By far, one of the most amazing things about owning a home is the ability to decorate it and do makeovers whenever you want. As spring approaches, we all feel the urge to purge the clutter and organize. In addition, many of us have income tax returns burning holes in our pockets. The most important room in many homes is the kitchen. With some easy organizational tips, you can make your dollar go further and scratch your spring cleaning itch into submission.
Like Cooking, Start from Scratch
You don’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you’re at. Starting from scratch is integral to any organizational plan. Empty out all your cabinets, keeping in mind three options: sell or donate, throw away, and keep. Pile all of your kitchen items according to those three labels.
Take a look at your newly formed piles. Separate the “keep” pile into smaller piles by function: storage, cookware, utensils, spices, etc. And of course, your trash pile. Get the unwanted items out of your house as soon as possible and remove the “donate” pile from your sight, as you will be tempted to keep it “just in case.” In fact, have a friend take it down to the thrift store right away.
Location, Location, Location
Now, let’s talk about where you’re going to put the items in each pile. Much like Denver property, location is the key. Cookware does take up a lot of space, but fight the urge to tuck it away, as you will need to access it easily, and if you can’t, all your hard organizational work will be undone in a matter of weeks. The house builders know that the pots take up the most space, so they have created the bottom cabinet for just that!
Here’s a trick. Store your pots with the handles in clear view. Not only will this give you ease of access, but you will be able to see the volume/size of each pot easily. Where to put the other items? Dishes should either be by the dishwasher or dining table. You get to choose. You’re the homeowner in Denver for goodness sakes! Like your dishes, your spices should be arranged by frequency of use. Tip: Put cork on the inside of the cabinet door to pin take out menus and recipes out of sight.
Have Fun
Whatever you’re doing, have fun. Make it a family event. Maybe even bake some cookies or have a “where’s the potato peeler contest.” However you do it, organizing and updating the kitchen not only makes your life better, but it can also add to the value of your home. For more tips give us call or check out the other great articles on our blog. Good luck and happy organizing.