Organizational Overhaul--Kitchen Drawers
Hello there! Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Life has just been busy!
I'm starting a new series that I'm hoping to make a regular thing--at least until my whole house is organized! :) When Caleb and I lived in Nashville for a year, I had the privilege to work as a professional organizer (my absolute dream job!). I didn't know the profession even existed until Sean Lowe's season of the Bachelor when one of his contestants was a professional organizer. I was like "ummmm how do I get that job?!?" So when we found out we were moving, I googled organizers in Nashville, and came across A Fresh Space's website. I called the number on the site and left a message and didn't hear back. Well 4 months passed and I eventually sent an email and heard back almost right away.
Liz Jenkins owns A Fresh Space and is an absolutely phenomenal organizer. She's actually pretty famous in the world of organizers (which is a real thing!). I worked for her for 7 or 8 months until we moved back to Huntsville, and what I learned was invaluable. I got to work in lots of different homes, doing lots of different jobs, but the strategy was the same every time; empty the space, sort the objects, help the client go through and purge, and put the items to keep back in the space, just in a neat and organized way, using all kinds of amazing bins, baskets, and containers. And with labels on EVERYTHING. 😍😍😍 I have always had a knack (dare I say, talent) for this kind of work, but I really honed my skills during those months with Liz. I think compared to a lot of people's houses, my house would be considered very neat and organized, but there are still things that I know could be done better, and so I'm constantly tweaking the storage systems I have. Okay, sorry for the long back story--now on to the overhaul!
When we moved back in June, the first thing I set up was my kitchen. I was very meticulous about where I put everything, and for the most part I'm very happy with the way it all functions. But I couldn't get my cooking tools and utensils to neatly fit in the drawer that was designated for them, so I just kind of threw them in with the promise of cleaning it up later. Well finally, almost 2 months later, I have done it! I seriously could not handle it anymore. It was a disaster! Take a look below:
I'm starting a new series that I'm hoping to make a regular thing--at least until my whole house is organized! :) When Caleb and I lived in Nashville for a year, I had the privilege to work as a professional organizer (my absolute dream job!). I didn't know the profession even existed until Sean Lowe's season of the Bachelor when one of his contestants was a professional organizer. I was like "ummmm how do I get that job?!?" So when we found out we were moving, I googled organizers in Nashville, and came across A Fresh Space's website. I called the number on the site and left a message and didn't hear back. Well 4 months passed and I eventually sent an email and heard back almost right away.
Liz Jenkins owns A Fresh Space and is an absolutely phenomenal organizer. She's actually pretty famous in the world of organizers (which is a real thing!). I worked for her for 7 or 8 months until we moved back to Huntsville, and what I learned was invaluable. I got to work in lots of different homes, doing lots of different jobs, but the strategy was the same every time; empty the space, sort the objects, help the client go through and purge, and put the items to keep back in the space, just in a neat and organized way, using all kinds of amazing bins, baskets, and containers. And with labels on EVERYTHING. 😍😍😍 I have always had a knack (dare I say, talent) for this kind of work, but I really honed my skills during those months with Liz. I think compared to a lot of people's houses, my house would be considered very neat and organized, but there are still things that I know could be done better, and so I'm constantly tweaking the storage systems I have. Okay, sorry for the long back story--now on to the overhaul!
When we moved back in June, the first thing I set up was my kitchen. I was very meticulous about where I put everything, and for the most part I'm very happy with the way it all functions. But I couldn't get my cooking tools and utensils to neatly fit in the drawer that was designated for them, so I just kind of threw them in with the promise of cleaning it up later. Well finally, almost 2 months later, I have done it! I seriously could not handle it anymore. It was a disaster! Take a look below:
This was by far the messiest drawer in my whole house, and something had to be done. Turns out I really couldn't fit everything in the one drawer, and I had already gotten rid of a few things when we moved. Everything left are items that I really use and love. So I cleared kitchen towels out of the drawer below, and separated everything into two drawers (I put the towels in a basket by my sink, which I actually like better anyway! Much more accessible).
The first drawer has what I have called "cooking utensils"...
...while the second drawer has what I consider "baking utensils". I know that measuring cups and spoons are used for stuff other than baking, but for some reason this naming system makes sense to me. 😜 And by the way, I keep wooden spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc. in a crock on the counter, next to my stove. Which is why you don't see them pictured anywhere.😉
The very bottom drawer in this section of cabinets is extra deep, which I love, and I have all of my storage bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper, etc. in it. It wasn't too bad, but everything was just kind of a mess.
I rearranged a little and put the items that I use less frequently at the very back, while keeping the items I use most at the top, and I was very happy with the result.
Now this kind of thing will definitely get messy again (and that's okay!), but at least everything now has a general home and it will be much easier to tidy up quickly and put things back where they belong.
I am so happy to finally have these drawers neat and organized, and to have checked it off my to-do list. Next up, the pantry! 😀
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