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Three Steps to Revamp Your Kitchen

Are you constantly looking for that one ingredient to finish a recipe? Do you shudder at the thoughts of having a dinner party because it’s too much work? What about daily meals, are they an effort because you’re running all over the kitchen getting what you need? Does making a simple pot of coffee in the morning become a chore?

What does being organized in the kitchen mean to you?

The kitchen is the hub of the home. Whether you’re a chef, a great cook, or someone who prepares the simplest meals you need to have a system in your kitchen. It’s the place where everyone comes to when they get home. They bring in their lunch bag, travel mug, papers from school or work, the mail ? it’s where you connect after a busy day.

With all this in mind you need to think how you can streamline the kitchen so it is a well run machine and that the time spent here is enjoyable.

Step One ? The Countertop

Let’s start with the countertop ? that’s “prime real estate.” Look at each appliance on the counter; if you use it daily leave it there, if you only use it once a week or possibly once or twice a year, this is not the place to store it.

Clear off the entire counter and put away, in other areas of the home, anything that does not belong in the kitchen (and you know there are several items that fall in this category).

Step Two ? The Cupboards

Next step is to remove all the food from your cupboards. Toss anything that has gone bad, expired cans and jars, and anything you’ll never eat.

Then, empty the rest of your cupboards:

• Get rid of all chipped cups and glasses.
• Remove extra mugs, gadgets, small appliances and anything else you don’t use.
• Find the proper homes for all those items that don’t belong here.
• For seasonal or occasionally-used items, store in the basement or other storage area to free up prime kitchen space.

Step Three ? Set Up Systems

Once you’ve scrubbed the inside of all cupboards and drawers you’re ready to set up the kitchen. Start with pots, pans and baking utensils that are used with the stove. Where do they belong? Close to the stove, of course.

Then think of all the things that happen in a day; making lunches, making coffee in the morning, preparing dinner, and the list goes on. Have a cupboard that holds the dry goods with an area for all the lunch items including lunch bags, thermos and containers so you can pack a lunch in minutes. Have a beverage centre: teas, coffees, hot chocolates, and powdered drinks all in the same spot. It’s good to have the beverage centre close to the sink as you need water to prepare them. You’ll also have the kettle and the coffee maker along with cups and glasses in this area.

The cooking area should be near the stove with all the oils, seasonings, pastas, rice and anything else you commonly cook with.

The baking centre should be in an area which has good counter space so you can mix and create in one spot. Have all your dry ingredients, measuring cups and spoons, bowls for baking in this one area.

Have you ever wondered that if Baking Soda is used in refrigerators, locker rooms and other cupboards to keep them fresh, what is the open box doing in your kitchen cupboard? Keep all dry products in sealed containers instead of the box or bag it comes in. This keeps the product fresher and there’s less chance for odors or contaminates like beetles, which may have been brought home in grain products.

To finish, store serving dishes close to the sink or dishwasher for ease of putting away on a daily bases.

There are many ways you can simplify your life in the kitchen.

• Group like items.
• Have a message centre for important notes.
• Have an inbox for all the incoming paper.
• Prepare a weekly menu before you shop to help simplify meals.
• Always have an ongoing grocery list to jot down items you run out of.
• Keep counters clear of appliances, papers, food, etc. Only keep appliances on the counter that you use on a daily basis.
• Family Calendar to keep everyone’s events organized.
• Keep things tidy.
• Keep it simple, fresh and inviting.
• At the end of the day, go to bed with a clear and clean counter.

Now sit back and enjoy! Welcome to your new kitchen.

Pauline Hoffman is a certified professional organizer, speaker, and owner of Just In Time Solutions, located in Lucan, Ontario. She travels across Southwestern Ontario helping people clear out clutter and create systems for organization. www.justintimesolutions.com.