The holidays are a time for baking gingerbread with loved ones, icing sugar cookies for neighbors, and putting a bit too many marshmallows in your hot chocolate.
With all those sweet memories being made, you don’t have time for unpacking cabinets or rummaging through drawers in search of that long-lost tin of baking soda (you know you put it somewhere!).
Keep holiday baking and memory-making fun (and sane) this season with these 5 simple tips to keep your kitchen fresh and organized year-round:
1. Start with a clean slate
Clean out everything (yes, everything!). It’s important to figure out exactly how much space you’re working with.
Separate cleaning products, utensils, cooking appliances, and food products. Then, once you’ve removed everything, clean, add and replace any shelving. Laminate shelving, for example, is versatile and affordable for use in any pantry or open cabinetry.
2. Organize by usage
Determine which items you use the most and the least. Ask, “Have I used this item in the past week? The past month? The past year?” Separate accordingly and consider tossing or donating the least-used items.
Things like spices, canned goods and anything you find yourself reaching for on a daily basis should be kept easily accessible. Wire shelving installed inside a pantry door or on a wall in the kitchen keeps items orderly by removing time spent searching.
3. Create zones
Devote a section of your counter top for baking and use the nearby cabinetry to store baking ingredients, drawers to store utensils, and underneath cabinetry for pans, baking sheets and appliances.
Determine similar cleaning and cooking zones, dedicating spaces for routine tasks you perform in the kitchen.
4. Keep a checklist and monitor inventory
It seems simple enough, but keeping track of your kitchen supplies is step No. 1 to running a tight ship. Keep a marker board or checklist around to remind you and your family of what needs to be picked up on the next grocery trip.
5. Be smart and store safe
Organizing similar items is important, but keeping potentially hazardous and harmful items out of reach of small children – glassware, hot sauce and medicine – is also important to consider. Store heavy items lower on shelves to keep you from straining to reach them.
Using the tips as guides, your kitchen will remain a fun, organized and safe space for making lifelong memories with friends and family. Give us a call today for help updating your kitchen organization and shelving at 270-441-2305.
Give us a call today at (270) 441-2305. Also, make sure to like us on Facebook! We’d love to be a part of your next home renovation project!