Organize Kitchen Cabinet Space

Let's face it.... we all seem to need more space in the kitchen.    Personally, I always seem to think about that lavish, tremendous, top notch with all the amenities - dream kitchen that I see in the Magazines... (and then some).

Now, let's face facts. No matter where we live, we must utilize the space that we have. Sure, I would love to tear down walls and build an addition; but I am really not in a position to do that right now.   So, what can I do to give my family more space where it is needed most - the kitchen?!?!?

Everyone seems to have a different method in their kitchen; and that's what makes the world go round. I organize my kitchen in a manner that is best for me, my cooking skills, and my family's needs. Let me share:

Silverware, dishes, and glasses - all close to the sink, and preferably close to the fridge. It's just easier to grab what you need when you want a glass of water, or a bowl of cereal with milk from the fridge.

Serveware, storage containers (tupperware), special needs utensils (spatula, can opener, pizza cutter, knives, etc. - all close to - or within range - of the stove. These items are right there when you need them - when you are in the middle of cooking!

Pots, pans, small electrics - close to the stove, in a bottom cabinet. If cabinet space is limited, a nice pot rack over the stove area is another option and works quite well.

I don't have a pantry. I live in a small house, and my space is very precious. I sometimes wish that I had additional storage, but I have adjusted to work with what I have.

I personally like to have my canned goods, jars and spices in an upper cabinet that is close to my stove.  I don't have to walk far to see what I have available, and my spices are always at hand.

Again, with limited space, we seem to do what we must to make things work. I group my Cereal, Crackers, Flour, Sugar and Snacks together in the same cabinet.

All of these items come in their own "unusual" packaging. Some cereal boxes are too large to fit into my cabinets. The flour and sugar bags are standard, but they too, don't precisely fit into my cabinets.  Oh... and those Triscuts, Oyster Crackers or Saltines? They seem to be different and unusual size boxes too.

I splurge on purchasing Ziploc Storage Bags.  The moment that I return from shopping, I sort my items out and the "odd balls" get dumped into the Ziploc's.  Now, I have my crackers, my flour, my sugar, and other things in storage bags. The best thing about this:

• They take up less space because they are "flexible",
• They don't leak (the sugar bags always seems to leak, even if it is a grain or two),
• We can easily see what is remaining of the product. 

A word about Bread.....

Bread doesn't seem to keep long.   Bread tastes great the same day you buy it - but never seems to taste that good on the second or third day.   I only buy what I can use within 3 days. I keep my bread in the fridge, & when ready to use - I take it out and let it sit for 15 minutes, and sometimes nuke it for 10 seconds.

Cookies, well, we all seem to buy cookies at one time or another. Again, only buy what you need for 3 days.  What I have started doing - I started making my own. I cut the recipe in half and make only one dozen. Our family of 3 (+ dog) consumes them in 3 days (sometimes 2). I keep a nice cookie jar on the kitchen table in lieu of a floral centerpiece.

One thing about our family - we don't tend to like cake. Sure, Birthdays or other special events - we may grab a slice and eat the frosting. Should we be in the mood - or get a craving; I tend to purchase the single serve portions that my local supermarket makes. Sure, you can make your own, but there are times when it's just not cost effective or time effective to do so.

I previously owned a TON of small electrics.

I had a small & a large food processor.  I had a blender, a hand mixer, and even a pasta maker.  I had a waffle maker & a margarita maker.  I had I tend to think that I had an electric can opener (which I couldn't figure out how to use), and I also recall a rice maker and a deep fryer.

I have not missed these items yet! Why?  I vaguely recall ever using these items, and truly, I don't have the space to store them. I don't believe that these items ever lended a hand in making my cooking jobs and easier or faster - and I have simply learned to live without them.

I currently own (and am very happy with three... yes, I said three.... very sharp knives. That's about all I need. How about you?

De - Cluttering your kitchen is half of the battle. Just a few words of advice: Keep only what you need. If you are a family of four, keep four of everything. If you have company, get paper plates.

• Kitchen Electrics are great, but not necessary.  Food tastes the same if you use your food processor or your really sharp knife.
• Don't purchase more food than your family can consume in a week.   Supermarkets have sales (every week), & continue to make money.  Buy only what you need.
• Organize, organize, organize. Easier said than done, but once you start a routine, it will become second nature. 

Supermarkets make money, and a lot of it.   Why? - because they know that the buying process is an emotional one.  I hate to shop during the day. There are always "food samplers" walking around the store. They offer a "free taste", and you love it (because you are hungry). They give you a coupon, and you BUY!   Now you went home with that bag of ill-tasing frozen food that you paid way too much for - and your dog wont even eat it.

Shop the circulars, make a list and stick to it.  Don't shop when you are hungry (you knew that already!). Don't impulse buy; take your groceries and leave.

When you get home, put the stuff away and forget it.  Don't remodel, just de-clutter. You will find that your family life will be better, you will save money, and you will do a better job in the kitchen by learning how to do things more efficiently.