Ask Erin: THE BEST KITCHEN ORGANIZING IDEAS

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE | [email protected]

When it comes to organizing a kitchen, I am all about creating a system that is easy, yet fun and inspiring. For me, there is nothing less inspiring than a cluttered pantry, disorganized drawers, an over-stuffed refrigerator, and/or a cabinet full of unused cookbooks. Getting organized isn’t just about stuffing items in a bin and sticking a label on the front. Instead, it is about styling your way through a kitchen that will work for you and your family. There is no reason you shouldn’t create beauty in every area of your home. Let me show you how:

1. Organize your fridge by placing items in clear bins. You can find these in all sizes and shapes, and some even stack so you can utilize all the vertical space efficiently. If possible, each bin should be exclusive to like items such as only condiments, only cheeses, only fresh veggies, and so on. I even take eggs out of their store containers and put them in clear egg bins. Trust me, your fridge will look like a work of art when you have made this change.

2. Purchase a rolling bin or two to place on the floor. As in a closet, I don’t like to put things on the floor unless they are in or on a storage piece. I use these bins to house bags of chips, canned vegetables that don’t need refrigeration, and anything else that is bulky and takes up a lot of room on a shelf. Tip – I find great rolling bins and carts on Zulily.

3. Put candy in an actual candy jar. I love to take candy out of its package (if it is individually wrapped) and put it in glass candy jars. It looks so good sitting on a shelf in your pantry or even on your kitchen counter.

4. Place your bread in a bread box. Bread boxes come in many different options and will add instant style to your pantry or countertop. If you want your bread to last longer, look for one that states it is for that purpose because a lot of the bread boxes on the market now are purely decorative.

5. Utilize ALL vertical space. Check your cabinets and pantry for useful space. There is usually plenty of hidden storage space that is simply going unused. For instance, use the inside of a door by hanging hooks or an over-the-door organizer. Hang hooks on the back wall of a cabinet, and hang measuring spoons and cups. Hang a hook on the inside of a cabinet door for your pot holder. Place a magnetic strip down the side of the wall in your pantry, purchase bag clips with a magnet, and hang bags of chips, spice packets, and anything else small.

6. Use a Lazy Susan in every area of your kitchen. Find a pretty decorative one to set on your table or countertop for storage. I love putting one next to a stove and placing a most-loved cookbook, utensils, or a candle on it. Place several in your pantry for jelly jars, extra condiments, spices, and so much more. Place one under you kitchen sink to house the dishwashing liquid and sponges, for instance.

7. Use trays in lower cabinets. If you have cabinets that do not have pull-out drawers, I recommend simulating the effect by using trays. Now all of the items in the back of that cabinet can be easily retrieved just by pulling out the tray.

8. Clean out your fridge before you shop. This may be the best piece of advice in this whole article! I suggest clearing the fridge of any expired or spoiled items before you go to the grocery store. While you are at it, reorganize the space so it is super easy to put things away when you return.

9. Don’t forget to place some of your favorite items in the kitchen. When I organize for a client, I also do what I call “styling.” Styling means that I am simply adding decorative pieces that will bring beauty and whimsy to the space. A kitchen shouldn’t be just utilitarian. It should be inspiring and comfortable. Add plants, candles, pictures, books, and anything else that you love and want to have close to you.

The most fun part about organizing is that as you try my ideas, you will be inspired and your own ideas will take shape. So… if you come up with a cool, new way to organize something, please share it with me.