Kitchen Organization
Who else has vowed to get organized in the new year?! Getting organized makes you more efficient and saves you time!! How many times have you been in the middles of cooking a meal and you couldn't find the can opener, or you had to dig all the way into the depths of your pantry to try and find the mushroom soup that ended up being expired? When your space is organized everything just flows, saving you time and stress. Also, the kitchen is said to be the heart of the home. I know this is true for us. If you ever stop by my house, you will most likely find us in the kitchen. It is a place for families to come together, eat, socialize, have family discussions, prepare meals, laugh, pray and grow. And that is why making this space efficient and inviting is so important.
PANTRY
When you de-clutter this space, it makes a HUGE difference, and the best part is that it's easier than you think. A lot of the clutter come from those half open bags and containers. Pick up some clear containers to put everything in, and I mean everything! Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, baking items. Also, grains like pasta, rice, quinoa and beans. Even pancake mix, you can place the recipe on the top of the lid with a label, eliminating the need for that bulky box, genius!! Then use baskets and bins for hiding all the things you don't want to see like chip bags and boxed items. A canned food storage rack is great for all the canned foods but, you could even use a basket or bin.
If you are on a budget there are so many affordable options for containers. You can find containers at Walmart, Target, Home Goods, IKEA, the Container Store and even places like the dollar store or the Target dollar spot. Another tip if you are on a budget is to purchase 1 or 2 containers every month until you have what you need. If you watched my IG stories, I shared some cute baskets I found at my local thrift shop that work perfectly in my pantry. So, don't leave out thrift shops and yard sales you never know what treasures you'll find. I also shared how I use mason jars for storage containers, they are so affordable, you can buy a small case for about $10 at Walmart.
Once you have your containers, think about how you want to group the items in your pantry. You can group them by type or by usage for example, all the breakfast items together. Really just anyway that makes sense for you and your family and allows everyone to easily find items they need. Also, think about labeling you pantry or pantry items. That way everyone knows what is in the container as well as where things should go.
Now it’s time to clean out the pantry. Pull everything out of the pantry, throw out anything that is old or not part of your new year goals. Wipe down all the shelves then neatly arrange items back into the pantry.
This is the time to say goodbye to all the things that don't line up with who you set out to be this year! I’ve heard people say, "we will just use it up, then I won’t by it again" Honestly, throwing it away NOW really kick starts your mindset, its sets that intention and allows you to say goodbye to that food item you are vowing to not eat or buy anymore. It's so freeing to just look into your pantry and only see the things that you know will make you feel good, and girl if Oreo cookies make you feel good, then you keep those Oreo cookies, OKURRR!!
Organizing your pantry:
1. Make a list of everything you WANT stocked in your pantry
2. Decide how you want to group them. Baking, Breakfast, grains etc.
3. Decide what type of containers you will want to use. Mason jars, baskets.
4. Purchase containers little by little or all at once
5. Remove all items from your pantry, throw away anything that is old or doesn't line up with your goals for this year.
6. Clean all the shelves
7. Put foods in the containers (label them)
8. Arrange in the items back into the pantry
9. Enjoy your new organized space
KITCHEN CABINETS
Sometimes just a little bit of reorganizing can make your kitchen flow.
Drawers/Cabinets- Go through your drawers and cabinets and eliminate any tools or utensils that are old, you don’t use, or you have duplicates of. Go through your pots and pans and get rid of the ones you just don’t use. Donate them or toss them out.
Medicine- I know some of you probably have a designated medicine or first aid area in the kitchen. I personally only keep vitamins and supplements in the kitchen (in the fridge top shelf so I can see them every day and we remember to take them) and all other cold medicines and first aid items in my hall closet (I may do a tour of that too!)
Kitchen Sink- I think under the kitchen sink is where most people store their cleaning supplies. I put the dish soap refill, dishwasher soap, trash bags and all-purpose cleaner under my sink. I also keep my kitchen fire extinguisher, cleaning rags, and dish brush (I like to counter to be clear and free) under the sink as well. Here you can use those clear acrylic bins to hold you sponges and dish rags or even some pretty baskets. If you have small children think about putting a child lock on the cabinet or even storing cleaning products up high above the fridge.
Food Storage/ Meal prep- Try to keep all your food storage containers, zip lock bags and such in the same area it will make your food prep and lunch making so much easier because the items will all be in the same area. This would be above or below the area in your kitchen that you prefer to prep food. I would think in between the sink and stove, but again each kitchen is so different so whatever works for you.
Fridge- Is your fridge covered in magnets and papers? Think about getting a nice cork board to organize lists, and your children's art work. Clearing the front of the fridge makes a huge difference in how your overall kitchen looks. What to do with all those amazing magnets from every vacation? Get a magnet board and put them to good use in a command center or home office.
Stove- Store pots and pans, baking sheets, spices and cooking oils near the stove for easy access when preparing meals. I like to keep large utensils like spatulas and knifes near the stove too. I put my spatulas and whisks in a container next to the stove to free up drawer space. Oven mitts and dish towels should go near the stove too. Also go through your spice rack cabinet and get rid of any old or expired items. I like to buy my spices from the bulk section and refill the jars I already have. You can purchase spice jars on amazon and label them for a cohesive organized look. This is on my to do list!
(Drawer spice racks from Walmart)
Dishwasher- Store all your dishes, plates, cups, silverware close to the dishwasher. This makes putting dishes away so much more efficient.
FRIDGE
Grouping- Group similar items together like snack, drinks, fruits, veggies, dairy or (Non-dairy in my case) together. It makes them easier to find. I have a designated shelf for prepped items too. I like to wash, and chop produce then store in a clear Pyrex bowl for easy access and quick meals. Less food gets wasted when I take the time prep ahead. Also, I like to wash fruits like grapes (remove the vine) and put them in my Pyrex bowl so we can just grab and eat them. So coinvent!
Organize- Use clear acrylic bins to declutter and create some order. Clear bins are best because seeing what is inside prompts you to use it. When you can’t see it, it’s out of sight out of mind and will most likely get wasted. So, invest in some good containers. I found mine at Home Goods. They are great for storing yogurts, squeeze packages for kids, loose fruits such as apples and oranges, packaged items like tofu or deli meats. Like to store prepped foods and leftovers in clear Pyrex bowls. I found mine at Target.
Doors- Should be used to store condiments, that way they are easy to find, and they don't get lost in the back of the fridge. I personally like to keep our beverages in the door as well to free up the shelves, but this depends on the size and type of fridge you have.
Labeling- Just like the pantry you can identify items by labeling them. I recently did this with a paint pen. It doesn't wipe off, but it can be easily washed off with soap and water if I need to change it.
COUNTERTOPS
Declutter countertops so you have a clear and workable space for preparing meals, baking and entertaining guests. The items that you do leave out should be items that you use daily and placed where you will use them. For example, placing cooking utensils in an easy to reach container near the stove. Or the coffee machine, there is no point in putting it away to just keep pulling it out if you make coffee every day. Anything that isn’t used daily should be tucked away in a cabinet or pantry and pulled out only when needed. This will help to just open up your kitchen space it will feel so much bigger and refreshing.
Ways to make the space inviting without feeling cluttered is adding a beautiful bowl with fresh fruits on the counter or island. Having your fruits on display will ensure they are eaten and make the space feel cozy. Another thing you can do is use your cute cake stands or serving platters for holding or elevating those everyday items you will have out.
DON’T GET OVERWHELMED
You can easily tackle this by doing one thing a day. Take on the fridge one day and then the pantry another. Set aside some time designated to getting organized and you will feel so glad you did!!
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