Organizing your Kitchen

Organizing your Kitchen - A Very Informal Narrative

What makes organization happen? Storage! Not everyone can afford or has the room on their property for a storage unit. Besides, why put your stuff that you need out of reach when you can organize it at your fingertips with cabinetry. Cabinetry or cabinets are a fantastic way to organize your home by putting things you need out of sight and still at your fingertips. Whether it’s a free-standing armoire, a bathroom vanity or a kitchen with maximized use of space, cabinetry can not only change the look and feel of your home, but it can actually change your life. 

I have a small home, not tiny, but close and I never have enough storage. No matter how much I get rid of and try to minimize my stuff, the fact remains I need quite a few basic items in order to do life. I have to have cookware, food, cleaning products, dishes and utensils along with some small appliances; and that’s just the basics! Where do you put it all? When you don’t have effective storage or room for enough storage you’ve got to learn to organize what you do have and get rid of what you don’t need. 

Start with getting rid of stuff. Holding on to those plastic containers your soup came in? Plastic fast food cups you rinsed for reuse? Spatulas, spoons and knives? How many do you actually need? I’m no Marie Kondo, but I am finally starting to look at things with more objectivity and saying, “do I really use this?” Not, “oh, I will need this someday,” but “DO. I. REALLY. NEED. THIS?” The answer is usually no. Why? Because that stuff is exactly that - it’s stuff. You don’t need to go through your whole kitchen and clear it out today. I would suggest that when you open a drawer or cabinet door to retrieve something you do use, take out one item you don’t and put it in your sell or giveaway pile. Then, make sure you are taking action with those items you set aside. Try selling or consigning them or take them to your local thrift store at least once a week. Start small. Small steps lead to big changes. P.S. Don’t buy anything when you are at the thrift store!

Replace cheap disposables with lasting items. This seems counterintuitive given the previous point, but there is a purpose in this. Plastics…we hear all the time of the harm they can cause to our bodies and our planet. Start replacing plastics with glass or ceramic dishes and cookware that will never wear out, are healthier and nicer to look at. Over time, this will save you time and money and you’ll find that you only need a few for everyday life, so it also saves you clutter and clears up space for what you do need. You’re not buying more to have more; you’re replacing items that aren’t going to last anyway. I am not a perfect conservationist, but I did start replacing all of my plastics with glass and ceramic a few years ago. I still end up with plastics around, but not nearly as much and I’ve really come to like it. Ten out of ten, highly recommended. 

Rearrange to fit patterns. I don’t know why I never thought of this until I started looking at kitchen design but having the right items within reach at the right places can really streamline and save you time. Not everyone loves being in the kitchen and cooking. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s important to have what you need in the right place. Pots, pans, spices and cooking utensils need to be by the oven and range. The microwave and storage containers should be in proximity to the refrigerator and cooking countertop space. Coffee, coffee cups, sweeteners and other supplies should be grouped together.

Remodel or add cabinets. Ok, this is a bigger change but it’s definitely one of my goals and is more realistic than you think. My little house was remodeled on the cheap. It’s cute, cozy, serves the purpose and I am so grateful for it for so many reasons. But I would really love to jazz it up and create more workspace with a new layout and new cabinets. You never really know what you’re going to need until you give it some time. If you’ve been in your home for a while, chances are you know exactly what needs to happen to maximize your home’s potential. If you plan to stay in your home, aging in place, then you know you will need to modify the space for usability at all ages and stages. If you’re moving into a “new to you” home, it’s tempting to gut and remodel and make it yours before you move in. However, if the home is livable, I suggest sitting on that reaction a little while and give yourself some time to get a feel for the space and how you use it. This way, when it is time to upgrade, you’ll get it right the first time and end up with a space that is “fun”ctional and right for you. 

​When you do decide to upgrade, make sure you hire a professional to get it right the first time. This will ultimately save you time, money and keep it worry free.

For a lot of people this is probably all common sense. If so, thanks for reading anyway. For those of you like me that need a little push with organization, keep at it! Making small steps daily can add up to big changes that will make you feel better with every bit of progress you make. You can do it! I know you can!