Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 5: How to sort things
• Method 2 of 5: How to organize your desk space
• Method 3 of 5: Tidying up cabinets and drawers
• Method 4 of 5: How to Place Food in the Refrigerator
• Method 5 of 5: How to Create Additional Storage Space
• Tips
• Warnings

Lack of order in the kitchen can be a serious headache for the hostess! The ability to find the things you need quickly and easily saves time and relieves unnecessary stress. First of all, sort things according to use. Then clean up tables, cabinets and drawers. Finally, come up with additional ways to store your belongings.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: How to sort things

1. 1 Get rid of unnecessary things. It is impossible to find the necessary things in cluttered closets. Do not store items that only take up space. Try to remember when you last used the item, if it is in good condition, and how many of these items you have. Get rid of everything you don't use.
   • Give unused items to friends or donate to a charity. If you have a lot of unnecessary items, then you can run a garage sale.
   • Many people have things like holiday plates that are rarely used, but still need them. If the kitchen is busy, try storing them elsewhere.
2. 2 Clean up the kitchen from ceiling to floor. Collect all dust from the outside of cabinets, appliances and decorative items. Use a soapy rag and dry clean cloth to clean and dry the inside and outside of cabinets, and wipe down work surfaces. Notice and wash the floor. Wash and dry any rags or tea towels.
   • It's always better to start from scratch! You will need to empty all drawers and cabinets, so why not get rid of the dust. Plus - who wants to put clean dishes and cutlery on dusty shelves!
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Donna smallin kuper

   
   
   Professional Organizer Donna Smalllyn Cooper is a cleaning and organizing specialist.She has written over ten popular books about getting rid of unnecessary things and simplifying life; Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple and Woman's Day have written about her work. She was invited as a guest on Early Show on CBS, as well as on Better TV and HGTV. In 2006 she received the Founder's Award from the National Association of Professional Organizers. Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) as a home cleaning technologist.

   Donna smallin kuper
   Professional organizer

   Don't forget about the refrigerator... Donna Smalllyn Cooper, an expert in organizing space, recommends: “For deep cleaning of the refrigerator, remove all contents on the table. Also remove the removable drawers. Use a multi-purpose cleaning spray and microfiber cloth to clean each shelf of the refrigerator one at a time, starting from the top. Wash the removable parts in warm, soapy water, rinse and dry, then reinstall. Put food in a clean refrigerator. "

   
   
3. 3 Create different zones according to your kitchen use pattern. This makes it much easier to decide how things should be stored. Recommendations for dividing into zones:
   • Coffee and Tea Area: Place your coffee pot and kettle in an easily accessible place. Store cups, coffee and tea nearby.
   • Food preparation station: create a space for food preparation. Here you need to place a cutting board, knives, measuring cups and other necessary things.
   • Cooking station: this area will most likely be located next to the stove. Store utensils and oven mitts nearby.
   • Serving area: if space is available, organize a serving area. Choose a free work surface and keep large spoons and other utensils nearby.
4. 4 Store frequently used items in an easily accessible place. These items should be easy to pick up, use, wash and put in place. Store them at eye or waist level next to a sink, dishwasher, or stovetop. Do not stack pots and pans on top of each other so that you can easily pick up anything.
   • For example, plates that are used daily can be stored next to the stove in a cupboard at eye level.
5. 5 Group similar things. For example, group cups, pots, cutlery, storage containers. Keep them in one place to make it easier for you to find and take the item you need.
   • Group similar items and make sure you don't have too many of them. All excess can be removed to another place or given to those in need.

Method 2 of 5: How to organize your desk space

1. 1 Remove rarely used items from tables. Store them in closets or elsewhere. It is necessary to leave only the most necessary and frequently used on the tables so that it is convenient for you to work in the kitchen.
   • For example, leave the microwave on the counter if you use it every day, but put the toaster away if you only turn it on once a week.
   • If there is not enough space in the cabinets, remove all decorative items from the tables and place them on the cabinets. No need to overload cabinets and tables with beautiful but useless things.
2. 2 Place frequently used utensils and utensils on the table. Do not force critical areas such as the food preparation area. Then find space for everyday items like a microwave oven, coffee pot, dish drainer, and cutting board.
   • Select locations for electrical appliances, taking into account the location of the outlets so that the appliances can be used on site.
3. 3 Store your most frequently used accessories in a stand near the stove. This can be a stirring spoon, spatula, spaghetti tongs, and a slotted spoon. Leave only the most frequently used items here, while all other necessary items can be stowed away in the drawer.
   • A large jug, jar, or clean vase can be used as a stand.
4. 4 Use a magnetic knife holder. Leave only the knives you actually use, such as a peeler and a slicer. Move all other knives and the stand to another place.
   • Rarely used knives can be stored in a drawer.
   • Unused knives and a stand can be given to friends or as a gift.
5. 5 Place a small shelf next to your sink for soap and sponges. The stand will allow you to free up space around the sink. Remove soap, dishwashing liquid, napkins and sponges on the shelf. The sink stopper and bottle brush can be positioned below the shelf.
   • Buy a special shelf in the store or use a cake stand!
6. 6 Store vegetable oil and honey on a plate or stand. It is not uncommon for these foods to drip and run down the walls, making the container sticky. No need to dirty the cabinet or work surface! Place the oil on a plate or small stand that can be washed frequently.
7. 7 Store fruits and vegetables in a basket or bowl on the table. Uncooled vegetables and fruits are often left on the table. Place them in a dainty bowl or basket and set aside on your work surface in an easily accessible place.
   • Fruit is often used as a snack. If the kitchen is tight, vegetables can be stowed close to the wall and then taken out before cooking.

Method 3 of 5: Tidying up cabinets and drawers

1. 1 Highlight each closet and a box for specific things. Then arrange things in cupboards and drawers. Place frequently used items close to the edge of the cabinet for easy pickup. Group similar things to quickly find everything you need.
   • For example, highlight a large cupboard, a small towel cabinet, and a lower section for pans and pots.
   • There are boxes for towels and potholders, kitchen utensils and other things.
2. 2 Store cleaning supplies under the sink. The under-sink cabinet is easy to forget, but it is a great place to store your cleaning products. Remove all rags, detergents, soap, and napkins under the sink.
   • If you need more space, install a shelf or decorative baskets under the sink.
3. 3 Use delimited trays to organize the contents of your boxes. Select a tray that fits or is smaller than the size of the box. Items can be stacked in the tray and in the box around it, depending on the content. The trays allow you to conveniently organize your kitchen utensils, measuring spoons, clamps, and more.
   • You can use a multi-section tray or multiple small single-section trays. Choose the solutions that fit your needs.
4. 4 Place items in closets on small, removable stands. The stands allow easy access to the contents of the cabinet. Choose small coasters that are easy to put away and take out.
   • For example, use stands on the top shelves of wall cabinets so that you can easily reach items that are located under the wall itself.
5. 5 Store bulk products in transparent containers for easy retrieval. Pour these items into special containers to clean up your cupboards. A variety of cereals and baked goods can be stored in stackable containers. Arrange all containers neatly in the pantry.
   • Group products into categories. For example, store grains, pasta, and baked goods together.
6. 6 Store baking sheets and lids on the magazine rack. Place the rack in the cabinet and then conveniently arrange all the lids or trays. Store these items upright for tidiness and easy access.
   • For heavy items, choose a sturdy metal stand.
   • In the kitchen, you can use plastic and metal coasters for magazines.
7. 7 Store items on the swivel racks to avoid reaching all items from the shelf. Swivel stands provide easy access to all your belongings.They come in a variety of sizes and fit perfectly in cabinets and cupboards for storing spices, canned foods, and more.
   • A small rotating rack is good for spices, while a large one is a good choice for storing canned food.
8. 8 Use small containers with lids to organize your little things in the drawer. If you have a drawer with various small items, store the contents in small containers. Place a label on top of each container indicating the contents.
   • Check your drawer regularly to dispose of unused items.

Method 4 of 5: How to Place Food in the Refrigerator

1. 1 Place ready-to-eat foods and drinks on the top shelf. These can be packaged food, eggs or food leftovers. The top shelf has the most convenient access. In addition, this will prevent contamination as there will be no raw food above the cooked meals.
   • Tall beverage containers can be stacked on the middle shelf of the refrigerator. Do not store them in doors as they are hotter.
2. 2 Store raw meat on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The meat will not interact with other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Make sure the meat bag is intact and free of leaks to keep bacteria from spreading. If necessary, place the meat in a different bag and wash any stains on the shelves with a tissue containing an antibacterial cleaner.
   • Store meat in a plastic container that fits the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to protect the fruit and vegetable drawer. In the event of a leak, all liquid will remain in the container.
3. 3 Store raw food on the middle shelf or in the vegetable drawer. This will make it easier for you to take food out of the refrigerator for cooking. In addition, they are located above the meat on the middle shelf, and a drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator allows you to control humidity and provide the best conditions for storing vegetables and fruits.
   • Do not overfill the crates to make it easier for you to find the food you want.
4. 4 Store condiments and sauces in the refrigerator door. This is the warmest part of the refrigerator, so it is safe to store only condiments and additives in the door. Group them by type to find the things you need as quickly as possible.
   • For example, mix jams and jellies, marinades, sauces, and dressings side by side.
5. 5 Store cheeses and cold cuts in the "fresh zone". Many modern refrigerators have a special compartment under one of the shelves in which it is customary to store cheese. If you also buy cold cuts, stack them next to the cheese. In addition to optimal conditions, it is convenient to find the products you need here.

Method 5 of 5: How to Create Additional Storage Space

1. 1 Use the space on cabinets and above the refrigerator. Vertical space should not be empty. Store or arrange beautifully rarely used items. Consider these tips, among others:
   • Rarely used items like holiday sets can be stored in a remote location at the back of a closet, or even in a basement or garage.
   • Place your favorite cookbooks over the cupboard for stylish kitchen decoration.
   • Place the wine rack over a cabinet or other cabinet.
   • Place decorative items in remote and unused areas.
   • If there is a lot of free space above the cabinet, then attach additional shelves.
2. 2 Store things in mobile cabinets when there is not enough space in the closets. Choose a stylish cabinet that will blend in with your kitchen décor. In mobile cabinets, you can place cereals, cookbooks and other accessories. They can also conveniently store a variety of tea and coffee making facilities for hot drinks.
   • The mobile drawer unit can be purchased at a hardware store, furniture store, or online.
3. 3 Use open bookshelves for easy access. Shelves can hold bowls, plates, utensils, bulk food, cookbooks, and jewelry.These shelves can be attached to the walls of the kitchen or to the side of the refrigerator when space is limited. Make sure the kitchen looks pleasant.
   • A bookshelf is a great way to spruce up your kitchen and expand functionality!
4. 4 Add shelves in cabinets and cabinets. Shelves are a great way to expand your usable space. Stacking things up in high piles will make it difficult to find the items you need, but additional shelves will make things easier.
   • Folding plastic shelves can be used as an inexpensive solution. Similar shelves can be found in volume stores, large supermarkets, and online.
5. 5 Attach the hooks to the walls and cabinet doors. Place the hooks on the wall behind the stove or above the sink. Also install hooks on the inside of the cabinets on the doors to hang small and rarely used items: pots, pans, jewelry, measuring cups, towels, and more.
   • Use Velcro hooks to avoid damaging the walls and cabinet doors.
   • For heavy items like bowlers, it is better to use stronger hooks.
6. 6 Use hanging organizers on the sideboard door. In such an organizer on the inside of the door, you can store food and kitchen utensils. It is convenient to collect various little things in small compartments. If you wish, you can glue the tags to the bags.
   • This is a great solution for families with children. Place child-friendly snacks in the compartments for easy grabbing.
7. 7 Buy a mobile kitchen island to store and expand your workspace. The mobile kitchen island can be easily moved with its wheels. You will receive not only a work surface, but also additional drawers, cabinets and storage shelves at the bottom of such a structure.
   • A mobile kitchen island comes in a range of sizes and costs, from affordable to very expensive. They are sold in home improvement stores, furniture stores, and online.
8. 8 Install drawers in floor stands. You can buy ready-made boxes for installation inside the pedestals. The drawer facilitates access to the back of the cabinet or cabinet. No more digging through the shelves in the cabinet. Just open the drawer and grab the item you want.
   • If you are not very good at crafts, then you can always contact a specialist.

Tips

• Try experimenting with different layouts to find the perfect solution. Pay attention to the comfortable and uncomfortable aspects.
• Clean up your small drawer regularly to avoid storing unnecessary items.
• If you choose to store your spices near the stove, choose a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture will ruin the aroma and you will have to buy new spices.
• When purchasing products for a specific recipe, group them together for easy preparation.
• Organize your kitchen according to your real, not the "right" way of life.

Warnings

• If you have children, do not forget to take care of protection for children and from children, especially for floor stands. Be careful with knives, alcohol and detergents that are dangerous to children.
• Before purchasing shelves and containers for organizing space, go through all the things so that only the essentials are left. Unnecessary things tend to create disorder.