Kitchens are one of the most difficult areas to organize because they
are quite often the central hub of the home. Not only is it where we
cook meals but it is also often where mail, backpacks, schoolwork,
keys and anything else that we drag in the door with us often ends
up. So in addition to organizing everything in the kitchen cupboards,
you also have to think about all of the other "stuff" that
collects in your kitchen. Where do you start with this whole kitchen
organization project? Here are a few kitchen organization tips that
can help.
Start small
Since getting the kitchen organized is one of the biggest
organizational challenges in your home, start with a small area that
is going to have the biggest impact on how you live. This can be a
stumbling block for many people so let me explain what I mean by
this. If the part of your kitchen that drives you crazy is the table
or counter where all of the mail, schoolwork, etc gets dumped, then
focus your kitchen organizing efforts on that area first. If this is
the area of the kitchen that you are going to organize first, then
also make sure that this area of your kitchen stays organized before
you move onto something else.
Because it is not just about getting your kitchen organized one time,
it is about keeping your kitchen organized. That is where the real
challenge lies. So if you just organize the paper that comes into your
kitchen one day but by the next day it is already a mess again, you
have not really accomplished anything. One of the most helpful
kitchen organization tips I can give you is to keep working with
organizing one area of your kitchen until it stays organized. Do not
move on to another area until the one that you are working with has
stayed organized for at least a week.
Too much stuff
As with any other home organization project, getting your kitchen
organized means getting rid of the things you no longer use and the
things that are unsafe for you to use. So if you can't remember the
last time that you used that dust-covered appliance in your cupboard
or if you can't even remember what it does, it is time to get rid
of it. Look at every pot, pan, dish and utensil in that kitchen and
make a note of when you used it last. You need to get rid of it if it
is not something that you use frequently. The only exception to this
is anything that you use seasonally.
The other important thing that you need to look at as you do your
kitchen organization is all of your canned goods, spices and packaged
foods. This is an important kitchen organization tip because if it is
expired, you need to throw it away. If you do not use it or like it,
throw it away or donate it to your local food shelf. This is
especially true of spices. We tend to gather and collect spices that
we never use.
Counter space is not storage space
When you organize your kitchen, keep stuff off of your counters. It
will make your kitchen look and feel cleaner. The kitchen counter in
your home is not another cupboard so don't act like it is one. Any
appliances that you are not using daily should not be on your
counter. This is more of a diet tip than a kitchen organization tip
but also keep food, especially snacks, off of your counters. It will
help to keep you from snacking. Out of sight, out of mind!
Post a Comment