Using a Professional Organizer can make all the difference for those looking to streamline their space and ensure optimal functionality. When optimizing a kitchen for a client, the first thing I do is think vertically. There are so many inexpensive products available that can make a significant impact, especially if there is limited cabinet space. For example, a free-standing organizer allows you to stack pots and pans up while being able to easily get any of them out. On cabinet walls, I look for items that are mountable like adhesive coffee pod holders or removable hooks for hanging utensils. For long, slim items like cutting boards or plastic wrap, over-the-door racks on cabinets can be incredibly space saving. Professional Organizers have seen a lot of different kitchens and are very familiar with the best ways to utilize your space!
One key strategy for a highly functional kitchen is to consider what kinds of activities you do the most frequently. You can build your organization around these activities and store the related items in "prime real estate." For example, if you bake regularly, you'll want to have a cabinet dedicated to baking that is easy to access. I recommend my baking clients utilize canisters for the flours and sugars to make them quick and easy to measure out. Many people put a bag of flour into a canister, which is halfway there, but leaving it in the bag creates an additional barrier to getting what you need. Additionally, scooping flour out of the bag will likely cause flour to land on the countertop. When buying canisters, look for these important attributes: - Square or rectangular containers are the most space-efficient - Each canister should hold one bag plus a little extra of the ingredient to be stored there. This way when you have a little left in the canister and you have a new bag, there is room for it all - Keep a 1/2 cup or 1/4 cup measuring cup in each canister to make measuring out quick and easy Another consideration is the placement and storage of kids' snacks. Once your kids are past the toddler age, you may want to create a drawer or cabinet that they can use to get their own snacks. Place all the necessary items there: cups, plates, containers holding snack bars, canisters of crackers, etc. You can have refrigerated snack items at their eye level also. When buying containers, look for these features: - Use containers with lids that are easy for a young child to open - Leave a scoop in the container so they can get what they want without pouring the snack. This will reduce the chance of a spill - Place snack bars in containers so it is easy to grab instead of leaving them in wobbly boxes I have two other favorite storage solutions for tricky items. 1. Store baking pans vertically making it easy to access them without having to lift a whole pile. This makes putting them away easy too! 2. Leave the lids on your water bottles and store them on their sides in a deep drawer or use a rack to lay them on their side in a cabinet if you don't have the drawer space. Use another small container for any straws that go with the bottles