I can’t believe I’m sharing this photo (the jaws of my mom and older sister are probably on the floor right now). This is the inside of one of my kitchen cabinets. What happens behind the cupboard door, stays behind the cupboard door, right? This is the worst of them because it’s the most accessible (right next to the stove) and holds various baking ingredients, sauces and spices.
Here’s my secret confession: if something in my apartment doesn’t have a specific place to go, chaos ensues. 1. I’m a little OCD when it comes to organization and wanting everything to have a home. Pretty, fabric covered boxes, metal and wood trays and lucite shelves are hidden all around my apartment.
2. If my belongings don’t have a specific place to be put away, they just get piled on chairs, thrown in cabinets (I’ve mastered the toss and door slam, followed by the dodging of flying objects when reopened again – as pictured above) or worse, put on the floor. The whole thing is a vicious, unattractive cycle. I decided to finally tackle the kitchen, by far the most unorganized area of our apartment. I knew that once I did an overhaul it would be easy to maintain.
Lazy susans were used for spices and smaller containers that would otherwise be impossible to see.
Jars and glass containers in various sizes allowed me to get rid of half-full bags and boxes that looked sloppy and took up needed space. Instead of buying jars, I just recycled ones from foods like pickles and hearts of palm and removed labels by soaking them in hot water.
A shelf created two separate spaces for smaller items.
I pulled everything out to start. Similar foods were grouped together – spices, baking supplies, pasta/rice, sauces and bars – to make it easier to find things. I discovered duplicates and even three or four of the same products that I didn’t know I already had. The products I use least were put on top shelves. I filled appropriately sized jars with foods and tossed bags and boxes. Instead of using a label maker, I just cut labels off of packages and slipped them inside the jars or taped them outside. I continued this simple process throughout the kitchen.
Now, it is much easier to cook and keep the kitchen clean and organized. All supplies purchased at The Container Store and Target.
I plan to share more at home organizing tips in the future. Showing more of my closets (yes, plural!) is at the top of the list. Here is a peek at my makeup holder and bookshelf and here is a look at my clothing rack.
What area of your home is the worst when it comes to organization? Do you have any tricks to keeping disorder and mess at bay?
