Inside The Cabinet

There are lots of ways to organize our kitchens.  However, we all have a different amount of space, different cabinet types, different drawers (I once even had a kitchen with NO drawers!), and assorted kitchen items.  So while organizing is a moving target, here are some tools and techniques that can help you get organized, no matter what’s in your kitchen.

Drawer Dividers-These are great for any drawer you have.  Buy modular organizers so you can configure both to your items and to your drawer size.  And, as your systems change over time, you can reuse the dividers.  Many dividers are available at super stores and home organization stores.  Stick to a material that can be easily cleaned.

Shelf Dividers:

Shelf dividers are great because they can double or even triple your storage space and for very little money.  They are simply a small shelf that fits inside your cabinet.  I love them for making sure that plate stacks aren’t too high or too heavy.  They are also great for storing those small platters and cups that always come with dishes, but rarely get used.

Lazy Susan:

These are great for just about anything.  Cabinets are dark and its often hard to see what’s inside them, especially at the back.  Sometimes you also have to take everything out in order to access the item at the back.  Use a small lazy susan to make sure everything is viewable and useable.  I love these for spices, canned goods, small kitchen items, and in other areas of your home such as a bathroom closet.

Cabinets can be customized and shelves can be added.  However, this can be expensive.  Its important to make sure that everything you are keeping in your cabinets is being used.  Don’t keep things “just because”.  If you use something once a year or less, try to find another location in your home for it.  When you are deciding what should be put into specific cabinets, look at the proximity to your cook tops, etc.  So keep your plates close to where you cook, keep your measuring cups next to where you bake etc.  Make sure you keep lesser used items and light weight items on upper shelves.  For example, if you have a cupcake carrier, keep it up high, its easier to get down than a platter.