DIVINE X Rubbermaid
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be therapeutic if you have the right mindset and strategy. When it comes to rooms, the kitchen is often the most used. You use it for cooking and eating of course, but lately it has also become our home office and even our games room. With all of these uses, and so much time spent there, it can be difficult to keep up with the clutter. That is why kitchen organization is so important.
People have enjoyed using the KonMari Method to organize their homes. With simple principles, like “spark joy” and dividing organization into categories, it has become the most logical way to organize your home. The five categories with the KonMari Method are: 1) clothes, 2) books, 3) papers, 4) komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, 5) sentimental items. We’ve written about the first category, clothes, in the past. Today, we are tackling kitchen organization with KonMari Master Consultant, Helen Youn.
Youn, based out of Calgary, Alberta, found the KonMari method as an overwhelmed new mom working in a corporate job that didn’t spark joy. She is currently the only Canadian KonMari Consultant in Speakers Circle and had the honour to be selected as a lecturer at a KonMari Consultant Certification Course. Youn shared her tips for kitchen organization:
Before you start, imagine your ideal life:
Visualize a space that will inspire you to cook and think about what type of food you enjoy making. Having this vision will give you clarity on the types of items you’ll need to keep and how your kitchen can support you.
Tidy by category:
Don’t tackle your kitchen and pantry all at once as it can quickly feel overwhelming. It is easier to work by subcategory since you will be able to see how much you own, compare similar items to identify your favourites and let go of duplicates. In your kitchen, the major subcategories are tools for cooking (i.e. small appliances, pots and pans, etc.), tools for eating (i.e. cutlery, plates, bowls etc.), and food (dried goods, drinks and snacks etc.). You can break each subcategory down even further to make it more manageable if needed.
Use clear storage containers:
There are many benefits to using clear storage containers in your kitchen, pantry and fridge. This easy trick will increase the joy factor by reducing visual clutter from various food packaging and help you to see what you have on hand at a glance. When you use airtight containers, it will also help you reduce food waste by keep your food fresher longer. Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids are designed to be easy to store and help to keep cabinets and the fridge organized with a space-saving, modular design for perfect stacking and organization. The vented lids are perfect for splatter resistant microwaving so that is one less cleanup job to tackle.
Vertical storage is key:
When it comes to storage, consider storing items vertically where possible. Use stackable storage containers in your pantry to maximize your vertical storage. The Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids are the perfect solution to your container cupboard. Their bases fit inside each other when storing and one lid fits multiple bases. Items like baking trays and cutting boards will also take up less space when stored vertically. In the fridge, consider storing vegetables like carrots and asparagus vertically by putting them into a cup.
Clear your counters:
Minimize what you store on the counters and pay special attention to keeping the counter space near your stove clear because that area is particularly prone to splatters of food and oil. Having clear counters will make it easier for you to prepare your food and make it easier to clean. In a kitchen that sparks joy, cleanliness is crucial!
Joy check everything!
To create a kitchen that sparks joy, don’t forget to joy check everything by holding each item in your hand and ask yourself, does it spark joy? You can joy check everything from tools for eating and cooking to food. Let go of anything that doesn’t spark joy or have served their purpose with gratitude.
Kitchen organization using the KonMari Method is much more enjoyable. To learn more about how to organize your home check out helenyoun.com and visit https://www.rubbermaid.com for more information about Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids.
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