Organize Your Kitchen So It's Functional for You
February 25th, 2008 by Cara Mirabella
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The kitchen is often the center of a family home, with people gathering there to do many activities in addition to cooking and eating. The more organized your kitchen is, the more inviting it will be.
Take a quick inventory of your kitchen supplies. Are there items that you have unnecessary duplicates of that you don't really need? If so, get rid of them. You can either save them for a garage sale, or give them away. Then sort your kitchen items by use and size.
There are a few simple changes that you can make to your kitchen to help with storage and organization. Many items don't fit well in the cupboards. By hanging them from a frame with hooks, attached to the ceiling, it not only saves precious shelf space but also makes the pots and pans more accessible. There are many nice designs you can purchase that will fit with most any décor; many of them have a cast iron or stainless look. You can also make a simple one with a wood frame, dowel rods and hooks. They can be mounted above the stove or an island.
The way your kitchen is laid out will have an impact in how you organize your tools and cooking supplies. An island offers a wonderful workspace that also provides a good deal of storage. Sometimes you can find small islands on wheels that can be kept in a cupboard or pantry and only brought out when needed. These can be a great addition to a smaller kitchen.
Storing your bakewear near the oven is a logical thing to do. Sometimes the stove itself will have a storage drawer in the base where you can keep cookie sheets. Your other baking supplies like spatulas, wooden spoons, and sprinkles, can be stored in drawers near the oven, too.
It is also a good idea to store your dishes, glassware and silverware near the dishwasher or sink. This reduces the amount of time it takes to put things away after washing. There are many cupboard organizers that can help maximize your space for storing your dishes as well. There are mug trees and hooks that can help organize all the mugs and coffee cups.
There are many organization and storage units that can help increase your storage space. Even an extra set of shelves on top of the cabinet can increase your space. Canisters can help keep your baking supplies not only looking nice, but staying fresh longer. Open canisters also make a great place to store larger utensils that don't always fit well in the drawers.
Every kitchen is laid out a bit differently, so it may take some experimenting to see what sort of system works best for you. But once you establish a system, you might be surprised at how much more organized your kitchen is and how much time you'll save in preparing meals for your family.
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February 25th, 2008 at 9:47 am
Ok, this is freaky, I just said to my husband last night before bed that my goal for the week is to get through every single kitchen drawer and cabinet and fix what's not working, toss what's not needed and replace what's just blechy (off the top of my head my can opener comes to mind).
Thanks for keepin us on our toes!
February 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Great ideas. However, I caution strongly against a pot rack made out of wood hung above a cooktop or stove. The last bad fire my Hero was on was spread very rapidly by combustibles on a shelf above the stove (cookbooks, potholders and the like).
February 25th, 2008 at 10:38 am
If my kitchen looked like that, I would never leave it! I would take my Christmas photos in it so everyone could see it.
We are moving (again) in May and I was actually thinking last night (when I couldn't sleep) about how I wanted to organize the kitchen. I haven't had a decent kitchen in ages. My last house, the kitchen has last been updated in 1953. This apartment - well it is an apartment - need I say more? But we will be renting a home with a real kitchen this time (until we buy another house) and I'm dreaming of counter space and cabinets!
February 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Great ideas!
When I was first setting up my kitchen in my apartment, I tried to do it as logically as possible. When my parents came over and asked, "Where's the plates? The forks?" I told them to check where they might expect, to see just how logical my system was.
They found everything they needed. Hooray!
February 26th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Kacie I love that idea - have a friend or family member come over to check your system!
And Darla - thanks for that warning!
February 26th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
i was just thinking about this the other day. thanks for the great post.
February 26th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I totally agree with going through your cabinets and drawers and getting rid of duplicates or anything worn out or out dated. I tossed out a lot of old mixing bowlsand opted for a few cutsy ceramic ones (got them at the dollar store - cheap) and tossed out old utensils. I have a very small kitchen so cabinet and counter space is at a premium - I opt for the less is more strategy. I also went through the pantry and tossed out canned goods that expired and donated stuff (to local food bank) I had but never would use. Oh yeah, wish I had your kitchen - it's so beautiful!!
February 27th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I recently divided bour silverware in half so I keep one half next to the sink and the other by the kitchen bar. No more walking all the way around for a spoon. Layout is important. Thanks.
Thanks.
Robin
My WFMW is on decluttering (with a new WFMW pink image)
February 27th, 2008 at 3:57 am
Good ideas
February 27th, 2008 at 9:45 am
I really need to do this. My kitchen is horribly disorganized.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:33 am
You have some wonderful ideas!
As far as multiples…I like having multiples of some things. But we're going to be downsizing from an eleven-room house (with 7 people in it) to a cottage when my husband retires in a few years. All but the youngest will be grown and gone and I won't need 3 sets of stainless steel measuring cups. My oldest has been looking for a place of his own. So…I have a basket tucked in a corner of the room, out of the way, that I'm filling with some of my duplicates for him to take when he leaves!
February 27th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
It has been on my mind a lot lately to organize my kitchen. This is such a great motivator!
March 1st, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Does magically make my kitchen bigger count as a way of organizing????