KITCHEN ORGANIZATION IDEAS

Time to clean out the kitchen drawer and cabinets of old food, old prescriptions, medications, over the counter medications, spices and plain old 'junk".

Everyone has a 'junk' drawer; so let's find out ways to clean out the cabinets and drawers.

Plastic containers are like socks, you have one and can't find the other...then reuse the bottom and throw out the top.

• Containers will hold little things in the junk drawer, same size batteries, screws, etc.
• Always need a screwdriver, tape, szissors and can't find it?  Use the inside of a cabinet and purchase holders to put them in; making sure you don't screw them in too far that it comes out on the other side of the cabinet or drawer.
• Spices can be put in a drawer, on the inside of the door near the stove or pull out near the oven/stove.

Look in the home improvement stores websites, they have some great ideas.

Are handy? Make your own space saving shelves for your home.

• If you have a large closet in your kitchen; plastic on the back of a door container is a great idea to put cleaning supplies, away from the children. 
• Two people taking medication?  Keep them in a separate plastic container; you can find them at the dollar stores with am/pm and you always know when you have or have not taken your medication.
• Hanging up is the best space saver, bulletin board on the wall or refrig (with two sided tape) keeps all members of the family up to date.
• Type up emergency numbers and put them in a plastic sleeve on the refrig. easy to find in case a non-family member needs to convey the important info.
• Between the refrig and way is useable space too; spice rack or pull out shelves or cleaning supplies, you'd be surprised how much space is really there.
• Organize the counter with cooridinating cabinets above and below it.  Coffee maker on the counter, put coffee mugs and coffee filters and coffee above it.
• Save steps when emptying the dishwasher, put dishes glasses and silverware in the cabinets near the dishwasher.
• Put all baking supplies, pans and decorating tips in the same area.
• Under the sink is great for layering items.  Build a shelf around the plumbing, double stacking most used items, for ex: wax paper, plastic wrap, foil stack very well. 
• Plastic containers and their lids; put then together, you don't need many just enough for leftovers and lunch containers.

Look at the dates of food.  Obviously discard old ones and throw out spices you don't like anymore or look funky.

• Adjust the shelves in the cabinets, you usually buy the same size cans of soup, fruit, put then all together on the same shelf.  Most used items near the bottom of the cabinet and seasonal ones towards the top.
• Put all labels to the front, only buy what fits on the shelf, the you know what you need and for what season.
• If you are really organized, label spots on the shelves.  That takes willpower, but will keep you really organized.
• Type up a grocery list and put on the refrig by circling what you need each week you will save you money and time at the grocery store.
• Ovens are a great way to store items, pots, pans, baking pans, cutting boards.

Good luck...make January 2017...organization month for the whole family throughout the home, and keep it up; you'll find it saves you time and most of all money!