearby. Items that are broken, expired, or rarely used should be discarded or donated to free up space.  SpaceTurtle works with ReStore Twin Cities Habitat For Humanity for donated items.

Categorize and Declutter

Next, as you empty your kitchen, group similar items together: baking supplies, snacks, canned goods, spices, cooking utensils, and so on. Doing this will help you see if you have duplicates and decide which items are worth keeping.

Tip: Declutter as you go. Try to only keep what you use and love. It’s easy for kitchens to accumulate random gadgets, but if it’s not something you use often, it’s probably not worth the storage space.

Prioritize Prime Real Estate

Now that you’re ready to start putting items back, keep the most-used items within easy reach. For instance, store everyday dishes, glasses, and silverware in cabinets that are easily accessible. Place frequently used cooking utensils near the stove, and keep items you rarely use, like specialty bakeware or seasonal dishes, on higher shelves or in a different storage area.

Tip: Think about your kitchen workflow and arrange your items accordingly. Keep your pots and pans close to the stove, and store food storage containers near the refrigerator.

Maximize Cabinet and Drawer Space

To make the most of your cabinet space, use organizers and dividers. These simple tools can keep your kitchen from looking cluttered and make items easier to access.

• Drawer Dividers: Use dividers to separate utensils, measuring cups, and other small items, so they don’t get jumbled together.
• Shelf Risers: Double the storage space in cabinets by using shelf risers, especially for dishes and glassware.
• Lazy Susans: Place a lazy Susan in a corner cabinet to store spices or condiments so you can access them easily.
• Pull-Out Bins: These can be helpful for keeping baking sheets, cutting boards, and other large, flat items organized and easy to grab.

Streamline Your Pantry

A well-organized pantry makes meal prep easier and helps you avoid buying duplicates or letting items expire.

• Use Clear Containers: Transfer dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereal into clear, labeled containers. This not only keeps food fresh but also makes it easy to see what you have on hand.
• Group Similar Items: Organize by category, such as snacks, canned goods, baking supplies, and grains. Use bins or baskets to corral similar items together.
• Label Everything: Labels make it easy to find things and help everyone in the household stick to the system.

Set Up Zones for Efficiency

For even more efficiency, think of your kitchen as divided into zones based on tasks:

• Cooking Zone: Keep pots, pans, and cooking utensils near the stove.
• Prep Zone: Designate an area with cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls.
• Baking Zone: Gather baking sheets, measuring cups, and mixers in one spot.
• Cleaning Zone: Store cleaning supplies, trash bags, and dish soap under the sink.

Setting up zones will streamline meal prep and help family members find things more easily.

Keep Countertops Clutter-Free

Countertops can quickly become a dumping ground for miscellaneous items. Try to keep your countertops as clear as possible to create a clean, open space for cooking and other tasks.

• Only Keep Essentials Out: Limit countertop items to essentials like a coffee maker or a mixer.
• Use a Tray: Designate a tray for items that you use daily, like oil, salt, and pepper. This creates a tidy, cohesive look and makes it easy to put items back in place.

Maintain Your Organized Kitchen

Once you’ve set up an organized system, keep it up by doing a quick weekly check. Spend a few minutes putting things back in their designated places and removing any items that don’t belong. Regular maintenance will help you avoid future clutter and keep your kitchen looking its best.

A well-organized kitchen can make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable while saving you time and reducing stress. With these tips, you can create a kitchen space that’s easy to use, pleasing to the eye, and efficient for daily tasks. Remember, organizing your kitchen is a process, so take it one step at a time and enjoy the transformation!

If you feel overwhelmed by the process, let a professional lend you a helping hand.  Heidi Ganser Lang with Juniper Organizing will help you create space and structure in your home so you can live in the moments that matter.

Professional Organizer
Heidi Ganser Lang
Juniper Organizing
(608) 469-8814
contact@juniperorganizing.com
www.juniperorganizing.com

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