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Conquering
Kitchen Clutter
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by Debbie Williams
Did you know that 20% of the total items in your kitchen are used 80% of the time?
Wow! If we only use 20% of the stuff in our junk drawers and pantry, then why on earth do
we think we need MORE storage space? That's a good question, and below are a few tips to
help you reclaim some of that precious cabinet space in your own kitchen.
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- Take Note. Use a magnetic clip for the refrigerator to hold all those lists in place:
grocery list, coupons, toiletries list, freezer inventory, etc.
- Stack it Up. Use plastic or wicker in-baskets and go vertical to utilize counter
space. Don't spread; stack. Purchase wire shelves for pantries and cabinets at your
discount store. These double the space for dishes, pots, and pans. Lid organizers and
baking tray racks store stackable pots and pans.
- Hang on. Use over-the-door hangers or door-mounted holders to display pantry items.
Holders for seasoning envelopes, spice boxes, and plastic wraps consolidate these elusive
items once and for all. You can even buy under-the-shelf organizers for paper plates,
napkins, and coffee filters.
- Take Stock. Keep a current inventory of freezer items (especially if you do bulk
cooking) on the side of the fridge. Use a pencil so you can erase items as they are used.
- No more junk drawer? No way! Just use any type of plastic basket or cutlery organizer
for your junk drawer, and clean it out routinely.
- Pretty is as pretty does. Since counter space is at a premium, don't display all your
knickknacks on the countertop - hang framed prints rather than resting them on easels.
Consolidate fridge photos with a magnetic mat, or adhere a magnetic sheet to each picture
creating your own photo magnets. Store tall utensils in pottery or your favorite pitcher.
This makes your favorite things do double duty, creating more drawer space and reducing
countertop clutter.
By using some of these kitchen-organizing tips, you will reclaim storage space and cut
down on the clutter in your kitchen. Keep your eyes open for storage containers and get
creative with flea market items - remember, one man's trash is another's clutter buster.
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Debbie Williams is an author, speaker and radio host who offers tools
and training to help you put your life in order. Learn more tips like these in
her book, Common
Sense Organizing (Champion Press Ltd, January 2005)
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