down and set them on the snack bar when needed.
Subfolders for the Kitchen
Whether you’re getting ready to reorganize an existing kitchen or preparing to move into a brand-new one, it’s essential to refine your organization by grouping related items together as much as is feasible. Think of it as making “subfolders,” as you would on your computer. In your beverage-prep area, put your favorite teas together in one basket and sweeteners in another. In the food-prep area, separate your baking spices from seasonings for entrées. In your snack storage area, group the snacks for kids apart from those for adults. You may even choose to divide supplements, medicines, and vitamins according to family member. Such secondary storage groupings are critical to ease of use.
For the week or two leading up to your organization day, collect small baskets, jars, tins, canisters, racks, hooks, bins, and drawer organizers that you think will help you fine-tune your kitchen organization. Measure your cabinets and drawers beforehand so you don’t end up with containers that are too big for your shelves and cabinet openings. If you’re not sure what sizes or how many to buy, collect an assortment of temporary containers. Food containers from the supermarket, candy boxes, corrugated shipping boxes, and the like can serve as stand-ins until you have a better idea of what to purchase. If you’re reorganizing an existing kitchen, gather some larger boxes and packing materials. You’ll want them to stow items you rarely use and to move them to the attic or basement for storage.
If organizing your kitchen in a day seems daunting, tackle only a few areas at a time. Once everything is neatly tucked away, take your kitchen for a test run. Do you like the new order? You’re bound to want to make some changes for aesthetics or to improve work flow.
Subdivided drawers are a great way to refine your kitchen organization. Here, spices, utensils, and liquid seasonings each have their own section.
SMARTtip
Coffee, Anyone?
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, it may be nice to have all your supplies in one spot. Establish a place in your kitchen (or near where you eat breakfast) where you can put your coffeemaker or espresso machine, coffee beans, coffee grinder, coffee filters, sugar, mugs, and spoons. It will make those early mornings just a little bit easier.
Your cookbooks may have a nice spot on a shelf, but what about all those treasured recipe clippings? Create a recipe nook and mount a cookbook holder beneath it.
As mentioned earlier, having your daily tableware all in one place makes sense. Fine-tune the organization by putting cups in the cupboard and dishes in a deep drawer.
When space is tight, one storage space may need to support several activities. Use dividers and organizers to keep items from mingling.
Common Kitchen Activities
Baking
Canning and freezing
Checking e-mail
Cleaning counters
Collecting compost
Collecting recyclables
Collecting trash
Eating snacks or meals
Emptying the dishwasher
Feeding a dog or cat
Handling school-related paperwork
Leaving messages for the family
Making coffee and tea
Making or answering phone calls
Making school lunches
Ordering take-out food
Paying bills
Preparing bottles or meals for a baby
Preparing meals
Preparing snacks
Processing mail
Putting away groceries
Reading the newspaper
Searching for recipes
Serving beverages
Serving meals
Serving meals on the porch, deck, or patio (or anywhere else that’s not the kitchen)
Setting the dining room table
Setting the kitchen table or counter
Socializing
Sweeping the floor
Taking vitamins and medicines
Washing the floor
Watching TV
Watering plants
Storage Safety Guidelines
The kitchen is full of hazardous items, from harsh chemicals to sharp knives. Careful storage can prevent accidents from happening and help take care of them quickly when they do.
■ Lock up hazardous chemicals if children live in or frequent the house. Consider replacing your regular cleaning supplies with ones that are more environmentally friendly and nontoxic—and often cheaper! Research uses for baking soda, washing soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice.
■ Label (with a date) repackaged freezer items. Label other food items that don’t come with their own use-by dates. Discard refrigerated leftovers after three days.
■ Bacteria can contaminate food through careless food handling and storage. Keep everything clean, including hands, shelves, and storage containers.
■ Store sharp cutlery and carving forks in holders, not loose in drawers where you are likely to cut yourself while fishing out the right knife. Avoid storing sharp objects in a utensil crock. If you must, train every kitchen user to store sharp items sharp end down.
An unorganized knife drawer can be hazardous to reach into. Use a knife holder to keep your fingers safe.
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