Make The Most Of Your Kitchen Space! 7 Time-tested Organizing Tips
Out of all the rooms in your home, your kitchen gets the most traffic. Whether you're getting ready to stage and sell your home, or you're unpacking kitchen items into your new home, you'll want to have it perfectly organized to suit your life - especially if, like many homes in our local area ( particularly if you live in Cherokee Village or Horseshoe Bend ), your kitchen is on the smaller side! Many people like having a smaller kitchen (smaller means less mess, and nobody minds less mess), but no matter your kitchen's size, it can be tough to decide how to organize it to get the most out of your space.
Here are some smart and simple tips to get the most out of your kitchen organization:
Declutter. If the contents of your kitchen are overflowing, the first thing to do is get rid of what you don't need. It can be hard to let things go, but a good rule to follow is this: If you haven't used it in the past year, you probably never will! Empty unused things into a bin to donate or give away, and you'll free up a lot of space - which will refresh your kitchen and make it easier to keep clean.
The perfect pantry. Organize your pantry based on how frequently you use each item. You'll want to have easy access to everyday items. Airtight clear containers to hold dry goods like pasta, grains, and cereal can help keep your food fresh. If you have children, place snacks at a kid-friendly height. Also, store canned goods with the labels facing outwards, with the nearest expiration dates at the front.
Kitchen counters. Counters are your workspace. Keep small appliances out and ready that you use daily like the coffee maker or toaster but stow away items you use less frequently such as a food processor or stand mixer. If you're selling you're home and are actively showing it, then keep your counters clean and clear of all clutter at all times - you never know when an agent with an interested buyer will want to show your home, and they will want to see the counters without your stuff on them.
Dishes and cutlery. Think of your kitchen in terms of workstations. If you usually plate your food straight from the stove or oven, storing plates, bowls, and utensils nearby will save you time. Serveware and dishes that you only use a few times a year can be stored out of the way in cabinets.
Pots and pans. For easy cooking, store pots and pans in lower cabinets near the stove. You can use a magazine holder, an old dish drying rack, or even file organizers to keep lids and sheet pans in order - wouldn't that be better than pans falling out every time you open the cabinet door?
Spices. Similar to your pantry, store spices according to the ones you use most often. The best place for spices is a drawer near the stove (but not right next to it, because heat can spoil them). Keep the spices you use frequently near the front of the drawer and label the tops with their contents for quick cooking.
Refrigerator. There are ideal spots for each kind of food. Store meat at the bottom, where it's coldest, so leaks can stay contained. Keep dairy products on the upper shelves where the temperature is most constant, and stow bottles in the doors where it's not as cold. Keep items that need to be eaten first near the front of the fridge, so you won't forget you bought them before they spoil. And if you find yourself needing extra bins or organizers, try your local dollar store for inexpensive (and often super cute) plastic bins that will fit into your fridge.
Not sure where to start? For more storage or organization questions, give us a call! We're always happy to help!
