When you open your kitchen drawers and cabinets, do you have to dig through piles of utensils to find what you’re looking for? Are there cups where the bowls go and Tupperware thrown in with the pots and pans? If this sounds like your kitchen, doing a little reorganizing is the best way to get your cooking space back in order. But, when it comes to cleaning and decluttering, not knowing where to start can be the most overwhelming part of all.
With the help of the Konmari Method, a strategy for decluttering by category, the sight of your kitchen drawers will never leave you with high blood pressure again. It’s all about removing what you don’t need and only keeping the things that spark joy in your life. Let’s get started on your spring cleaning venture with a little assistance from the KonMari Method in your kitchen!
Put Everything in a Pile and Categorize
Marie Kondo, the creator of the KonMari method, is a decluttering guru. From her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” to her Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” Kondo has been helping clear out the clutter in homes with her simple yet bright tips. So, your first step is pretty easy: Take everything out of your kitchen drawers and cabinets, and place on the floor in a pile. We’re talking your skillet, your utensils, that random drawer full of nonsense and rubber bands, and even all the dry food. Hold off on the fridge, we’ll get to that in a bit.
Once everything is on the ground, it’s time to start sorting! Give yourself these categories:
- Items used in the last six months
- items you have used in the last year (these will be tossed or donated)
- sentimental items such as an engraved cake knife from your wedding day
- non-kitchen things
- Duplicates (not including Tupperware, dinner sets, etc.) or anything that is broken or worn out should be placed in another pile to be tossed or donated
Now that you’re left with items you’ve used in the last six months, sentimental items, and non-kitchen items, you’re ready to start organizing your kitchen!
Drawer Dividers Are Your Friend
You may be tempted to just throw all your utensils and silverware right back into your drawers and call it a day, but we have a better idea: either buy or create drawer dividers. This will help separate your various items and make finding them when you actually need them incredibly easy.
In a perfect world, you’d have at least four drawers in your kitchen – one for placing all your everyday cutlery and silverware, the 2nd for ziplock backs and food wrap storage, the third for specialty items, and the fourth for your kitchen washcloths.
Crafty Kitchen Cabinet
When it comes to organizing your cabinets, it’s crucial that you can see everything. Of course, you may want to stack some of your pots and pans, which is completely allowed, but never overcrowd the space and obstruct the view. Using a shelf organizer like this can come in handy, especially when you are dealing with spices and food. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the inside of your cabinet doors – use hooks to hang up measuring spoons or even mugs.
Refrigerator Organization
When it comes to your refrigerator, the KonMari method works a little differently. There are basically only two piles you need to create: expired items and everything else. Make sure to remove everything from your fridge and throw out everything past the due date. Wipe out the shelves and drawers with a little soap and water blend before placing everything back in. You can even use these bins to help make organization easier!
Now take a look at your organized kitchen and check out all the work that you’ve done! From cleaning up your drawers to sanitizing your refrigerator, the KonMari Method is perfect for creating a refreshing space in your home. At Aztec Appliance, we aim to make your kitchen experience fresh. Visit us today to find more refrigerators and other appliances that can help keep your kitchen organized and sparking joy in your life for a long time.