As seen in the Dayton Daily News on July 18, 2015.
I just said goodbye to my sister and brother-in-law from Boston, who came for a summer visit. They’re not only family but also very good friends and the best houseguests anyone could ever have.
On the days I had to work during their stay, they announced they would be cooking dinner. A dream came true; me walking in the door and dinner magically appearing on the table.
The first day I returned home from work, I was greeted with a refreshing drink and told to rest my feet as they prepared the meal. As I watched them cook, a thought came to mind, “Having an organized kitchen was really paying off for me right then.” They were finding what they needed with little effort, while I sat relaxing as instructed.
The following are some tips I do to keep my kitchen running smoothly for my family’s use and for those bonus times when our special guests offer to help.
Eliminate what you can. Donate kitchen gadgets you don’t use. Store holiday dishes and seldom used appliances in a different location, such as the basement or up high in hard to reach cabinets. Move paperwork off the counters to the place you actually work on it. Reducing clutter makes everyday items easier to find.
Stock your kitchen with fresh ingredients. Make sure any expired food in your pantry, cabinets and refrigerator is regularly purged. When you purchase groceries, restock shelves by putting older products in front. This lessens the chance of anyone becoming ill.
Label containers. If you store your staples, such as flour and sugar, in airtight containers, labeling them makes it easy to tell them apart. Also, label leftovers in your refrigerator so everyone can help themselves.
Organize by category. Gather like items together; canned soups, fruits, vegetables and tomato products should be grouped together on shelves. In the refrigerator, collect salad dressings and condiments together. You will find items faster this way.
Set up stations. Keep items, such as pots, pans, potholders and cooking utensils, near the stove. Cups, plates and silverware close to the dishwasher. Set up towels, washcloths and detergent by the sink. I keep my knives and cutting boards near the sink to make prepping fruits and vegetables easier.
Since my family spoiled me during their stay, I’ve decided to plan for their next visit. In addition to an organized kitchen, I’m going to store my window washing supplies in the bedroom they stay in then plan to be away for the day.
Upon my return, I pray I don’t hear these words, “The gig is up, Sis.”
