Your kitchen is such a special place—it’s where you create meals, where you dine with family, and where you entertain. In order for it to function properly, it needs to be organized. These tips will help you re-organize your function so you can use it efficiently. Declutter the Countertops Take time to observe what’s on your countertops. Is it overflowing with daily vitamins and supplements? Corral those to the medicine cabinet. Does everyone’s water bottle get scattered on the counter? Designate an area to keep those that are not taking up space. Every night, take 10 minutes to assess and declutter your countertops. Clean out Your Kitchen Cabinets Go through your kitchen cabinets and be brutal. Look through your spices and baking ingredients. Most of them expire within a year. See if all of your storage containers have matching lids and then store then with the lid on them so you can find it in a hurry. I would use this same logic with my pots. Organize Your Items Wisely Avoid overfilling your cabinets and drawers. Instead, transfer items like cereal, flour, or coffee into sealable canisters that fit easier on your shelves. Consider how often you use certain items. Do you only use your roasting pan at the holidays? Consider storing it on the top shelf of your pantry instead. Organize Your Kitchen into Zones Divide your kitchen into different zones.  Keep everyday items like your dinnerware, glasses, and silverware, near the dishwasher and stove. Try to keep your pots and pans, baking items, and utensils also near the stove. In your pantry, store your spices, non-perishable items, and larger kitchen appliances. Clean and Organize Your Refrigerator and Freezer Start with the refrigerator and remove all the food from it. Throw away anything that has expired or that your family has lost interest in eating. If possible, remove the drawers and shelves for easier cleaning. Wipe them down with a soapy rag and then rinse them, getting rid of built-up grime. After they’re dry, rearrange your fridge.  Keep your beverages and ready-to-eat foods on higher shelves, and dairy ingredients like milk on lower colder shelves.  Take time to line your crisper drawers with a paper towel to catch any accidental drips. When organizing your freezer, consider adding some clear totes that you can separate items in, such as all the frozen dinners in one and all the frozen vegetables in another so it’s not all strewn over a shelf. Organize Kitchen Utensils Find a way to organize your kitchen so they are not spilling out all over your counter space. Using drawer dividers adds storage space and helps you to find things quickly.  Use a utensil holder for long tools like spatulas and tongs, making it easier for you to fit everything else in your drawer. You can store your everyday silverware in one divider, and other gadgets like mixing spoons, whisks, and measuring spoons in another. These are just a few tips for organizing your kitchen. Next week we’ll tackle the mudroom and the laundry room.  If you would like more tips, please contact Refresh Organizers & Designers at (510) 570-1292.