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Say goodbye to avalanches of cans, spilled spices, and rogue pasta. With these practical and easy-to-implement organizational tips, your kitchen cupboards will look like they belong in the pages of the best home magazines in no time. Here are 6 ways to take your organization game to the next level.
Consider Use
While your fine china may be beautiful to look at, chances are you aren’t breaking it out at every meal. Unless you have a dedicated area devoted entirely to housing infrequently used pieces, consider carving out space for them in hard-to-reach areas that would otherwise be ignored. For instance, your crystal stemware is fine on the top shelf of your cupboard since you rarely need to access it, and storing it up high means that you’re leaving prime real estate open for your more frequently used items. As a general rule, the things that you use most often should be the most easily accessible. You’ll be thankful when you no longer have to haul out your stepladder just to get a drinking glass.
Create Uniformity
It makes sense to buy bulk, especially for items like grains, spices, pastas and other dry goods. Rather than have to deal with messy bags that inevitably break, invest in lidded glass canisters. By storing bulk items in clear containers, you’re always aware of how much you have left and you don’t have to worry about spills. You’re also ensuring long-term freshness and keeping unwanted critters out of your stash. Want to really keep things in order? Try painting the lids of the canisters with chalkboard paint. This way, you can note what’s in each jar and never have to worry about mixing up baking soda and powder again.
Organize by Type
While we’re all for shaking things up, your cupboards are one spot where keeping like things together really pays off. When organizing, group each product into categories that make sense to you. If you’re a baker, you can create designated flour, sugar, and powder areas that allow you to grab what you need without hassle. Other ideas include oil, vinegar, and spice sections that allow for easy access during meal preparation and ensure that you’re always on top of your inventory.
Get Lazy
If you have the space, a lazy Susan can be a real life saver as far as keeping your cupboards uncluttered is concerned. The rotating tiered system allows you to double, or even triple, on storage area all while making it easy to find what you need, when you need it.
Manage Your Supplies
Even the best intentioned organizers will find themselves frustrated unless they keep on top of what they have. Stale spices and expired canned goods are of no use to anyone and only serve as clutter. Make an effort to regularly go through the contents of your cupboards in order to purge goods that have gone bad. Another trick is to keep a list of staples going so that you know when to restock or avoid buying doubles.
Consider Your Needs
The most important piece of advice to consider when organizing your cupboards is what you and your family truly need. All the lid racks in the world won’t help if you only have and need one stockpot. And even the most sophisticated spice rack will become a nuisance if you only keep a handful of herbs on hand. Before embarking on a kitchen cupboard overhaul, take the time to seriously evaluate your habits and needs and use your findings as a springboard of sorts. Even though an extensive collection of flours may look impressive, they’ll just create clutter if the only time you bake is during the holidays. Same goes for hoarding gourmet oils if you only use a splash every so often. Find that sweet spot between want and need and before long, you’ll want to keep your cupboard doors open all the time.
