For most of us, the kitchen is the most used room in our house. Which means it is also prone to a LOT of mess. No matter how often you clean, it may feel impossible to stay on top of the messes. We’re here with some good news though, Mamas. The problem isn’t you…it’s your kitchen!
Many of us don’t even realize that our kitchens are not as functional as they could be. We get used to things being set up in a certain way and don’t often question whether they are optimally designed for easier use.
If you’re tired of struggling with your kitchen and are ready to make it a joyful, workable space, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of our favorite organization hacks to make your kitchen feel better than ever!
Rethink Your Layout
One of the reasons many of us struggle with the functionality of our kitchens is that we didn’t think through our layout well enough when we moved in. Before you pull out your sledgehammer, Mamas, slow down! We aren’t talking about your cabinet design, but what you choose to put in them.
When putting our pots, pans, and cooking utensils into drawers and cabinets, it’s important to consider what you use most often. Things like pots, pans, knives, and plates that you use every day should be easily accessible. Specialty tools like mixers, food processors, and blenders can be kept in a different areas, to create more space.
It might also be helpful to think about proximity when organizing your cabinets. For example, it might make sense to put a spatula in with your forks and knives, but if the drawer is not near the stove, you might be causing unnecessary work for yourself. Store tools in the area where they get the most use, and you’ll find that mealtimes become much more efficient.
KonMari Your Kitchen
It’s been a few years since Marie Kondo’s Konmari method of organization took the world by storm. Yet, it’s just as relevant as ever. The Konmari method involves going through each item that you own, holding it in your hand, and asking if it still serves you. If it doesn’t? It’s time to say goodbye!
We’re used to regularly sorting through our wardrobes, but when was the last time you went through your kitchen? Take some time to sort through your collection. Mismatched Tupperware, chipped cups, and specialty tools like spiralizers and juicers that you do not use can all be let go of. Be sure to check in with your local thrift stores and see if they accept donated kitchen items.
This will free up your drawers and cabinets from clutter and leave you with only the most useful items in your kitchen.
Clear Your Countertops
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel manageable is to keep countertops free of unnecessary clutter. Many of us leave things like toasters, coffee makers, and blenders on the countertops all the time. However, finding an alternative place to store these clunky items until they are needed will help free up extra counter space for you, as well as make the entire space look more open.
Use Wall Space
Struggling to find enough room to store things in your drawers and cabinets? Don’t underestimate the power of wall space!
There are lots of great ways to use a blank wall in the kitchen, that will help you avoid overfilling your cabinets and pantry. Many people these days are opting to hang their pots and pans on the wall. This helps prevent damage to the pans that can occur when they are stacked in a cabinet, as well as creates visual interest in your kitchen.
You may also consider using this space to store spices or bulk items that take up a lot of space in your pantry. Spice racks like this one are easy to hang and make finding the spice you need easy as pie!
Create Levels
There’s nothing like a cluttered pantry to make stress levels skyrocket. Rummaging through piles of canned beans and bags of flour when you are trying to quickly get dinner on the table is simply NOT IT.
One of the best ways to solve this problem is by creating extra levels in your pantry. Using moveable shelf risers, like these chic ones from West Elm, helps organize your food, while also keeping everything visible. When you can see all the food you have, it is much easier to keep track of what you can cook, and what you need to buy.
Which of these organization hacks are you the most excited to try? Share with us in the comments below.