Arguably the most tedious room to pack and unpack when moving is the kitchen. From pots and pans to appliances, silverware, plates, cups and bowls, organizing a kitchen is no small feat. It takes careful planning, downsizing and logistics to make it all fit and work for you in a cohesive manner. These tips will help you effectively unpack and organize your new space.
Make A Plan: Go From Biggest To Smallest
When beginning the unpacking process in the kitchen, it is important to take a step back and really assess the space you have available to you. Ideally, you should have a general idea of where you would like things to be placed in your new kitchen. Start by unpacking and placing the biggest items first: pots and pans, baking sheets and appliances like coffee makers, crock pots and toasters. You can then fill in the gaps with smaller items in a coordinating manner.
Limited On Space? Think Vertical
Even in the smallest kitchen, you can always go vertical. If you are rather limited on kitchen space and do not want to get rid of a bunch of your favorite items, stack them vertically to save space. You can safely stack pots and pans, casserole dishes and storage containers, plates, bowls and cups. It is a bit inconvenient to have to dig through a pile of bowls to get to the perfect storage container to store leftovers, but stacking vertically saves space and reduces the likelihood that grandma’s vintage serving platter will end up in the donation pile.
Utilize Counter Space In An Efficient Manner
While you definitely want to save yourself ample room for food preparation, counter space can be your biggest asset in a small kitchen. Assess where your available outlets are located, and layer your appliances accordingly. Utilize corners if you can, and make sure the appliances have cords long enough to reach the desired outlets. As you begin placing all of your appliances, you will probably find that you have quite a bit of leftover usable space. You can stack thin knife blocks, spice racks, coffee supplies and canisters with dry goods in and around the nooks and crannies between and behind your appliances.
Creative Storage Options
If you have decorative wooden bowls, fancy silver platters or other large items that can act as functional decor, place them on top of your refrigerator or in the space above your kitchen cabinets. These spots offer ample storage space, and they are easy to access when you need to utilize your serving bowls and platters for a party. In the smallest of kitchens, you can also store extra kitchen items in your oven or dishwasher. You need to be vigilant about remembering that you have items stored inside. Attach a mini alarm or big note with bright colors to remind yourself that you have items inside before you inadvertently turn the oven on or start the dishwasher.
If all else fails and space is limited, you may have to downsize. You also may want to reassess your inventory every few months and clean out what you are not using. With careful and strategic planning, patience and a willingness to think outside the box, you can ensure that your new kitchen ends up being as functional and comfortable as your old one.
