How to Organize Pots and Pans

It's easy to let your kitchen clutter get out of control. Whether you're in a restaurant kitchen or a home, there's often a need to take inventory and get all of your cooking stuff in order. This can be done in many different ways, but some general rules often apply.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get hooks. One great way to organize anything from large kettles to a set of skillets is to hang them from the handles along a row of hooks that can be placed nearly anywhere, on a wall or the edge of a cabinet space. Hanging pots and pans frees up space in your kitchen and puts useful items on display where you will always be able to find them.

2. Buy stackable sets. A lot of pan sets come in groups that nest neatly inside each other like the classic "Russian dolls."

3. Find some place to put the lids. Wherever your pots and pans are, if they are vertical, you won't be able to keep each lid with each item. Get a box or container, or possibly a few of different sizes, to get all of the lids in one place so that when you need one, you can just pick one out.

4. Put stuff where it will be used. This tip serves mainly to help others, but it can also make cooking more convenient for you. Keeping pots and pans far from the stove means you'll have to go rushing around to set up a meal. Keeping them directly in front of the range area allows you to simply reach up or down and grab what you need. This is particularly important in restaurant cooking.

5. Keep it clean. A MAJOR step to organizing kitchen items is to be ever vigilant about keeping all of your stuff sparkling clean. Pots and pans with food residue will quickly clutter up your counter space, and then you'll have a real mess on your hands.

Resources

• Stacks and Stacks: Kitchen prganization
• Organization tips from thriftyfun.com