Creating a Kitchen that Doesn’t Give You Rage-Fits
Kitchens are a landmine. There is a lot of activity in and out all day long, and honestly, three meals a day gets a little ridiculous. Can I hear it for the mamas who feel like they are always either cooking or cleaning their kitchen ALL THE LIVE-LONG DAY? Sisters, I am with you.
Fortunately, if you keep a few simple habits around the kitchen, it will go a long way towards keeping the space functional, and dare I say it - enjoyable.
- Aim to keep your countertops as clear as possible. This means unless you InstaPot every single meal, it shouldn't permanently live on your countertop. In our house with minimal counter space and HIGH HIGH cabinets, I created a pseudo-pantry in the basement where I store my InstaPot as well as a few other kitchen tools I don't use every day. I keep our coffeemaker on the countertop, and that is all.
- Avoid making the kitchen the repository for household junk. This includes mail, kid's art projects, returns, books and everything else that has a way of not finding it's real "home." Try to avoid handling anything more than once, and put it back home ASAP (if it helps, picture Adam Sandler and his golf ball in Happy Gilmore. If you don't get the reference, I'm a little disappointed.)
- When you're deciding where to store different food and kitchen items, consider where you use it and sort accordingly, like with like. Example: coffee supplies together in a cabinet near the coffeemaker, glasses and plates near the dishwasher to make unloading easier, spices and cooking oils together near the stove. Kitchen organizing is about making your space functional for how you use it.
- The kitchen should flow with the rest of the house and should include some decor elements that will make you happy. You spend enough time in there, it should be pretty! I have a few house plants and some prints on the wall that always make me smile. It's worth putting effort into making the room attractive.
- Coach your family on putting things away. I can't say I'm fully successful on this one (somehow bowls and cups still end up in the sink when the dishwasher is right there....the culprit rhymes with Smarley), but it helps if everyone knows where everything belongs and there is an expectation that everyone will pick up after themselves rather than expecting MOM to clean up.
- Shameless self promotion ahead, skip if you're not interested:
If you are struggling with your kitchen (or another room!) and need a fresh eye, call me or another professional organizer. The value in hiring a professional organizer is their ability to think differently than you, help you work through what isn't working, give you organization ideas and create systems that will work for you and your family. You deserve to enjoy your home, and it is totally possible!
What is your best home organization tip?
