Simplify Your Kitchen
Our kitchens are places that we spend a lot of time in. Especially if you have kids, you are in there multiple times a day making food and cleaning up. I am someone who enjoys a clean and tidy kitchen but has a hard time making time for it. So, I like to make my job in the kitchen as easy as possible! This means less items and using more of what I have.
I have 5 tips for simplifying your kitchen that will make cooking and cleaning a lot easier so you can spend more time on other activities, such as spending time with your family or just watching a good show!
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Keep only what you use
Many times, when I go into kitchens, there are drawers full of kitchen gadgets and utensils. Many spatulas and whisks and items that may or may not be used on a regular basis. The first step to simplifying your kitchen is decluttering your items. Ask yourself a few questions about your kitchen items to sort them into groups by how often you use them.
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Do I use this item on a weekly basis?
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Have I used this item in the last month?
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Do I need this item for holidays or occasionally throughout the year?
If an item does not fall into the categories, you need to consider getting rid of it. If it is a sentimental item, like your grandmother’s crockpot, think about how you could use it. Could you use that during a holiday get together to remember your grandmother?
When you decide to get rid of the other items, put them right into a box, right in your car and straight to a donation spot. The worst thing is having donation items sitting in your house for months. Then, they might make it back into the kitchen and all your progress will be lost!
2. Move less used items out of the kitchen
Now, look at the holiday or occasional items. These should not be in your kitchen or main space. If you have a large kitchen with lots of storage, you could use high cabinets to store these items. If you have limited space, these items need to go elsewhere. Find a bin and storage closet to keep them. If you have items you use for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, you could keep them with your holiday storage and only pull it out when you need it for those couple of months. The goals is to clear out space in your kitchen so you have room for items you use more regularly.
My less used items are above the refrigerator. I need a step stool to get to this space, so I wouldn’t want to use it for items I use often. But it’s a great place to store items I don’t use as much (mainly just large holidays).
3. If you don’t love an item, replace it
Now, look at the items you use more regularly, like weekly and monthly at a minimum. These items you should love.
As you look through your kitchen utensils, find your favorites. These items could be replaced pretty easily. As an underbuy (Gretchen Rubin), I tend to keep things because I have them and not replace them. As soon as I do, I always wonder why I didn’t do it sooner! I recently replaced my spatula that I hated and am so happy with my new purchase! The joy from replacing an item I hate with one I love is definitely worth it.
Then, look at your other items and make sure you love them. Sometimes, you run into an item that isn’t as easy to replace, like a blender. The holidays are coming up, consider putting a new one on your holiday list and let family members know! I love taking the time to assess my items before the holidays so I know what I’d prefer to replace.
You’re in your kitchen a lot. This needs to be a place with items you enjoy using. If you have utensils you don’t like, they will just clutter up your drawer and frustrate you. Get them out so you can make room for items that you enjoy using.
And during this stuff, declutter your items again. If you have three spatulas, go through and pick your one or two favorites. I am someone that only wants one of each item, but consider what works for you and your family. I only have one of each kitchen utensil, but I have multiple sets of measuring spoons!
4. Work with your space
Now, you should have frequently used items that you enjoy using. These are the items that will go into your kitchen and be easily accessible. These items should be right by the stove, dishwasher and in top drawers or the lower level or upper cabinets.
This is the part that is unique to your kitchen and space. You may have to test out a few options. And if you get stuck, reach out! We have a virtual DIY option that can help create a good flow in your kitchen and place items where they need to live.
5. Refine and maintain
The last step to keeping your kitchen simplified is continuing to refine your system. As you’re cooking and cleaning, think about if your items are in the best space. Are your most reach for utensils right by the stove? Is your silverware drawer close to the dishwasher? Are your most used items easily within reach? These questions will help you continue to refine your system so it works best for you and your family.
And, if you work with us, we will help you refine the system. We continue communication after a DIY project for 2 weeks or until you find a system that works! If you are interested in our DIY organizing, click the link below to contact us and we can set up a call to discuss your goals.
And make sure you maintain. When you empty the dishwasher, make sure to put everything away where it lives. This will help you maintain your system and keep items in the best spot for you. When you declutter and organize any space, you need to make sure you maintain the space so it stays the way you want it.
I make sure to do this with daily and weekly resets. Every night, I make sure the kitchen is tidy. Every weekend, I take the time to put our house back to neutral with items in the correct rooms and put away. When you keep up with your systems, it helps you maintain the spaces you’ve spent time simplifying!
