January 28, 2010
Chaotic Kitchens Make Food Preparation Slow & Difficult
For most families with toddlers, a kitchen can be messy place indeed. It can get increasingly more difficult to get things done such as cooking when utensils get mixed with your children's toys and the like. So how can you start getting things done in the kitchen and get it back to a workable and organized state?
First of all, you need to get rid of stuff you no longer need. We tend to be collectors and like to store things "just in case" we might need them one day. There is no end to hoarding stuff such as empty bottles, containers and very old or broken kitchen utensils. Start by throwing out the old containers and filter out the ones that are still in good condition - give them a good wash-out.
If your kitchen is tiny, you will need to start organizing your space more efficiently. As cupboard space is a real commodity, start storing your pots and empty contains within larger containers.
If your drawer handles are loose, you do not need to spend money buying new drawer pulls. All they need is a screw re-tightening with a good old screwdriver.
If your knives, forks and other eating utensils are stored in a cupboard, move them to a drawer near the kitchen sink or dining table so you can immediately store them after washing.
Plastic storage containers should be inventoried to ensure each has a matching lid and that they are free from cracks or other damage. Store them near your refrigerator to ease meal cleanup time.
The rotating spice rack has come back in style recently and it's another great way to store your spices in one convenient location. A nice wooden rack will not only look good in your kitchen but will help keep your spices in one location and within arm's reach when you're cooking.
How is your pantry closet looking? Has it turned into a store room for your junk? If so then it's time to clean it out too! Go through your pantry and get rid of the old cans of food that have long passed their expiry date. You might also like to consider installing a few cabinets within your pantry if you don't currently have any. Store within them any sharp items, so your toddlers will never be able to get to them and cause harm to themselves.
Lastly, keep your kitchen counter tops free of clutter. Having a clean and organized kitchen bench top will allow you to work more quickly and easily, so you can spend more time doing the things that you really want to do (like playing with your kids). Migrate all seldom used electrical appliances to the pantry or available cupboards.
Looking for some new drawer pull handles for your kitchen drawers? Baldwin cabinet knobs are one of the best in quality for cabinet pulls & knobs.
Filed under Kitchen Remodeling by Maiko Hirose
