Kitchens are areas with the maximum footfalls and a comfort zone cutting across all generations. While some spend time here to give wings to their cooking aspirations; others are here to offer their ‘tasting services’; while some simply like to spend time in this area to soak in the warmth and the tempting fragrances. But this very kitchen can be a major put-off if it’s in a holy mess.

  

If you buy cooking ware and then during one of your kitchen cleaning sprees come across it’s duplicate lying unnoticed in some nook or cranny, or if you end up with double spices just because you couldn’t find them in your kitchen then welcome to the zone of disorganized kitchens! 

Contrary to the standard and rather lame excuse that organized kitchens need to be spacious …. It’s more about how you organize the space you do have! 

Foodism shares with you useful pointers to shape up your kitchen - 

Kitchen Zones 

The first step in this direction would be dividing your kitchen into zones -

The Everyday Zone 

Location - Easiest to access and as close to the dishwasher/sink as possible

Resources - Plates, bowls, basic glassware, cups, serve-ware, cutlery

 

The Cooking Zone

Location – Close to the oven or cooking range or gas 

Resources - Pots, pans, dishes, cutting boards, spatulas, wooden spoons, measuring cups/spoons, mixing bowls, any other baking items, etc.

 

The Pantry Zone

Location – In a corner of the kitchen 

Resources - Dry goods, spices, larger kitchen gadgets, etc.

 

The Accessories and Storage Zone

Location – Near the refrigerator

Resources - Tupperware, food storage, food wrap, Ziploc bags, tin foil, etc.

 

The Coffee and Bar Zone

Location – Flexible

Resources - Coffee cups, pods, coffee accessories, coffee pot, barware (wine glasses, shot glasses, other glassware, bar accessories, etc.)

 

The Cleaning Zone

Location – Under the sink

Resources - Cleaning supplies, extra hand soap, garbage bags, recycling etc.

Pointers 

Well you now know what goes where so it’s time to look at how to position them. Here’s helping you with some pointers –

1. Place cereals, baking goods, spices, pasta, rice and other staples, in transparent containers not only will it free up space but they’ll also last longer and more importantly you’ll be able to actually see what you have!
2. While arranging your kitchen keep in view the needs of young children, senior citizens and physically challenged members
3. Strive to store fragile china ware at difficult-to-reach locations which can be reached only with a step stool to ensure that they remain safe
4. Arrange your items based on the frequency of their usage –
   1. Keep - plates, cups, glasses, and cereal bowls that are used every day - on shelves that are at eye level or lower
   2. Place items that you use less often behind more often used items or on a shelf higher up
   3. Store pots and pans close to the stove, along with their lids
   4. Put items that aren't used daily in cupboards above the refrigerator or stove 
   5. Store heavier items on shelves near the floor as they’ll be easier to access, and there’s no fear of them falling
   6. Keep toxic substances in hard-to-reach areas … away from the inquisitive hands of curious kids

Creative Hacks 

Well it’s time to get creative with organizing your kitchen … here’s suggesting some cues but hey…it’s YOUR kitchen so the right to determine which hack will work best in each zone is something which you need to take a call for –

• Set up a hanging rack for pots and pans to free up cupboard space
• Mount a rack for spices and alphabetize it
• Hang an organizer on a tall pantry door to make use of that space
• Maximize drawer organizers and dividers to keep everything accessible
• Use standing dividers for placing baking sheets and cutting boards
• Install wire shelving or pull out units under the sink
• Utilize wall space for placing - magnetic knife holders, fresh hanging herbs, and hooks for hanging almost anything!
• Place a cork board on the inside of your cupboard doors to hang small items or display your precious recipes

 

The last friendly tip would be to take time off to regularly review your kitchen arrangement and ruthlessly de-clutter to free up space!