Organizing 2014: The Kitchen

February 14, 2014

Happy Valentines Day to you!

Today we’re focusing on one of my great loves:

The Kitchen.

Oh the Kitchen. This room can be your best chance to shine in the organization department or an opportunity to cram it all in. Ha! So which are you??

Mandy Pinkston, Woman of Mass Organization AKA Professional Organizer, of www.MajorMom.biz weighs in with the following ideas:

The 6 C’s of kitchen organization

CONQUER CLUTTER: If it doesn’t belong in the kitchen, isn’t being used, isn’t needed, is broken, or is something you don’t like, it’s CLUTTER! Go through each cabinet and evaluate which items are taking up space but not being used. Consider donating, selling, or giving items away that are in good shape. Toss or recycle items that are broken or worn out.

CREATE ZONES: Store items in zones according to the functions they support (i.e. food prep, cooking, baking, food storage). Doing this will help you locate items quickly, avoid criss-crossing around the kitchen to gather tools and supplies, and will help everyone in the family know where things go.

CATEGORIZE: Sort your food cabinets or pantry into categories (i.e. drinks, snacks, condiments, dry goods). Know what you have and avoid wasting money on duplicate purchases and having to toss expired food!

CONTAINERS: Store small items like herbs and spices, snack bars, or cake decorating tools in containers to keep shelves tidy, allow for stacking and prevent items from tumbling. Use clear plastic or mesh containers so you remember what is in there.

CLEAR COUNTERS: Keep countertops clear to allow for food prep and cooking. If you aren’t able to use your kitchen, you’re more likely to eat out or order in. Stay healthy this year by cooking more meals at home.
COMMUNICATE: If the kitchen is the central hub for the family as it is in many households, create a Command, Control and Communication Center. Collect and process the family’s incoming mail and papers from school & work. Keep a reference binder for schedules, rosters, important contacts, and local restaurants. Display a household calendar that marks important events.

Next, I LOVED this vidcast by Professional Organizer Susan Stewart of Perfectly Placed on how she organizes her refrigerator and pantry. LOADS of great tips and ideas here friends:

Wow, right? There’s a lot in there!

I really loved Susan’s handled clear containers for all of her baking needs.

So what are your tips for the kitchen? What works for you?

Have a great day!

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Category: Kitchen, Kitchen Pantry, Organizing
Tags: kitchen organization |

5 Comments »

Marla
on January 26, 2011 7:29 am
Great ideas that can be used even in small areas!
Julie
on January 26, 2011 9:21 am
The Container Store has the clear baskets with handles. On Oprah I saw they used these for storage on top of the fridge.
These are on my list to buy the next time I am by a Container Store.
http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/pantryOrganizers/shelfOrganizers?productId=10022155&N=74108
Julie
on January 26, 2011 9:32 am
I need help on how to organize my corner unit. Both the shelf above and the lazy susan below.
I know I am not using them for their full potential, but have no idea how to maximize that space. At the moment, pots, pans and misc tupperware are below and large snack bags (chips, pretzels, etc), and seldom used bowls are above.
Heidi Farmer
on January 26, 2011 9:36 am
Ooh that is a tricky one! Anyone have any ideas??
Texas Type A Mom
on January 27, 2011 12:21 pm
Your kitchen looks great! I try to keep mine organized but could see how those little containers would help even more.