Organizing expert Louise Kurzeka explains how to keep things organized and functional in the kitchen.
- Find storage in your kitchen by frequently going through your drawers and getting rid of all that useless junk that is cluttering valuable space.
- Most of us could use more counter space, so why not put away those canisters or cookie jars and use plastic cereal containers for things like storing flour, sugar and cookies. That way you can put them in your cupboards, where they will stay neatly hidden.
- Get rid of all your old mail, newspapers and miscellaneous paper that are on your kitchen counter for days on end. Put it where it belongs or recycle it.
- Dump out all crowded utensil drawers, and get rid of all utensils that never really worked such as that orange peeler or that 1970s can opener. In addition, throw out any duplicates such as an extra can opener.
- Cup hooks are a great way to make additional space in your cupboards. They can simply be installed under a cabinet or shelf.
- Open your cupboards and clean off your shelves. Look at the expiration dates and start throwing out those old items.
- Go through your freezer and refrigerator to locate expired items.
- Keep your eyes out for excess dishes. Forty percent of dishware is used only when guests visit. Re-evaluate what you use weekly and how often you entertain, and store your "company dishware" elsewhere.
- Go through your kitchen accessories. Use it or lose it! Weed out countertop appliances if you don't use them often such as Crock-Pots, woks or pasta makers. If they didn't get into your menu, then get them out of your kitchen.
- Get rid of all plastic containers, such as butter tubs and to-go containers. Determine how many you use on a weekly basis, and throw the rest out. The average household has enough plastic containers to fill six freezers and refrigerators.
- If there is any dead space on your kitchen-sink windowsill, get rid of what's cluttering it.
