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Working in the kitchen can be much more efficient and enjoyable if you have implemented good organizational strategies. A cluttered kitchen can be difficult to work in, which can create stress instead of harmony. Take the time to organize your kitchen cabinets and countertops, and you will find that you find more enjoyment in cooking.
Create Work Stations in the Kitchen
Especially if your kitchen is small, creating work stations can be a great way to maximize space and create a more efficient kitchen environment. For example, if you like to bake, set aside one part of the countertop for this purpose. Store all of your baking pans and baking ingredients in cabinets and canisters that are in close proximity to this space. An area in the kitchen which is close to the oven is usually the best choice. Utensils, knifes and bowls that are commonly used when cutting and cleaning vegetables should be stored close to the kitchen sink. Keeping a trash can close to this area can also help to simplify the process. By creating work stations for your most common kitchen tasks, you will avoid unnecessary steps. It will also make it easier for more than one person to work in the kitchen at the same time.
Maximize Kitchen Cabinet Space
Unfortunately, wasted space in kitchen cabinets is very common. This is often caused by shelves which are the wrong height for the items that are being stored on them. If your kitchen cabinet shelves are adjustable, fine-tune them so that they are the right height for the pans, dishes and food items that you store in the cabinet. If you use plastic bins or containers to hold baking supplies and other ingredients, try using square and rectangular contains as opposed to round ones. By using square containers, you will be able to store more in less space. Good labeling is also important when storing food supplies in plastic containers. If your cabinets have deep shelves, store taller items in the back and shorter items in the front. This will allow you to easily see everything, even the items stored in the back. When storing dishes, nest cups and dishes together as much as possible to maximize the space. Using plastic storage bins that are specially designed for cutlery drawers can be a great way of organizing knives, spoons and forks.
Keep Your Countertops Clean
Cluttered countertops can make the kitchen a difficult place in which to work. Some items make sense when stored on the countertop, such as a canister set or small kitchen appliances that you use on a regular basis. However, items used infrequently or only on special occasions should be stored in a cabinet instead of cluttering the countertop.
Utilizing Shelf Space in the Kitchen
Wall shelves or freestanding shelving units are also very handy to organize the kitchen. Shelves can be used to hold spice collections, decorative dishes which are only used on special occasions, cookbooks, and other items. Using shelves can help keep the countertops tidy while still keeping items close at hand, often in a decorative fashion.
