Does your kitchen resemble a “Where’s Waldo?” puzzle?

The National Association of Professional Organizers in Michigan wants to share some tips on organizing your kitchen.

Instead of spending valuable time sifting through countless items you rarely use to get to that one you need, here are four ways to make your kitchen much easier to navigate.


1. Get in the zone: Divide your kitchen up into specific sections or zones. Food preparation tools, like cutting boards, measuring cups and mixing bowls, should be located near the largest available workspace. Store cooking needs – pots, pans, bake ware and potholders – near the stove. Serving supplies, like dishes, glassware, flatware and napkins, near the dining room. Tupperware, plastic wrap, foil and other storage items work well near the refrigerator. The dishwasher/sink area is a great place for dish towels, sponges, trash bags and all-purpose cleaners.


2. Minimize it: To keep clutter to a minimum, identify and remove things that do not belong in the zones (think paperwork, toys and tools) and give away or sell some of those misplaced or seldom-used items. Take this time to also check the expiration dates on products and administer quality control on your existing items; that “1987 Miniature Golf and Karaoke Champion” mug with the missing handle may have sentimental value but you have plenty of other mugs in one piece that can do the same job.


3. Maximize space: Find space that is not being utilized. For example: negative space on shelves, vertical or wall space, and space inside cabinet doors. Most important, use the entire space within the cabinet, drawer or pantry. Products like ShelfGenie’s custom Glide-Out shelves can provide two or more shelves in each cabinet when most standard cabinets only provide one and a half. This will maximize your usable storage space while allowing for easy access to everything.

4. Contain yourself: It may sound like a no-brainer but make your most frequently used items the most accessible. Everyday items like plates, glasses and cutting boards should be within reach at all times while sporadically-used items (juicers, bread makers, double boilers, etc.) can be tucked away.


Organizing your kitchen is easier than you think! For more organizing tips, visit http://www.napomichigan.com/.

Article submitted by Chapter Associate Member, Debbie Marwil.