by Stephanie Sublett

Created on: May 13, 2008

We all know it feels better to have a neat house, but how can we achieve it? Start in the kitchen: Clear the clutter and organize your kitchen with these ways to simplify this important area in the home.

Take everything off your counters, put the appliances you use the most where they make the most sense, and put the rest away to give yourself room to work. Forget your best intentions and be realistic. If you have not touched something in several months, it does not need to be easily accessible. If you have not used something for an entire year, it is time to liberate yourself from the clutter it creates.

Clear out your refrigerator before every shopping trip. Twice per year, clean even the so called non-perishables. You might be surprised by the dates on the jars and bottles of things you seldom use. Even mustard has a finite shelf life. At least once per year, defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge and freezer. By reducing the clutter, you can easily see what your real meal planning options are.

Reorganize the pantry before each shopping trip. Put seldom used items in back, frequently used items up front. If you buy in bulk, just keep what is needed in the cupboard at any one time and hide the rest away in another place for longer term storage. By keeping up with the pantry organization, you avoid duplicate purchases and space shortages.

Save yourself and the environment by giving up canned and bottled beverages. Install a water filter and keep a few dishwasher safe bottles around. Give up the bottled water, soda, etc. Once in a while, have a party to use up beer, wine, and/or liquor that have been sitting around. Remember it is better t o give than receive. Send people home from a party with food in disposable containers and unopened beverages.

If food is non-perishable but has been around more than three months, give it to a food bank. If you have gifts you do not use, regift them or donate them. If appliances are broken, fix them or get rid of them. If you are keeping food containers to use for storage, only keep similarly-shaped stackable ones.

Use your kitchen ONLY for cooking and eating. Remove clutter including paperwork and activities from your kitchen table, countertops, island, and chairs. Eat at the table with a loved one. Aim for mindful, replenishing meals rather than mindless eating in front of the TV or computer.

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