Organize your kitchen the right way

Do you feel that it is difficult for you to find things in your kitchen? Does it seem like it takes too long to prepare for a meal? Maybe you just don’t have your kitchen set up efficiently. There are some basic rules to keep in mind when organizing your kitchen. The following are some basic tips to get it organized and running efficiently.

Ideally, you want to store the items you use regularly near your kitchen’s three main work areas: food prep, serving, and cleanup. Each of these three areas has a different use, but they will all overlap.

The food preparation area, the busiest area of ​​the kitchen, includes the stove/oven, refrigerator, and sink. In this area you should store the most frequently used items, such as utensils, pots and pans. Dry foods and spices are also ideal for this area if there is no pantry available. For ideal storage, place utensils in a drawer next to the stove, and I recommend using a drawer organizer. If you want to make some of your utensils more practical, use a decorative ceramic vase or water pitcher to store those utensils on the counter. Pots and pans should be stored in large drawers or in cabinets under the counter, or hanging from a pot rack that can be suspended above the kitchen island or stove.

The serving area is best located next to the food preparation area so food platters and plates are easily accessible. Items in this area include serving platters and bowls, dinnerware, cutlery, and drinking glasses. In most kitchens, serving pieces and dinnerware are stacked in cabinets, but if you have the space and budget, you may want to add glass doors or open shelving so you can display some of your pieces. Your cutlery should be stored inside a cutlery divider in a drawer under the counter.

The cleaning area, like the food preparation area, includes the sink. Today, it also includes a dishwasher. Cleaning supplies should be stored under the sink, ideally inside a pull-out bin or cabinet door fixture. Also in this area, you need a drying rack to air dry hand-washed items. Consider purchasing a collapsible shelf that can easily slide under the sicker when not in use.

By reworking the three work areas, food prep, serving area, and cleanup area along with a few little organization tips, you’re sure to improve your prep and cleanup in your kitchen!