Organizing my kitchen

[Csara]

My cabinets are stuffed, my counter tops are cluttered and we just got a new set of dishes that need to be put away somewhere. I don't even know where to begin. Any tips on a way to start tackling this overwhelming task of organizing my kitchen? :argh:

[honeybunny]

Not sure where to begin since I can't peek inside your cabinets, but where do you keep your regular dishes? Do you want to keep all of your old dishes and the new ones? I only have 2 upper cabinets so I keep dishes in one and drinkware in the other. I've been able to increase the amount of dishes that I store by using wire shelf dividers that I picked up at Walmart (they also sell them at B,B,&B and Linens 'n' Things and probably Target). I'll go take a picture so you can see what I mean.

[honeybunny]

Here's my dish cabinet. Unfortunately, a lot of our dishes and platters are dirty, so you can't see just how much we usually store in there. These things have been a lifesaver though you may already be using them. If that doesn't help, maybe I can help come up with other ideas.

[Mommytotwo]

Do you have plastic containers or tupperware in your cabinets? If so, you can put them into each container with all the covers on the top to condense your space.
I would elimate things that you don't use anymore to make more room. Just take everything out, clean out the cabinet and then as you put the items back in really think, when was the last time I used this and do I really need it.

[Csara]

honey, those are good - thank you for the pic and suggestion! my mom is going to help and she actually mentioned those yesterday. i am going to make a trip to bb&b either today or tomorrow and get some of them.

i do want to get rid of my old dishes so i guess once those are cleared out along with anything else we don't use/need anymore, the space will be a little more open. we just seem to have SO MUCH STUFF and most of it, I want to keep.

[honeybunny]

I totally agree about keeping your plastic containers within each other if they fit. I do that and throw the lids in and just close the largest lid to keep it all together. Another trick is to find another place in your house to store rarely used serving pieces, holiday stuff, and appliances. We are adding extra shelves to our laundry room to store rarely used appliances that we can't part with.

[CC21]

We stack all of our tupperware stuff inside of each other and put all of the lids in a rubbermaid type shoebox without the lid. Works well, doesn't take up a lot of space an all the lids are right there.

[meliz]

Two words: Smart Spin!! As seen on TV!:)

Hub bought one and I scoffed at him for being whore to capitalism (and the shopping channel), but I ate my words (with my leftovers). These are great for those of us who are Tupperwarily Challenged!

Granted they aren't Tupperware quality, but they do work fine (my only warning is don't drop them when frozen... I've had two casualties already, a function of having a freezer as unorganized and overflowing as my cupboards:)). But honestly, this is very convenient... all covers fit all containers... brilliant really. I noticed you can by "generic" versions now at WallyMart, and they are, I am sure, no worse quality than the "real" Smart Spin.

This is it: http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages/smart_spin.html

[Csara]

meliz, that thing is so cool!!

i have such random plastic containers that pretty much nothing fits inside anything. I should throw them all away and get that smart spin thing. :)

[heather6773]

My mom has a smart spin and loves it...she got my Grandma one for Christmas...I need one!!!:thumb2: