I was recently on an app that was not easy to navigate. Things weren’t where I’d expect to find them. Information was missing, features weren’t labeled correctly, and event dates had passed.
A well-designed app provides a clear path to what you need. Related items are grouped and labeled logically and unnecessary clutter removed. Your kitchen should work the same way.
Is your kitchen missing the mark? Are items hard to find? Do labeled shelves no longer match their contents? Are cabinets cluttered with extra mugs, food storage containers, or pots you haven’t touched in years? Are expired items going unnoticed? These Timely Tips and tools will help you restore order and create a kitchen that’s as intuitive as a great app.
Timely Tips for a user-friendly kitchen
PURGE & SORT
Methodically clear out cabinets and drawers.
Evaluate each item: Is it still relevant? That cake decorating kit from a decade ago or toddler plates for kids now in elementary school might need to go.
Apply the "need, use, or love" test—every item must earn its keep.
Avoid the, “Now that I’ve found it, I’ll use it,” thinking. If it’s been forgotten this long, it’s unlikely to be used now.
Keep trash and donation bags nearby for anything that doesn’t pass the test.
Toss expired dry goods and opened cereals untouched for months.
Sort keepers into categories on a table or counter: baking, dinnerware, glasses, utensils, food storage, cookware, etc.
Donate unnecessary duplicates.
Clean the inside of the cabinets and drawers.
OPTIMIZE PLACEMENT
Just like the home page is the easiest point of access on an app, the waist to eye range is the easiest point of access in your kitchen. No step stools or bending required.
Place categories of items used most often in this prime real estate.
Factor in where they’re used. Position pots, potholders and cooking utensils near the stove/oven. Dishes and glassware near the dishwasher or dining area. Mugs near the coffee maker, etc.
Adjust cabinet shelf height to minimize wasted vertical space and make things easier to reach.
Reserve countertops for daily use objects like a coffee maker, toaster, etc.
ORGANIZING TOOLS
Three-tier cabinet organizers and turn tables provide better visibility and access—especially in corners.
Containerize front items in deep cabinets so you can remove them easily to reach the back items.
Install metal or wood sliding drawers in cabinets for heavy items like food processors, instant pots, and glass bakeware.
Cutlery and utensil organizers prevent jumbled drawers--separating measuring spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc.
Keep frequently used utensils in a caddy near the stove.
Use lay-flat stacking water bottle organizers.
Store trays and cookie sheets in vertical stands.
Label bins for pantry items.
Free up counter space by storing K-cups, knives, or can openers in under-cabinet organizers.
WHEN YOU'VE DONE A GOOD JOB WITH STEPS ONE AND TWO, MAINTENANCE IS MUCH EASIER!
wise words
Don't put it down, put it away.