Make Your Kitchen Work For You!

Spring is the perfect time for cleaning, decluttering, and organizing around the house. Before you tackle your kitchen, think about how to reorganize this area you use every day. Thoughtful kitchen organization can maximize your space, boost your efficiency, and make your kitchen work better for you.

Kitchen Organization: Clean and Declutter

Start with a thorough deep cleaning before you even think about reorganizing. Empty your cupboards, drawers, and pantry. Stack everything on the kitchen table and countertops, and toss broken or worn out items. Then wipe the interiors of the cupboards and drawers, and your pantry shelves.

Decluttering can be intimidating. One good way to start is to look at every item and ask, "Would I buy this again today?" If the answer is no, then donate it to free up space for items you really want and will use. Also, if you have multiples of a particular items, keep the ones you prefer and donate the rest. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling that you have to keep an item because it was given to you by someone special. Remember, you own your possessions -- they shouldn’t own you!

Also, don’t feel obligated to keep items that you don't use. You can use a knife instead of a pineapple slicer, apple corer, or herb mincer. Consider whether seldom-used appliances are worth the kitchen real estate. Specialized tools can be great, but only if you use them frequently and have enough space for them.

Kitchen Organization: Stash Seasonal Items

One easy way to open up extra storage space is to put seasonal items in a separate location. If you own dinnerware that's used only for special occasions, box it up and stash it in the basement or even under a bed. Do the same for seasonal linens and décor.

Kitchen Organization: What's Up Front, What's In Back

Store rarely-used items in the backs of cupboards and often-used items right in the front. For example, if you bake cakes only a few times a year, store the cake pans and cake plate in the back of the cupboard. On the other hand, make sure the items you use every day are within easy reach. Pay attention as you move about your kitchen. If you find yourself digging through drawers and cupboards for your favorite kitchen items, there might be a better way to store them.

Kitchen Organization: Where Do You Cook?

Do you prefer to chop vegetables next to the sink to take advantage of the garbage disposal? Or would you rather prep on the kitchen island so you can keep an eye on the kids? Think about how and where you work in the kitchen, and the items you use. Then make a point to store things accordingly.

Bakeware, flour, sugar, and baking soda could be stored near your stand mixer. A knife block or magnetic knife bar can go next to your cutting boards. Store herbs, spices, cookware, and cooking utensils near the stove if possible. Keep plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware in adjacent cupboards and drawers. When you organize your kitchen based on how you cook and serve, everything will be right at your fingertips.

Kitchen Organization: Use Storage Solutions

While we'd love to design the kitchen of our dreams, most of us have the kitchen that came with the house we bought. Custom storage solutions can be a lifesaver, particularly if your kitchen is small. Install a pot rack on the wall or hang it from the ceiling. Storage rails, adhesive hooks, and wall mounts are great for keeping items handy. Lazy Susans, plastic containers, glass jars, and baskets can help organize items in your pantry and kitchen drawers.

We know it's difficult, but try to keep your kitchen counters clear. Store appliances in cupboards or in your pantry if possible. Clear counters will make cleaning the kitchen quicker and easier.

Finally, if you have young kids, consider storing their dishes, cups, snacks, and drinks where they can reach them on their own. Kids can help themselves when they need something. They can even help pack their own lunch boxes and school snacks.

Everyone uses their kitchen differently, so there isn't a right or wrong approach to kitchen organization. Think about how you use your own kitchen as you figure out an organizational method that works for you.

As an avid farmer, gardener, and cook, April Freeman is an expert in the food production process. She raises pigs, chickens, beef cattle, and grows a wide variety of vegetables and fruits on her family farm in Tennessee. Learn more about April’s firsthand experience with farm-fresh food on her blog, Feeding My Family.