If finding the right-size storage container sets off an avalanche of cascading utensils or removing a dinner plate requires you to lift and and remove the dessert plates first, you know the frustration of kitchen cabinets that simply are not serving their need. Cramming those storage containers into the cabinets, bracing them with your hand and slamming the door shut really isn't an effect way of organizing your cabinets and maximizing space. Here are ways to do it better. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Evaluate your current storage practice and use of space. Open the cabinets and take a good look. Do you see piles of items covering the bottom of the shelf with a good 4 to 6 inches or more of empty space above them? Is your dinnerware stacked making it impossible to remove a dinner plate without removing other items first? Have you resorted to using paper plates because you can't deal with the hassle of sorting through dishes to get the one you want? It's time to set priorities, organize and maximize space.
2. Focus on your everyday items. If these are not easily accessible, you are wasting time and energy on a daily basis just to complete routine tasks. Consider other options for organizing or creating space. Hang cups from hooks above dinnerware to optimize space usage. Purchase, or make, racks for inside the cabinet to store dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls, and mugs so that each is accessible without removing the other first. Plastic-coated wire racks come in a variety of sizes to fit nearly any cupboard space.
3. Consider purchasing a rack that will allow you to store your dinnerware vertically. Not only will this save space, it will make putting dishes away a breeze, and they will always be at your fingertips.
4. Purchase stacking storage containers. This way, the space required is only as large as your largest container. Install a storage unit for their covers on the backs of cupboard doors and keep all covers in the same place.
5. Store spices in a spice rack that is mounted to the wall. Include the spices you use most often in the rack and store other infrequently used spices in a plastic storage container. Organizing several storage containers with spices and baking supplies and stacking them in the cupboard will make cooking easier and save space, too. Label the containers for holiday baking, seasonings for meats and stews, Mexican food or any other collections of spices you may have. This makes retrieval quick and easy while storing spices in a space-saving area.
6. Hang pots and pans from a rack suspended from the ceiling, if possible, or from a wall rack near the stove. Place commonly used cooking utensils in a large jar, such as a mason jar, within easy reach of the stove.
Tags: storage containers, dessert plates, dinner plate, rack that, removing other
