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How to instantly add order to an untidy kitchen

These simple tricks will have your kitchen organised in no time.

As the heart of the home, your kitchen should be an organised oasis that makes cooking simple and cleaning a breeze. If yours falls short, rest assured there are plenty of way s you can declutter, refresh and repurpose your space.

These organising tips will turn your kitchen into an easy-to-navigate and beautiful-looking space in no time.

1. DO A DEEP CLEAN 
First things first, you’ll need to purge your kitchen of every item you no longer want or need. Take everything out of your kitchen drawers and cupboards and try the Marie Kondo method: does it spark joy? Or has it been sitting in that drawer for years gathering dust?

For the latter, it’s worth purging them of prime position and popping them into storage, or getting rid of them all together. If they’re still in a usable condition, you could consider donating them to your local op shop.

Next, attack your pantry and fridge – throw out everything that’s no longer in date or you no longer need. Yes, it’s time to tackle the countless number of jars you’ve accumulated at the back of the fridge. Wipe down your cupboards and drawers so you’ve got a clean start and are ready to organise.

2. DECANT ALL YOUR DRY GOODS INTO CLEAR JARS 
Organising your dry goods into labelled containers or jars not only makes everything super easy to find, but it also ensures things are sealed properly, last longer, and it’s easy and quick to tell when your favourite muesli is about to run out.

To start, buy enough glass jars or plastic containers and label them with the food you want to store in them and the expiry date, or date you filled them. It’s best to buy jars or containers that stack together easily so you make the best use of your space. Larger containers should be reserved for everyday items such as cereal, flours and rice, and should be placed in an easy to reach post. Smaller jars can be used for snacks, nuts, spices and herbs.

3. SORT YOUR CUTLERY DRAWER 
If your cutlery drawer is a mess, chances are it reflects in your cooking. If you spend precious time trying to find a particular utensil, you risk spending unnecessary time in the kitchen, over-cooking your dinners, or accidentally dirtying other utensils as you try to find the one you need. An organised cutlery drawer is the only way to mitigate this – and while it may seem cumbersome at first, it’ll be ever so rewarding once it’s done.

To start you’ll need to choose a good dividing system, if your joinery doesn’t come this already in-built. Kmart and Briscoes have a great range of affordable options, or for something more bespoke looking, you could consider the ORGA-LINE from Blum. Most allow you to reconfigure however works best for you, so you’ll never have to rummage around to find what you’re looking for again!

4. PRIORITISE YOUR PLACEMENT 
If your cupboards are a mess, try organising them by how often you use certain kitchenware. For example, everyday cups and plates should be stored on the lower levels for ease of reach, while special-occasion pieces should be placed higher up. Group objects by purpose and assign them to specific cupboards, and you’ll never be left fumbling for crockery just when the dinner is about to burn!

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