In the Kitchen: Part 3

Open the cupboard underneath the sink: Ok what do you see .... is it a mess... This is cupboard in the kitchen which is most likely to attract nasty mess.... what I mean is chemicals for cleaning, rubbish bins and unwanted dish cloths etc.

Today we will focus on making this a more user friendly cupboard.

1.  Make sure if you store a bin in this area it has a lid. 
2. Place a few shelf savers in this cupboard so that you can use the full height of this cupboard.
3. Store Chemicals in a plastic container so they are all confined to one area... perhaps the top of the cupboard... or at the top of a shelf saver.
4. Keep plastic lidded containers in here with your dish-washing powder and soaps so that kids can't get the lids off. Looks better than packets as well.
5. Sore rubber gloves and scrubbing brushes in their own containers. If you look at the shelves they should be as clean as the fridge.. so contain the individual items in containers as if they were food.
6. Throw away old scourers and brushes that look like the dog has been playing with them... take pride and buy some fresh ones next time your at the store...most of theses items are only a $1 to buy... 
7. If you are going to keep your dustpan and shovel in this cupboard: recycle a grocery bag and store it in their.
8. Most of the time this cupboard is moist so don't store food items in here... if you are going to have a bin in this cupboard definitely don't store food in here.
9. Take pride.. when you buy cleaning cloths and brushes from the supermarket... don't just throw them in the draw or in the cupboard... give them a place.... make sure that when you finish using them for cleaning that you wash them and dry them out thoroughly before placing them back in the cupboard to avoid bacteria growing and nasty smells...if you are a paper towel freak like me then make sure you have a roll storer or stand for it so that you don't end up leaving the paper towel roll living on the bench etc.

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

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.