Organize Your Kitchen Easily and Inexpensively
Posted on May 31, 2008 | Filed Under
Home Improvement Kitchen
Todays new kitchen designs have all kinds of organizational helpers. From built-in cutlery drawers to plate racks, kitchens now offer any number of organizing features. Unfortunately, not everyone has the budget or the inclination to rip out cabinetry and spend thousands of dollars just to have a little organization in the kitchen. The good news is that it isnt necessary, either. There are literally hundreds of little helpers that will restore order in your kitchen very inexpensively and in a matter of minutes.
Save money and sanity
These days there are all kinds of baskets, organizers, and trays that can instantly add some clutter control in the kitchen. Best of all, these little organizers can range anywhere from fifty cents to a few dollars. So, with a total investment of $25 to $50, you can have an array of organizers that can pull your pantry together, help you undo the nightmare under your kitchen sink, and give some order to your drawers.
Where to find these organizers?
They can be found anywhere from dollar-type stores to large home centers to grocery stores, so you dont have to go to expensive organizing or container stores to get a little sanity in the kitchen. One of my favorite online resources is Stacks and Stacks Homewares. They have a variety of organizing items in a range of prices (http://tinyurl.com/kcbzv.)
Organizer basics
The best organizers are square-shaped. Square organizers fit together on a shelf better and round ones take up too much room. Shallow organizers are also better than deeper ones because you can see things more easily and items wont get lost in them. Clear colors are best, too, so you can see whatever is in the organizer. Although design and home magazines today show baskets as organizers, try to avoid them. Even though theyre pretty, its hard to see whats in there and thats more important than how they look in the cabinet. Lastly, put like items with like items, such as metal utensils with metal and plastic with plastic.
What to buy
This quick list covers some of the organizers youll want in your kitchen.
Small, stacking baskets for ramen noodles or packaged items
Square, shallow baskets for sauce packets, gelatins, and drink mixes
Stair-stepper shelves for canned goods and spice cabinets
Plastic tubs for baking needs (flour, sugar, shortening, chocolate) and to contain bagged items such as chips or cookies.
Lazy-Susans for bottled items
Wire baskets for bags and boxes of pasta
Door-mounted wire baskets for plastic lids, plastic wrap, or cleaning items
Rubber shelf liner for cutlery and utensil drawers to keep the items from sliding
Lid racks and bake ware racks
Cup hooks for towels, utensils, and cups
Why organize?
In short, time and money are the two main reasons. Organizing your kitchen means youll be able to find what youre looking for when you need it and you wont end up with four bags of marshmallows in the pantry because you couldnt find them. Also, when youre preparing a meal, you can find what youre looking for, making the experience more efficient and less frustrating. Then, when youre preparing your shopping list, you can see exactly what items you need to put on your list.
Organize everything
Every spot in the kitchen could stand a little organizing. This even includes the refrigerator. Use organizers there to store items you use frequently. If you think this is overboard, then just think about every time you have to go into the refrigerator waist-deep just to find things that you use often. How would your life change if you could open the refrigerator or the pantry and go directly to and instantly put your hand on the one thing you needed? Get your kitchen organized this weekend and see for yourself the difference it can make.
Kathryn Weber is a decorating and lifestyle columnist and the publisher of RealHOME E-zine, the e-zine with ideas and tips for todays real families. To subscribe, log on to http://www.realhomeezine.com and get this free special report, The 10 Habits that Help You Keep a Cleaner House.
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