Get Organized in 2015 : Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Every kitchen is set up differently. Some kitchens have many cabinets and drawers, while others hardly have any cabinets; plenty of counter space or barely anything there; pantry cabinets or butler pantries (on my wish list!) to storing extra items on a shelf in your basement. Everyone tries to make their kitchen space work for them. When we moved into my house 8 years ago, the previous owners had recently remodeled the kitchen and the amount of cabinets, drawers and counter space were a huge bonus for me. But even with the storage space, I still try to keep my kitchen organized and functional.
In the midst of my spring cleaning this week, I began to tackle my kitchen. I thought I would share some quick organization tips for you to use in your kitchen.
Tackling Your Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers
• Food – Store similar food categories in the same cabinet or on the same shelf, which makes it easier to locate items. For example, baking ingredients, snacks, tea/coffee/drinks, cooking ingredients (such as oils, spices), pasta, breakfast items, baby food, etc. As you clean out the cabinets, discard any food items that have expired (check your spices!) or that you may never use. Unopened items may be donated to your local food bank. For smaller items, such as spices or baby food, use a small expandable shelf. For oils, used a small carousel caddy.

• Small Appliances – Store small appliances that you often use in an accessible space. For small appliances that you do not use often, store them in the back of a cabinet or on an accessible shelf in the basement. If you do not find yourself using the small appliance (or have never even used it), consider donating it to an organization, family or friend!
• Containers – Create a space for food storage containers (think Tupperware containers!) for easy access to store leftovers. Consider a brand that stacks and stores easily – it saves space!
• Paper Goods – Store food storage bags, freezer bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, sandwich bags, garbage bags, etc. in one drawer for convenience. Create a space for paper goods (plates, bowls, utensils, cups) for easy accessibility at quick meals.

• Utensils and Cooking Utensils– Sort through your utensils and consider discarding any damaged or mismatched pieces. A utensil drawer organizer is a must. For cooking utensils, discard any that you never use, then store in a drawer organizer. Consider expandable draw organizers, utensil carousel or canister (all are sold at kitchen and organization stores) that can be stored on your countertop. If you have too many cooking tools in a disorganized space, you are not going to even know they are there, therefore, never using them.

• Pots, Pans, Serving Platters and Bowls – If space allows, try stacking them in cabinets. Consider discarding or donating any that are damaged or that you never use. To avoid scratching, add a paper towel or dish towel in between them or purchase cookware protectors. (Tip: Consider purchasing cookware protectors – available at http://www.pamperedchef.com or pot and lid organizers – available at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com ). Add tension rods to a tall cabinet to create a divided space for platters, cutting boards, cookie sheets and/or lids.
• Dishes, Bowls and Glasses – If space allows store in 1-2 cabinets, keeping similar items together. Consider discarding or donating any that are damaged or that you never use. How many glass sets do you really need? Store crystal or glass stemware in a separate cabinet or in a space that may not be easily accessible (if they are only used for special occasions).
• Kitchen Linens (Dish Towels, Oven Mitts, Tablecloths, Aprons) – Treat yourself to new kitchen towels and mitts this season. Discard those that are stained, burned or ripped.
• Cookbooks and Recipes –  Keep your cookbooks and recipes together in one organized area/binder/box so you can continue to review new recipes to make for your family!
• Kitchen Cleaning Products – Store dishwasher soap, kitchen cleaners (spray/wipes) in a cabinet or drawer near your sink or dishwasher for accessibility. Mom Tip: store cleaning products in an area where small children cannot access or use a cabinet /drawer child lock.
• Children’s Snacks – Mom Tip: Consider creating a food cabinet or shelf that is easily accessible to your children for self-service snacks. Consider transferring snacks into plastic, sealed containers for ease and extended freshness. Store small plastic bowls nearby. A low shelf or cabinet for plastic cups and straws is a perfect help for older children that can serve themselves drinks.

Tip: While cleaning, keep a list of organization containers or items  that you may want to add to your kitchen cabinets. Plan a trip to a local kitchen, storage or organization store and find the organizational products that work best for you in your space. At the end of this organization exercise, your kitchen will seem less cluttered, refreshed and will provide you with an organized (and cleaner) space for your family to prepare meals! Repeat all organization tips every Spring!