2. Fix or replace items that are broken or not working well for you. (pot always rattles, handle keeps loosening)
3. When storing items store them close to where you use them, plates near table, glasses near fridge, knives near cutting boards and counter space where you chop food. If you do not use it daily take it off your counters. You need space on your counters for working on and are cleaning them regularly who wants to keep moving items out of the way when doing this. If you use items seasonally, Hanukkah, Christmas, Easter etc. store these items in the basement, attic or in the pantry if it is large enough to house these items. Store appliances used rarely in the basement or attic as well.
4. When storing items store them with like items, create "stations"Storage or pantry. Consider your freezer an extension of this area. Whether you store foods in a true pantry, a cabinet, a closet, or someplace else entirely, don't forget to go through periodically and clear out items that are hopelessly old or will never be used.
Preparation. Cutting board, knives, measuring cups and spoons, and mixing bowls all go here.
Cooking. The stove and oven plus the utensils that go with them. This area should include pots and pans, pot holders, spoons and spatulas (a utensil jar works well for these).Baking. If you love to bake, you might find it handy to store your flour, sugar, baking powder, a set of measuring cups and spoons, your favorite mixing bowl, etc. together in one convenient spot.
Serving. The table, plus tableware, serving dishes, napkins, trivets, and anything else you need to sit down and eat. Soy sauce? Salt and pepper shakers? Sugar bowl? Ask yourself whether it would be more convenient to store your dishes and silverware near the table or the dishwasher.
Cleaning. The sink, dishwasher and surroundings. Soap, gloves, dishpan, drying rack, cleansers, towels, etc.
Waste disposal. Keep a garbage can handy, plus recycling and compost bins, too. Locate them as centrally as possible without being in the way. They should go near the cleaning and food preparation areas.
5. Go through your cookbooks and keep in the kitchen only the ones you use regularly. Seasonal cookbooks can be stored with your holiday dinnerware. Others can be kept elsewhere or given away.
6. Paper, papers and more paper. If all forms of papers, ie. mail, receipts, report cards etc end up in the kitchen you have 2 options admit it and create a paper friendly zone in the kitchen to organize them properly or create a space between the front door and the kitchen to store said papers. Make sure you have a sorting through time set up for this area so it does not pile up too high ;) say weekly.
7. Clean as you go. When you clear one drawer or shelf, wipe out the crumbs before replacing the contents. Cleaning a little at a time makes it less of a chore.
Ongoing tips to make life easier: when filling dishwasher put your items with like items, forks with forks, knives with knives etc. makes a quicker job when emptying.
How many glasses do you really use between dish washing? Store only as many as you regularly use (glasses, dishes, wine glasses), and place the extras in storage, or donate.
Make a list. Tattered dishcloths? Out of soap? As you go, write down supplies you find lacking or worn out. Also write down side projects that you find as you go (such as fixing a wobbly table leg). Keep list handy so when you have time you can tackle each project as you go.
Clean and organize your fridge and freezer. Do a quick upkeep once a week on garbage day. If you don't use it, get rid of it.
I hope you can find some tips you are not already using and create that serene and organized kitchen you deserve. My next tips blog will be on Kids and organizing :)
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