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2 Steps To Make Your Kitchen Clean And Organized

By Madison Johnson Mon, Aug 5, 2024

PHOTO: Yueke

The kitchen is truly a magical place. Even for those who don't cook, most people still desire a beautiful and tidy kitchen. Here's a storage rule: think of the kitchen as a large collection box, and based on the size of each item inside, you can follow these two steps:

Step 1: Organize by Workflow To keep your kitchen from getting cluttered, the primary consideration isn't storage space but layout. Only when you have clarified and planned the workflow and procedures in the kitchen can you effectively place and store items. For example, you don't need to fetch seasonings while washing vegetables, and after chopping vegetables, you should be able to easily transfer them into the pot. Common kitchen workflows and corresponding areas include: material retrieval, washing, chopping, cooking, and plating.

Therefore, the main idea of kitchen layout becomes very clear:

The easier it is to access and clean the tools in each corresponding area, the more convenient it is to put them back in place. This habit of easily returning items to their designated spots greatly aids in developing good storage habits and maintaining cleanliness. When things pile up and become messy, it's often because items were not promptly returned to their proper places.

PHOTO: Yueke

Step 2: Space Categorization

Modern cabinets typically consist of a system of base cabinets, a middle countertop, and tall cabinets. The space layout is relatively fixed, and the storage ideas are also quite standardized:

Base Cabinets:

These are used for storing large and heavy items that are frequently used.

Middle Countertop Area:

This area is designated for light, frequently used items. The focus here is more on functionality and work efficiency rather than storage.

PHOTO: Yueke

Cutting Boards on the Wall:

Cutting boards are essential in the prep area. Although they are relatively small, they aren't suitable for storing in base cabinets. Hanging them directly on the wall is the most convenient option.

Knives, Temporary Lid Racks, Spatulas, and Seasonings on the Wall:

For those who are okay with placing items on the countertop or walls, it's recommended to hang spatulas and seasoning baskets directly on the wall. A long storage rod can handle this; as long as the items are lightweight, there's almost nothing that can't be hung up.

Dish Towels, Cup Brushes, and Other Cleaning Items:

It's also recommended to install a hanging rod or a drying rack on the wall above the sink or near the window. This setup helps keep items dry and separated, reducing the risk of bacteria growth by preventing damp conditions.

Fresh Ingredients on the Wall:

Some ingredients that don't need immediate refrigeration can be placed in hanging baskets on the wall. This not only keeps them accessible but can also add a touch of freshness and color to the kitchen decor.

PHOTO: Yueke

Dishes and Utensils:

Most households now use dishwashers and sterilizing cabinets for storing dishes, and these large appliances are typically placed near the sink. This location is convenient for accessing plates during meal prep and cleaning up after meals. When it comes to storing dishes, it's generally more convenient to arrange them vertically rather than horizontally, making them easier to grab.

Various Baking Sheets and Trays:

For baking enthusiasts who collect various trays and pans, if they don’t fit in the sterilizing cabinet and stacking them is inconvenient, consider DIY-ing some shelves inside the wall cabinets. This allows for neat, organized storage and makes it easy to access your baking tools.

PHOTO: Yueke

Pots and Pans:

Similar to dishes, arranging pots and pans vertically is the most space-efficient and convenient method for storage. Small Appliances: Appliances like yogurt makers, blenders, bread makers, and soy milk machines, which don’t deal with grease, should be stored in cabinets away from the stove. If you have an island, placing them in the cabinet below the island is ideal.

Cleaning and Washing Supplies:

Items like towels and dish soap should naturally be stored in the cabinet under the sink. Hanging these items inside the cabinet door is a space-saving option. Small Items (Aluminum Foil, Scissors, Candles, etc.): Use shallow drawers with dividers (basket-type or tray-type) to categorize and store these small items. This keeps them organized and easily accessible.

PHOTO: Yueke

Kitchen organization is indeed a complex and extensive task with a lot of subjectivity, and it can't cater to everyone's preferences and habits. I hope everyone's kitchen can become as tidy and warm as they envision.

NEXT: How to Declutter Your Home with the "No Contact" Method

Clean breaks are never easy, especially right after deciding to set off in a new direction. While going “no contact” is often the wisest choice in the long run, the immediate aftermath can be tough. Interestingly, applying the same principle to decluttering your home can have the opposite effect, potentially making it easier to let go of things. The “no contact” decluttering method can be a great option for getting yourself unstuck. It's ideal to decide on the spot whether to keep or donate items, but this often stops many people from decluttering due to decision fatigue. This method allows you to see how your home would feel and function with less stuff without the fear of regret. It’s common during the organizing process to backtrack and second guess. Don’t let imagined scenarios stop you from trying to be more streamlined. Sometimes, stress over the present is worse than regret over the past. If you’re ready to move on from disorganized surroundings, even slowly but surely, the “no contact” decluttering method might be for you. What is the “No Contact” Decluttering Method? Among all the decluttering methods out there, the “no contact” approach is very understanding. It involves putting items you may no longer need into a box until a specific date. When that deadline arrives, you can decide whether you still need those items. This set amount of time helps make the decision clearer, as you’ll see if you truly miss any of those boxed items. Boxing up things you think you can live without and putting them in a closet or garage for a set amount of time takes the pressure off. It lets you see what's possible for your life while living with less. Who is the Method Best For? The “no contact” method is great for those new to decluttering or who are more sentimental. It’s also useful for those undergoing significant life changes, such as downsizing. Start with non-essentials like holiday decorations or seasonal clothing to get a sense of what can be deemed unnecessary. The key is setting a future date to reevaluate if you can get rid of the clutter you boxed up. Set a deadline in the near future, and mark it where you'll remember. Giving yourself adequate time to experience life without the clutter will make you more likely to let go of the boxed-up items. But if you love your new space after a couple of months, feel free to get rid of the clutter sooner. What Supplies Do I Need? You’ll need boxes that can stay out of sight for a while, so you may have to purchase new ones depending on what's going inside. The “no contact” method can help you get rid of so much more because it eliminates the worry about letting something go that you were unsure about. Get eight medium-sized packing boxes and four trash bags ready for one run-through, so you don’t have to stop if you’re on a roll and can immediately toss anything that’s broken or unnecessary. Take pictures of the area you’re working on before decluttering begins so that you’ll have a reminder of the past when it’s time to reopen the boxes. Label the boxes with their general contents and date them to remind you of what's inside without having to reopen everything later. Store the boxes in a spot that you won’t come across every day to limit temptation. How to Do “No Contact” Decluttering With ample supplies and a generous timeframe, start filling boxes with items throughout your entire home, not just a specific room. It’s best to do this over the course of a week. You don’t have to spend all day decluttering; aim for two uninterrupted hours per day over a week, or two uninterrupted weekends, to hit all the nooks and crannies. Go room by room and build momentum where things are easier to either toss or go “no contact.” Start in a guest room storing old linens or a living room filled with untouched board games. As you clear out stowaways, you'll gain the confidence to tackle more challenging spots. Stick to a room until you’ve sufficiently decluttered it. Aim for clutter-free spaces, not just slightly less cluttered ones. Fill the boxes with things that may still be useful and aren’t duplicates. If items are sentimental, decide if you want to keep them within reach or part with them later. With “no contact,” you can see what it’s like to go without. When it’s time to open the boxes, be honest about how you felt in the interim. Often, you can donate the contents without getting emotional. The results of this method should last, helping you to buy less, keep less, and be more thoughtful about your consumption.

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