How to Simplify and Optimize Your Kitchen

As most of you know, changing habits is not easy, so that is why if you are looking to streamline your kitchen, the most important thing to do is starting with who you are.

Make note of the workspace and things you use regularly in your kitchen and work around that. Depending on if you have a new kitchen to start fresh with, or you feel like reworking what you already have, there are many ways to get yourself organized.

The first thing to do is store things you use close to where you work.

• There is no need to be conventional, place things in your kitchen where it is most convenient. For example, put all your dishware next to the sink and dishwasher.
• Use the drawers directly underneath the countertop to store things you use on a daily basis.
• Think simple; these are things like silverware, spatulas and Tupperware. Unless you are an avid cook, there is no need to have all your fancy gadgets right at hand. Put them away in a cabinet that is higher up and use the available space for stuff like pots and pans.
• Keep your glasses in a cabinet next to the sink, that’s where the water is and they will also be easier to put away.

Consider using more drawers rather than cabinets.

• Cabinets are deep and usually have a tendency to become easily cluttered. If you need to utilize cabinet space, think about upgrading your kitchen and getting some rollout drawers or dividers.
• You can organize drawers by category for things like bake-ware, Tupperware or mixing bowls.
• Of course cabinets are necessary for bulky and heavy objects like pots, but most good drawers can hold a sufficient amount of weight so don’t be afraid to use them.

Most people use their kitchen as a hub for daily life.

• Instead of throwing your keys and mail on the counter, think about getting a reasonably priced table with a hatch to put by the front door.
• On that subject, if you don’t have a coat rack, you can find a number of different styles at any home goods store. This will prevent people from tossing their jackets over kitchen chairs.
• The fridge is commonly used as the place to post your messages. Instead of cluttering it with paper, clear everything except maybe a few magnets and get a chalk or corkboard to organize your important information.

While you don’t have to be doing a full renovation, look around the room and ask yourself if it still looks cluttered. If the answer is yes it is probably because of the materials used to build your kitchen. Consider sticking to one material or ditching busy wallpaper and go for a simple solid color backdrop for your new and improved haven.