Before
This is a great one! It is such an amazing feeling when your counters are cleared off. This past year, my counters have become the place to hold everything. I take responsibility for most of it, as I became my store it all during my busy season. So here goes.... I will include a picture of before and after for each project I tackle. Feel free to share yours, and tips that you find work for you.
Step 1: What is the function of your kitchen?
So before you organize, think of your kitchen and the needs of your family and how you work in your kitchen. Think of your flow during the day, or when you use the kitchen. There are different functions for everyone's kitchens; including: cooking, eating, socializing, home office, family schedule, drop off zone, food storage, recipe and cookbook storage, homework, and anything else that you find your family using it for.
When organizing your kitchen, or any space, you want to maximize the space you have. Your kitchen can be used for many different things, as long as you have the room for it all.
Step 2: Creating a Free Counter Space And Clear Your Kitchen Table This weeks challenge is the kitchen counters and your sink. There are two reasons why you want clean clear counters. First, you need the space to do your work, this is just common sense. The second is my favorite.... you need your mental sanity to see your counters clear of stuff. Especially stuff like mail, and pens, and pencils. It is such a great feeling to have clear counters.
Declutter things that do not fit your kitchen's function: Meaning remove anything that does not fit the reasons why you are using your counter. If you have a stack of papers, move them to where you have decided your office will be. Don't just toss them somewhere else, and make clutter in a new room. Which by the way, I am so guilty of this. Make a plan for where it will go.
Taking things of your counter that you actually need for cooking is a bit harder, or more challenging. Depending on the size of your kitchen, and how often you use your kitchen appliances, is something you want to consider when organizing. Think about how often you use your appliance. If you use it everyday, then it needs space on your counter, like your coffee maker. Depending on the size of your kitchen you may even decide you have room to keep out appliances that you use weekly. However, anything you do not use at least weekly, should not be on your kitchen counter tops. You might want to consider using a kitchen cabinet to store them.
The rule of thumb, the more you use it the easier it should be to get to it. This also works the other way around. If you hardly use it, consider where it should go.
Declutter or Let it go!
Some of your kitchen gadgets, and /or small appliances should just go. For example: if its: too old, is broken, maybe you have two, or something you have never used or will never use again. Here are some things you might want to get rid off.....
Try to find a routine in your day, where you clear your kitchen and counters. You did all this work, now don't let anyone take it away. I usually have to remind the hubby a few times.
Cant wait to share before and after pictures with you!
Step 1: What is the function of your kitchen?
So before you organize, think of your kitchen and the needs of your family and how you work in your kitchen. Think of your flow during the day, or when you use the kitchen. There are different functions for everyone's kitchens; including: cooking, eating, socializing, home office, family schedule, drop off zone, food storage, recipe and cookbook storage, homework, and anything else that you find your family using it for.
When organizing your kitchen, or any space, you want to maximize the space you have. Your kitchen can be used for many different things, as long as you have the room for it all.
Step 2: Creating a Free Counter Space And Clear Your Kitchen Table This weeks challenge is the kitchen counters and your sink. There are two reasons why you want clean clear counters. First, you need the space to do your work, this is just common sense. The second is my favorite.... you need your mental sanity to see your counters clear of stuff. Especially stuff like mail, and pens, and pencils. It is such a great feeling to have clear counters.
Declutter things that do not fit your kitchen's function: Meaning remove anything that does not fit the reasons why you are using your counter. If you have a stack of papers, move them to where you have decided your office will be. Don't just toss them somewhere else, and make clutter in a new room. Which by the way, I am so guilty of this. Make a plan for where it will go.
Taking things of your counter that you actually need for cooking is a bit harder, or more challenging. Depending on the size of your kitchen, and how often you use your kitchen appliances, is something you want to consider when organizing. Think about how often you use your appliance. If you use it everyday, then it needs space on your counter, like your coffee maker. Depending on the size of your kitchen you may even decide you have room to keep out appliances that you use weekly. However, anything you do not use at least weekly, should not be on your kitchen counter tops. You might want to consider using a kitchen cabinet to store them.
The rule of thumb, the more you use it the easier it should be to get to it. This also works the other way around. If you hardly use it, consider where it should go.
Declutter or Let it go!
Some of your kitchen gadgets, and /or small appliances should just go. For example: if its: too old, is broken, maybe you have two, or something you have never used or will never use again. Here are some things you might want to get rid off.....
- Gadgets and cooking tools
- Small appliances
- Tablecloths, napkins and placemats
- Plastic cups and water bottles
- Zippered plastic bags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap
- Cabinet shelves and drawers
- Junk drawer
- Plastic food storage containers
- Pots and pans (and also match each with lid)
- Baking dishes and sheets
- Recipes
- Cookbooks
- Restaurant and takeout and menus
- Plastic grocery bags
- Kitchen towels and potholders
- Plastic silverware and other take out packaging
- China
- Glassware and crystal
- Silver items
- Party serving pieces
- Coffee cups and mugs
- Plates, bowls, utensils, etc.
Try to find a routine in your day, where you clear your kitchen and counters. You did all this work, now don't let anyone take it away. I usually have to remind the hubby a few times.
Cant wait to share before and after pictures with you!