Recognized as the heart of the home, an organized kitchen is often the top priority for those seeking to streamline their space.

Now that so many homes have open floor plans, the kitchen is usually the hardest working room in the home.  They are not only where food is prepared or served multiple times per day, but they are also often where homework, chores, and general gathering happens.

A recent study revealed that the average American spends over 1000 hours in their kitchen each year. That’s quite a chunk of time, but wouldn’t it be nicer to spend it enjoying your kitchen rather than constantly searching for items in the clutter?

An Organized Kitchen in 5 Steps

I’m asked most about kitchens, so I’m very excited to share five steps you can take for the ideal kitchen organization. Follow along to transform your kitchen into a functional and clutter-free space where efficiency reigns supreme.

1. Assess Your Single-Use Gadgets

I know this is a tough one.  Kitchen gadgets are super fun, but the reality is that most of us can greatly reduce the number of kitchen gadgets we have to free up valuable space in our drawers and cabinets.

I used to think that the “right” gadget would make me a better cook or unlock a secret to make meal prep less of a chore.  I never found that gadget, by the way.  Once we downsized, single-use gadgets were out of the question (farewell, pineapple corer), so now I look at them differently and see how much I can do with as few tools as possible. 

What single-use gadgets are taking up more space than they are worth? If it’s small, and you like it, keep it! But if it’s bulky, see how long you can go without it. If you don’t miss it, donate it. Make it a little game so it doesn’t feel like deprivation.

2. Give Everything a Home

This is Home Organization 101, so you’ve probably heard this tip before.  It’s so foundational that it bears repeating.  Everything in your kitchen should have a home—a place where the item stays when not being used.  This will ensure that everyone in your home can find things and put them away when they are done.

Think of your kitchen as having different work zones. Store the items as close to their related zone as possible.  Cooking zones may include baking, cooking, and serving, and non-cooking zones may include homework, family games, and hobbies.  The most-used items get the easiest-to-reach spots, while the least-used items are stored in the hard-to-reach areas such as top shelves and corner cabinets.

Kitchen storage works when items are easily accessible, but also, out of the way. 

3. Know Your Serving Style

This is one of my favorite tips because it will force you to be honest about how you use your kitchen.  I truly believe that as long as your guests feel welcome, then you can entertain them in any way you like.

If you are a paper plate family, then you may not need silver trays and fancy crystal glasses.  On the flip side, if you use nicer China for pizza night, then don’t hang on to flimsy things that you never use.

If your family often gathers around the kitchen island for meals. It’s essential to ensure that your kitchen items complement this dining setup, especially if bar stools in a small kitchen serve as your primary dining spot.

4. Borrow Before You Buy

In the previous tips, I’ve challenged you to donate single-use items and items that do not fit your style.  But I know what you’re thinking.  

What if I need the cupcake stand for a school function?  

What if I need the gravy boat when I host Thanksgiving in two years?

Chances are you won’t need the items you donate, but if you do, simply borrow them.  I have a turkey roaster that a friend borrows when she needs it. I borrow her glass pedestals when I host a shower or function.  We don’t need our own, and it’s fun to feel helpful and swap things!

If none of your friends or family have the item you need, then you can browse thrift stores to find the item second-hand.  A popular saying in the KonMari world is, “Let the store be your storage.”  That means don’t hang on to inexpensive items that you could easily buy second-hand and donate them back when you no longer need them.

5. Refill Canisters Quickly or Don’t Use Them

Understand that using canisters and custom spice jars will require maintenance.  Are you prepared to stay on top of refilling them? 

Nothing is more beautiful than a drawer of lined-up spices in matching jars or a shelf with matching canisters, but if you know you won’t maintain them, I promise we can create a beautiful, functional space without them.

You may find What the Container Story Doesn’t Want You To Know interesting if you love canisters and containers.

Your Kitchen Should Match Your Needs

No matter what anyone tells you, arrange your kitchen to work for your needs and ensure it’s flexible enough to evolve as your needs change.  If this feels overwhelming, we’d love to help you through in-person or virtual organizing sessions.

Let Us Simplify Your Kitchen Organization Journey

Struggling with kitchen organization ideas? Let our team simplify the process for you.

Building a new home and unsure about kitchen organization? Trust us to help you navigate design decisions, from choosing the ideal kitchen cabinets to assessing the suitability of open shelving.

Let’s connect and create the organized kitchen of your dreams, tailored to your needs!

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