Do you have this situation? You are always looking for ways to better organize your space. Your closets, bookshelves, and living room all have baskets or bins that are both decorative and purposeful. The back trunk of your car even has cardboard boxes strategically placed and filled with tools, reusable totes, and cleaning supplies. But until recently, your fridge has always fallen into the “I’ll get to it later” category.
If you’re looking to cook more in 2024, having a well-organized kitchen is key. And while buying more things to reduce your overall clutter sounds counterintuitive, the right tools can actually help to streamline your cabinets, fridge, and pantry.
To help us find the essentials, we reached out to Janelle Williams, a professional organizer and the owner of Organized by JWC. We asked Janelle which items she considers to be the most impactful in the kitchen, and learned that she uses these three key organizational tools in many of her clients’ kitchens.
Are you struggling with tiny cabinets or restricted counter space in your kitchen? If so, you may want to consider using shelf risers to optimize your vertical space. Shelf risers come in various shapes and sizes and provide a simple solution to add an extra tier to your kitchen countertop or cabinet. According to Williams, they can double or sometimes even triple the amount of space you have, making them an ideal solution for organizing your kitchen. She personally prefers to use them for storing cups and other dishware, but they can also be used for organizing spices, canned goods, or other kitchen essentials. With shelf risers, you can maximize your storage space and keep your kitchen tidy and organized.
Did you know that rotating stands have been used in kitchens since the 1800s? These versatile turntables have been hard at work for centuries, helping people to organize their kitchen and make it more functional. A turntable or two can make it significantly easier to reach the items at the back of your pantry, or the neglected cleaning supplies under your sink. With a simple spin, you can access everything you need without having to dig through a cluttered mess. Plus, rotating stands come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can find one that fits your needs and matches your kitchen decor. Whether you’re looking to organize your spices, baking supplies, or cooking oils, a rotating stand can help you keep everything within reach and make your time in the kitchen more efficient.
Williams employs them in many different spaces to ensure her clients can see and easily access all of their items. “You can use turntables in the refrigerator, your pantry, and your cabinets. I use them a lot for spices in my cabinet. You can use them for condiments in the refrigerator, or oils in the pantry, too,” explains Williams.
For individuals like us, whose home pantries are bursting at the seams and threatening to rival the scale of community food banks, a basic can organizer serves as a practical solution to curb impulsive purchases and maintain a clear inventory of canned items. Furthermore, these organizers prove invaluable in facilitating the organization of goods according to their expiration dates, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Williams says, “You’ll see people throw [cans] in the pantry with no rhyme or reason; using a can organizer helps you see exactly how much of an item you have.” Though she mostly uses them in the pantry, they’re also great in the fridge for sodas, sparkling waters, and other canned beverages.
