How to Organize Your Kitchen (REALISTICALLY)
Recently, I embarked on a long-awaited kitchen renovation project, and it's finally coming to an end. After months of waiting, I couldn't wait to move back into my kitchen and start cooking meals again. But before I could do that, I had to get everything organized. And that's where this blog post comes in
I’m sure you have seen those Pinterest photos of of spice bottles perfectly lined up and labeled with stickers, and fridges organized into neat little plastic containers. These look beautiful, but let's be real, knowing myself that’s not realistic or an achievable practice for the way my partner and I use the kitchen. So, I'm sharing some tips in this blog post on how I managed to organize my kitchen in a way that's practical and doable for us.
First things first
I started by going through all of the items Elliott and I had accumulated over the years and deciding which ones we wanted to keep. Once I had a clear idea of what I wanted to keep, I started figuring out where to put everything. How do I want to organize my utensils? Should I use new jars for spices? Where does everything make sense to go?
Drawer Organizers
It made sense for me to get my items into drawers first. Who doesn't love opening a drawer and being greeted by a perfect set of matching cutlery? But let's be real, most of us don't have that luxury, especially when our partners bring in their own eclectic collection. I opted to keep all our cutlery instead of buying all new sets, not only because it’s cheaper, but it’s also more sustainable.
I also didn't want to break the bank on custom drawer organizers, so I found a more budget-friendly and fun solution. I snagged some adjustable bamboo organizers that can be customized to the size you need for your utensils. Now it’s organized and looks all that much better!
Re-homing Food
Next, I took on the task of re-housing some food items that came in inconvenient containers and bags. You could splurge on a bunch of matching containers to hold all your snacks and goodies, but where's the fun in that? Instead, I decided to source some new glass jars from the thrift store and collect my preexisting glass jars (from things like pasta sauces and pickled peppers!) After giving them a good wash, instead of getting label stickers, I used something easier! With a trusty china marker, I can now easily change up the labeling depending on what's inside. Not only is this method more eco-friendly and budget-friendly, but it also adds a touch of charm and coziness to my kitchen.
All in all, organizing a kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when combining two households. However, taking it one step at a time and having a plan can make the process easier. By starting with a rough move-in, I was able to figure out the best spots for each item and if I needed to DIY or hack anything to make more fit. So, take your time, plan your moves, and enjoy the process of making your kitchen work for you.
Check out the full room transformation here.
