When Dan and I got married, as we put away gifts that we received from our wedding, we would go through items that he already had. Even back then, I loved to organize things and purge my house of stuff I do not use to simplify my life. So naturally, when I came across a lettuce crisper I thought, I have never used one before, why do I need one of these? I may or may not have tossed it! Years later we were putting away groceries, including iceberg lettuce, and Dan wondered where the lettuce crisper was. Being more experienced with kitchen containers, I told him yes, that might be nice to put our lettuce in. He was certain we owned one, but we could not find it anywhere. Then it came to me-I did remember seeing it when we first were married and I told him that I might have donated it. I honestly was not sure what had happened to it. My husband did not understand why I would want to get rid of a lettuce crisper! We then ended up buying another one-which we do not use very much I might add, but I have not donated this one….yet.
I have tried to donate items in my kitchen that I don’t use often, partly because we have limited space. Therefore, being short on space and with a limited budget, I have had to be creative. One effective way I have learned to use my space is with clear glass canning jars of different shapes and sizes for storage. They work great because you can see how much is left in them, so I know when I need to go to the store to replenish my food items. I use them for flour, sugar, chocolate chips, oatmeal, baking soda, baking powder, nuts, popcorn etc.
I also use a label maker to label my jars, but you could use store bought labels, like ones for chalk and chalk pens, which you could find at a craft store. You really do not have to label everything (labeling them just makes me happy), just focus on goods that look similar-you would not want to confuse the baking powder and baking soda. I would also recommend purchasing the plastic lids for basic jars, instead of the two piece metal ones, because of the convenience.
Baskets come in handy as well when you are organizing food and other kitchen supplies. We do not have a pantry, but in place of that we use a metal shelving stand. Whether you have a pantry or just some shelves, find containers that fit with your space. Corral like items together. Crackers stay fresh longer placed in sealed containers. Snacks can be organized together in a one section and beverages in another.
Other helpful tools like utensil containers, can keep your drawers from becoming a mess. I like the bamboo ones, but I also use some plastic ones.
I do not have a built-in area for conveniently storing items such as my baking sheets, but a dish drying rack from The Dollar Store, is a good substitute, but it will get out of shape after awhile. If you can spend a bit more money you can use a bamboo pot lid holder, which is what I am currently using. I bought mine on Amazon.
Be patient – it took me a while to get my kitchen organized. You can’t ignore your kitchen either, it is one of the places in your home that can become as unruly as unpicked weeds in a garden. Maintain it daily and this will be a place that you will want to cook and gather in.
Use your imagination for what works in your kitchen. I have purchased jars, baskets, and utensil containers over time, so please don’t break the bank organizing. You can find canning jars just about anywhere. Keep an eye out for creative storage containers at garage sales or thrift stores. Maybe you will come across our old lettuce crisper!
Want more organizing tips? Check out these posts on freeing your home of clutter and tips for organizing your belongings with containers.
Feel free to share any storage tips you have for kitchen goods in the comments.
Oil and Shine 