There are few things more satisfying than a well-organized kitchen. Strategically locating tools and ingredients in an organized manner makes the cook’s job so much easier, leaving more time to focus on enjoying delicious meals with the family.
Recently, I set out with a goal to try and organize my kitchen drawers and shelves and to eliminate items I don't use. I went to Ikea and Bed Bath and Beyond for different items that I thought would help with organization.
Drawer organizers are the ideal way to create order out of drawer chaos. That said, all drawer organizers are not created equal, so part of really maximizing the storage in your drawers is finding the right ones for your drawers and lifestyle. When shopping for the right organizers for you, it helps to measure and plan out what you need first, shop around, and make sure what you settle on will hold everything properly.
In my silverware drawer I used the IKEA wood dividers for both my silverware and my knives. They are bulky but effective. For my measuring items drawer, I used IKEA white plastic organizers. My favorite of the items I purchased was the Real Simple 6 Piece Adjustable Drawer Organizer at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. (Not pictured) It was easy to use and affordable.
This next part can seem daunting, but there is no point organizing your kitchen drawers if they are filled with a bunch of stuff you don’t want or need. Pull everything out of each drawer and cabinet and go through it. There are really 2 decisions to make: 1) if you want to keep it, and 2) if it’s in the right place. Discard or donate those things that are not frequently used, duplicate items, broken items, or things you forgot you had. Do this with each cabinet and drawer, setting up separate areas on the floor for each group. Be ruthless. Most kitchens are short on storage space, so the goal is to only have things you love and use.
You may not care what lies behind your closed cabinet doors. Out of sight, out of mind, right? It's easy to feel that way -- until you try to pull out a single sheet pan and a bunch of other metal lids and pots crash down together. Even if you don't have a ton of storage space, you can help your cabinets live up to their full potential.
Put items you use often in the easiest place to reach. Put like items together whenever possible. If you have kids in the family, think about 1) the things they use most often and 2) where they can easily reach. This is especially important if you have little, little ones: stock your most accessible drawers with safe (and even fun!) kitchen items because babies do empty them! This holds true for bigger kids too. Not only does having these things easily accessible to them help them be more self-sufficient, but it also keeps our other cabinets tidier since we’re not trying to stack adult and kid-friendly dishes all together!
Finally, I can’t overstate how well a Lazy Susan works for organizing and allowing easy access – especially for spices and other ingredients that you find yourself having to dig through cabinets to find. Pictured, you see my Lazy Susan cabinet and the kinds of things stored there. However, these handy spinners work great in deep cabinets, the refrigerator, or even just hanging out on the counter next to the stove. Look for ones with a rim or edge so things don’t fly when you spin.
At Bellisari’s, Gourmet Convenience is not just a slogan for us. It’s a lifestyle that guides every amazing and delicious decision we make. Hopefully, these tips will help you create delicious dishes with the ease and flare of a gourmet chef. Stock your cabinets and drawers with our sauces and spreads, and you’ll be ready for any occasion.
