Ahhh the Kitchen! My favorite room in the house! I love to cook. I remember a time when I always looked forward to getting home from work so I could immediately get in the kitchen and start working on dinner! I just loved chopping vegetables on my board. It was a huge stress relief! It was the one way I could finally relax and focus on something other than my hectic job. Well, now I have a "soon to be" 2 year old climbing thru my legs while I have the knife in my hand (no less), and usually climbing up the oven telling me it's "Hot" as he reaches for the sizzling pan. Horror!
Let's just say, making dinner is no longer a stress relief. Actually now that I have a watch that tells me my heart rate, I am definitely sure that cooking now increases my stress level! At this point, my husband has pretty much taken over the duty and I have become "clean up". I'm totally ok with it. He is actually a super talented cook so it's a win-win for me!
If there is one thing that I have learned from having a busy kitchen, it's that it Better Be Organized or it can get out of hand really fast! I have always struggled with organization. It's not my strong suit but I'm learning that it's a real time saver to be organized when you have a busy schedule.
So, let's start with #1. Pots & Pans Storage
Pots & Pans can quickly become a huge mess if they are not stored well. Here is on of the easiest & most cost effective ways to store your pans. It's made by Rubbermaid & sells for around $17 on Amazon. Rubbermaid also has this stacked version which is also nice.
Rubbermaid Pan Organizer, Titanium
Lid storage is always a problem. I like the lid storage racks that fit in the cabinet and even the new racks that can be installed to the backside of the cabinet door (Like the Ones Below!).
DecoBros Wall/Cabinet Lid Rack
Here's a lid rack that can fit inside the cabinets. Less than $9 on Amazon! Here's the link: Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack.
Amazon: Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack
Now...If you are designing a new kitchen, or have the space to retro fit, this next organizing system is Awesome. It's a 2 tier system & is one of my all time favorites from Rev-A-Shelf. It's more expensive (coming in a little under $300), but it's great if you have the budget for it & can work it into your space.
Rev-A-Shelf 2 Tier Pot & Pan Storage
Ok, #2! Bakeware & Cutting Board
Bakeware always seems a bit harder because those type of dishes can be different depths. I really like the adjustable bakeware organizers from YouCopia. Not only is the price right (under $20), but the fact that you can adjust for different thickness is just really practical. It's a great way to store not only bakeware but also cutting boards.
YouCopia Bakeware Organizer
YouCopia StoreMore Adjustable Bakeware Rack
Up Next #3.. one of my All Time Favorites..Spice Organizers
Rev-A-Shelf X-Large Wood Spice Drawer Insert
I just LOVE a spice drawer! It's all there for you to see & you don't have containers falling all over one another in an upper cabinet. It's great to put this drawer under or beside your cooktop. This is a great retro fit to add to your existing drawer. At $40 bucks, I think it's well Worth IT! Here's the Link: Rev-A-Shelf X-Large Wood Spice Drawer
If you don't have the space for the spice drawer... don't get upset! At the very least, you can add this great option to your Upper Cabinets for less that $14! I love this option.. it looks sharp and has a study base.
Rev-A-Shelf - 4SDI-24 - X-Large Wood Spice Drawer Insert
$40.07
Rev-A-Shelf
InterDesign Linus Spice Rack
#4 Plastic & Glass Storage Containers
Ever wonder what in the heck to do with all the random plastic containers that you use to store all the leftovers?? Shhhhh... don't tell anyone but I need help in this area, too!! Here are a few ways that look pretty clever!
HGTV: Plastic Storage
I love how they use the wooden plate rack to hold all the plastic lids. Here is a great option that I found for under 12 Bucks!
Wooden Dish & Plate Rack
Here's the Link: Wooden Dish & Plate Rack
If you have the room in a lower cabinet, this is a super nice upgrade for Plastic & Glass Storage Containers. It's also from Rev-A-Shelf. Can you tell I love this brand?
Rev-A-Shelf Food Storage Organizer
This beauty is a splurge at around $200. It has furniture quality dovetail joints, adjustable dividers to accommodate all sizes of lids, and a peg floor design to accommodate various sizes of containers. If you use glass instead of plastic, this is a great option because the slides support 75 lbs. of weight. I want this in my next kitchen!
#5 Under Sink Storage
We recently had a small problem with our drain in the kitchen sink & the plumber came to take a look. I was so embarrassed to see all the random bottles of cleaners, sprays, and dish washing supplies that came out from that small space. It was pretty crazy! I've been eyeing this expandable under sink organizer from The Container Store.
The Container Store: Expandable Under Sink Organizer
It's really cool how it expands and can fit around pipes and the disposal. Here is the Link: Container Store: Expandable Under Sink Organizer
There is a quick video that shows how you can switch it up to work in any space. Simple but effective. I think it would be a great buy!
Another great option is the DecoBros Under Sink Sliding Basket
DecoBros: Stackable Under Sink Sliding Basket
It has a great narrow size that will fit anywhere & I really like the lower slide out. This is a great buy at around $25. It great for both Kitchens & Bathrooms!
DecoBros Mesh Cabinet Basket Organizer, Silver (Large - 10 x 15.8 x 7.5)
$24.87
#6 Pantry Storage
I really admire a super organized pantry. It's not easy to keep all the kitchen dry goods orderly and easily accessible. Let me just start with a few pics of my dream pantry! Of course, these are perfectly styled and color coordinated! I'm sure that's why I love them so...
The Container Store: Elfa Walk-In Pantry
The Container Store: Elfa Walk-In Pantry
I've used woven baskets in the pantry for storage, in the past. It looks great but I've decided that it's not very practical. I can't SEE what's in the basket! So, inevitably, I end up either not using it or buying things that I already have because I can't see that I have them!!
I've decided that clear/mesh type storage containers are the way to go. It just makes sense and allows you to see everything while keeping common products together. Here is another great visual for the see-thru storage container.
Pantry Starter Kit: The Container Store
OXO Good Grips is one of the best products out there for food storage. They keep food fresh for so much longer than standard plastic bins & it's nice to see how much you have left with a quick peek inside the pantry before you head to the grocery store! You can buy them individually or in a 10 Piece Set like the one below. Here's the Link: OXO Good Grips Set
OXO 10-Piece Good Grips Pop Containers Set
$99.95OXO
For the mesh metal storage containers, I love the Omaha Steel Mesh Containers from the Container Store. They range in price from between $9-$16 each.
Hope these 6 tips help make your kitchen super organized! I think I'll spend some time this weekend re-organizing my own kitchen.
