Six Secrets to Organizing Your Kitchen

Before diving into specific areas of your kitchen, it's essential to declutter. Start by taking everything out of your kitchen drawers, cabinets, and shelves. Assess what you use the most, what you rarely use, and what’s been sitting around collecting dust for months or even years — Is that a spork from the pre-internet era? Probably best to toss it. This is the perfect time to part ways with old gadgets, chipped or damaged dishes, and expired pantry items.

To help with this process, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I use this item regularly?
• Is it in good condition?
• Does it serve a practical purpose?

Once you've separated the essentials from the non-essentials, you can begin the process of reorganizing and finding a home for every item.

Your kitchen drawers may seem like a small space, but they can quickly transform into a black hole for random utensils, gadgets, and other odds and ends. It seems like we all have that one drawer in our kitchen filled with used batteries, rubber bands, and coupons from the local takeout place. If you want to maximize your kitchen’s functionality, it’s essential to plan on what goes in each drawer.

Here’s how to organize kitchen drawers efficiently: 

• Use Drawer Dividers: Invest in adjustable dividers to keep utensils neatly separated. Group similar items together, such as forks, knives, spoons, and tongs. For smaller gadgets, like peelers, can openers, or scissors, designate a compartment to avoid the dreaded “junk drawer” chaos.
  
  
• Maximize Vertical Space: Consider adding drawer organizers with tiered sections for extra storage. This is especially useful for deeper drawers where tools like measuring spoons, spatulas, or whisks can get lost at the bottom.
  
  
• Labeling: If you have a lot of similar items (think: spices, knives, or measuring cups), labeling the compartments or drawers will save you time when you need something promptly. 

One of the biggest challenges in kitchen organization is the sheer amount of pots, pans and lids we accumulate over time. These bulky items often end up stacked haphazardly in cabinets, sometimes resulting in some kind of unstable structure like the Leaning Tower of Pisa — Leaning Tower of Pot-sa? Clearly, this can make it harder than it needs to be to access exactly what you need.

To make your pots and pans more accessible: 

• Use Pull-Out Shelves: Install pull-out shelves in your cabinets to maximize storage space and make your cookware easier to access. This is especially helpful for heavier pans and large stockpots, which can be cumbersome to move around.
  
  
• Pan Organizers: Invest in a pan organizer rack to vertically stack your pots and pans. This not only saves space but also keeps them from scratching each other.
  
  
• Hanging Racks: If you can spare wall or ceiling space, consider installing a hanging pot rack. This can free up valuable cabinet space and make your cookware easier to grab.
  
  
• Drawer Storage: Again, for those with deep cabinets, consider using drawer dividers to separate lids and smaller pots to prevent a jumbled mess. 

The pantry can often easily become a place where things get shoved in and forgotten, leading to expired food, wasted space, and a sense of disorganization. Let’s change that perception, shall we?

• Use Clear Storage Containers: Visibility is key to an organized pantry. Clear, stackable containers are perfect dry goods like pasta, rice, flour, and sugar. This allows you to see exactly what and how much you have, saving you a trip to the store.
  
  
• Label Everything: Label your containers with the contents and the expiration dates to prevent confusion or forgotten items. A label maker, chalkboard labels, or simply some painter’s tape and a marker can make this process both practical and make everything look aesthetically pleasing.
  
  
• Use Clear Bins and Baskets for Smaller Items: Group similar items together in baskets or bins. For example, store snacks, canned goods, or spices in separate containers, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for without digging through a hodge podge of things.
  
  
• Shelf Risers and Adjustable Shelves: Add shelf risers to make the most of your vertical space and create additional layers for smaller items. If your pantry has fixed shelves, consider installing adjustable shelving units for a more customizable storage system. 

The sink area is one of the most-used spaces in the kitchen, and it’s easy for it to become cluttered with dirty dishes, sponges, cleaning products, and beyond. 

With a little organization, you can keep your sink area neat and functional.

• Sink Caddy or Tray: Invest in a good-quality sink caddy or tray to hold your sponges, dish soap, and scrubbers. This prevents them from piling up in the corner of the sink and allows your sponges to dry in between uses.
  
  
• Use a Drying Rack: If you don’t have a dishwasher, a drying rack can make all the difference in keeping your sink area organized. Consider an over-the-sink rack to maximize space and to allow your wet dishes to drip into the sink.
  
  
• Drawer or Cabinet Storage: Keep cleaning supplies like dish soap, scrubbers, and wipes in an under-sink drawer or cabinet. You can even install a pull-out caddy to make it easier to access the supplies when you need them. 

If the sink is the brain of the kitchen, then the stove and oven are the heart. By organizing this area, you’ll ensure you have everything you need within arm’s reach when you’re creating your latest culinary masterpiece.

• Use a Spice Rack: Keep your spices organized in a dedicated spice rack, drawer, or cabinet. Consider a rotating spice rack or drawer inserts to keep everything visible and easy to access. You can also label the lids.
  
  
• Drawer or Crock for Cooking Utensils: Keep utensils like spatulas, ladles, and wooden spoons near the stove in a drawer or a crock. This keeps them close while you cook.
  
  
• Oven Storage: Use your oven for storage, but only when it’s not in use. Many people stash baking sheets or even cooking pans in their oven for convenience. Or instead, designate a cabinet or drawer near the stove to keep these items organized. 

Getting your kitchen organized at the beginning of the year is an investment worth making. By decluttering, creating designated spaces for your tools and cookware, and optimizing your pantry, sink, and stove areas, you’ll find that meal prep becomes more enjoyable and cleaning up becomes a breeze. And with some effort, you’ll be able to turn your kitchen into a space that supports your cooking adventures and makes your life easier.

So, as you kick off this new year with fresh intentions, why not add “organize the kitchen” to your list? The rewards are oh-so-tasty.

Happy organizing!