Sometimes, getting your kitchen organized again can feel like a very daunting task. With piles of papers, broken toys, electronics, dirty dishes, etc. it can feel like you have an ocean of clutter you are drowning in. Hopefully, this blog will act as a bit of a life preserver for you to help you out of that ocean. While Bigstone Custom Cabinets does have a variety of built in kitchen storage options that may help you on your path to getting you kitchen organized that is not what I want to focus on today because, let’s face it, we all have had at times a pantry where the shelves are empty but the floor is full!
So here are some tips that I have found helpful in my journey towards having a more organized, clutter free kitchen:
- Don’t be afraid to get rid of stuff. Seriously, if you have an appliance that you received as a birthday gift six years ago and only used once to try it, just donate it or sell it or something. It is only taking up space and adding to that overwhelmed feeling you get when you are trying to squeeze appliances that you do use back into the cupboards. The same goes for dishes. Count how many you use and get rid of the rest. If you are really concerned you might need more someday you can put a box away in the basement or wherever is out of the way. Also, food items are good to go through occasionally. If there is a sauce you got but didn’t like throw it out. Peace of mind is worth more than the five dollars you spent on that sauce.
- It is OK to have one junk drawer. There is always going to be something that will come up and you just don’t know where to put it or you are having a day that is just crazy and you don’t have the time to put the mail away properly. In these cases a junk drawer can be helpful in keeping small messes contained. But if you are going to have this “cheat” drawer (or cupboard), make sure you go through and clean it out occasionally.
- Clean as you go. We have all heard this before. It is the phrase we will roll our eyes at and say “I know but…” It is still true. If you want to commit to having a clutter free kitchen you have to commit to cleaning as you go. “Don’t put it down, put it away” is a helpful phrase.
- Have a home for everything and keep it in its home. This is where those built in storage options I mentioned earlier may come in handy. Just remember to tie this point in with point three!
- Limit your decorations. This of course will be more or less important to you depending on what kind of “clutter free” you are looking for, but really having less decorations and keeping your fridge magnet and paper free will give your kitchen a more clutter free and less busy look.
And that’s it. Is there anything you think I missed? What tips have helped you to keep your kitchen clutter free? These points I have shared may not be helpful for everyone, but I would encourage you to do what you can to work towards a clutter free kitchen. Life is stressful enough without your kitchen adding to the stress!
