by Laurie Childree

Created on: December 02, 2008

The kitchen is the one room in the home most likely to have a junk drawer for the overflow of things that were thought to be an absolute must at one time or another. Clutter is the biggest part of an unorganized home and the kitchen is the rule rather than the exception most of the time. Not to worry though you can organize even the smallest most disorganized kitchen by clearing out some or all of that clutter. When people look at the kitchen they often overlook the fact that they have appliances they haven't used in years or that they have never used.

The temptation to buy the latest kitchen gadget is strong with all the advertising of the next great item to cook a meal without you and the ability to have a full meal in a matter of minutes but most of us buy it and forget it. Take a look around and all those appliances and kitchen gadgets you haven't used in six months or better yet that are in still in the box never having seen the light of day should be taken and sold at a yard sale or donated to a local charity to get them out of the way. You aren't using them and aren't going to so let someone that might not have one get the chance to try them.

The amount of storage space in the kitchen will have an effect on the amount of clutter without even realizing it. Drawer organizers and rubber bands can come in handy in the efforts for organization. Utensil drawers can be lined with organizers to have a separate home for your forks, spoons, etc to help prevent cluttering of the drawer. A search of the junk drawer will often find a few dozen duplicates that were purchased because you couldn't find something in the clutter. These can be organized with little trays as well with like items being put into them.

When it comes to cabinets putting like items together will help a great deal. Dishes in one place, cups and glasses in there own. The same thing goes for pots and pans. Spices often take up unnecessary shelf space but wall mounted spice racks help to get them off shelves and countertops while increasing the amount of storage space you have elsewhere. (Alphabetizing spices may seem extreme to some but it can cut down on the amount of time spent searching for them.)

Is the microwave taking up too much counter space? Do you have room for a microwave cart with extra storage space underneath? The additional space can be used for cereals and snacks for the kids that are within easy reach. Metal shelves can be utilized in the empty space at the bottom of the pantry to put over flow while helping with the organizational efforts. Some strategically placed hooks can help to keep frequently used utensils from becoming lost in the confusion that is the kitchen.

While organizing the kitchen to get rid of clutter don't forget to make a stack of recyclables to send to the recycling center and get them out of your kitchen.

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