How to Improve Productivity in the Kitchen Department

For many homes, kitchens are the hub of the most activity. We cook, sit down to eat meals and socialize in our kitchens. Many children do schoolwork in kitchens. Unproductive kitchens lead to unproductive time management. According to Duke University, removing clutter from the kitchen work area will greatly reduce stress levels and Improve productivity.

Things You'll Need

• Storage
• Breakfast nook

Instructions

1. Unclutter your kitchen to increase productivity. Remove all items that do not belong in your kitchen. Only allow kitchen items in the kitchen. If cluttered, clear your counter-tops so you may use them.

2. Organize your kitchen. Books, magazines, newspapers do not belong in the kitchen. Purchase small organization bins to store small items in your cupboards. Remember to organize all cupboards, refrigerator, cabinets, and any area where you store items in the kitchen. According to University of Illinois Extension, look around your kitchen and think about what jobs you perform there. Keep your items you use when doing a job close to the area. For example, pots and pans go next to the stove or oven. For the less frequently used items in your kitchen (specialty items), place them in a storage area father away from your workspace.

3. Remove all laundry machines if possible. Try to find a different area for your washing machine and clothes dryer. Try to have only kitchen items in the kitchen. Doing laundry in the kitchen will result in decreased productivity. If you simply cannot remove your laundry machines, block the area off from your kitchen. This will ensure the laundry area and kitchen will have the maximum productivity.

4. Build a breakfast nook to increase your productivity in the kitchen. The breakfast nook will separate the cooking from eating area. Guests will sit at the breakfast nook, allowing you the maximum room for your production. If you cannot build a breakfast nook, purchase one at your local store. Build or place your breakfast nook away from the cooking area in the kitchen.

5. Purge your storage containers. Go through all plastic storage containers--only keeping the ones with lids, according to University of Illinois Extension. This will prevent an overload of unwanted clutter in your kitchen. Storage containers take up a lot of space in kitchen cabinets.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Dealing With Clutter
• Productive and Organized Home
• Organize It
• Duke University: Stress Management Programming