If there’s one room in the house that tends to get the most cluttered, it is the kitchen. Not only is it the place where cooking and eating happen, but for most homes, it’s also where the laundry room is stored. Do we also need to mention it being the magnet for all the “extra stuff” that doesn’t belong in the other rooms?
If your kitchen has become the magnet for clutter, keep reading for 5 practical tips for organizing your kitchen.
The Science Behind Being Unorganized
Most people may not consider the impact that clutter has on the brain. But here’s some interesting things you may want to know:
- Too much visual stimulation makes it difficult for the brain to focus and process information.
- Clutter has the potential to raise your cortisol levels, which is your stress hormone.
- More women, versus men, tend to get depressed when things are cluttered and/or unorganized.
- Studies show that adults with ADHD feel better when things are organized.
As you can see, having systems in place to stay organized and clutter-free can greatly impact your mental health.
Practical Tips
1. Ditch that plastic container collection
If you haven’t made the switch to a plastic-free container stash, chances are you have a pretty big one piling up. While that’s okay, oftentimes you’ll end up with more lids and no bottoms to match, or vice versa. To clear up your plastic container collection, get rid of any that do not have matches, are stained, and have cracks or leaks.
To keep what’s left organized, store them by size and shape. You could even add dividers to stash tops and for better visibility overall.
2. Create a plastic bag storage container (or spot).
Plastic bags are another collector’s item in most homes. They are the go-to thing for the smaller trash cans or when needing a quick bag to throw something in (like a dirty diaper). Instead of shoving them in a drawer or using one plastic bag to store all the others, create a plastic bag storage container.
Keep an old coffee can to store them in by cutting a hole in the top and rolling the bags like a sleeping bag, connecting them all together. Pull one through the top and voila. You’ll have created an ongoing roll of bags, conveniently tucked away. Simply refill it when you run out or keep adding bags as you get them.
3. Make the most of your cabinet space.
When it comes to dishware, consider storing what is most used on the bottom shelves. Stack the plates by size with the biggest on the bottom. For glasses and cups, get the most from your space by placing every other one upside down – especially if you have a lot of wine glasses.
If the interior shelves of your cabinet move, consider switching them around to find the perfect space needed per row. If you are using cabinet space to store big items, like casserole dishes, consider moving them to the drawer beneath the stove, or to another place altogether.
4. Designate specific areas.
If members of your family are coffee, tea, or special mix drinkers, you may want to incorporate special beverage stations. Having a specific area for tea or coffee will help with keeping all things related to that in a particular place. Keep it organized by storing it in a caddy.
If your kitchen also doubles as the laundry area, specify a place for dirty clothes, clean clothes, and any products related to washing, drying, hanging etc. The idea is to create zones for everything. You may benefit from having zones for the following most-used kitchen items:
- Food storage containers
- Pots and pans
- Cooking utensils
- Cleaning supplies
5. Keep the fridge and pantry clean.
Instead of skipping over the container of one-week old lasagna, go ahead and toss it. While you’re at it, get in the habit of storing leftovers in a specific area of the fridge and giving it a deadline. If it’s not eaten by then, throw it out. Also consider implementing a food storage system that puts your most used items in certain places, and keeping other essentials like produce stored in specific containers.
The same can be said about the pantry. Make sure it is cleaned often, and things are stored for optimal visibility and reach. Use spice racks and stackable shelves to make the most of the space provided.
Get Organizing!
Before your kitchen becomes more than you can handle due to clutter, use our 5 practical tips for getting (and keeping) your kitchen organized!
Michelle is a freelance writer, blogger, and author of several Amazon best-selling nonfiction books. Her work has appeared on sites such as Yes I Can Help You, JustinaFord, Mom For All Seasons, Christian Marriage Adventures, and Proverbs 31 Mentor. She has worked side-by-side with well-known business women such as Wendi Schenkel, Carla Du Pont and Dr. Radisha Brown. It is Michelle’s desire to make your words become a reality through her gift of writing. You can share her passion on her blog, The Healing Life, and acquire information about working with her at Michelle Huddleston Services.