Getting Organized: Kitchen Storage Ideas

Published July 19, 2012

As much as you would like to deny it, you probably have one of the drawers in your kitchen that is filled with everything. Scissors, tape measure, nails are just a few of the items that we tend to just toss into a drawer in a hurry. Inevitably the next time we go to retrieve the scissors they are lost in oblivion of unorganized mess. So what is the solution? I’ve always found that staying ahead of the mess before it takes over your life is one way to manage it.

Let’s take that drawer in the kitchen for instance. Before you haphazardly toss those scissors in why not have a designated spot for them to go? Next time you find yourself walking by that dollar store take the time to actually go inside and purchase four or five of the inexpensive metal or plastic drawer organizers. Estimate how large and what size container would fit into your kitchen drawer. Long, narrow ones are great for rulers, pencils and scissors. The shorter versions are great for paper clips, staples and tape measures. Once the items are placed in their designated containers the drawer will actually function in an organized manner.

The trick with storing small items is to keep them in containers. This rule applies with small kitchen items such as tea bags, and loose spices as well. Clear, see-through containers are the best for easy access.

Is your jewellery a mess? Believe it or not a standard tie rack doubles beautifully as a jewellery organizer. Eliminate those nasty jewellery tangles by hanging your necklaces and beads on the little hooks. If you mount the rack horizontally on the inside of a closet you will have easy access to them at all times.

If your pot cupboard is a mess  you can organize it in minutes by simply nesting your bowls, pots and pans inside each other. This will not only appear neat and tidy but will free up useable space in your cupboard as well. Attempt to group things together rather than spreading them separately through the cupboard.

Store your best dinnerware and cookware in cupboards using paper plates. The very thin, inexpensive variety is wonderful for stacking them between your plates and pans. This will avoid any scratches over time.

Lastly, a little trick that caterers use is to stack your plates as high as 6 or 8 high and then wrap them all very tightly with some clear plastic wrap. This will not only lessen the risk of scratches but also keep the dust off the plate so as to avoid washing them before your next function. This works beautifully with dishware that is only used from time to time.