The Kitchen Edit: How I Organise my Kitchen
Recently on Instagram I shared a few IG stories with some of the storage solutions, I use in my kitchen. After the flood of questions and link requests, I wanted to write this blog post; with a bit more detail and my top kitchen organising tips, or hacks.
I am similarly obsessed with organising fixes; especially solutions that are space saving. Given that I cook and work out of my kitchen, I have no choice but to keep everything stream-lined. It’s never too late to tackle kitchen cupboards and drawers: the more organised your kitchen the more likely you are to want to cook… Perhaps this blog will inspire you to give your kitchen an overhaul, or even give you just a few new ideas, for a tidy up.
So read on, for a behind the scenes of how I organise my kitchen and "office". I have a few great hacks, for how to plan and maintain a kitchen space that works for you.
Colour coordinating china, pots or glasses in glass fronted cupboards is a lovely way otodisplay your homeware. I loved this image from Thrifted Queen ~ everyday pieces are cleverly turned in to a focal point.
how to get started…
Don’t try and tackle every cupboard and drawer at once instead tackle small sections of your kitchen each day. You’ll make steady progress and it won’t be overwhelming
I always recommend taking a look at your kitchen and working out how you use the space: if you make tea on one side of the room and keep mugs on the other side. Switch things around, keep your mugs in arm’s reach of the kettle. Small changes in layout: moving items in your kitchen, to where you actually need and use them; make the space easier to use.
If you are tackling a cupboard or draw: take everything out first. You might be amazed by the amount of “stuff” you are squirreling away. Create three piles (a) keep (b) giveaway (c) maybe.
Once sorted place the “keep” items back in the space and work your way through the “maybe” pile seeing if you can “giveaway” more items. We (mostly) all store too many things in our kitchen: your goal is to make space by letting go of items you don’t use, or need
Next, see if there are some easy storage solutions which will help you maximise the space in your kitchen and ensure that everything is neatly stored away, but clearly visible (see more below)
The long term goal for a well organised kitchen: is making sure everything has a place that is in easy reach
organising ideas & how I designed my kitchen ~
When I designed my kitchen I took the plan for the room and wrote on each cupboard what was going to be stored where. It was time consuming but it really informed the overall design of the kitchen and helped me decide where to build cupboards, and where I needed drawers.
This pantry cupboard was a result of that plan, as I wanted a countertop space for oils/ vinegars and sauces that I could conceal from view. The doors fold back fully, but can also be closed.
A kitchen feels calmer and organised if you can clear the work top areas, so good storage is key!
I use this cupboard for bowls and jugs that I use all the time, I store the larger pieces, which I use less often, higher up.
you can never have too many drawers ~
A variety of drawers, in different widths, are brilliantly useful. Often kitchens have too many cupboards, which can be awkward for storing smaller items. For example ~ this shallow drawer works well for spices and herbs, I can see everything at a glance as I am cooking.
I like to store all my kitchen ingredients in groups: for example all spices together and all oils together. The space will work better for you and the rest of your family; or at least less questions about where to find things.
group and store items together ~
I store all plates and cutlery for the children together: they know which drawers have their things in, which means they can help me get their plates when dinner is ready. They love helping and feel really grown up having their own spaces.
I am also happy that they aren’t let loose on my best china!
buy more of what you love to cook with ~
Whilst I think we need to let go of a lot of the stuff we hoard in our kitchens, you also need to work out what you love to use in our kitchen. I recommend that during the process of clearing out: identify the “keep” pieces that you use time and time again. If there are items that you always use when you are cooking: it is really worth buying a few more of them. I find it useful when I am cooking to have a few of the same item. For example I might use tongs when adding raw chicken to a marinade and then switch to new tongs once the chicken is cooked. It helps with basic kitchen hygiene and I try and always buy items that are dishwasher friendly!
Stock up on the things you love to cook with and let go of the items that you don’t use at all
Storage Solutions…
My two current favourite storage solutions are firstly, a great way of maximising space and secondly, display items more clearly. Two of my goals when organising cupboards and drawers efficiently.
Roto Caddy’s for Jars and Tins; these brilliant storage solutions rotate, so by turning the blue bases the items stored at the back rotate into view.
This is a photo of my kitchen cupboard (excuse the lack of styling) but this clever solution allows me to neatly store many more items and makes them much more accessible. Everything from plum tomatoes, to coconut milk, peanut butter and mustard are all stored away neatly. Here I have also stacked the Roto Caddy’s to fit the space
See #af linked products below
Pictured left -> right
Small Roto Caddy: spices
Medium Roto Caddy: cans
Large Roto Caddy: bottles and large jars
2. Cupboard 'Add a Shelf' Storage Organiser (#af link)
These free standing shelves are brilliant for storing foods, or crockery. I use them for mugs and glasses, as pictured.
If you have tall cupboards and need more storage: a row of these free standing “shelf units” will create double storage instantly.
keep organised so you can see what you have to cook with ~
I keep my kitchen cupboards pretty organised: to avoid buying foods I already have in my kitchen. There is nothing more frustrating than unpacking a food shop to find… you have ordered more spaghetti, when you already have 5 packets in your cupboard. I can also plan meals/ menu plans, based on what I already have.
My top
kitchen cupboard staples
Pasta, Spaghetti and Noodles
Rice: paella rice, pudding rice, basmati rice, risotto rice
Oils and vinegars
Tomatoes: canned plum tomatoes, tomato paste
Coconut Milk (light and full fat)
Canned Fish: tuna, sardines, anchovies
Beans: butter beans, kidney beans, black beans
Lentils: red, green, puy and brown lentils
Flours: plain, self raising, wholemeal, spelt
Oats
Coming soon, are some of the plastic free swaps I have been making in a bid to eliminate single use plastic. All year I have been making small and conscious changes in my kitchen to be more sustainable. I am looking forward to sharing with you some of the products I rate that are easy changes for us all to make.