This week we’re focusing on the kitchen counter, along with that one catch-all drawer we all have. (Spoiler alert: It can be your secret weapon!)
The kitchen is the nerve center of the home, where we gather, make meals, do homework, pay bills, and more — especially these days. So, it’s no surprise the kitchen also serves as a dumping ground for all kinds of things. The so-called “junk drawer,” usually found in the kitchen, is a particular magnet for miscellaneous items.
So, how do we cope with all that kitchen clutter?
To start, rather than accepting your messy kitchen drawer as a catch-all, reimagine it as a tidy storage area. Once the drawer is organized, you can put items away properly at the end of each day and clear the countertops for easy cleaning — a win-win.
To make the most of your kitchen drawer and countertop, follow these three steps:
Decide how you want to use the space. If you want to use your counter as a kitchen desk, that’s very different from wanting to use it as an electronics hub or family organizing center. Knowing how you want to use your space will guide you in how to set it up for maximum benefit.
Select your storage containers. We recommend using an assortment of trays, shallow boxes, and jars (new or repurposed) to maximize your storage space. For example, items like pens and scissors take up less room when stored vertically in a jar. Receipts and other paperwork also work well when stored vertically. Smaller items such as paper clips, rubber bands, keys, and packs of gum fit well in shallow containers. Electronics are stored best when they’re organized together on a tray. You can even consider having an interior outlet placed inside a drawer to keep your electronics and charging wires out of sight.
Sort and organize the space in one sitting. Carve out the time, then place three bags next to you (one for donations, one for recycling, and one for garbage), and get it done! We recommend completing the project in one sitting simply because the kitchen drawer is often the most overlooked part of the home, so it’s far too easy to step away and “get back to it later.”
With a little advanced planning, you can put your former “junk drawer” to work for you, preventing future pile-ups on your kitchen counters and enhancing one of your hardest-working rooms.
