We’re halfway done our 2021 Home Organizing Challenge! Have you been enjoying it so far? We’ve covered paper management, organized our junk drawer, bathroom, linen closet and laundry room.

This week we’re jumping into a major space - the kitchen. I get most of my questions about kitchen organization. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Lots of time is spent in the kitchen and it’s the first place that gets messy without proper systems in place.

We’re going to break down the kitchen over 2 weeks. This week we will cover non-consumables.

KITCHEN ORGANIZATION: CREATE ZONES

There’s a lot going on in the kitchen, and zones will really help make the kitchen flow a bit better.

Some Suggestions:

Consumable (We will cover this more in depth next week)
- pantry
- fridge
- spices
Cooking Zone
- cookware
- bakeware
- cooking utensils
- cooking oils/vinegars
China & Cutlery
- cups/mugs
- plates/bowls
- cutlery
Prep Zone
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups
- cutting boards
- cutting knives
- small appliances
Cleaning & Waste
- garbage bags
- garbage/recycling bin
- cleaning supplies
- dishwashing products

Choose your Zones where it makes most sense

Every kitchen is different but if possible, try to store your items WHERE you would use them. Decrease the steps in your kitchen, so you have what you need, where you need it.

For now, pull everything out that is not food. This will give you a chance to assess what you own. If the thought of this overwhelms you, pull out items per category and focus on one category at a time.

Keep only what you need/use. If there is something you don’t use as often, tuck it away in a higher cupboard or somewhere less accessible.

Keep your zones in mind, and place the items back accordingly.

Put your dinnerware and everyday utensils closest to the dishwasher.
Pots, pans and bakeware will go closest to your stove.
Your prep zone can be your island, or the space you have the longest counter area.
Oils and spices can go closest to the stove.
If you’re a big tea or coffee drinker, why not create a zone specifically for this purpose?

If you’re stuck on products, have a look at my Amazon recommendations.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I get a small percentage of the product price (with no extra cost to you!), so thank you for buying through me and supporting my business.

For the Cooking Zone

An organizer for your pans will help reduce damage to them and use the vertical space. If you don’t have much vertical space, there are also horizontal organizers.