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How much time do you spend in your kitchen? Do meal preparations and clean up seem to take forever? A properly organized kitchen can save steps and leave you with more time to enjoy fun activities.
An efficient kitchen is all in the arrangement. Focus on these areas:
ยง Preparation
ยง Clean up
ยง Food storage
Preparation:
Consider placement of tools used in preparation of meals. Do you waste steps going from one end of the kitchen to the other? Even in a small kitchen extra steps means wasted time you could use elsewhere. Store your equipment near the appliance where it will be used:
Pots and pans
* Pots and pans should be stored in the cabinet beneath the stovetop or in a cabinet next to the stove for easy access. Stack saucepans by size with lids in a rack alongside them. Large pans and skillets go on a nearby shelf.
Baking sheets and pans
* Store baking sheets, muffin tins, cake pans, etc. in the cabinet next to the oven or in the cabinet beneath a built in oven. Arrange by size and those used most often. A rack works well to store baking sheets on their side.
Microwave safe containers and plastic storage containers
* Place containers for microwave use in the cabinet nearest to the microwave along with leftover storage containers. Arrange by size placing lids in a rack alongside.
Large knives, spoons, spatulas and other prep tools
* Cooking utensils, knives, spoons, spatulas, measuring cups, etc., should be stored in a top drawer near the dishwasher and counter where you prepare food.
Mixing and serving bowls
* Stack mixing bowls by size and store beneath the cabinet where you do most of your food preparation.
* Serving bowls are stored by size in the same cabinet.
Clean up should be simple. Arrange cabinet contents near dishwasher for quick access:
ยง Place silverware in the top drawer next to the dishwasher.
ยง Beverage glasses should go in the cabinets above and to the right of the dishwasher.
ยง Store plates and bowls in the cabinet above and to the left of the dishwasher.
ยง Cleaners go under the sink (use a child safety lock if you have small children or curious pets). A basket containing general cleaning items (dusting products, toilet bowl cleaner, window cleaner, paper towels and rags) can be stored here quick cleaning jobs.
Food storage should also be considered when setting up an efficient kitchen.
ยง Canned food should be stored together, organized by contents for quick access.
ยง Place your spices on lazy Susan in the upper cabinet next to the stovetop.
ยง Store all baking ingredients (flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, baking mix, etc.) on a shelf together.
ยง Cake mixes, muffin mixes, Jello and pudding mixes go in the same cabinet with baking ingredients.
ยง Pastas, rice, and boxed quick meals should be stored together.
Why should you arrange a kitchen this way? Once you learn the layout of your organized kitchen, you will save steps and have more time to do things you enjoy.
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