Read Online Go Organize: Conquer Clutter in 3 Simple Steps by Marilyn Bohn - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Marilyn Bohn
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place a shelf on one side. There are special under-the-sink shelf systems that fit around pipes and add more storage space. A slide-out under-sink organizer can also increase space and accessibility.
In the front, place items together that you regularly use — dish soap, scouring pads, garbage bags, and rubber gloves. Keep items used less frequently (e.g., silver polish, extra soap, floor cleaner, or window cleaner) in a container, such as a caddy or basket, toward the back of the cupboard.
If you opt for the shelf on one side, you can put your trash can on the other side. A slide-out trashcan holder is another option. If you have space in the kitchen, use a trash can with a lid that opens by stepping on a pedal or has a pop-up lid. Use one that is easy to get into so it will be used, and you'll avoid the frustration of having to touch the lid every time to open it.
Bulky Appliances: Keep only the appliances you use at least every six months. If you have an appliance you would like to use but you never do, start scheduling times to use it. If you never follow through with using it, donate it so someone else can enjoy it. You will never miss the appliance. You will enjoy the freedom of space and the freedom from feeling guilty that you don't use it but think you should. If you are having a hard time deciding if you should keep an item, give it a number on the wattage scale to help you decide. Only keep those that are a 7 or above.
Find a place other than on your counter for your bulky appliances that you do use at least twice a month. If you use a large appliance every day, then it makes more sense to keep it on your counter. Things like a bread maker, toaster oven, juicer, or large mixer can be moved to the pantry, a shelf in the garage, or in a lower cupboard if there is room. An armoire in a nearby room may also make a great storage place. A baker's rack can work as well.
Muffin tins and cookie sheets can be stored above the refrigerator if you don't use them weekly or in a cupboard with slots made for this purpose. Some stoves have a drawer under the oven, and they could be stored here.
Tip: Here's a method to get cookie sheets and muffin tins to stand up in a cupboard. Measure your cupboard from the top to the bottom. Then purchase two expandable curtain rods that fit your cupboard's measurements. Place one rod in the front of the cupboard about 3″ (8cm) from the front edge and the other rod 8″ (20cm) to 12″ (30cm) directly behind the first rod in a straight line. When you store your cookie sheets, cutting boards, trays, or muffin tins, they will stand up between the wall and these rods.
Baking Supplies and Other Food: Take all of your baking supplies and other food out of the cupboards and wipe out the shelves. Before putting the items back in the cupboard, check expiration dates on all items and throw away the expired ones. Wash off the outside of any containers that have gotten grungy. If you have baking supplies like nuts, chocolate chips, or other items that come in bags, put them in containers as they will stack better and take up less space. To prevent nuts from turning rancid (because of their natural oils), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in the freezer where they will last for up to a year. If stored in the refrigerator, they will last half as long as in the freezer because they may be exposed to moisture.
If you use a lazy Susan for your spices or condiments and it is stained or a color you don't like anymore, now is the time to get a new one. You will be amazed at what a difference it makes to see a new one when you open your cupboard.
Tip: Organizing spices alphabetically makes locating them fast and easy. Smell all of your spices before you put them back in the cupboard. If you can't smell them or they aren't as strong as they used to be, they've lost flavor and you need to replace them.
Depending on the size and location of your pantry, work
In the front, place items together that you regularly use — dish soap, scouring pads, garbage bags, and rubber gloves. Keep items used less frequently (e.g., silver polish, extra soap, floor cleaner, or window cleaner) in a container, such as a caddy or basket, toward the back of the cupboard.
If you opt for the shelf on one side, you can put your trash can on the other side. A slide-out trashcan holder is another option. If you have space in the kitchen, use a trash can with a lid that opens by stepping on a pedal or has a pop-up lid. Use one that is easy to get into so it will be used, and you'll avoid the frustration of having to touch the lid every time to open it.
Bulky Appliances: Keep only the appliances you use at least every six months. If you have an appliance you would like to use but you never do, start scheduling times to use it. If you never follow through with using it, donate it so someone else can enjoy it. You will never miss the appliance. You will enjoy the freedom of space and the freedom from feeling guilty that you don't use it but think you should. If you are having a hard time deciding if you should keep an item, give it a number on the wattage scale to help you decide. Only keep those that are a 7 or above.
Find a place other than on your counter for your bulky appliances that you do use at least twice a month. If you use a large appliance every day, then it makes more sense to keep it on your counter. Things like a bread maker, toaster oven, juicer, or large mixer can be moved to the pantry, a shelf in the garage, or in a lower cupboard if there is room. An armoire in a nearby room may also make a great storage place. A baker's rack can work as well.
Muffin tins and cookie sheets can be stored above the refrigerator if you don't use them weekly or in a cupboard with slots made for this purpose. Some stoves have a drawer under the oven, and they could be stored here.
Tip: Here's a method to get cookie sheets and muffin tins to stand up in a cupboard. Measure your cupboard from the top to the bottom. Then purchase two expandable curtain rods that fit your cupboard's measurements. Place one rod in the front of the cupboard about 3″ (8cm) from the front edge and the other rod 8″ (20cm) to 12″ (30cm) directly behind the first rod in a straight line. When you store your cookie sheets, cutting boards, trays, or muffin tins, they will stand up between the wall and these rods.
Baking Supplies and Other Food: Take all of your baking supplies and other food out of the cupboards and wipe out the shelves. Before putting the items back in the cupboard, check expiration dates on all items and throw away the expired ones. Wash off the outside of any containers that have gotten grungy. If you have baking supplies like nuts, chocolate chips, or other items that come in bags, put them in containers as they will stack better and take up less space. To prevent nuts from turning rancid (because of their natural oils), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in the freezer where they will last for up to a year. If stored in the refrigerator, they will last half as long as in the freezer because they may be exposed to moisture.
If you use a lazy Susan for your spices or condiments and it is stained or a color you don't like anymore, now is the time to get a new one. You will be amazed at what a difference it makes to see a new one when you open your cupboard.
Tip: Organizing spices alphabetically makes locating them fast and easy. Smell all of your spices before you put them back in the cupboard. If you can't smell them or they aren't as strong as they used to be, they've lost flavor and you need to replace them.
Depending on the size and location of your pantry, work
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