Are you tired of cleaning the kitchen yet? Or is it making you anxious to finish so you can get started cooking in your nice, organized space? I'm ready to start spending more time in the kitchen trying out new recipes! (But I'll save that till after this project is done)
Kitchen drawers...do those two words make you cringe? Is the first word that comes to mind "Junk"? Let's fix that. Make sure your counter is cleaned off. Ok, now empty out all your drawers (kitchen drawers, that is!) Once the drawers are emptied, wipe them out. Use a wet washcloth, dust buster, or remove the drawer and dump the crumbs over your sink.
Ok, now we need to purge! What kitchen gadgets did you buy that you thought "looked cool and fun" but you've never used? It's ok. I know you spent money on them. But they are taking up much needed space and creating stress that we don't need. Drop them in your donation box! If they are broken, throw them away.
Next, start sorting your items into the kitchen centers (see previous post) where they are used. We're talking food prep, food cooking, food storage, etc. You'll want to keep your food cooking items near the stove, like spatulas, large spoons, etc. I don't store many things on my counter, but one thing I have is a ceramic crock. I keep all my spatulas, spoons, etc there for easy access when cooking. I love it!
Another essential for drawer storage is organization bins. I know they make some specific for the kitchen, but they are kind of pricy. I went to good ole Wal-Mart (in their laundry/storage section) and purchased some. They come in three sizes and I use them in practically every room in my house-kitchen, bath, laundry, craft room, etc. Love them! I can easily mix and match the sizes for what I'm putting in them, and what size of drawer I have. They aren't expensive. This is what my drawer used to look like:
With a couple plastic bins, I got this:
I grouped my thermometers and other dessert tools together. All my "openers" are in one bin. I have all my bag clips organized and then the little tools like corers, rind peelers, and scoops together.
I have one drawer dedicated to just my packaging supplies (aluminum foil, saran wrap, freezer bags,storage bags, etc) and one drawer for my towels, washclothes, hot pad holders and aprons. If you don't have enough drawer space, buy one of those storage racks to put your aluminum foil and such on the inside of a cabinet door. I also noticed that I had a lot of spoons and such that I don't cook with, but use only for serving. So I dedicated a drawer at the end of my island for all my serving ware (large slotted spoons, tongs, corn cob holders, etc)
I decided that I don't use my cookie cutters enough to have them stored in a drawer. So I put them in my cake decorating box. You could get a basket or bin, and put your cookie cutters, icings, decorating bags, sprinkles, and baking supplies (chocolate, nuts, etc) in and store in your pantry. You'll just have to decide what works for your kitchen. Do you have more drawer space, or cabinet space, or pantry space? What's most important to you to have handy?
Good luck! Please feel free to send in any tips or pictures.
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