by Kesaa Interiors | DECOR & DIY, Kids & Nursery, ROOMS, Storage & Organisation
This post is all about Kids Room Storage.
Is your child’s room more of a toy explosion than a peaceful space? You’re not alone! The never-ending cycle of toy piles, scattered clothes, and misplaced art supplies can turn any parent into a decluttering machine. This constant chaos isn’t just stressful; it can also create safety hazards and make it nearly impossible to find that one specific Lego piece when you need it most! But there’s hope.
This post is your guide to unlocking the secrets of organized kids room storage, making your life easier and your child’s space more enjoyable. Finding the right kids room storage solutions can be a game-changer, transforming a chaotic space into a functional and inviting environment where your child can play, learn, and thrive. Let’s ditch the overwhelm and dive into some practical and creative strategies!
Best Kids Room Storage Solutions.
1. Before You Buy: Assessing Your Kids Room Storage Needs & Decluttering Like a Pro
Before you even think about browsing the Container Store, the key to truly effective kids room storage lies in understanding what needs to be stored and, most importantly, getting rid of the excess! Skipping this crucial step is like trying to fit an elephant into a shoebox – it just won’t work.
Inventory is Key: The first step is to take a thorough inventory of everything that currently resides in your child’s room. Consider breaking down your search by these common room occupant items;
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Toys: Sort toys by category – large (ride-ons, playhouses), small (action figures, miniature cars), plush toys, building blocks (Legos, Duplo), puzzles, and games.
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Books: Picture books, chapter books, board books, workbooks.
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Clothing: Current season, outgrown items, dress-up clothes, shoes.
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Art Supplies: Crayons, markers, paint, paper, construction paper, modeling clay.
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Bedding: Sheets, blankets, comforters, pillows.
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Other: Unique to your child’s interests (e.g., musical instruments, sports equipment, collections).
Decluttering is Key: The beauty of less is truly displayed when you think about the organization of your kids room storage situation. Fewer items to store = a significant boost to any existing setup.
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Less Stuff, Less Stress: The more you purge, the less you need to organize, making the entire process less overwhelming. It’s like clearing a path to easier mornings and calmer bedtimes.
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Finding Items with Ease: Less clutter means items are more readily and easily accessible. You can encourage your child’s independence by allowing them to easily find items from the start.
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Make It A Game (Age Appropriate): Try to involve your child with age-appropriate instructions in your decluttering process. Donate old stuffed toys and find new homes, your child will feel like a giving person from the get go!
Categorize & Prioritize: Next, organize those items into easily labeled categories! Group similar items together. Toys will be grouped with each other, art supplies too! Determine what your child uses the most, keep these easily accessible and at an arms reach. This can keep play time quick and cleanup easy too!
Measure & Map: Grab your measuring tape! Don’t even think about ordering storage bins without knowing the dimensions of your closet, the space under the bed, or that awkward corner in the room. Before investing in any new kids room storage, make a simple floor plan of the room. Note the dimensions of key storage areas and existing furniture. This helps visualize what will fit and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Conquer Clutter Zone by Zone: Kids Room Storage Ideas for Every Space
Now that you’ve decluttered and assessed your needs, it’s time to get strategic! Different areas of a kids room storage benefit from different storage solutions. Let’s break down some ideas zone by zone:
A. Under-Bed Storage:
Taming the vast expanse beneath the bed is a classic strategy for discreet kids room storage. It’s especially helpful for items that aren’t used every day, like seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or larger toys.
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Types of Under-Bed Storage:
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Rolling Drawers: Pre-made drawers on wheels slide easily in and out, perfect for frequently accessed items like toys or blankets.
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Shallow Bins with Lids: Ideal for storing folded clothes, shoes, or smaller toys. Look for clear bins for easy visibility.
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Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Best for storing off-season clothing or bulky bedding to maximize space and protect against dust and pests.
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DIY Options: Repurpose sturdy cardboard boxes, adding wheels and a decorative cover for a budget-friendly solution.
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Considerations: Pay attention to the height of your bed and the clearance underneath. Measure carefully before purchasing any under-bed storage. Also, consider the floor type (carpet vs. hardwood) as it may affect the ease of sliding the storage containers. Regularly check under-bed storage for dust.
B. Closet Organization:
The closet can quickly become a black hole if left unorganized. Effective kids room storage in the closet is key to managing clothing, shoes, and other essentials.
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Maximize Vertical Space:
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Adjustable Shelving and Rods: Invest in a closet system with adjustable shelves and rods to accommodate clothing of different lengths and sizes. As your child grows, you can adjust the shelves accordingly.
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Hanging Organizers: Utilize hanging shoe organizers for storing small toys, craft supplies, or accessories. Sweater organizers can hold folded clothes or out-of-season items.
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Baskets and Bins: Use baskets and bins on shelves to keep smaller items contained and organized. Label the bins clearly for easy identification.
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Make it Kid-Friendly:
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Lower Rods & Shelves: Lower the hanging rod (if possible) or add a second rod at a lower height so your child can reach their own clothes.
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Small Step Stool: Keep a small, sturdy step stool nearby to help your child reach upper shelves or hanging items safely.
C. Wall Storage:
Don’t underestimate the power of vertical space! Utilizing walls for kids room storage can free up valuable floor space and keep items off the ground, reducing clutter and creating a more visually appealing room.
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Shelf Strategies:
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Floating Shelves: Provide a clean, modern look and are perfect for displaying books, toys, or decorative items. Be sure to mount them securely, especially if storing heavier items.
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Bookshelves: Choose a bookshelf that is the appropriate size for your child’s room. Consider one with adjustable shelves for maximum flexibility.
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Baskets and Hooks:
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Wall-Mounted Baskets: Great for storing art supplies, small toys, or even stuffed animals.
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Pegboards with Hooks: Highly customizable and versatile, pegboards allow you to create a storage system tailored to your specific needs. Use hooks to hang everything from art supplies to backpacks.
- Keep things accessible:
º Mount storage shelves within reach, and keep items your child may need within immediate access while setting anything else out of reach to encourage self-dependency.
3. Thinking Outside the Box: Unique and Multifunctional Kids Room Storage
Sometimes the most effective kids room storage solutions are the ones that are a bit unexpected! Embracing multifunctionality and thinking creatively can unlock hidden potential and make your space work even harder.
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Furniture with Built-in Storage: Investing in furniture pieces that double as storage is a game-changer, particularly in smaller spaces.
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Beds with Drawers Underneath: A practical solution for storing clothing, toys, or extra bedding. Beds with built-in drawers often come in platform and Captains’ designs, maximizing every inch of space beneath the mattress.
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Ottomans with Storage Inside: Stylish and functional, storage ottomans provide a hidden space for toys, blankets, or board games while adding seating to the room.
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Benches with Storage: Ideal for entryways or playrooms, storage benches provide a comfortable place to sit while concealing toys, shoes, or other items. A storage bench can also act as a window seat adding comfort while decluttering.
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Desks with Storage: Desks with drawers, shelves, or built-in cubbies help keep school supplies and art materials organized and within easy reach.
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Repurposed Items: Get creative by transforming ordinary items into unique and charming storage solutions!
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Old Suitcases as Toy Storage: Vintage suitcases stacked on a shelf or the floor add a whimsical touch while providing storage for dolls, action figures, or other small toys.
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Ladder as a Blanket Rack: Lean an old wooden ladder against the wall to create a rustic and decorative blanket rack.
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Dressers as Toy Stations: An old dresser can be repurposed as a toy station. Give the dresser a fresh coat of paint or keep the original to display items and keep your child’s items away to declutter more.
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DIY Storage Solutions: Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and tackle some DIY storage projects!
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Easy-to-Build Shelves: Simple wooden shelves can be easily constructed using basic materials and tools. Customize the shelves to fit your specific needs and decorate them with paint, wallpaper, or stencils.
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Decorating Plain Bins: Add personality to plain plastic bins with paint, fabric scraps, or stickers. Label each bin clearly to ensure everyone knows what goes where.
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Storage That Doubles as Décor: Functional storage doesn’t have to be boring! Choose storage solutions that are also visually appealing and contribute to the overall aesthetic of the room.
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Baskets as Decorative Elements: Woven baskets in various shapes, sizes, and textures can add warmth and character to a room while providing stylish storage.
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Color-Coded Storage: Use color-coded bins, baskets, or shelves to create a visually appealing and easy-to-understand storage system. Assign a specific color to each type of item (e.g., blue for toys, green for books, red for art supplies).
4. Keeping it Clean: Tips for Maintaining Your Organized Kids Room Storage System
Creating an organized kids room storage setup is just the first step! The real challenge is maintaining that organization over time. Without consistent effort, the clutter monster will inevitably creep back in.
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Establish a Routine: Making clean-up a regular habit is crucial for long-term success. Designate a specific time each day (e.g., before dinner or bedtime) for tidying up the room. Involve your child in the routine, making it a shared responsibility. This also teaches the benefits of organization while becoming routine with time.
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Label Everything: Clear and consistent labels on bins, baskets, shelves, and drawers are essential. Labels help everyone (including kids!) know where things belong and encourage them to put items back in their designated spots.
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Use Pictures for Younger Children: For children who cannot yet read, use picture labels alongside words to help them identify the contents of each storage container. Print or draw pictures of toys, clothes, or other items and attach them to the bins.
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Teach Your Child to Sort and Put Away: Age-appropriate tasks that children can help with include toys or clothes! Encourage them to get involved to make cleaning a more routine process for themselves.
º Teach children what to put away in different areas to ensure children’s comprehension with cleanup
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Regular Decluttering: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to purge unwanted or unused items. Set aside time every few months to go through the room and get rid of anything that is no longer needed or used. Involve your child in the decluttering process to teach them about giving back to the community.
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Designate a “Home” for Everything: Ensure that every item in the room has a designated “home” – a specific spot where it belongs. This prevents items from ending up in random piles and makes it easier to find them when needed. Explain that every item goes back to its designated area, once that is understood by your child, everything goes smoothly after the fact.
Transforming a chaotic kids’ room into an organized and functional space may seem daunting, but by embracing a strategic approach and implementing clever kids room storage solutions, you can create a room that both you and your child will love. Remember the key principles: declutter first, understand your specific storage needs, choose solutions that maximize every area of the room, get creative with repurposed items, and establish consistent habits to maintain order.
By tackling this step-by-step, you’ll significantly reduce your stress, make finding items far easier, and even foster greater independence in your child.
by Kesaa Interiors | DECOR & DIY, Kitchen, ROOMS, Storage & Organisation
This post is all about Kitchen organisation ideas.
Is your kitchen more chaos than cooking? We get it! The heart of the home often becomes a battleground of overflowing drawers, mismatched containers, and countertops buried under clutter. It’s frustrating and time-consuming, and frankly, cooking and meal prep can feel more like a chore than a joy. Dreaming of a kitchen where everything has its place, where you can easily find that spice jar or the right-sized lid without a scavenger hunt?
By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll have a toolbox of ideas and inspiration, ready to transform your kitchen into a well-organised space that will save you time, reduce frustration, and, ultimately, make your life a little bit easier. Ready to reclaim your kitchen? Let’s dive in!
Smart Kitchen Organisation Ideas
Ready to reclaim your kitchen? Let’s dive into 15 kitchen organisation ideas you can implement today to create a more functional and enjoyable space.
Drawer Dividers for Utensil Harmony
We’ve all been there – the utensil drawer that’s a chaotic jumble of spoons, spatulas, and that one whisk you can never seem to find. The simple solution? Drawer dividers! These handy tools are absolute game-changers when it comes to keeping things separate and easy to find. Not only does this help you locate what you need quickly and reduce clutter, but it also prevents your utensils from scratching and clanging against each other. Plus, when each item has a designated space, you’ll save time not having to dig around in messy drawers, keeping the kitchen cleaner and your stress levels lower! Think of it as giving each utensil its own tiny, perfectly-sized home.
For versatility and style, look for expandable dividers, preferably made from natural materials like bamboo, that can easily adjust to fit your drawers. The adjustability ensures a good fit, and bamboo will add an element of elegance, or if you’d rather a modern option, consider clear acrylic dividers to give it a clean feel.
Vertical Storage: Tiered Shelves and Risers
When it comes to kitchens, you might often find yourself limited on space, but using vertical space wisely is essential for maximising space and getting items up and out of the way. Tiered shelves and risers are your secret weapon for cabinets and countertops! They work by elevating items, allowing you to easily see and reach those things that get pushed to the back. These aren’t just for your pantry; try using them to organise spice jars on your countertop, or to make stacks of plates or cups more visible and easy to reach in your cabinets. This method makes use of that often-overlooked height, prevents items from becoming lost in the shuffle, and makes everything so much easier to grab. No more stacking and toppling – everything has its place.
Look for a tiered shelf or riser that will maximise the vertical space in your cabinets, with shelves spaced in ways that can store more items in them. Or choose ones made with durable materials that can help showcase some of your most-used kitchen tools and essentials on your counter.
Pull-Out Shelves in Cabinets
Reaching the items at the back of deep cabinets can often feel like a daunting task. But with pull-out shelves, those awkward spots suddenly become functional and easy to access. These shelves slide out smoothly, bringing everything right to you, saving you from the hassle of rummaging blindly. They’re particularly great for storing heavier pots, pans, or bulky items, preventing them from getting lost in the far corners.
By maximising storage space from the front to the back, it can help avoid double-storing the same things. Pull-out shelves will transform those frustrating areas into a more efficient and accessible storage solution. They are easy to install on any cabinet, and make sure your storage is not in vain, and nothing will ever be lost in the back of those hard-to-reach cabinets. While you don’t buy pull-out cabinets off the shelf, consider implementing a solution to easily slide them out to reach even the back of your kitchen cabinets.
Cabinet Door Organisers
Don’t let that valuable real estate inside your cabinet doors go to waste! Cabinet door organisers are incredibly versatile, providing a place to store a variety of kitchen essentials you’d otherwise leave on the counter or stuffed into a drawer. They’re especially great for awkward, thin items like cutting boards, foil, wraps, or even cleaning supplies. By mounting organisers to your cabinet doors, you’re utilising unused space, keeping your items accessible but hidden away from the counter, which is helpful when keeping the kitchen more neat and tidy. Consider it as doubling your storage without taking up any more space!
For an all-around, versatile solution, we suggest an over-the-door organiser with multiple tiers and compartments. Look for a sturdy design with secure hooks to ensure it can hold its weight, as well as varied compartments to fit foil, wraps, and even cleaning supplies to ensure they stay in place while closed.
Utilise Clear Containers for Pantries and Fridges
Transparency is key when it comes to effective kitchen organisation. Using clear containers for both your pantry and refrigerator allows you to instantly see what you have, preventing you from overbuying and letting food go to waste. Ditch the opaque packaging and swap to jars for your dry goods to maximise freshness and the visual of seeing the product, or consider organising produce using see-through bins for the refrigerator to better see what’s in there and group them by type. These clear containers not only help you see what needs to be used, but they also create a more uniform and visually appealing space. They bring a sense of calm to chaos and encourage you to eat what you have, ultimately reducing waste and saving you money. It’s about taking the guesswork out of the storage and having a visually organised look at your pantry.
For dry goods, we recommend using classic, well-sealing glass jars; they are beautiful and functional for storage, and if you choose a matching set of see-through bins in various shapes and sizes for your refrigerator and pantry, this will help maintain a clean and sophisticated look.
Label Everything Clearly
Even with the best intentions for clear containers and visible storage, it’s easy to lose track of what’s what in your kitchen, so labelling is absolutely vital for lasting organisation. Clearly labelling all of your containers, drawers, and bins ensures that the system doesn’t break down over time, and especially helps any additional help in the home to also participate in keeping the space tidy.
Whether it’s a simple waterproof label for identifying the spices or a handwritten label on storage jars with the date the item was purchased, having your storage organised is half the battle, but making sure the labelling is consistent can be the key to keeping a well-organised kitchen.
Utilise Wall Space: Hooks & Hanging Racks
In many kitchens, wall space is often an underutilised resource. Why let your walls be blank when they can be the perfect place to keep utensils, pots, or even cutting boards within easy reach? Hooks and hanging racks can free up drawer and countertop space, providing you with convenient storage that’s not only functional but also adds character to your kitchen.
From sleek metallic racks for hanging your pots and pans to stylish hooks for your most-used utensils, utilising wall space allows you to see what you have and prevents items from being buried in drawers and cabinets. This also adds an element of charm and display to the functional kitchen space, so that your kitchen essentials are not only convenient but beautiful.
Rolling Cart Kitchen Storage
Need a little extra storage, but don’t want to commit to a permanent addition? Consider a rolling cart! This versatile piece is your flexible friend in the kitchen, providing extra storage wherever you need it, whenever you need it. Whether you need a temporary kitchen island for prep space, extra storage during gatherings, or just a handy place to keep your frequently-used items, a rolling cart provides an all-around movable and convenient solution. They’re perfect for small kitchens where space is limited, or can serve as a secondary prep area in larger kitchens. They’re also incredibly easy to customise with baskets and containers. It’s a convenient and effective option for a kitchen in a small space, or can serve as the perfect addition in a larger one, to provide even more storage to meet all your needs.
Look for a well-built cart that rolls easily and is suited to the aesthetic of your kitchen with sturdy shelves to handle your varying kitchen tools. For a sleek, modern aesthetic, metal rolling carts work wonderfully. Choose one based on its durability and what storage needs you may have for the kitchen space.
The Power of a Lazy Susan
Corner cabinets – the bane of many kitchen organisers! The items you put in the corners end up being forgotten, since they are harder to see and difficult to reach, but fear no more! The simple solution to corner storage is to bring in the Lazy Susan. This rotating turntable makes reaching anything that might be tucked into the back of your cabinet suddenly effortless. You can also place them on your countertops, and they also work great in the fridge for storing sauces or spices that often get forgotten. They bring everything to the front so you’re no longer blindly searching or losing items in the back of hard-to-reach cabinets or counter space. This will keep your items from being lost and forgotten about and ensure that you are getting the full use of your space.
Opt for a tiered or multi-level lazy susan, or try a variety of them for different uses. Bamboo is a stylish and sustainable option, while plastic is a great, durable and easy-to-clean pick. Consider your colour aesthetic and overall style when choosing a Lazy Susan to use, to be sure it matches with your existing kitchen pieces. You can find a great range at a store like the Container Store or Bed Bath & Beyond. Consider choosing a rotating tray based on where you might plan to store and use this kitchen storage.
Pot and Pan Lid Organiser
Let’s face it, pot and pan lids are the awkward items in our kitchens. They’re often stored haphazardly, creating a noisy, clanging mess in drawers or cabinets. They seem to pile up and make a dishevelled scene if left untamed. A dedicated pot and pan lid organiser can bring order and peace into this chaotic storage situation. These organisers keep your lids separated and neatly arranged, preventing scratches and making it easy to find the right one when you need it.
By having a specific place for these notoriously clumsy kitchen items, you’re optimising your space and making meal prep a much smoother and organised experience. This not only avoids damage but keeps those items from flying out every time the drawer or cabinet is opened. Look for adjustable organisers that can accommodate different lid sizes and thicknesses, or try using vertical racks to stand the lids up in the cabinet. Consider the spacing between the vertical bars to make sure it will properly hold and keep them in place without falling out
The Magic of the Dish Drying Rack
Leaving dishes to dry on the counter can be inconvenient and create a cluttered mess, and no one wants to deal with a wet countertop from soggy drying dishes. The simple solution? A stylish and efficient dish drying rack! This will provide an immediate and convenient solution to dry your dishes properly and efficiently, instead of having a chaotic array of wet dishes left on the counter to dry. This simple piece not only keeps the counter space free and tidy, but also makes the post-meal cleanup so much easier. Consider how often dishes are washed and if your drying solution is actually functional for your needs and your space, because a simple solution can help avoid a lot of clutter in the kitchen.
Consider what kind of drying rack fits into your style and space. If you’re limited on counter space, there are a variety of slim and efficient designs, such as foldable or roll-up drying racks that can be stowed away when not in use. For those with a more permanent need, a sleek dish rack with a built-in tray can create a contemporary style while efficiently keeping your dishes properly organised.
Under the Sink Organisation
The space under the sink often ends up being a chaotic catch-all, a messy area that’s often neglected, but this area is one of the most crucial parts to get organised. From cleaning supplies, dish soap, and sometimes extra sponges and paper towels get haphazardly shoved under the sink, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider lining the bottom of your under-the-sink cabinet with a waterproof liner or tray to protect the cabinet from spills, and use caddies or organisers to neatly group similar items together, such as cleaning sprays, cloths, and dish soap. Adding a tiered organiser can maximise space by using the vertical height under the sink to bring smaller items forward so they are not lost in the back.
By adding small adjustments and creating organisation under your kitchen sink, you create a smooth, streamlined process of accessing your kitchen supplies to maintain a tidier kitchen. Look for sturdy, waterproof organisers with handles that make it easy to take supplies out of the cabinet, or consider a tiered organiser to make the most out of your vertical space. You can often find great caddy sets or drawers from the Container Store.
First in, First Out Pantry Rotation
How often do you reach into the back of your pantry and find something expired? It’s a common issue when you just pile new items in front of the old ones, but the “First In, First Out” method (FIFO) can help to prevent that! This involves making a habit of using the oldest items first before reaching for the new ones. When you come back from the grocery store, always move your older products forward and put the newer purchases behind them. This can help to reduce food waste and save money by making sure food items don’t get lost and forgotten about in the back of the pantry. Implementing FIFO doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s just a matter of shifting your habits and adding new food purchases to the back, so that older items get used first and avoid expiry dates.
Create Zones
Thinking of your kitchen as a series of functional zones can be a game-changer for efficiency. Instead of scattered chaos, think of designating different parts of your kitchen to specific tasks: a baking zone, a coffee station, a prep zone, etc. Having these clearly defined zones can streamline how you navigate and use your kitchen for each specific need. Keep all your baking supplies in one area – measuring cups, flour, sugar – so they’re ready for any baking adventure you decide to embark on. Designating a specific spot for a particular need can help to prevent things from being misplaced, make meal prep easier, and keep everything organised since it always returns to the same spot. You’ll notice a huge difference when each zone is established and maintained.
Regularly Declutter
Finally, even the most organised kitchens need regular decluttering. It’s easy to accumulate items that you simply don’t use or need and to slowly forget about old items that start to take up valuable space. Take a few minutes regularly to purge out items that no longer have a purpose in your kitchen, whether that is a random utensil you never use, a mismatched container you forgot you owned, or old food that expired.
By doing this routinely, you prevent the build-up of clutter that can inevitably lead to a kitchen that’s no longer organised. Incorporate decluttering into a simple routine by using the FIFO system, or spend 10 minutes each week to quickly see if there’s anything you can let go of from the pantry, fridge, or your cabinets. A consistently decluttered space is key to a consistently organised kitchen and home.
By implementing these 15 kitchen organisation ideas, you can transform your space into a more functional and enjoyable environment. Remember, a well-organised kitchen is not just about aesthetics, but about making daily life easier and more efficient.
