{"id":83161,"date":"2024-07-16T13:13:04","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T18:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flandersfamily.info\/web\/?p=83161"},"modified":"2024-07-16T17:43:09","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T22:43:09","slug":"how-to-organize-your-kitchen-for-efficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flandersfamily.info\/web\/2024\/07\/16\/how-to-organize-your-kitchen-for-efficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Organize Your Kitchen for Efficiency"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then organization is the exercise that keeps it running smoothly. The key is to think things through and plan ahead and organize your kitchen for efficiency. Below are some things that help maintain order and preserve natural flow in our family\u2019s kitchen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a Menu <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plan the week\u2019s menu<\/a> before heading to the grocery store. This will allow you to take full advantage of special sales, eliminate the need for subsequent trips to the store for forgotten items, and reduce the daily thought needed to get dinner on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stock Your Pantry <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep ingredients on hand for several quick and easy meals (such as lentil soup<\/a> or cheese enchiladas<\/a>), so that you can have a simple meal ready on short notice in case your husband gets home early or unexpected company drops by. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shop with a List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don’t go to the store without a grocery list, and group items according to the sections of the store where they are sold. By keeping such a list posted on the refrigerator or in the pantry, you can add to it as you use up supplies or notice them running low. Print a copy of our list<\/a> or design your one of own.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Keep Track of Wash Cycles <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever had a child empty an entire dishwasher before it had actually been run? If you don’t like dirty dishes being put back in the cabinet with clean ones, try our handy trick. When our dishwasher had a stainless steal interior, we were able to use a dry erase marker to write the word “dirty” on the inside of the door each time it had been emptied. The word would stay there until the cycle ran again, then rinse clean with the dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option is the one we use now: We re-fill the detergent compartment and close it as soon as we’ve emptied a load of clean dishes. The compartment will remain shut until the next time you run the dishwasher, so if you open the dishwasher and see that little detergent drawer empty, you can safely assume the dishes are clean. If it’s still closed, you know they’re still dirty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Use Logic and Labels <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Store things in cabinets closest to the point of use \u2013 cups near the sink or dishwasher; plates and silverware near the dining table; pots and pans near the cook top, etc. Label all shelves, drawers, dividers, etc. so that things can be easily returned to their proper places, even when someone besides Mom is putting them away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Keep Tools Handy <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hang measuring cups\/spoons on inside of spice cabinet door is another good way to organize your kitchen for efficiency. Keep blender and toaster plugged in and ready on the countertop or in a an appliance garage. Double up on tools like cutting boards and potato peelers so that more than one person can work at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Create Work Stations <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Likewise, try to group items in activity centers \u2013 keep mixing bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, baking pans, flour, sugar, oil, etc. easily accessible from a baking center. Other centers could include desk area (pens, pencils, paper, envelopes, stamps, labels, stapler, scissors, etc) or coffee center (coffee maker, filters, coffee, sugar, creamer, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Post Favorite Recipes <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Post frequently used recipes (eg. for muffins or pancakes) on inside of cabinet door where you or a family member can easily read and follow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make a Message Center <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep a notepad and pen on the fridge for items to add to your grocery lists or exchanging notes with family members. The refrigerator is often also a great (read: highly visible) place for posting a family calendar.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Use Storage Containers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keep the pantry looking neat by storing cereals, snacks, and staples in Tupperware or recycled plastic jars with wide, screw-on lids. This allows you to spot at a glance when you are low on flour, sugar, or Cheerios. Air-tight lids also keep freshness in and bugs out and immediately make your kitchen look more organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cook in Bulk <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Double up when cooking any dish that freezes well<\/a> and save half for another day or to share with friends who have a sickness or death in their family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Your Crockpot <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Buy a slow-cooker and use it to have meals ready anytime \u2013 start early in the morning (eg, pot roast, carrots and potatoes, plus a can of cream of mushroom soup and a pkg. of onion soup mix).<\/p>\n\n\n