How to Declutter a Crowded Kitchen

It is a good idea to declutter your home periodically. You'll find that some items aren’t utilized, and simply occupy space in the house. With time, you could end up with a crowded house because of all the clutter. The kitchen is one area where this commonly arises. Once you clear out most of the unused items, it creates more space, which increases functionality. It also helps to boost your sense of order and organization. Below is a guide to help you decongest your kitchen.

Step 1 – Clean the Kitchen

It is best to clean your kitchen first. Make use of rags, soft cloths, warm water and mild detergent to clear dirt from the work surfaces. Wash up any dirty items in the sinks. Place all items where they’re usually stored. This makes it easier to undertake your reorganization.

Step 2 – Clear out Unutilized Items

Mark a carton for items you wish to relocate. Another carton could be for items you wish to donate to charity. You may wish to hand over some of the items to family members or close friends. Have a few trash bags open to dump in the garbage. Begin at one corner of the kitchen. Examine all storage space systematically, from top to bottom, and proceed clockwise. Do not forget to clear out unnecessary items from underneath the sinks.

Step 3 – Place Items in Categories

It is best to store items in groups, to make retrieval easier. Store your baking items in one place, grains in another, beverages in their own site, and so forth. Be sure to place items that you frequently utilize within easy reach.

Step 4 – Organize your Refrigerator

Open the freezer compartment of your refrigerator. Check the labels of stored food. Get rid of whatever has expired, or what you’re unlikely to consume. Proceed to the refrigerator compartment.

Step 5 – Relocate Items

Pack all items that you use infrequently into one carton, or more, if necessary. List the items on one side of the carton. Carry it to a storage closet, basement or the garage.

Step 6 – Create Vertical Storage Space

It helps if you install wall mounted shelves or hooks on your wall. You can transfer some of the pans and utensils stored in drawers and cabinets to the vertical storage space. This helps to decongest the drawers and cabinets. It also allows you to easily spot the items when you need to use them.

Step 7 – Make Use of Nesting

It is a good idea to obtain storage containers that nest. These allow you to utilize space more economically.

Step 8 – Dispose of Unused Items

You may choose to store away the unused items in your basement or garage. However, as this is only likely to add to the congestion there, you may prefer to get these items out of the home altogether. Make a few phone calls to find out where you can donate the items. Alternatively, you may wish to sell them at a garage sale.