Utilize the vertical space below your sinks

Use adhesive hooks to hang brushes and other small items under your sink.

Add Some Spice to Getting Organized!

You don't have to leave your spices in the original containers. These little jars can add a decorative element to your Kitchen. The jars are slightly magnetized so it's easier to keep them in line. Use a label maker to label each jar and don't forget to note the expiration date on the bottom.

Photo submitted by Karen Redalen in Columbia, South Carolina.



Gently Secure Drawer Organizers

Sometimes drawer organizers will shift out of place when a drawer is opened and closed.  A small piece of poster putty on the bottom of each organizer will keep them secure and also easy to rearrange. 

Clear your Counters

When your counters are clear you can save time in the Kitchen. 

• You won't have to take time to move stuff out of the way to cut vegetables or prepare a meal. 
• You won't waste time looking for an item you need. 
• You won't have to clean mail or important papers that have gotten food splatters on them.   

Avoid Over-Buying

Most people love to find a great deal.  To avoid purchasing more than you will use, check the expiration dates first to figure out how much you and your family can consume before the food item expires.

Consolidate your storage containers

If you use plastic food storage containers, purchase several same-size containers.  This way,  you'll be able to stack them and it'll be easier to find a matching lid.

Stay Organized and Put Items Away

When you're finished using something, put it away!  You always put milk back in the fridge when you're finished using it, right?  Try to do the same for other items you use.  This will help you stay organized on a daily basis. 

Use Drawer Organizers

Use small bins or drawer organizers to store small items on a shelf or in a drawer.

Extra Space Makes it Easier to Stay Organized

 

Leave plenty of space between each item so you can see and access each one.

Do Not Overcrowd your Drawers

Try not to over fill or overcrowd your drawers.  When drawers are too full it makes it harder to find what you need. 

Organization is Ongoing

Getting organized is an ongoing process, similar to keeping your floors clean.  Think about how you can incorporate getting organized into your life.

Gain Space in Kitchen Drawers

The easiest way to gain space in a Kitchen drawer is to eliminate duplicates and nonessential items.  If you have duplicate items, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I use both?
• Do I need to keep both?

Do you need more than one?

If you have multiples of the same item, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I really need more than one?
• Is it easy to use?  
• Do I favor one over the other? 

 Weeding out the items you don't use will give you a little more space in your cabinets and drawers.

Group Similar Items Together

When you group like items together you can easily see what you have.  Do you  have more than you thought you had?

Organize One Drawer at a Time

When you're getting organized, only focus on one drawer, one cabinet or one shelf at a time.  This strategy will prevent you from taking on too much and getting overwhelmed.

Condiments Caddy

Use a small basket to store your condiments for hot dogs and hamburgers.  Keep the condiments in the basket inside the fridge. Then grab the basket when it’s time to eat! This makes the set-up and clean-up time a little bit easier.

Create your own S’mores Tray

Corral and store all the necessary ingredients to make s’mores on a tray. When your family has a bon fire you can quickly grab the tray and not spend time locating all the components. By storing the items together you’ll also be aware when you’re almost out of one of the items.

Adjust Cabinet Shelves

Most cabinet shelves are adjustable.  Raise or lower the shelves to suit you needs.  This shelf has been lowered to accommodate smaller items.

Convenient Spot for Paint Swatches

Place paint swatches on an inside cabinet door in your Mud Room or Laundry Room.  Label or mark the color with the appropriate room.  This way, your paint colors are always readily available.  When you need to touch up your walls, or when a guest is curious about a room color you'll know where to locate the colors!

Use Cloth Napkins

To reduce your paper usage, switch to using cloth napkins. You can purchase napkins at the store or make your own from small pieces of material leftover from other projects.