How to Have an Organized Kitchen

If your kitchen is organized, it will be easier to keep clean. It will also be simpler to create your favorite dishes and keep track of what you need from the grocery store when your kitchen is organized.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove everything from your pantry or any shelves you store food on and wipe all the shelves down. Put the cans and boxes back by category, checking for bad expiration dates as you go.

2. Go through your remaining cupboards the same way. Wipe down shelves and put items away with like items. Get rid of anything that is broken or that you haven't used for an entire year.

3. Place the gadgets you use most often in spots that are easy to access. Use bars with magnets or hooks to hang large utensils, or place them in an attractive crock on the counter.

4. If you have items that you only use on special occasions, such as large platters or roasters, stash them in your highest cupboard, or even in the garage.

5. Gather all of your plastic containers and match them to their lids. Those without lids (or lids with no bowls) should be tossed. Nest like-sized bowls together and place lids beneath the stack.

Tips & Warnings

• Roll-out shelves and built-in lazy Susans take some effort to install, but go a long way in helping you get organized. Consider investing the time and money in them.