The kitchen is undeniably the hub of most homes. Whether we’re crafting a five-course meal or just warming up a microwave dinner, the kitchen remains our home’s heart. Well-thought-out kitchen organisation is essential not only for cooking but also for our overall well-being.
How do I start organising my kitchen properly?
- Clear Everything Out: Create a spacious area to lay out all your kitchen items/tools, grouping like or similar items together. It might not be the most enjoyable task, but it’s essential to understand the volume of things you own. It’s also an excellent opportunity to give the kitchen a thorough clean.
- Declutter: Review each kitchen item/tool and sort it. There are two choices: keep it or get rid of it. Do you have duplicates? Do you need that many? Is it broken, expired, or no longer useful? If so, it’s time to part ways. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.
- Categorise: Now, with only the items you genuinely need and want to keep, it’s time to categorise them (dishes, pans, pots, spices, baking tools, etc.). A great starting point is the dishwasher. Keep dishes, glasses, and the like nearby for convenience, and expand from there.
- Store Properly: Optimal storage containers are crucial—they make life so much easier. They should be practical, durable, and hygienic. And if they look good, it’s a bonus.
Which enhancements are a must in every kitchen?
- Long Boxes for Deep Drawers: These use the full depth of the shelf, and the items or products can be easily accessed by pulling the box out, acting almost like a drawer.
- Turntables: Highly recommended for both kitchen cabinets and fridges. Everything becomes easily accessible with a simple spin.
- Pan Holders: Ideal for storing pans, cutting boards, and pot lids vertically. This prevents them from scratching and keeps them within easy reach.
- Drawer Dividers and Organisers: Helps maintain order within the drawers.
- Proper Storage Containers: Essential for hygienic and airtight storage of products. Ideally, transfer products to these containers to see at a glance how much is left.
- Storage Baskets: Great for storing non-refrigerated food items. They can be stacked, saving lots of space.
- Spice Racks: They not only look good but are also very practical. If possible, transfer spices to matching containers for a unified look.
- Kitchen recycling bins
Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Organised:
- Labelling: Label all storage containers, spice racks, boxes, and even drawers and shelves. It aids not only you but also others in the household.
- Avoid Excess Packaging: Try to remove items from their packaging and store them in designated boxes or containers. Too much varied packaging can be unsightly and confusing.
- Maintain the Order: An organised kitchen remains so only if everyone in the household commits to maintaining the established order. Consistency is key. Establish routines, and soon, the tasks will become second nature.
