When we first moved into our home, we decided that we would try a system to help maintain a well-organized, clean and efficient kitchen. Once you have your system set up, it’s really just a matter of time before it becomes routine and part of your lifestyle. You’ll also notice how being organized can help to declutter your mind and you make the time you spend there more enjoyable! Here are some of the tips that worked for us.

Have a home for all your kitchen tools

This means assigning cabinets and drawers for items that will always go back ‘home’ where they belong. Here is a list of possible categories for designated cabinets/drawers:

• dry foods/non-perishable goods (beans, pastas, rice, canned goods, etc)
• snacks & nuts (chips, snack bags and/or containers)
• pots & pans (including cutting boards if space is limited)
• oven-safe items (baking sheets, glassware, mittens, etc)
• kitchen utensils (forks, knifes, spoons, etc)
• kitchen tools (spatulas, ladles, tongs, scissors, etc)
• cooking ingredients (sugar, salt, spices, sauces, etc)
• food/drink containers (tupperwares, empty jars, water bottles, on-the-go mugs, etc)
• food storage (zip-lock bags, sandwich bags, tin foil and baking sheets, etc)
• dry kitchen towels (cooking and cleaning purposes)
• miscellaneous items (pens, shopping lists, notepads, etc)
• garbage (garbage bin, compost bin, recycling bin, garbage bags, soaps, detergent, cleaners, etc)

Cabinets and drawers spacing should factor how essential they are, how much space you have, and accessibility (ie. pots and pans near stove, cutlery near dining table, etc). You certainly don’t want to store your cooking tools in the far side of your kitchen! That’s why you always find people keeping their dry foods in the pantry! I think it’s perfectly fine to combine certain items if you have a smaller space, but I would suggest getting mini containers to keep smaller items organized in those drawers and cabinets. Labels are also really helpful if you have storage bins that are not clear (good for visitors or overnight guests to find things).

Kitchen ingredients and tools that are used frequently should be kept in places that are easily accessible and within reach (it makes your life during cooking so much better!).

If you happen to store foods like potatoes, onions and garlic in a cool and dark cabinet like us, make sure you choose one that isn’t near the stove as it encourage growth really fast!

Of course, there are always value deals going on at AliExpress and from time to time I like to browse the latest kitchen gadgets under $10. It’s fun to discover new ways to do old things – just keep in mind there’s a lot of redundant products and stay away from the junk!

HAPPY ORGANIZING! 🙂

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