Take a pause and think of your home. Are you satisfied with its tidiness? The first place that probably comes to your mind is your bedroom. But one home area is often neglected when it comes to being organized, and that is the kitchen. You might contradict us and say that it’s not true since this area is still functional and you can still cook well in there. But it is also this same mentality that prevents us from actually taking the time to organize the kitchen.

It might not be immediately obvious, but a well-organized kitchen can have a big impact on your everyday life. We often get used to our daily routines that it’s hard to realize that our spaces can be better. This includes our kitchens where we do all things food, and even a venue to hang out with family and friends. But since you feel like your kitchen is alright on its own, are there really steps that you’ve been neglecting? 

How to Organize Your Kitchen?

Step 1: Clean and Reflect

With your existing kitchen, what you want to do is take everything out of the drawers, wipe every surface, and put your kitchen back in a blank state. This way, you won’t be confused and overwhelmed with what you have to work with.

If you leave your kitchen as is and reposition the items while doing a minor cleaning, you’ll just end up from where you started. You might think that some equipment or appliance deserves to stay in that spot. Consequently, you’ll question yourself halfway if you really need to redo your kitchen. 

Once you’ve taken everything out, you will also have an easier time cleaning and reaching every surface and spots. It might seem gross at first, but the kitchen really does get yucky over time. But you are preparing your meals here, and it’s non-negotiable to keep it free from anything nasty and contaminating. 

You will also find it easier to assess where to start if you leave your kitchen blank. You’ll notice places that need modifications or repair. Afterward, start a list of things that need replacing or repairing. And while you’re at it, you can try and think about each item if they are really necessary for your kitchen. This way, you’re cutting on excess things that are just taking space.

We know this process can be hard, especially if each item has a sentimental value for you. However, you will find your kitchen more functional, and enticing to work in if it is organized and clutter-free. 

Step 2: Plan Your Sections

From the word “organize” itself, you want to put everything in order in your kitchen. After you’re done decluttering in the first step, you have to plan on where you want to put everything in place. You can also copy the technique above and write the designations for each space and item. For example, create different sections in the kitchen.

One part of the kitchen is the most accessible part upon entering. So automatically, this is where your dishwasher should be, and the cabinetry in this area should keep all your cutlery. You can also divide your cutlery storage into two. First is a drawer or cabinet that should be for special items that you want to use rarely, while another shelf is for the cutlery that you’re using daily. 

Another kitchen section should just be purely for cooking. This should have your gas range that already includes the stovetop and oven. According to this useful reference, a slide-in gas range gives the users a seamless finish across their cabinetry. At the same time, this design leaves no space for spills and splatters to fall into. After all, it is important to know how each piece fits and clean in your kitchen to benefit from it in the long run. 

So now that you have these areas, do you think we’re missing another important kitchen section? Well, we are talking about the pantry, and we want you to have an orderly one. Put everything alike with each other, and arrange them from the most to the least perishable.

Lastly, don’t forget a space exclusive for trash and cleaning materials only. Chemical contamination and hygiene problems are very avoidable in the kitchen. To be honest, there’s no excuse if you mess them up because you can easily dodge them with simple organization. If you have all your cleaning materials and trash can away from the cooking and preparation areas, then those problems are the least of your worries. 

What are the Benefits of Organizing Your Kitchen?

Less Stress

One of the things that might prevent you from cooking in the kitchen is how limited your time is once you get home. Understandably, the last thing that you want to do is decide what you want to cook for dinner. If you have an organized kitchen, you’ll have an easier time coming up with recipes because you’re not overwhelmed with the clutter. You also don’t have to clean messes that you’ve accumulated over the days on that one day where you’re already in a bad mood from work. 

Better Time Management

What is an organized life? The straightforward answer to this is a well-managed time on a day to day basis. Just like how you organize your stuff before a trip, an organized schedule for the day will allow you to be more prepared for possible challenges.

One of the things that you have to manage is when you’re going to cook. More specifically, how much time do you have to allot in the kitchen. An organized kitchen is divided into sections designated for different activities. Therefore, you won’t have to go back and forth to do various tasks, which can take a huge chunk of your time. 

You’re also saving time during cooking because you don’t have to look for utensils or food items. If you only have 10 minutes for breakfast, the last thing you want is to search for the bread knife while slightly groggy from sleep. 

A clutter-free space will also affect your productivity. Therefore, a messy kitchen will just inspire you to do things without planning and ruin the schedule that you’ve planned beforehand. 

Healthier Lifestyle

You’ll be less tempted to buy take-outs or give in to junk food if you are encouraged to use your kitchen. A tidy-looking area might actually motivate you to try new recipes. Who knows? You might even start cooking in the kitchen as a source of stress-reliever. And as an added bonus, you’re also saving money because you are sticking to using your healthy choices in the pantry.