Kitchen Organization: Make the Most of Your Space

Our kitchens are so central to our lives – they are where we gather, connect, and create. So, it’s no wonder our kitchens sometimes descend into downright chaos!

Organizing our living spaces can be a great first step in creating that much-needed order, because let’s face it, when there is no rhyme or reason as to what goes where, we can feel a little bit lost. And what better place to start than the kitchen – the heart of the home.

Kitchen organization isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about function. A clean, orderly kitchen also gives you peace of mind, encourages good eating habits, stays cleaner, and makes entertaining easier. Our clients are amazed at the difference our kitchen organization services can make to their lives.

So where to start? Well, one strategy we find works well is to create zones. For example, we can create these four kitchen storage zones: preparation, cooking, storage, and cleanup. You may want your preparation zone to be near your cooking zone, since some items apply to both areas, such as spices and oils. Your cleanup zone should be near your sink and dishwasher. Below is an example of how you might choose to divvy things up:

• Prep Zone: Knives, graters, peelers, mashers, cutting boards, prep bowls, colanders, cooking racks, common spices and oils.
• Cooking Zone: Pots, pans, wooden spoons, tongs, potholders, and casserole dishes. Common spices and oils.
• Storage Zone: Storage containers (glass and plastic), plastic wrap, foil, Ziplock bags.
• Cleanup Zone: Towels, cleaners, dish detergent, and dishwasher detergent.

Forming zones in this way means that as you work, everything will be within reach, and if two people are working together on different tasks, they won’t be in each other’s way (thereby increasing relationship harmony – bonus!) You’ll be surprised at what a difference these small changes will make when it comes to the ease and efficiency of your cooking process.

As you create your zones, think about your counter space carefully – it’s precious! Only keep on your countertop items that you use frequently. Rarely used items can be stored in a less convenient location. For example, keep your commonly used spices close at hand (to keep things looking tidy, find a unique storage container). Appliances you use twice a year? Send them straight to a cabinet or the pantry!