Posted by on 12/22/2019 to
Let's Talk: Relax, Soak and Unwind after Work
Reducing Stress the Old Fashion Way - Part IV: Tips on How to Organize your Kitchen
The next space that we here at RN to Zen are going to tackle to help you better organize your everyday function and flow, is none other them the kitchen. Like your bedroom, this is an area of most everyone's home that you spend a ton of time in. I know for me personally with a 3 year old, I am in and out of the kitchen all day, so it's important that I create a space that functions with ease, and one in which I can locate things easily. This concept of an organized kitchen is important regardless the size or dimensions, even individuals with large kitchens need to pay attention to detail to fully optimize there daily operations. What follows are a few tips and tricks to get you started to a cleaner, more functional kitchen to help reduce unneeded anxiety in your life.
I'll be honest, for whatever reason, if there is a space that I love the most, but can't stand going through, it's the kitchen. I don't know why this is, but it's true. For some of you, you may find there is an area of your home that you struggle with as well, so hopefully this post will get you started and over the tough parts.
Blank Slate, Clean Canvas, The Basics:
At this point in the process, make sure your mindset is for the long haul. Make sure you are ready for what's to come and that is; pulling every piece of equipment, food, accessory out of its place for a complete blank slate. If you truly want to organize your kitchen so that it actually lasts, this is the way to do it. So this step alone is a multi-step process. Here are some things to think about when trying to de-clutter and organize your kitchen:
a. What are my goals? Am I satisfied with a deep cleaning of the kitchen? Deep clean plus a re-organization? All of the above plus a redesign? Better functionality?
b. Do I need help? This is a space for not only you, but your family. Get there opinion, get there help. Do they have ideas to better the functionality?
c. What are your current frustrations with the kitchen and how it flows? Can it be a quick fix instead of a complete overhaul?
d. Do I need knew equipment, accessories, or glassware, and if so, this is something to think about before you start.
Categorize:
This process can literally work in any space you're reorganizing. Its the process of choosing like items and placing them in the same area. Silverware with the silverware, pans with the pans, mixing accessories with the mixing accessories, pretty easy concept. (Tip: If there are items that you use for say, "entertainment" purposes, you may want to group these together as well, and store them in a location that's not with the regularly used items). If you truly want to know how to organize your kitchen, then this is the place to start. For example, all of you mixing supplies, including your mixer, measuring tools, weighing devices, and mixing spoons, you may want to store together or at least in close proximity to one another, right? Bottom line is, this has to work for you so remember that!
Think About Spacing:
Think about how you can utilize and maximize your space, whether you have a kitchen the size of my house (just joking), or you have a small, but cozy kitchen, there are ways to maximize your space. Use vertical space. So we discussed this concept in our post on "how to organize your closet" and we are going to revisit it here. What I mean as it pertains to the kitchen is to use wall space. You can really get a bang for your buck as far as organizing, if you utilize wall space, and nowadays there are beautiful pieces to help your kitchen not only look like a million bucks, but act like one to. It's about not only look, but also function: These are some of the best ways to organize your kitchen using wall space:
a. What about a fold-down kitchen table, or desk?
b. A back splash that serves multiple purposes?
c. Move your coffee mugs onto a handmade coffee display wall piece?
d. What about adding a stemware rack to the bottom of your cabinets?
e. Something as simple as adding a floating shelf?
f. Get creative, add a cool looking pot rack or make one with these few simple steps
Tip: It's about thinking outside the standard box that everything needs to be tucked away in the cabinet. There are tons of ideas out there on how to de-clutter your kitchen, be creative and choose something that fits the functionality needs of your kitchen and your daily needs.
Most Used Items:
Simply put, store items that you use frequently in easy to reach spaces. This concept holds true in any space in your home. For best functionality, I find placing items in which you use often at eye level and in an easy to access spot.
Cleaning Supplies Don't Mix:
Leave your cleaning supplies out of the kitchen. I know many of us place cleaning supplies underneath our kitchen sink, but for me cleaning supplies just don't mix in the kitchen. Find a place in your house, or garage, to store all of your cleaning supplies, far away from where you eat. We'll discuss how to organize your garage in another post.
Divide the Space:
Once you start to designate certain spaces see if you can't further separate accessories and such by using drawer dividers, Tupperware lid organizers, pull out cabinet drawers, cookware organizer, even spice rack tiers. Do a quick search on Amazon for any of these items. Once you find that perfect spot, think about how you can maintain that area for the long haul and easily maintain a de-cluttered kitchen, this is how to truly organize your kitchen.
Maintenance is Key:
Now that you have your perfectly organized kitchen, it's time to maintain your space. This process is ongoing, make sure on a weekly or monthly basis you are taking a moment to reflect and always thinking about how you can organize your kitchen better as time goes on. Your space will change, but at least at this point you have a good starting point to make changes as you see see fit.
Thanks again for stopping by RNtoZen.com. We are thankful to have you and hope you enjoyed this post. Please share on social media and have fun reorganizing your kitchen.