Kitchen Organizing tips

 Wikihow.com has compiled a list of tips for kitchen organizing.  Take a look.

"If you choose to put spices near the stove, make sure they will stay cool and dry. Heat and moisture will spoil the flavor, and you will have to replace them much more often.

Do you have a "junk drawer" or other catch-all area in your kitchen? If so, why? Take a good, critical look at its contents. Consider giving it a specific purpose and definitely throw out any junk that's not needed!

Entire stores exist that specialize in junk storage devices. Do not start organizing your kitchen by heading to such a store with wallet in hand. If you have thoroughly decluttered an area and established an organization system, and still think that a shelf, rack, tray, or bin will help you make better use of space, then go and get just the item you need. Otherwise those "handy" items are just more clutter.

No organizational system is set in stone. Experiment with different arrangements. Notice what works and what doesn't. If you use something differently than you anticipated, or if your habits change, move it.

Find drawer trays that fit your drawers to keep things tidy and in order within drawers.

Liquid hand soap is a must in any kitchen. It's more hygienic than bar soap and there's no slimy soap dish.
 
Try sorting small hand utensils according to size/length. Keeping the small and the large separated will speed your search for the correct utensil.
 
Knives need a special place all their own. Typically knives don't get dull from being used. Instead they get dull from being banged around in a drawer with other knives, utensils or dishes.

Organize according to how traffic and activities do flow, not necessarily according to how they should flow.

Keep ingredients of recipes together like Chinese ingredients, or baking ingredients. It saves time plan things ahead, make food beforehand and start organizing."

You can also click here to get even more valuable information.  Go forth and organize!

Meanwhile .... keep it simple and make it real.

Jeanne  

Sensible Kitchen Storage

Good morning! 

Before I speak of kitchen organization I want to give a quick update on the banana issue discussed in yesterday's post.

I wrapped the top of each banana individually.  It took only a couple of minutes.  I really hope this works.  I will keep you posted.

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Now, kitchen organization.  What I am about to show you is my idea of the perfect kitchen storage in the perfect kitchen.  My kitchen will never see these things in my lifetime.  However, I do believe that the ideas can be scaled to fit anyone's needs and budgets.  Take a look:

 

 

 

these are soda can racks

 

Resources:  www.bhg.com

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com

http://www.kitchen.com

http://designingyourdreamhome.blogspot.com

 

 



Aren't these great ideas?  Because I am short (and getting shorter) I love the idea of having things under the counter.  Drawers also can be outfitted for plates and glasses.  This would be ideal for me when I shrink down to 4 ft. tall.

Let's get on with our day.  Today .... keep it real and make it simple.

DIY EXTRA KITCHEN STORAGE!!

 

This is one of the best ideas I have ever seen for getting some extra kitchen storage.

 

Why didn't CH think of this?  He actually likes this idea but he is not acting too

enthusiastic in case I tell him I want to make it.  Ha! 

 

The info on this is that it should take a weekend to complete, is of moderate complexity and can cost between $100 and $500 depending on how many are made.

 

  source: The Family Handyman


Check out the details.  It is a simple solution for not enough storage.
Just go right to The Family Handyman. 


As always, keep it simple, folks.

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Don't agonize. Organize.--Florence Kennedy

I’m happy to report that my inner child is still ageless.” James Broughton

　

　

Staying with my mother-in-law after her heart surgery reminded me of the small changes I have made throughout my house to accommodate my getting older, shorter and forgetful. My sister and I made similar but more extensive changes in my parents’ home when safety, mobility, and cognizance became issues.

Not all of you are getting old, older or have some limitations in physical and mental capabilities. You may, however, love, care or know someone who does. Maybe now is the time to think about what can and should be done to make living simple and easy at whatever age we are or feel.

Today I will focus on the kitchen. This is where there is a lot of stuff and a lot of use.

Reduce the stuff. Keeping cabinet and pantry contents limited to essentials makes both finding and accessing things much simpler

Place the everyday and frequently used items on the reachable shelves of the upper cabinets. Those of us who have not yet reached our full height potential (and never will) do not need the stretching/reaching exercises while trying to get a bowl. The long handled grippers are great for getting at hard to reach items but why make it hard to reach in the first place?

Place items on the countertops that are frequently used, i.e. toaster, electric can opener, coffee maker. Place like items in one place. For example, all items used for making coffee would be together. Saves on steps and time.

Label the food groups in the pantry or cupboard. Use as large print as necessary. Keeping the food organized helps in putting it away after shopping and seeing what is needed before shopping.

Pots, pans and baking items should be kept near the stove. Use racks for the lids in order that they be easily found. You don’t want to know the words I used when I couldn’t find the right lid!! If racks specifically made for lids are too costly use a dish drainer. Works perfectly.

Organizing the kitchen will resume in future posts. I will also include items for safety, food prep and eating.

　

ta la iontach