In the Kitchen 2

Plate cupboards can get pretty cluttered so here are a few tips

1. Invest in a plate stacker: which is a tiered plate rack that fits neatly into the cupboard stacking your plates separate and using the height of the cupboard.
2. You can even get shelf stackers to put sauce dishes and other dishes on different heights giving you more room in the cupboard and save shuffling things around just to get at something you need in the back of the cupboard.
3. Use plastic storage boxes in the cupboard for china and dishes that don't get used regularly and you can use the extra space on top for things you do use. Don't forget to label what is in the box so you know what is in there.
4. Get rid of old tupperware and ceramics that aren't getting used. RSPCA can always use it to pass onto those in need.
5. With electronic goods being stored in most peoples cupboards: make sure it is something you use if not sell it or give it away. Anything you do use should be easy to get at so if it is not invest in a wire shelf with runners. That way you can pull it out with ease.
6. Use a undershelf basket for your spare chopping boards. This will allow the chopping boards to air when not being used and it is off the bottom of your shelf and using space not usually being used.

Don't forget to visit the Love to be Organised website  www.lovetobeorganised.com.au

In the Kitchen

I am going to talk about the kitchen over several different posts, so today will be about the Pantry.

1. Make sure you always stock rotate your food in the pantry. That means check dates on food items and the oldest should be at the front.
2. Try keeping your food items in easy to see rows. 
3. Create systems that work for you. Such as buying a few plastic crates to hold all sauces in one area, herbs and spices in another etc. By segregating your food you can see what you need by just looking without the rummaging.
4. My best tip is to never over buy items that aren't getting used on a regular basis no matter how cheap they are at the time of purchase.
5. With shelving label areas where things are kept such as cereal etc so the family put them back where they belong and keep some sought of order to the pantry rather than just throwing things in.
6. Place plastic lino or contact paper sheets on the bottom of old shelves to give them a new clean lease on life.
7. Wipe down shelves at least once a month to avoid tin stains etc.
8. If you love to bake make sure you put all your baking needs, flour etc into sealed containers in one section. 
9. Invest in a lazy susan if you have items that are in areas that are hard to reach. Then you can just turn it  around to see what you need.
10. Label everything.... this is the best tip .... you should know what is in the pantry. 
11. Keep a list of regularly used items out of the pantry on a sheet. If you really like to be organised and you need someone to grab things from the shop whilst your at work, a list helps them at a glance see what should be in the pantry and buy what is needed if your not there. That way you will never be out of flour, cereal or paprika.

Laundry Tips

Usually the laundry is an easier place to keep tidy due to the fact the kids and hubby tend to avoid it. So these tips just a few little ideas to make life easier.

1. Always keep a second Laundry detergent and Fabric softener ready for the last one to run out. That way when you have one empty you put it on the shopping list and never run out. This is useful for other items round the house.
2. If you can, keep the Ironing board in the laundry and iron clothes as they come in off the line. If you do a little as it dries then you don't end up with a large, overwhelming pile at the end of the wash.
3. Use a clothes airer for delicates and items you don't wish to have fade in the sun. 
4. For fluffy towels, half dry them on the clothes line and finish them off for 10-15 mins in the dryer... nothing better than soft cuddly towels.
5. NO MORE MILDEW SMELLY CLOTHES: If you have a washing machine with a timer setting on it... use it.... if you have errands to run or washing that needs doing overnight you can set it to finish when your ready to hang the clothes out.
   Also if you need uniforms washed on a regular basis you can set it to clean you clothes an hour or two before you are due to get up in the morning so all you need to do is hang then out before you leave for work or throw what you need in the dryer whilst your having breakfast, working out and getting ready.
6. Clean out your washing machine every season. Run a short cycle with  1 cup of bicarbonate of soda, 1 cup of vinegar and 10 drops of your favourite essential oil. This will clean out your pipes, disinfect the machine and leave a nice odour.
7. Keep a small jar next to the washing machine for: buttons that come off in the wash, items out of pockets, money etc.

Hope some or all of these were helpful to you and if you need any laundry products: Please don't hesitate to look up my all natural chemical free "EcoPro" products on www.lovetobeorganised.com.au