So, your cabinets are full and overflowing with dishes and foodstuffs, pots and pans, small appliances, cleaning supplies, and 1,001 other items. There never seems to be enough space to house everything whether the kitchen is large or small.
So, your cabinets are full and overflowing with dishes and foodstuffs, pots and pans, small appliances, cleaning supplies, and 1,001 other items. There never seems to be enough space to house everything whether the kitchen is large or small.
Making space work better, especially in the kitchen, is one of the most important needs in today's home planning. Setting aside some time to rearrange your kitchen for time-saving efficiency is one of the nicest things you can do for yourself says Ellen Cheever, a kitchen expert who is a consultant for the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Cheever says that Saturday afternoon when things are quiet is usually ideal for undertaking the kitchen reorganization projects. "Start by removing everything from the kitchen cabinets. Then sort them into three categories, according to where the items are used."
Raw foodstuffs, baking spices and food preparation equipment, such as mixing bowls and measuring cups, should be stored near the refrigerator where they will first be used. Dishes, silverware and clean-up tools go next to the sink. Pots and pans, cooking spices and other cooking utensils should be placed within easy reach of the range.
Place each group near where that operation takes place-sink, range or baking center-putting daily used items at the front of the shelves located between 22 and 72 inches from the floor. Those things that are used a few times a month should be stored above, below or behind everyday items. And items used only occasionally should be stored somewhere other than in the kitchen, possibly the garage or utility room.
"As you do all this, consider whether each item is really needed," Cheever instructs. The two-year test is her rule of thumb. "If an item hasn't been used in two years, it's taking up valuable space, so seriously consider discarding or giving it away."
Next Section: Put Pots and Pans in Their Place