Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clutter-Free

Most people, me included, just want “things in their proper places” so that “mess is not a constant” and “harmony can happen.” It’s the dream of every professional organizer to leave a client with a new and profound sense of calm, having offered tips and techniques to maintain that harmony.I’ve got a blog series planned for you that goes room by room, offering ideas and advice to keep that harmony intact. Today, I’m focusing on the kitchen, a place where we spend much of our time:

• In a word, invasive-paperwork. We all have it. Where does yours go? Do you ignore it until it’s too big? Who has the time to mull through the pile that week after week, seeps into our homes and must be dealt with? Here’s a habit for us all: Instead of piling it on the kitchen counter (or the dining room table), keep your pile small by weeding out what you don’t need, right away: In the house, into the recycle bin. I’ll take a mere 20 seconds to go through the daily mail to see what can be instantly recycled. Bills should go in an area earmarked for only bills.
• The kids’ artwork. Buy one very large clear bin per child and separate each into the bin. You don’t have to judge the art now, just pile every piece of art into the  bin. When the bin gets halfway full, give your child that task of deciding what to keep and what to toss. Which art is his most special? That’s what he should permanently keep, in the bin. The rest gets recycled quietly, after he’s gone to bed.
• Nobody empties the dishwasher so the dishes and mugs and glasses pile up in the sink. It’s an Everyone problem, right? You fill the dishwasher, only to have half the sink still waiting. A never-ending cycle. But here’s the root of the problem, and the excuse many of us hear: “I don’t know where you want me to put things.” Ah ha! Get out your stickie pad and a marker. Place stickies inside the cabinets, offering simple directions: Mugs, Glasses, Water bottles. Get the kids moving and your spouse, too. New Rule of the House: Dishes/mugs/glasses go straight into the dishwasher. This may not be a perfect solution but overall, you will be getting somewhere. Another hint: get rid of half your mugs and glasses. Donate. Why? Dirty ones won’t be crowding the sink and others might be inspired to put clean ones away.
• Mason Jars. The best leftover tool around. Glassware is healthier for us, healthier for the environment, and simple to store. Plus, when they’re clean and on the shelf, they’re awfully pretty to look at.

Do you have any other suggestions about how to keep a kitchen tidy? Let us know on our Facebook page: Facebook.com/sortitoutnow.Need a professional organizer? Call (617) 332-7500 and ask for me.Thanks for reading,Pat