Spring is right around the corner, and if you haven’t started already, it’s time for spring cleaning. Many of us have turned to Netflix (yes, Netflix) for our latest spring cleaning inspiration. Tidying up with Marie Kondo, a new Netflix show has taught us about the fundamentals of organization and the importance of the things around us sparking joy. Here are five kitchen organization ideas inspired by Marie Kondo.
Keep your counters clear and clean
By cleaning your counters, stove, and around your sink you will find that your kitchen will be easier to use. If you have a small kitchen, keeping your counters clear will make your kitchen feel bigger and ultimately it can lead to healthier habits like cooking each meal instead of ordering in or going out to eat. There is also something to be said about “out of sight, out of mind.” If your toaster is out on your counter, you are more likely to want to snack than if it were stored out of sight.
Cut down your dish supply
We are all guilty of keeping all of the dishes and appliances that we received as wedding gifts. If you’re not using those dishes every day, or you haven’t used an appliance in the last month, it might be time to part ways. They are just taking up space. Marie Kondo suggests looking at each item and identifying if it sparks joy. If not, donate it. Keep in mind that we also tend to eat more when we serve meals on larger plates. If your goal is to be healthier, large dishes might be the first to go.
Think ease of cleaning
While it can be easy to think of kitchen organization as ease of use, you should really be approaching it from an ease of cleaning standpoint. Marie Kondo observed restaurant kitchens and found that they were all designed for ease of cleaning while cooking. This helped significantly cut down the time chefs spent cleaning after their shifts. Use this same mentality when organizing your kitchen and you will find that cooking becomes more enjoyable!
Leave space in your refrigerator
By keeping your refrigerator 30% empty, you will not only have space for leftovers, but you will also be able to see the contents of your fridge. Start organizing your fridge by tossing out old items, keep what you plan on eating that day at eye level, and limit your condiments to just a couple of items. Overstocking your fridge can lead to a lot of waste over time. If you present food nicely in your fridge you are more likely to use those things as well.
Toss out the old
It is no surprise that Marie Kondo suggests throwing out past due foods. However, it can be difficult to remember when your food items in your fridge and pantry are going to expire. Start by creating a system to help you remember when foods are about to expire. Something as simple as labeling food with a sharpie can help you use what you have and cut down on waste.
Use these ideas this spring to make organizing your kitchen easier and to improve how you use your kitchen. Shelves2Drawers can help you optimize your cabinet and pantry space to make cooking and cleaning easier. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our online form or call us at 303.828.0506.