Most of us spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Having your kitchen organized is one of the best ways to use your time and energy efficiently. Kitchen items are often small and easily misplaced. I’ve listed some ideas to help you organize things so you can find them easily. These tips will make storage easier and help you save space. With these helpful hints, you can enjoy the neatest kitchen on the block!
Simplifying the Search for Spices
Cooking time can be cut when you organize spices and condiments in kitchen cupboards or drawers. Arrange spices in alphabetical order. Place pieces of masking tape on containers with consecutive numbers written on them. It’s easy to locate what you want in alphabetical sequence. When you’re finished, replace spices quickly by number. This is handy for young cooks and helps them stay organized.
Labeling for Easy Access
Use label-maker or self-sticking labels to mark each section of shelves, drawers, cupboards and closets. If one section of cupboard shelf is marked “dinner plates” and the next section is marked “blue tumblers,” anyone drying dishes, unloading the dishwasher or setting the table will know where to find or replace those items.
Carpet-Square Cupboard Cushions
Lay foam-backed carpet squares on bottom of cupboards where you store china and glassware, pots and pans or in flatware drawers. Soft squares reduce breakage and chipping of delicate items. They also prevent items from jostling and slipping around.
Time-Saving Kitchen Savers & Organizers
Use these ideas to save time and energy.
• Put a decorative hook by the sink. Hang your watch and rings on it while you work.
• Make an “Instruction/Guarantee Manual.” Use a looseleaf notebook and divider pages with pockets to arrange and keep instructions, warranties and guarantees.
• Buy a stopwatch. Time yourself and family members when making long-distance phone calls.
• Buy a half-cup ice-cream scoop. You’ll find one at a restaurant-equipment store. Measure shortening, brown sugar or other ingredients with it. Use a small ice-cream scoop for drop cookies.
• Keep track when measuring large quantities. If you’re measuring 10 cups, count out as many raisins or chocolate pieces as the number of cups. Eat one after adding each cup.
• Appliance cord storage — Cover empty toilet tissue roll with colorful contact paper. Label each roll with name of cord it holds. Roll up cord and slip into roll to keep neat and handy.
Backdoor Organization
Keep your backdoor area organized and your house clean. Hang a rack on the wall for outdoor jackets. Put shelves and bins by the door to hold dirty clothes, toys and sports equipment. Put down a large piece of indoor-outdoor carpeting to absorb mud and water from dirty boots and shoes.
Storing Surplus Canned Goods
Storing surplus canned goods: Find alternative storage areas other than kitchen cupboards for seldom-used canned goods. A handy place to store cans is in the space under the bed. Make wooden racks that tilt so cans roll to one side of the bed.
