Do you notice that more and more stuff is piling in your kitchen?
From kitchen wares to appliances, it is easy to make a clutter in the kitchen. More so, now that there is a pandemic and we rely on buying our goods online.
If you want to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free, here are nine tips that you can follow:
Group Similar Items
Putting together similar items saves you time when working in the kitchen. For one, it lets you know where your things are.
If you are baking, you will know where to get you measuring cups and spoons, mixing, and baking sheet. Thus, you do not have to spend too much time for mise en place and get to baking head-on.
Another advantage of organizing your kitchen wares is you avoid unnecessary purchases. An organized kitchen means you can see all your stuff. Hence, you do not have to buy duplicates.
That said, categorize your things into groups, putting the most used items where you can quickly see or reach them. You may do this by using colored containers with designated labels or trays and baskets you might already have in your kitchen.
Create Zones
Depending on the layout of your kitchen and how you work, creating zones provides a good workflow.
You can divide your kitchen into four zones:
- Preparation
- Cooking
- Storage
- Cleaning
Zoning your kitchen ensures that you have the space to do what needs to be done. It can also help you decide where you should keep your items.
Clear the Countertops
Messy countertops mean that someone is working in the kitchen.
Whether you are cooking, prepping, or cleaning, it would be best to clear the countertops when not in use. Doing so is visually pleasing and keeps you sane.
Meanwhile, a messy countertop can hinder you from working efficiently.
Do you need to bring all your spices when the recipe only calls for salt and pepper?
That said, the people at Maid Sailors Cleaning Services NYC advise keeping away the things you do not need and take out what’s necessary. That way, you will not be ruffling through your cupboard and cabinets while looking for a cooking tool.
Get Rid of Extra Appliances
It is essential to do a check-up on your appliances from time to time. With this, you are sure that you are not letting any unused appliances and items, collecting dust.
Arrange them based on daily usage. Coffee maker, teapot, oven toaster, and microwave oven are some of the most commonly used kitchen equipment. Hence, we can set up alongside the kitchen wares.
Check which of your appliances are used often, and keep it. If your old toaster is still working but rarely used, it would be best to sell it or give it away.
Maximize Your Storage
Create more space by creating more storage.
If your kitchen has a high ceiling, putting more cabinets on the walls is the best option. You can also add shelves under the kitchen sink or the gap between your fridge.
Doing so allows you to maximize your space. This is ideal if you have a small kitchen.
Follow the “One In, One Out” Rule
This rule asks you to weigh things accordingly. You take in one item only when you are ready to take one out.
Following this not just helps you in decluttering your kitchen but also in saving money. This is more effective than a shopping ban at reducing clutter and unnecessary spending.
Having the “one in, one out” rule in mind, you are less likely to go on shopping binges. Also, you can honestly think about the purpose the item has before getting space in your kitchen.
Do the Dishes Every Night
Based on a study, doing the dishes at night can reduce stress and boosts your creativity. Dishwashing is considered a mindless task that grants the brain to wander and engage in problem-solving.
Apart from waking up with an unpleasing sight of dirty and disorganized sink, leaving dirty dishes overnight invites cockroaches and other insects. To avoid this, make it a habit to wash the dishes and clean countertops every night.
Clean Up After Each Meal
Quickly cleaning up every after meal is a sign of respect for the next users. This also shortens the time you will spend cleaning the kitchen at the end of the day.
Why spend two to three long hours cleaning when you can do it by consistently tidying small portions of the kitchen, like the table, for less than three minutes?
Another great idea is to prepare hot water and soap in a bowl or container to place utensils while washing the big stuff. This will keep the bottom of your sink clear of clutter and makes it easier to clean when it is time.
Clean as You Cook and Bake
Clean As You Go (CLAYGO) is an excellent sanitation practice use in restaurants and workplaces. Hence, it makes sense to apply the same rule at home.
Doing so helps maintain your kitchen’s cleanliness and prevents pests and vermins from intruding your house. Moreover, you prevent food poisoning from happening.
How can you adapt to CLAYGO at home?
Deposit all the dishes and cooking utensils into the dishwasher after using them. Doing so shuns dirt and grease to stick on your plates and utensils.
Getting a partner to do the dishes while you prepare and cook food is another good strategy to ensure everything is neat and tidy.
Another way is to clean as many kitchen wares as you can while you have idle cooking or baking time. For example, if you are waiting for your stew to simmer for ten minutes, use that time to put the washed plates in the dish rack.
Your kitchen is one of the busiest parts of your home. Sure, organizing and decluttering it may take a lot of time. But starting with small steps and building simple systems can help achieve this. Always remember to keep things clean and in order. That way, you can keep your sanity intact and ensure your family’s health.
