Kitchen Organization Tips And Ideas

Need kitchen organization tips and ideas? Kitchens are the central hubs of activity in many homes. Family members and friends often gather in the kitchen to cook, fellowship, can, bake, or help to clean up after a delicious meal together.

The key to enjoying your kitchen to the fullest is excellent organization. Take into consideration our tips for bringing order to your otherwise seemingly chaotic kitchen and you'll find you love “living” there even more.

You must go through each cabinet or shelf in the kitchen before making real progress toward organizing the space.

• Recycle or toss any plastic container that doesn't have a lid or is stained, cracked, or otherwise looks questionable. Extraneous lids can be recycled or donated.
• Pantry items that are not being used regularly or were an impulse purchase that you'll never use should be tossed or, if the item is new and unopened, given to your local food bank.
• Give away duplicate items that don't really serve a purpose.
• Store items you use occasionally in another space - turkey baster, canning equipment, stockpots, roasting pans, special baking pans, etc.
• Get rid of all cleaning supplies you've not used in the past year. Keep only what you use regularly to clean your home.
• Spices only keep their flavor for a short time, so throw away ones you're not using consistently.

Now that you've cleaned out the excess, it's time to organize. As you look around your kitchen, think about the items you'd like to have readily on hand every day. Do you want your children to have access to certain cupboards and the contents? Organize in a way that creates a functional and efficient workspace for you and your family.

• Crocks, wood caddies, or vintage water pitchers are perfect for housing kitchen utensils.
• Hanging pot racks above the range or kitchen island are both decorative and convenient.
• Vintage tins, apothecary glass jars, or canning jars house pantry items attractively - coffee, flour, sugar, tea bags, hot chocolate, or homemade batters - on a shelf or on the counter.
• Mount small appliances and paper towel bars under cabinets to save kitchen counter space.
• Deep vintage baking dishes or trays can be repurposed to hold baking sprays, oils, and sauces inside cupboards.
• Use wire baskets hanging in the corner to keep clean dishcloths, dish towels, or fresh produce.
• Kitchen islands often have shelves on the ends - use these for organizing your vintage cookbooks or vintage collections.
• Create a magnetic board to hold recipe cards or notes by attaching a picture hanging hook to a large vintage tray or several small vintage trays grouped together.
• Utilize small spaces by installing a custom-built plate rack - plates are easily accessible but contained.
• Transform a changing table into a drink cart or dessert cart. It instantly becomes attractive (yet functional) storage for occasionally used items.
• Turn the pantry door into a chalkboard with chalkboard paint.
• Magnetic hooks on the refrigerator can hold oven mitts, dishtowels, and utensils.
• Consider opening up counter space by housing toasters and other small appliances in drawers when they're not in use.

Create a kitchen that inspires you and makes friends and family feel welcome. By using some great kitchen organization ideas, you will create a space that reflects your lifestyle and personality.