Three days into the new year and I’m thinking why not go for a new kitchen, right? Well, technically not new like a new kitchen – let’s just say, an improved one, or a more enjoyable one. And yes, you can certainly achieve that simply by organizing. Okay probably not as simple as it sounds but still – it’s pretty doable. If you can nail the best way to organize kitchen then you’re off to a good start in 2023.
If you’re reading this post then more likely, you also enjoy being in the kitchen or perhaps interested in cooking – still related to kitchen. And if that’s the case, then like me, you probably also love to see (and work) in a kitchen that is clean and well-organized.
Sure, we all want that Pinterest-worthy kitchen – but that is not to say that we can’t make ours work, too. Oftentimes, we do have a lovely kitchen – it’s just buried in a lot of stuff and accumulated mess. But worry no more, because here’s the best way to organize kitchen.
Best Way To Organize Kitchen
Time to let go of excess stuff
This is the starting point of it all. I’d say it’s the hardest part but it’s the most rewarding as well. At least, let’s be honest with that. Decluttering is not as simple as it may sound – the very reason there’s a need to declutter is because these things appear important to us at some point which led us to keeping them – whether for future use or just because.
It will help if you can focus on the space area that you have in the kitchen. If you don’t have that much storage room then you really have to streamline your kitchen. Take the time to go over the kitchen essentials and start picking the ones that you would really need and keep. Then, it’s time to get rid of the rest – you can give it to friends or families or you can also donate them.
And worry not, getting rid of the excesses will actually force you to be more productive and efficient with what you’ve got. Pretty soon, you won’t really miss your other ten spatulas or need 4 different sizes of colanders. You will see. You’ll be just fine.
Free your pantry
We often get so busy that we just do our groceries on cue – either the start of the month or the end of the month or whatever is your schedule (even worst when you don’t have one). More likely, either you have a lot of extra supplies of groceries or you’re keeping a handful of expired ones. I know. Been there, done that (okay, fine – still occasionally there and still doing that).
Free your pantry of unwanted and unneeded stuff. If your pantry could talk, you’ll probably get an earful every time you open it. So, first things first. Do some decluttering as well and chuck all the bad ones in the bin. Get rid of the ones you don’t really need or not planning to use (for real) in the next few months. Like, seriously, when are you really going to make sushi? You’ve had that wasabi paste there ever since forever. (Promise, I have gotten rid of it!).
Whenever you replenish your pantry, make sure that old stocks are put in the front and the new ones are placed at the back (make it a habit to check expirations, too). Making a list beforehand is also a great way to not only save money but to organize as well. You don’t have to buy more oatmeal if you have a few bags still left in the pantry. So, you see, it’s best to check your pantry first and then make a list before grocery shopping.
Make peace with your fridge
Fun fact – whatever it is, it doesn’t disappear when you stuff them in the fridge! You’re pretty much just hiding it from plain view but, yep, it’s still there – just marinating in the fridge until you can no longer ignore it. So, make peace with your fridge and start organizing!
Related Read: MarieKondo-ing Your Fridge: How To Organize Your Refrigerator
By the time you get to this step, you probably have gained a system of some sort and you’re probably getting a pro at decluttering – so I’m hoping that this bit is not so taxing by now. But if it still is, hang in there, keep going, because it’s going to be worth it.
Trust me, it’s going to be so fulfilling to see your fridge all organized and clean – and smelling good, too! Sure, it’s going to be a feat to keep your fridge organized (I struggle to keep it like that for 7 days straight) but there is going to be an improvement for sure. Just keep at it, soon you (which I actually meant, the people you’re living with, lol!) will get used to the new way of using the refrigerator.
Say hello to a cleaning caddy
Yes, in order to nail the best way to organize kitchen, you need a cleaning caddy. Speaking from my own experience, I find cleaning even more efficient (and fun! I know, weird for some, right?) when I started using a cleaning caddy. That feeling of being organized immediately starts as soon as you get hold of your cleaning stuff that is neatly organized itself!
If you can sort your cleaning tools and cleaning supplies then surely, you’ll feel more inspired to clean. (Or is it just me? Lol!). At the very least, mine has an all-purpose cleaner, a couple of scrubbing sponges and microfiber cloths, a spray bottle with water and chlorine solution (or water and vinegar solution), and a box of baking soda.
Make sure that your cleaning caddy is clean before you store them away (especially after every use). If you can, if you have the space, stock it alongside your other ‘cleaning’ items – foot rugs, floor mops, brooms, garbage bags, and others. Or you can simply have them under the sink.
At least in my books, this 4-step is the best way to organize kitchen. If you can accomplish these four things then you’re well on your way to a new kitchen. It’s going to be tricky especially when you have a full household but I assure you, it’s going to be worth it.
So, who’s in the mood to give it a go?
