Organizing the Kitchen

The only way to avoid house cleaning is by keeping it clean! 

Cleaning is a habit; once we get used to it, is not that difficult. Its easier to cook in a clean kitchen and meals are more enjoyable if a mess is not waiting in the kitchen:

• Aim at having clutter-free counters returning items to designated storage place (pantry, cabinets, refrigerator, etc.) after use.
• Designating a place for everything makes life easier, and knowing where everything is saves time and money; people buy things they already have just because they can’t find.
• Don’t let dirty dishes sit in transit on counter, placed them in dishwasher or sink.
• Wipe clean all spills from floors, counters and appliances the moment you see it, don’t let it sit; spills harden and/or stain and someone –meaning you, will have to clean it later
• If you involve children in cooking process cover floor, so they can truly enjoy the experience without adding work to your routine
• As a matter of hygiene, keep pets away from food preparation area

I like to work smart, not hard; so I place a great deal of effort organizing each room once, and doing regular maintenance as needed, keeping it tidy. Each week I deep-clean one area (bathroom, kitchen, bedrooms, living room, etc.).
I reduce work load by keeping things in its place, tidying and cleaning the moment I notice it, placing trash in containers, laundry in basket, etc.
I cook with a scrubbing sponge and cleaning rag handy, to clean the splatter from the stove while cooking, It saves me from having to scrub baked-in grime after cooking.  I only spend about ninety minutes per day cleaning the entire house.

Organizing the kitchen:

There is a logical way of organizing kitchen items according to need, frequency of use and availability/use of space. Ask yourself: What items do I really need in the kitchen? How often do I use it? What do I need on hand?

A dynamic work triangle

The stove, sink/dishwasher and the refrigerator, form a dynamic work triangle in the kitchen; organizing the kitchen within this dynamic space, makes activities flow easier. That’s why some kitchens invite while others deter, for example: refrigerator located away from drinking glasses, stove without adjacent counter for food preparation, dishwasher or sink separate from dish cabinets.

I like to have: 

• Spices stored on counter above or next to stove, in between stove and sink, to facilitate meal preparation and washing
• Baking and cooking spices separate –although in the same cabinet, to find faster
• Cutlery, cooking spoons, can opener and other utensils, in an open container next to stove, for easy access or in drawer next to stove

• Baking utensils (measuring spoons and cups, mixers, spatulas, brush, etc.) in a drawer, close to oven
• Dishes stored in cabinet above dishwasher
• Cups and coffee mugs in cabinet above coffee maker or next to serving dishes

• Glasses in cabinet next to refrigerator

• Serving dishes, between refrigerator and stove, for easy reach both ways
• Silverware, in drawer closest to dinning area
• Kitchen towels and apron in drawer close to sink
• Plastic wraps, aluminum foil, plastic storage bags, in drawer close to refrigerator
• Serving tools and serving mats, drawer close to dinning area
• Wine opener and gadgets, drawer close to refrigerator
• All small appliances can be stored in cabinets below counter
• Cooking pots and pans, in cabinets below counter, next to stove
• Baking pans in cabinets below counter, preferably separate from pots and pans
• Cleaning products for daily use, under sink

You get the idea… the closer to the area where item will be logically used, the easier to find

Please share your thoughts, suggestions, questions and ideas to come up with the best solutions together