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Hello, and welcome! Today, I'm excited to invite you into the heart of every household: the kitchen. As a professional home organizer, I deeply believe that a well-ordered kitchen sets the tone for a harmonious household. Join me as I share the secrets to refreshing your kitchen in this step-by-step guide. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy for our living spaces to become cluttered and chaotic. That's why I make it a priority to deep clean and update the organizational systems in my kitchen once per quarter. This ritual not only keeps my space looking its best but also ensures that it remains functional and efficient for the needs of my household. Recently, some lifestyle changes prompted me to take a closer look at how I utilize my kitchen space, leading to a rejuvenating transformation. Watch me deep clean and organize my kitchen in the video above, or continue reading for a quick guide on how to revamp your own space.
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1. Decluttering and Revitalizing
The first step in any kitchen refresh is decluttering. I start by taking everything out of cabinets and drawers, assessing each item's usefulness and condition. If it hasn't been used in the past few months or no longer serves a purpose, it's time to let it go. This process not only clears physical clutter but also brings a sense of mental clarity and renewal.
2. Creating Zones for Efficiency
One of the keys to a functional kitchen is creating zones for different tasks. Whether it's meal prep, cooking, or cleanup, having designated areas for each activity streamlines the workflow and makes kitchen tasks more manageable. By organizing utensils, cookware, and ingredients into specific zones, I can work more efficiently and enjoy my time in the kitchen. The same goes for those items needed for our daily routines such as keeping all of our daily vitamins in one place, storing our coffee/tea supplies near the coffee maker, and even keeping things commonly used together stored in a bin that is easy to take in and out of your refrigerator.
The first step in any kitchen refresh is decluttering. I start by taking everything out of cabinets and drawers, assessing each item's usefulness and condition. If it hasn't been used in the past few months or no longer serves a purpose, it's time to let it go. This process not only clears physical clutter but also brings a sense of mental clarity and renewal.
2. Creating Zones for Efficiency
One of the keys to a functional kitchen is creating zones for different tasks. Whether it's meal prep, cooking, or cleanup, having designated areas for each activity streamlines the workflow and makes kitchen tasks more manageable. By organizing utensils, cookware, and ingredients into specific zones, I can work more efficiently and enjoy my time in the kitchen. The same goes for those items needed for our daily routines such as keeping all of our daily vitamins in one place, storing our coffee/tea supplies near the coffee maker, and even keeping things commonly used together stored in a bin that is easy to take in and out of your refrigerator.
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3. Optimizing Every Nook and Cranny
Once the clutter is cleared, it's time to optimize every inch of space in my kitchen. Utilizing vertical space with shelving and organizers can maximize storage capacity and keep countertops clear for meal preparation. Turntables/Lazy Susan's are great for cabinets so you can easily access your desired item with a simple flick of the wrist instead of having to dig through layers of items, and drawer organizers are a fantastic way to keep things from sliding around in drawers, creating what I like to call "drawer soup." 4. Cleaning and Polishing for a Fresh Start By incorporating these cleaning and polishing techniques into your kitchen refresh routine, you'll ensure that your space not only looks organized but also feels clean and inviting. With these simple steps, you'll be ready to enjoy a kitchen that's both beautiful and functional, making every moment spent cooking and entertaining a joyous experience. |
"Drawer Soup"
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- Vacuum and Wipe Down Cabinets and Drawers: Remove everything from cabinets and drawers, vacuum to eliminate crumbs, and wipe down your space if needed. I love using baby wipes. They are have the perfect amount of moisture and are great at picking up messes.
- Clean Cabinet Door and Drawer Fronts: Don't overlook the exterior surfaces! Again, I love utilizing baby wipes to wipe down cabinet door and drawer fronts, targeting sticky spots and fingerprints. Another great option would be a non-toxic cleaner (think DWV + water) and a kitchen rag.
- Run a Baking Soda and Vinegar Cycle in Your Dishwasher: Freshen up your dishwasher by running a cycle with a cup of vinegar on the top rack and a cup of baking soda in the bottom. This natural method eliminates odors and breaks down food particles.
- Polish Stainless Steel Appliances with Olive Oil: Restore shine to stainless steel appliances by applying a small amount of olive oil to a microfiber cloth and gently rubbing it onto the surface in the direction of the grain. This removes fingerprints, leaves a streak-free finish, and is completely non-toxic! It's a win-win-win!
Before TLP Home + Co
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After TLP Home + Co
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5. Embracing the Art of Slow Living
At its core, the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals; it's a space where memories are made, and connections are formed. By embracing the art of slow living and taking the time to curate a kitchen that reflects our values and lifestyle, we can create a place in our home where every moment - and every meal - is savored.
At its core, the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals; it's a space where memories are made, and connections are formed. By embracing the art of slow living and taking the time to curate a kitchen that reflects our values and lifestyle, we can create a place in our home where every moment - and every meal - is savored.
BONUS: Get the Whole Family Involved
Refreshing your kitchen isn't just a solo endeavor—it's an opportunity to foster a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility within your household. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member, turning the process into a fun game or challenge with rewards for participation. Use the opportunity to educate children on valuable life skills, such as organization and cleaning, and celebrate achievements together once the kitchen is refreshed. By involving the whole family in the process, you not only lighten the workload but also strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, transforming your kitchen into a space that reflects the collective efforts and love of your family.
Refreshing your kitchen isn't just a solo endeavor—it's an opportunity to foster a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility within your household. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each family member, turning the process into a fun game or challenge with rewards for participation. Use the opportunity to educate children on valuable life skills, such as organization and cleaning, and celebrate achievements together once the kitchen is refreshed. By involving the whole family in the process, you not only lighten the workload but also strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, transforming your kitchen into a space that reflects the collective efforts and love of your family.
A refreshed kitchen isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that nurtures and inspires. By following my step-by-step guide, you too can unlock the secrets to a kitchen that's not only beautiful but also functional and efficient. Join me in embracing the art of slow living and transforming your kitchen into a sanctuary of serenity and practicality.
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