Kitchen Organization

The kitchen is an ever-changing atmosphere, with new gadgets, recipes and foods sifting through as the seasons change. We often get bogged down with too many tools and containers and before we know it, we’re running out of space and feeling overwhelmed.

Some of the biggest challenges I have seen while organizing clients, is the constant fight with their Tupperware drawer. You know what I’m talking about… those ugly mismatched bowls, and lids that don’t fit anymore. Do you really need to keep those 15 recycled butter tubs? Yep – I’m talking to you :) We all have done it – probably learned it from our moms. But one of the most efficient products I’ve found for this little problem has been the famous “As Seen on TV” Smart Spin. I love this – it has a little carousel that houses three sizes of containers & the fourth section keeps the lids all neat and tidy. I suggest buying a couple (maybe two) larger containers for those picnic outings and leftover pasta, but that set pretty much steals my heart.

Dedicating cupboard shelving is half of your solution. Many people aimlessly place their kitchenware in parts of the room where the flow is unnatural. Just by giving it a little forethought, you can easily create a workstation that will help you out in busy times. Identify the easiest area for guests to grab water glasses, where family members can reach the plates without stepping in your way & where heavy baking pans can be grouped together for easier access.

Using a labeling system may seem over the top, but did you know when viewing a labeled shelf, your family will be more likely to put items back where they belong? It is worth the extra effort. Grouping like items together is not only visually appealing, it makes it easier to remember where you put something. I love creating a “Coffee Station” for customers – hanging small hooks for their coffee mugs, purchasing canisters for their flavored coffees or teas and storing all of their coffee paraphernalia in one cupboard.

For those of you who, like myself, may need a little inspiration in the refrigerator department, you may want to check out my post Keeping Your Refrigerator Clean. This is a challenge we all face – I won’t even try to pretend my fridge has it going on all the time, but I have to constantly keep an eye on it or it grows out of control very quickly.  One item that I cannot live without is the dry-erase board on my refrigerator door. Whenever I run out of an item, I immediately write it down and I never forget what I need when I’m ready to run to the store.

Take a good look at the items you’ve contained in your kitchen by pulling everything out and evaluating what you’ve got. It doesn’t take long when you work section by section, and this is a great time to wipe out your shelving. Chances are, there are some items in there that you haven’t used in years - old cookware that needs to be purged and the charity down the road would be happy to take them off your hands. Out with the old and in with the new!

Did you know that hiring a Professional Organizer doesn't have to be expensive? You can get similar benefits by doing it all Virtually! Check out my Virtual Online Organizing packages and let me help you Renew Your Space to free up time, efficiency and clarity.