Managing your kitchen cabinets can sometimes feel overwhelming with so many items hidden away. But fear not! Organizing your cabinets doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’ve gathered expert advice to help you master this culinary challenge. Consider this your ultimate guide to finally getting your kitchen cabinets in order.
Meet the Experts:
– Catie Kelly, Founder of Sistamatic Organizing in Atlanta
– Jen Van Buskirk, Organizer at The Neat Boutique in Charleston
– Shannon Johnson, Founder of Situate Your Space
Declutter and Establish Your Routine:
Don’t let your cabinets become out of sight, out of mind. Keeping them organized can make your cooking experience stress-free. Kelly advises taking everything out of the cabinets to decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Group items by category and consider your habits when determining placement. Tailor your organization to suit your needs and daily routines.
Start Fresh:
After emptying your cabinets, give them a thorough cleaning. Vacuum crumbs, wipe with warm soapy water, and consider lining shelves. Wipe down items before returning them to keep your cabinets tidy.
Focus on Efficiency:
Now that your essentials are sorted, focus on optimizing the flow in your kitchen. Keep frequently used items close to their corresponding zones like the oven or sink. Organize your cabinets to ensure everything is easily accessible within one or two steps.
By following these simple steps and expert tips, you’ll transform your kitchen cabinets into an organized and efficient space.
Johnson suggests creating a designated spot for excess essentials by using a basket to store backstock items. This will save time and help maintain an organized system. Define zones in your kitchen based on work areas and tasks, such as cooking prep, school lunch, storage, smoothie, baking, and cooking zones. Organize items near where you use them and group similar items together. Marie Kondo recommends organizing cabinets by category and utilizing vertical space effectively. Measure the space carefully and consider adding shelves, shelf risers, slim bins, and drawers to optimize storage. Utilize the back of cabinet doors for additional storage options. Make sure to merchandise your belongings in a way that allows you to easily locate items. Use kitchen cabinet organizers, turntables, pullout shelves, and dividers to enhance functionality and accessibility in your kitchen cabinets.
Switch from oven mitts in drawers to storing baking sheets, pans, platters, and cutting boards vertically, allowing for quick access to what you need. Using labels can be a game-changer for your cabinets. Keeping categories broad with bins labeled ‘snacks’ rather than specific items like ‘nuts,’ ‘chips,’ and ‘crackers’ offers versatility as your pantry items change.
Consistency is key in maintaining an organized space. Avoid mixing up different systems in the same area to prevent confusion and visual clutter. For instance, when organizing spices, consider arranging them in alphabetical order or simplifying into ‘Frequently used’ and ‘Rarely used’ categories based on your cooking habits. Committing to a system that fits your lifestyle will make upkeep effortless.
While beautifully organized cabinets are all the rage on social media, focus on functionality over aesthetics for a practical approach. Strive for an organization style that suits your needs rather than aiming for picture-perfect displays that may not be sustainable in the long run. Remember, functionality takes priority over visual appeal when it comes to maintaining an organized home.
When it comes to kitchen cabinet organization, regular decluttering every few months is recommended to keep things in check. Reassess your cabinets annually or during life changes such as moving houses, having kids, or becoming empty nesters to ensure your storage solutions align with your current needs.
For efficient cabinet organization, reserve countertop space for frequently used appliances and reserve cabinets for items used less frequently. Organize kitchen items based on convenience, placing frequently used items near their respective functional areas. This could mean storing plates near the dishwasher for easy unloading or keeping food prep tools close to the countertop for seamless meal preparation. Tailor your storage solutions to fit your daily routines and optimize your kitchen space effectively.
For more helpful tips on maintaining organized kitchen cabinets and making the most of your storage space, visit the original article on Southern Living.
