Your
kitchen is the heart of your home; where you reconnect with loved ones
over a nurturing meal.
At least you would if you could get to the pan you need without a shovel!
If
kitchen clutter is a problem for you, here are some steps to help you organize
and keep your
home's heart happy.
Start by tackling
your pantry. Remove everything and wipe all shelves before putting anything
back (this is a great time to line them with contact paper or shelf liners!).
Determine categories and begin restocking, keeping like items together
(e.g. baking products, canned goods, pastas and rices, etc.). Throw away
anything past its expiration date or otherwise unusable, and fill a bag
with stuff your family just won't eat to donate to your church's pantry
or your local food bank.
Next it's on to your other shelves and cupboards, emptying one at a time. Toss any items that are broken beyond a simple repair. Have three boxes at your ready: one for things you want to keep, the second for things to give away, and the third for those items you just aren't sure about. If your third box is bursting and your second is bare, rethink your choices. While you might have great aspirations for that (never used) cookie press, is keeping it worth the space it requires? If you are still having a difficult time parting with your egg slicer, fondue pot, or mini blow torch (you never know when the need for crème brûlée might arise!), pack them all in a box marked with a date one year away. If you still have not used them by that time, give the box to charity, sell the items on Ebay, whatever. Just get rid of them!
Once you have gone through your cupboards and determined what to keep, replace items in a logical, organized fashion. Consider which gadgets you use most frequently and place them in easy-to-reach locations. Large utensils like spatulas and wooden spoons are attractive and practical in a small countertop crock, or hang them above the stove on a stainless bar with hooks. The items you use only once or twice a year, like your king-size roaster, should go on higher shelves, harder to reach spots or even in the garage (make sure it's a place you'll remember!). Store pots and pans near the oven, nesting together to save space. Install a pot lid holder inside the door of that same cupboard.
And lastly: your out-of-control collection of plastic storage containers (come on, admit it, we all have one!). Match lids with bowls and toss any that are unpaired. Nest those you can, placing the lids beneath the stack. Place the more odd-shaped ones in the back of those you commonly use.
Keep your kitchen organized and under control by putting things away immediately after use and only buying a new gadget to replace an old one. Your home will love you with all its heart!
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
