Organizing the Kitchen
Is your kitchen more of a battlefield than a culinary haven? Do you open your pantry with a sense of dread, unsure how you will put one more thing in there? You're not alone! The kitchen and pantry are often the hardest-working areas of our homes, and they can quickly become cluttered and disorganized.
But fear not! We believe that an organized kitchen and pantry can transform your daily life, making meal prep easier, reducing food waste, and even bringing a sense of calm to your home. For some general organizing principles that apply to any room check out the blog How to Declutter. But now let’s dive into our step-by-step guide to conquering the kitchen specifically…
Step 1: Pull It Out and Sort
Empty Everything: Clear a space to do your sorting. If the table or countertops aren’t an option you can always lay a sheet on the floor. Ideally you would take everything out of your cabinets and pantry but often that isn’t practical. It is important though to make sure all items of each category are out at the same time so that you can see exactly what you have.
Put like items together
Step 2: The Most Important Step… Getting Rid of Stuff!
Assess and Eliminate: Go through each item. Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?
Is it expired? (This is not necessarily just for food safety. An expired item indicates that it is something that isn’t used very often)
Is it broken or damaged?
Is there another tool that can do the same job?
Do I have multiples of this item? I have noticed clients tend to say ”Yes, these are my wooden spoons, I use them” and they probably do but there is no way anyone needs 10 wooden spoons. It is important to be realistic about how much you really need.
Does it belong in the kitchen? Lots of items tend to gravitate towards the kitchen and now would be a good time to relocate things that make more sense somewhere else.
Donate, Toss, Recycle: Once you've made your decisions, take action immediately. Donate usable items, toss what's expired or broken, and recycle where possible.
Step 3: Group What’s Left by Type and Function
Food items: Group by type (e.g., baking supplies, canned goods, snacks, pasta/grains, spices).
Cabinets: Group by function (e.g., cooking tools, dishes, glassware, food prep)
Step 4: Put It All Back Together
Now, the satisfying part! It can definitely be a puzzle but start putting your categorized items back into your cleared spaces, We almost never get this right the first try. It definitely is a process of trial and error! Some things to keep in mind.
High-Traffic Items: Place frequently used items in easily accessible spots. Think everyday dishes, cooking utensils, and commonly used pantry staples. For example oven mitts should be stored close to the oven. Drinking glasses are usually close to the refrigerator.
Less Frequent Items: Store less frequently used items on higher shelves or in the back of cabinets. For example the area above the refrigerator is a great place for serving platters, cake plates, etc.
Utilize Vertical Space: Shelves, risers, and stackable containers can help when space is tight. Of course it is best to avoid these types of things for ease of use if you can but some kitchens just don’t have the necessary storage and we need to maximize it!
Consider Clear Containers: Clear bins allow you to see what you have at a glance and can help keep like items together. It can also help with putting things away and maintaining a neat space. Label everything!
Drawer Organizers and other tools: Use drawer dividers for utensils, cutlery, and kitchen gadgets to keep things tidy and make it easier to find. Lazy Susan’s are great for oils and vinegars as well as many other things. Spice shelves can also be very useful.
Step 5: Maintain the Momentum
Organization isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. Here are a few tips to maintain your organized kitchen and pantry:
Put things away immediately after use.
Do a quick tidy-up regularly.
Before grocery shopping, check your pantry to avoid buying duplicates.
Periodically review and declutter.
Ready to transform your kitchen and pantry from chaotic to calm?
At Simplified Home we love helping our clients create functional and beautiful spaces. If you're feeling overwhelmed or simply don't have the time, our professional organizers are here to help! Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you conquer the clutter.
