When you hear the words “organize your kitchen,” do you start trembling and immediately reach for the scotch? Well, luckily, you don’t have to dread it so much. By using the following 5-step Organize Your Kitchen Plan, you can have an enjoyable, welcoming, well-organized kitchen. Ready? Here we go:
Take Inventory
Start by pulling EVERYTHING possible out of drawers and cupboards. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Is it still functional? Then sort all items into 3 groups: Things to Keep; Things to Donate; Things to Throw Out. To truly organize your kitchen, you must free yourself of unnecessary items. So do it now!
Become a Deep-Clean Machine
While you still have everything out of drawers and cupboards, wipe everything down with disinfectant wipes or kitchen cleaner and paper towels. And don’t forget places you might not ordinarily bother with, such as behind the coffeemaker.
Separate Your Kitchen into Distinct Areas
After you’ve deep-cleaned, stand back from your “operation” and logically compartmentalize and separate your kitchen space, cupboards, and drawers into distinct areas. Ask yourself: Which items belong in which areas? Then actually write these areas down. Here’s an example of what this might look like:
- Area #1: Easy-to-Access Everyday Items … such as glasses, cups, bowls, plates, and silverware;
- Area # 2: Cooking or Baking Related items … such as pots, pans, spatulas, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and measuring cups (logically to be placed near your oven);
- Area #3: Pantry Items … such as spices and various kitchen gadgets;
- Area #4: Food Storage Items … such as zip-lock bags, Tupperware, and aluminum foil (logically placed near your refrigerator);
- Area # 5: Coffee and Alcohol Related Items … such as a coffee pot or Keurig, shot glasses, wine glasses, and other bar-related items;
- Area #6: Beneath the Sink Items … such as garbage bags, recycling bags, and cleaning supplies.
Position Everything Strategically
Now that you’ve mentally grouped everything within distinct areas, put like-items together and position them strategically, placing them where they belong. Keep most frequently used items at eye level so they are easy-to-spot and other items stored further away or higher up. Do the same in your pantry. For example, if you reach for the Froot Loops every morning, have them at eye level. Also—importantly—put things like pasta, rice, and baking goods into clear containers. You’ll save space AND be able to see them much more easily.
Unleash Your Creativity
After you’ve done “all of the above,” top everything off with a touch of creativity. For example, mount a rack for spices and alphabetize them. Or install an attractive rack near your stove for pots and pans. You’ll be achieving the kind of convenience and efficiency that is the soul of a well-organized kitchen!
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