7 Steps for Organizing Your Kitchen

We got to know our kitchens pretty well in 2020. We baked sourdough bread, experimented with canning and grew scallions on the windowsill. We also discovered that our kitchens weren’t as organized as we thought — something that can be rectified with the dawn of a new year. Just follow these steps.

Ready, Set, Empty

Start by clearing your cabinets and purging items you don’t use, including those plastic containers with missing lids. Create a keep section, a toss section and a donate section and resist keeping something because you might, possibly, sometime in the future need it.

Clean Cupboards For a Happy You

When was the last time you gave your cabinets a good cleaning? Be honest. A quick swipe with a damp sponge or even furniture polish followed by putting down a pretty shelf liner will add to your sense of accomplishment.

Right or Left?

When it comes to putting everything back, think logically. What do you use the most? Start with your kitchen utensils. Are you right-handed or left-handed. Wooden spoons, slotted spoons, spatulas and tongs should go into drawers near your dominant hand. That way you don’t have to cross the kitchen to get what you need. Don’t have a drawer? Buy a utensil holder.

Does It Make Sense?

Group like objects and put them where it makes sense. That means storing your coffee cups near the coffee maker and glasses near the refrigerator. Your pots and pans should be near the stove. Don’t clutter your counters with small appliances you hardly use. Store them in the pantry or on high shelves.

Don’t Forget the Pantry

We all want an organized pantry. Create food zones. If possible, have a shelf for baking supplies, a shelf for canned goods, a shelf for condiments and a shelf for snacks. Use clear containers for items such as cereal, flour, sugar and pastas. Shelf organizers create extra space and baskets are a great place to keep small items.

What About Spices?

Spices just seem to accumulate. Many of us keep them in the pantry but a more logical place is near the stove. Some new homes come with built-in spice racks, but if yours doesn’t, invest in a rotating counter rack or Lazy Susan. That way, your sauce won’t burn while you hunt for the oregano.

Cleaning Supplies and Junk Drawers

Clutter seems to multiply under the sink and in one specific drawer. We keep cleaning supplies under the sink and stuff we think we need but really don’t in junk drawers. Instead, keep only the supplies you need to clean the kitchen under the sink. Use dividers in the junk drawer to tame the clutter and ensure you only keep the stuff you need.

Buy a New Home in Lago Mar

Buying a new home in Lago Mar doesn’t ensure an uncluttered kitchen but our builders are always thinking about how to make your life easier. That includes creating kitchens with tons of counter space, lots of cabinets and little extras that make organizing your kitchen a breeze. Tour our model homes today and see how easy it can be.