10 Steps to Organize Your Kitchen

A kitchen usually acts as the hub of a home.  Many kitchens are used not only for preparing, cooking and cleaning up meals, but also for paying bills, doing homework, entertaining, snacking and more.  To organize your kitchen, break the task up into the following ten components:

1.  Countertops:  Remove everything from your countertops.  Wipe off the counters.  Replace only the items you use every day.

2.  Refrigerator/Freezer:  Take everything out.  Clean the inside.  Assign a shelf to leftovers.  Keep beverages together.  Put condiments together.

3.  Under the Sink:  Clean it out.  Consider adding a shelf.  Put back only dish detergent, scouring pads, trash bags and a few other necessities.

4.  Cooking Supplies:  This includes pots and pans and potholders.  Gather these items and store them near the stove.  Microwave cookware is the exception.  Store it near the microwave.

5.  Baking Supplies:  Cookie sheets and muffin tins belong together near the oven.

6.  Preparation:  Store cutting boards, peelers and knives together near an island or food prep area.

7.  Clean Up:  Keep storage containers and wraps near the sink for easy after dinner clean up.  Store only a week's supply of containers, with lids on, for easy retrieval.  Keep a back up supply with your holiday decorations.

8.  Pantry/Food Storage:  Try to set up a pantry near your kitchen (closet, rolling cart, shelving unit) for food storage.  If that's not possible, keep similar food items stored together in the kitchen.

9.  Serving Pieces:  Store serving bowls, trays, cutlery and plates near the table.  Keep beverage glasses near the fridge or sink since you'll fill them before placing them on the table.

10.  Information Area:  Fill a folder with take-out menus, kitchen appliance manuals, important phone numbers and your meal planner.  Place it in a drawer or attach it to the inside of a cabinet.

It's important to remove from your kitchen any item(s) you don't use regularly.  Consider storing holidays cooking items with holiday decorations.  Sort through cooking utensils and get rid of duplicates.  It's easy to organize a kitchen once you understand the ten basic parts.

Copyright 20082012.  Barbara Myers.  The Time Manager.  Free tips booklet at www.ineedmoretime.com

Publishers may reprint this article as long as the bylines (with an active link) are included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ultimate Organized Kitchen Report!

 

 

 

Includes:

√  105 Tips to Organize Your Kitchen

√  Essential Kitchen Checklist

√  Menu Planner

√  How to De-Clutter and Organize Your Kitchen in 14 Steps

Plus:

√  One Week Menu with Shopping List and Recipes

Order it now.  Organize your kitchen tonight!  Click here.