Thursday : bullets

Hacks to organize your kitchen. Don't let it be overwhelming.   Do it a little at a time.   Clean the cupboard and line the shelves as you go.   I have used shelf paper from the dollar tree, but I have also used wallpaper I got on closeout cheap, and even used wrapping paper.   The dollar tree is full of organizational materials that you can purchase a little at a time.

1. Set zones in your kitchen.   Even a small kitchen can have a designated area for baking.
2. Place your pots and pans where they are used first.   If you use a stock pot a lot, put it near the sink.    The first thing you do with it is to add water to boil noodles or pasta.   
3. Store spices by the stove, but not to close if you have a choice.   The heat isn't the spices best friend.   
4. Store dishes and silverware / napkins etc to set the table in the same place if possible.  
5. Coffee and tea bars are easily set up an make a good addition to the kitchen.  
6. I know some people cant stand clutter, but leaving often used appliances on the counter makes it easier to use them often. 
7. If necessary, make a pantry in another room or the basement.   Growing up, we always had a pantry in the basement, even if it was only shelves under the stairs.   
8. Store baking pans near the oven.   Some stoves used to have a drawer under the oven.   
9. Keep glasses near the sink.  
10. When unloading the dishwasher, stack like kind dishes ( all the plates, bowls, etc ) on the counter , then bring the stack to the cabinet.   It takes no longer to bring a stack than it does for one plate.  Saves a lot of steps an time. 
11. If your kitchen is organized, you will be more likely to do more cooking.   Its faster and easier if things are at your fingertips and you aren't racing around the kitchen to find things.  
12. I have cast iron and ceramic pans.   I leave them on the stove.   They are heavy and I have broken my wrist, so its hard to handle them, but I like the way they hold the heat and that just saves a step not having to put them away.   
13. A tray with olive oil, salt, pepper, vinegar and a slurry bowl on it saves time and energy too. 
14. A urn near the stove or your work counter if you have one is another convenience.   Storing rubber spatulas, wooden spoons, ladle , tongs, etc.  
15. Organizing the pantry and putting food in the same place makes taking inventory a breeze and you can know at a glance when you are running low on something and need to look for a sale.