Do I need 8 spatulas?

Every few years look around and ask myself, how did I get so many spatulas?   Or containers, wooden spoons, and even gadgets.  Some things are gifts, replacements, or "I have to have this!" items.

Kitchens are a place where there is a lot of activity and can get crazy crowded with more than all things "kitchen".  Kitchens are used for more than cooking meals.  They can also be used for homework, projects, bill paying, game playing, and dumping zone.'

If you are ready to jump into organizing your kitchen, now is a great time.  Today is the first day of spring, and I may or may not have the itch to declutter!  First things first...get motivated, block off a few hours, and turn up the music :)

5 Easy steps to drawer/cabinet organization
1. Start with one cabinet or drawer at a time.  Don't "over-dump" everything out at once.  It will be hard to visually sort through more than one space at a time.

2.  Wash out the drawers and wipe down the shelves. I'm always surprised to see how many crumbs get into all the spaces!

3.  Take everything out.  When you actually look at each item, it is easier to decide how many you may need.  When you have spatulas laying on the counter, pick the best and dump the rest.  Chances are, you replaced one that was getting old and didn't toss it.  I know, we all do it!  Use this process with all of your items as you go through all the spaces in your kitchen.

4.  Take the infrequently used items and store them up high, in the hard to reach places or in another area of the house.  Your turkey roaster, for example, is used once a year doesn't need to take up valuable real estate in your kitchen if you can store it in an out of the way place.  Look at more items and decide if they really need to be kept in the kitchen.

5.  Maintain your kitchen and pantry.  At least twice a year do a de-clutter.  This will help you to get rid of things that you don't use or have been replaced.  

Create Zones
Look at how your kitchen is laid out and decide what kind of zones you might want to implement.  Here are some suggestions:  food prep area, cooking area, baking area, lunch station, breakfast area.  In addition, think about creating zones in your pantry and refrigerator.  This not only makes putting things away easier, it also helps with meal planning and grocery shopping.  You will know quite quickly if you need to buy anything.

Storage Tips

• In the pantry store the most used items between your shoulders and knees
• Use drawer dividers
• Add undershelf baskets and stackable shelving
• Use clear glass containers in the refrigerator so you can see whats in them
• Label, label, label!

Remember, containers do not organize....You do!

Most Important
After you are done with organizing your kitchen, give your family members a tour.  Show them where things belong.  They can't read your mind!

Download Kitchen Organizing Tips Here!

If you decide to take on organizing your kitchen, I would love to hear how it goes!

Let's Do It Together!