When you begin to organize your kitchen, think of dividing it into centers. Here are some suggestions.
The area with the most counter space
Use the cupboards above and below the counter as the meal preparation centre. It is the home of items needed to prepare and cook food – cutting boards, knives, bowls, graters, pots, pans, casserole dishes, strainers, etc.
The area with the smaller amount of counter space near the fridge.
The drink centre contains coffee, tea, hot chocolate, drink mixes, cups, glasses, sugar/sweetener, coffee maker, kettle, teapot, etc. Try storing your glasses and mugs in this area instead of with your plates and bowls.
Area near the dishwasher or sink
The dish centre contains dishes and cutlery and should be near the dishwasher for fast and easy unloading. Aim to store items at an age-appropriate height so children can participate without needing assistance. If you like thinking outside the box, store your dishes in the base cabinets until your children are tall enough to reach the cabinets above the counter. Some homes have a pantry. Instead of storing food try storing your plates and bowls in it. Everyone will be able to reach them and it may help to have less traffic near the food preparation and cooking areas.
Area with counter space
The baking centre contains food items and utensils specifically for baking – spices, flour, nuts, chocolate chips, spatulas, cookie sheets, casserole dishes, pie plates, cake pans, etc.
Recycling Area
Establish a recycling/garbage centre for easy collection. There are great products that fit under the kitchen sink and hold 2 or 3 containers to make recycling easy.
Paperwork area
The desk/paperwork center can be located near the telephone charging station or computer, and holds recipes, notepaper, a whiteboard or bulletin board, and pens and markers.
Miscellaneous drawer
The miscellaneous drawer contains small tools and items which you need quick access to in the kitchen – screwdriver, tape, twist ties, scissors, pen, marker, etc. Don’t let the one miscellaneous drawer turn into 2 or 3 drawers.
Determine what centers you need in your kitchen and plan your space to hold everything so it is easy to reach and use. Buy the Create an Organized Home online course that gives you step by step guidance to make your home work for you.
In the comments let me know
How do you store your plastic food containers?
Julie Stobbe is a Trained Professional Organizer and Lifestyle Organizing Coach who brings happiness to homes and organization to offices, virtually using Zoom. She has been working with clients since 2006 to provide customized organizing solutions to suit their individual needs and situations. She uses her love of teaching to reduce clutter, in your home, office, mind and time. She guides and supports you to be accountable for your time, to complete projects and to reach your goals. If you’re in a difficult transition Julie can coach you to break-free of emotional clutter constraining you from living life on your terms. Online courses are available to help instruct, coach and support your organizing projects. Get started by downloading Tips for Reorganizing 9 Rooms.
Click here to learn more about her online course Create an Organized Home.
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