As the busiest room in the house, controlling clutter in the kitchen is always a challenge, especially when storage space is limited. But these tidying experts, all members of the Association of Professional Tidyers and Organizers (APDO), have a hit list of things they ban from their cupboards and drawers. Follow their practical advice and the trauma of a messy kitchen will be a thing of the past.
1. large tableware
Large dishes that are not used often can be stored elsewhere. “All large casserole dishes, Christmas dishes, platters and entertainment platters should be removed,” says Sue Spencer, master KonMari consultant and founder of A Life More Organized. “I like to organize my cupboards so that everything I need is visible, accessible, and easy to use. When it's full of things you don't use often, it makes daily life more difficult.”
Tip: A sideboard in the living room or dining room is a great place to store occasionally used dishes.
2. Plastic food containers
Probably one of the more useful kitchen gadgets. “But you're unlikely to need a cupboard full of unused Tupperware 'just in case',” says Sue. Additionally, this makes it difficult to find matching bits. Please reduce the number of items and discard items that have lost their shape or the lids have fallen off. ”
Also, be sure to recycle plastic takeout containers, as they are not durable and will warp in the dishwasher.
3. open a bag of food
“The first priority is to get rid of all open food bags,” says life organizer Elizabeth Wicks. “Store food in the right container, at the right temperature, and for the right amount of time in your cupboard. Storing food properly reduces the risk of it going to waste, which will put a strain on your wallet. ”
It is best to avoid storing foods with a short shelf life in your cupboard, such as fruit, fresh bread, and pastries. It's easy to forget when you close the cupboard door, and it can disappear quickly or grow mold.
Tip: Modular food cupboard storage makes the most of every centimeter. Please measure the size carefully before purchasing. Otherwise, you'll end up leaving the container on your work surface, creating even more clutter.
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4. Junk drawer
While not technically a cupboard, “Kitchen drawers are filled with everything under the sun: batteries, random screwdrivers, safety pins, Blu-tack, receipts, coins, rubber bands, children's drawings.” Did you know that?’ It shouldn’t exist,” says Craig Whalau of A Tidy Mind. “If you use drawers to store everything you don't want to put away, you're taking up important space in your kitchen.”
The best way to deal with the dreaded junk is to put the contents out on a transparent surface, sort and organize them, and decide where to put the remaining items. Of course it's the kitchen. ”
Declutteright's Vickie Farrell adds that such fragments pose a hygiene hazard. She says, “When so many random items are thrown together, bacteria can grow quickly.” Indeed, this is the last thing you want in the kitchen preparing meals. ”
Hint: If you Really If you need to store some essentials in a drawer, use dividers to organize each item.
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Five. unused gadgets
All cleaning professionals agree that you shouldn't give room to unused tools you don't use regularly, like ice cream, donuts, slushies, popcorn makers, fondue sets, and torches.
“The one thing I never want in my kitchen is a chef's torch!” says Gil Gudgeon of Restore the Calm. “I've worked with several clients who were unearthed during the clean-up process, only to look at me, shrug their shoulders, and exclaim, “I've never used it!” . They lie unused and unloved, with romantic notions of transforming crème brûlée, grilled Alaska and pork crackling into bronzed masterpieces. The same goes for pasta makers. It's easier to buy pasta, as it takes up space unless you use it regularly. ”
Vicki admitted that in the five years since she was gifted a paella maker, she has never used it and instead has a multi-purpose wok. Anita Fortes of Nieter Life Professional Organizing counts 11 fondue sets taking up space in customers' cupboards, adding that they “are rediscovered years later, unused. “This always evokes feelings of guilt and shame in the customer.” Life is too short for both. ”
Claire Moore of Your Space Moore Organized offers some helpful tips. “If you're not sure if you're ready to get rid of a particular gadget, put it away for six months and see how often you use it.”
And if not, Jane Lee of Jane Lee Interiors says, “Keep those old favorites that come up from time to time in the cupboard under the stairs, in the garage, or in a spare wardrobe in your bedroom. Ideally, it is recommended to store them in boxes, which are easy to stack.
Tip: Some charity shops will take away unwanted electrical items, but check. A useful recycling resource is Recycle Your Electricals.
6. too many glass products
“Is it possible that all 16 people are in your house and they're all drinking white wine at the same time?” asks Kate Galbally of Better Organized. “If not, it's worth considering giving up your glasses.”
Kate has noticed that customers “often have more glassware than they can use.” Requiring considerable space, most of which cannot be stacked, there are usually glasses suitable for all types of drinks and occasions, from tumblers and highballs to whiskey glasses, wine glasses and champagne flutes. ”
Tip: Wine glass holders can be mounted under shelves and, in fact, look very elegant when hung together on stems.
7.DIY tools
A toolkit is always handy to have, but put away.
“I don't keep tools and screwdrivers in my kitchen cupboards, and I often see them sticking out of cups or in the cutlery drawer,” says Marie, APDO volunteer director and Cut the Clutter. Bateson says: “These items are not always sanitary. Show someone to wash the screwdriver after each use. If possible, store it in a garage, shed, or box under the stairs.”
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8. Post
Mail propped up in a cupboard is easily forgotten, takes up valuable space, and can also be costly, especially if you forget to pay a bill. Claire Moore said: 'This is something you should never do, as it will make you 'vanish out of sight and pass out'. “Instead, set up trays and files to store letters, check your mail as it arrives, and immediately recycle or shred anything you don't need. And do you really need all those paper takeout menus in your cupboard? You can find a lot of stuff online now.”
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9. impractical storage containers
Storage containers should be utilized, but only if they're compatible, says Rebecca Roberts of Curate My Space. “For example, round storage containers. These look nice, especially glass jars with wooden lids, but they are not very practical, especially in small cupboards, because they do not make the best use of space. Instead, Choose rectangular or square stackable containers.”
She also throws away the wicker basket. “It's not easy to keep clean and cupboards always have leaks and spills.”
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10. Excess amount Recipe book
Be honest about how often you use your extensive cookbooks, says Jane Lee. “Jamie, Nigella, Rick and Gordon are often tucked away in the back of cupboards and rarely see the light of day.”
Instead, keep a selection close at hand or stacked on a kitchen shelf or work surface so it's easy to flip through and read. “It's easy for her to turn to Google these days, but there's something special about well-worn, food-splattered favorites,” she admits. “Please reduce the number of things you can use and enjoy to about 12 for her.”
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Jayne specializes in advice stories for House Beautiful magazine, writing on a wide range of topics from gardening and DIY to tidying up and mindfulness. Based in Yorkshire, she recently renovated her 1920s house and lives there with her family.
