Summer is winding down, but the clutter isn’t. The family is busy with school and work, but they still find time to leave disorder in their wake. If you don’t organize now, you won’t be ready for the upcoming holiday season. I know you’re thinking, “I have plenty of time.” Don’t be so sure; time flies, and you never know when an unexpected event will interfere with your plans.
Where should you start? Well, the most used room in every home is the kitchen. It’s a gathering place for friends, family, and messes; and it’s the best place to start a home organization project because it’s the most used and least organized!
Get Started With a Self Storage Unit
Before you get started, consider renting a self storage unit to store the items that you don’t use regularly or that you may be replacing but don’t want to discard. It will be a relief to know that you don’t have to decide how to deal with duplicates and seldom used items right away. Store them, and wait until you have time to think. For more information on renting the best unit for your needs, check How to Choose a Self Storage Property.
Declutter Your Kitchen
Empty Cabinets and Drawers
Empty every cabinet and drawer in your kitchen, including the pantry. Place everything in front of you on tables, counters or any other space so that you can get a good view of your items. You may find a few surprises.
Discard the Junk
You’ll be surprised at how many broken or incomplete items are lurking in the back of a drawer or cabinet. You might find containers without lids, a broken hand mixer, or pans without handles. It’s time to dump that stuff and clear up some space.
Group Items in Categories
For example, group cake pans, cookie sheets and pie dishes into a “baking” category. Use separate categories for pots and pans, casseroles, serving dishes, and many other items that you keep in your kitchen. You should have a category for large serving trays, beverage dispensers, and other items that you use only when hosting a party. These items can be easily packed and placed in your storage unit for easy access when you need them.
Say “No” to the Junk Drawer
It’s frustrating to open a drawer and be unable to locate your egg slicer or citrus zester. It’s not easy to zest lemons with a screwdriver. Organize the flatware, small implements and linens with drawer separators and small divided baskets.
Group Duplicates to Donate or Store
Duplicate items can really clutter up a kitchen. You might discover that you have 2 crock pots or 2 large roasting pans. You can give your duplicates to family and friends, or you can store them for later use. You’ll have a backup in your storage unit when an item breaks or becomes too worn to use.
Don’t Forget the Pantry
Categorize in the pantry the same way you did for the rest of the kitchen. Separate baking ingredients; canned food; snacks; drink mixes, soft drinks, coffee, and tea; spices, and cleaning supplies. You can find appropriate sized baskets and bins on Amazon or at Target. And don’t forget The Container Store for tons of great pantry organizers.
Start Fresh
It goes without saying that before you refill your cabinets and drawers, they should be thoroughly cleaned and lined with fresh shelving paper. Some of your items may need washing before you put them back in drawers and closets.
Use Countertop Decor That Will Make You Happy
The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, but it can also give you a heart attack if you are constantly cooking and cleaning in a disorganized mess. Give your counter top a facelift that gives you a positive vibe. Use attractive containers to hold cooking utensils, trays to hold frequently used items and green plants. Whether it’s farmhouse, minimalist or traditional, give yourself a happy visual experience.
You’ll Be So Glad to Have that Storage Unit
Now it’s time to take that trip to your storage unit. You’ve worked hard; you can delay decisions about what to do with duplicates, seldom used dishes, and small appliances that you use once a year. And leave some room in that unit for the stuff from your next cleaning project. You’re now an organizing rock star. Look out Marie Kondo!
