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Organizing The Kitchen

According to Feng Shui:

"The kitchen represents the family's wealth.

Having an organized kitchen is an absolute must for a hassle-free cooking experience. From your refrigerator to your sink, every nook and cranny must be free of clutter and impeccably organized. Kickstart your day with a spotless and well-organized kitchen and elevate your cooking experience to new heights.

-Auntie Kat updated on Mar 5th, 2024

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You will find in this article:

#Declutter from big to small 

#Common categories in the kitchen

#How to create zones and tips

#How to organize the refrigerator

#When is the best time to organize the kitchen

Kitchen

Preperation

Before diving into the project, gather boxes, bags, or bins to help sort items into categories such as Keep, Donate, Discard, and Relocate.

Related Article:#Declutter Step By Step

Step I: Declutter
Starting from Big to Small

Starting with the big things in the kitchen, like fridges and stoves, helps set up a clear layout and safe space. Then, you can figure out where smaller stuff, like toasters and spoons, should go. This way, everything's in its place and easy to find when you need it. Then use the same method for the categories down there.

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Example from organizing appliances:

 

 

Here's a step-by-step guide to declutter your kitchen from big to small appliances:

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1. Assess Large Appliances

 

Start by evaluating your large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers. Make sure they're all in good working condition. If any are broken beyond repair or no longer needed, consider disposing of them properly.

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2. Organize Built-in Appliances

 

If your kitchen has built-in large appliances, ensure they are properly positioned and functioning. If adjustments are needed, make them before moving on to other items.

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3. Designate Spaces

 

Assign specific areas for each large appliance, ensuring they're easily accessible and suit your workflow in the kitchen. This includes stoves, dishwashers, and any other large appliances you may have.

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4. Evaluate Portable Appliances

 

Next, focus on portable appliances like microwaves, toaster ovens, and blenders. Determine which ones you use regularly and which ones can be stored away. Consider donating or selling appliances you no longer need or use.

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5. Find Suitable Homes

 

Allocate appropriate storage spaces for each portable appliance based on how often you use them and where they're most convenient. This could be on countertops, in cabinets, or on shelves.

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6. Sort Medium-Sized Appliances

 

Move on to medium-sized appliances such as coffee makers, mixers, and food processors. Decide which ones you use frequently and which ones can be stored away. Ensure they're easily accessible when needed.

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7. Consider Usage and Habits

 

Arrange medium-sized appliances based on your cooking and eating habits. Keep frequently used items within reach and store less-used items in less accessible areas.

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8. Inspect and Repair

 

Check all appliances for any issues or malfunctions. Repair or replace any broken or faulty appliances to ensure they're safe to use.

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9. Dispose of Duplicates

 

If you have duplicate appliances, consider donating or selling the extras. This helps declutter your kitchen and allows someone else to benefit from them.

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10. Finalize Organization

 

Once everything is sorted and in its designated place, take a final look around your kitchen to ensure everything is organized and clutter-free. Make adjustments as needed to create an efficient and functional space.

Step II: Sort

Common Categories In The Kitchen

Red Kitchen Appliances

Appliances

  • Microwave

  • Oven

  • Portable electric stove

  • Food processor

  • Blender

  • Coffee maker

  • Electric kettle

  • Slow cooker

  • Rice cooker

  • Smart toaster

  • Instant pot/ fryer

Frying Pan

Cookwear/ Bakewear

  • Small and large pans/ skillets

  • Wok (for high heat)

  • Baking pans

  • Measuring tools

  • Mixer and rolling pin

  • Baking sheets

  • Pastry brush

  • Baking accessories

Provence Style Dinner Set

Dining Accessories

  • Plates and bowls

  • Glasses and cups

  • Water filter jug

  • Teapot and sets

  • Utensils and trays

  • Chopping board

  • Seasoning sets

  • Cookie jars

  • Paper towel holder

Quilted Potholder 4

Kitchen Accessories

  • Table cloth and runner

  • Placemats

  • Napkins

  • Kitchen apron

  • Pot holders

  • Dishcloths

  • Shopping bags

*The items you have in your kitchen will differ based on your personal preferences, cultural background, and lifestyle.


Step III: Create Zones + Put Everything Back
 

Clean Kitchen

Create Zones

1. Assess your cooking habits

2. Prioritize essential appliances

3. Choose functional tools and utensils

4. Personalize your space

5. Arrange your kitchen layout to optimize workflow and efficiency

Seasonal Items

If you only bring out that large roasting pan for special occasions like holidays, consider finding an alternate storage spot in your garage, attic, basement, or a miscellaneous closet. Similarly, seasonal items such as holiday-themed cookie cutters can be stored away with your holiday decorations. Outdoor cooking equipment used primarily during specific seasons can find a home alongside camping gear or other warm-weather supplies you tend to use simultaneously.

Plan Your Storage

1. Store frequently used items within arm's reach locations

2. Reserve lower cabinets for heavy items or small appliances 

3. Use stackable shelves, drawer dividers, and cabinet organizers to maximize vertical space and keep items neatly organized

Organize Tips

If you share living space with others, consider labeling shelves to assist them in returning items to their designated spots. Additionally, regularly review and fine-tune your kitchen organization to adapt to evolving needs. Aim to dedicate time to each zone at least four times a year to eliminate broken or unused items. Stay vigilant about managing plastic containers, to-go cups, and shopping bags to prevent them from overwhelming storage areas.

Modern Kitchen

Refrigerator

Keeping your fridge organized can save you money in the long run.

 

It cuts down on food waste, makes perishables last longer, streamlines meal planning, avoids duplicate purchases, and makes it easier to spot what you have.

 

Spending a bit of time organizing your fridge pays off with both financial savings and smoother cooking.

-By AuntieKat, updated on Mar 05, 2024

What do you need to know about your Refrigerator?

Know your refrigerator's temperature settings, organize it for optimal airflow, clean it regularly, store food properly, be mindful of energy usage, and troubleshoot common issues to maintain efficiency and food safety.

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This fancy gadget is made to keep your food fresh for longer by stopping bacteria and other germs from growing and making your food go bad, which could make you sick.

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The recommended refrigerator temperature is at or below 40°F and the freezer temperature is at or below 0°F. However, the ideal refrigerator temperature is lower; aim to stay between 35° and 38°F. 

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Mastering the organization and temperature control of your refrigerator will ultimately extend the shelf life of your food items.

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Now, how to organize the Refrigerator?

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First, empty out the refrigerator and give it a thorough cleaning. Then, organize items as follows:

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1. Top Shelf:
   - Leftovers and ready-to-eat foods
   - Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese

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2. Middle Shelf:
   - Eggs
   - Condiments: ketchup, mustard, salad dressings
   - Juices and beverages

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3. Bottom Shelf:
   - Raw meat and poultry (stored in sealed containers or on a tray)
   - Fish and seafood (also in sealed containers or on a tray)

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4. Drawers/Crispers:
   - Fruits and vegetables (keep separate to maintain freshness)

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5. Door Shelves:
   - Butter and margarine
   - Jams, pickles, and other acidic condiments
   - Beverages: water, soda, juice
   (Avoid storing highly perishable items here)

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When is the best time to organize the Kitchen?

1. Moving In

Set up your kitchen when you move into a new place.

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2. Seasonal Cleaning

Declutter and rearrange during seasonal cleanings like spring cleaning.

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3. Post-Shopping

Rearrange after grocery shopping to make room for new items.

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4. Before Guests Arrive

 Prep your kitchen before hosting events for a welcoming space.

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5. New Systems

Implement new organizational tools to optimize storage.

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6. When Cooking Gets Tough

If cooking becomes challenging due to clutter, it's time to reorganize.

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7. As Needed

Keep an eye out for clutter and disorganization, and tidy up when necessary.

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