What you need:
10 Minutes
An Open Mind
Just You
A Place for Everything
A kitchen with clear counters and well-organized cabinets will serve you well. Not only does it look sharp, but it will quickly open up more space for you to enjoy. Here are five steps to help you get started.
Consider the space
Before you begin, always consider the space and the contents. Could you move your dishes closer to the dishwasher or drying rack to make it a little easier to put things away? How about grouping your french press, coffee beans, and favorite mug in a basket to make your mornings a little smoother?
Categorize the contents
When it comes to the contents of kitchen cabinets, there are several categories to keep in check: dishware, glassware, pots and pans, appliances, etc. Identifying the key categories in your kitchen will make it easier to create a system for where each should live.
Organize by frequency of use
Next, we're going to think about how frequently you use these items and organize them from top to bottom. Everything you use daily should be on top of your nightstand or in the top drawer. Any items you don't use regularly can be relocated to a lower drawer or even a bin or basket nearby.
Set up reminders for positive habits
The nightstand is an excellent opportunity to encourage positive habits. For example, you might keep a gratitude journal and a pen on top to keep your practice top of mind. The key is to find a balance: if you'd like to read more, a towering stack of books might do more harm than good. But one book you're excited about can be a gentle nudge to dive back in.
Create a “knock-free” zone
We’ve all done it: you go to reach for a book and end up knocking over that glass of water you just filled up. A tray can help create a safe zone for items like this. Plus, it's a great way to give all the little items that tend to spread out a fitting home.
