The holiday season is approaching, and you know what that means – festive feasts and holiday treats galore! However, a cluttered kitchen can quickly turn your holiday cheer into a stressful mess. To help you get ready for plenty of goodie-baking and meal-making, we’re sharing our top kitchen organization tips to maximize space and keep everything running smoothly.
- Optimize Pantry and Fridge Space
Before you start stocking your kitchen with more food, now is a good time to go through your fridge and pantry to see what you already have, what you need, and what needs to be tossed. Take everything out to ensure you don’t miss anything that may be hiding in the back. Fill up a box with items that are still good, but that your family won’t use, and donate it to a local food bank.
As you put things you want to keep back in your fridge and pantry, group similar items together and use clear bins or labeled containers to make things easier to find.
- Declutter and Identify Kitchen Essentials
Next, do a thorough sweep of your entire kitchen, including your cookware, dishes, and utensils. Donate or dispose of items you rarely use. Set items that you will use often in your holiday baking and cooking, such as roasting pans, cookie sheets, and large pots, to an area where they will be easily accessible (see next step). Pack up items and appliances that will not be used so that you can really maximize your available space.
- Create a Holiday Prep Zone
Designate a specific area in your kitchen to use for baking and cooking prep. Stock it with items that you will use frequently, such as measuring cups, mixing bowls, and utensils. If you’re short on counter space, get a small rolling cart to use for extra prep space.
- Use a Spice Rack
Nothing takes up time like digging through bottles upon bottles of spices to find the one that you need for your dish. Streamline your prep by getting a spice rack that allows you to easily find and dispense spices and herbs.
- Make Use of Vertical Space
Vertical space can be a huge asset in any kitchen, especially those that are lacking in space. Install hooks on the wall to stash pots, pans, and large utensils, and add shelves or racks to store dishes, spices, and canned goods. Magnetic knife strips, hanging baskets, and wall- or fridge-mounted spice racks can also help organize your kitchen and maximize valuable counter space.
- Set Up a Beverage Station
The kitchen can already be a war zone during large gatherings without adding in people coming and going for beverage refills. Avoid the added congestion by setting up a beverage station that is stocked with a variety of beverages, glasses, mugs, and napkins in an area that is easily accessible for guests and away from where the chef will be working their magic.
- Complete a Post-Holiday Reorganization
Once the holidays are in the rear view once again, take a moment to assess what you need on a regular basis and what you don’t. Moving items such as seasonal or specialized cookware that you only use once or twice a year to a storage facility can help you keep your kitchen functional and clutter-free year-round.
Ready to make the most of your kitchen? Contact Storage City today to learn about our flexible, secure Belle Fourche, Box Elder, and Rapid City storage options!