Timesaving Tips and Solutions from Real Simple


Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

Photos by: David Prince
When you have egg whites forming stiff peaks, an oven at 400 degrees, and butter melting on the stove, a hunt for kitchen supplies can have catastrophic consequences. The most efficient organizing principle is to group things by activity and keep them stationed around the starring appliance.



Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

  • Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

    Activity
    Storing

    Area
    Near the refrigerator

    Can include:
    Plastic wrap, foil, wax paper
    Plastic bags
    Chip clips
    Food storage containers

  • Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

    Activity
    Serving

    Area
    Near the dishwasher or dish rack

    Can include:
    Flatware, dishes, glasses
    Serving bowls, plates
    Serving utensils

  • Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

    Activity
    Cooking

    Area
    Near the range

    Can include:
    Pots and pans
    Knives
    Cutting boards
    Wooden spoons
    Pot holders
    Cookbook stand
    Oils, vinegars
    Herbs, spices

  • Arrange Your Kitchen By Activity

    Activity
    Baking

    Area
    Near the mixer

    Can include:
    Mixing bowls
    Baking sheets, cake pans, pie plates
    Measuring spoons and cups, spatula
    Flours, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, shortening, cocoa, extracts, food coloring
    Chocolate chips, sprinkles

Anything that doesn't fall under the main kitchen-activity categories -- baking, cooking, serving, and storing -- doesn't need to be taking up valuable space. Larger serving dishes and roasting pans should go on low or high shelves in the kitchen or pantry.

If you're really strapped for space, store seldom-used and seasonal items, such as birthday-cake molds and cookie cutters, away from the kitchen entirely. Be sure to label the boxes or storage containers so you know what's stored where.

As for never-used fondue sets, chafing dishes, bread and ice-cream makers, snow-cone machines, and creme brulee torches, share the wealth at your next tag sale.