Summer Organizing Challenge #4

Kitchen Baking/Cooking Cabinet

The cabinets below the counters always housed my cookie sheets, large pots, colanders, roasting pans, and a few other odds & ends. It was always a mess, cluttered and free of any specific layout or plan.

My mission was to throw away anything I have not used in the past year and to organize the remaining, useful items. I wanted the cabinet to be user-friendly and to look appealing & uncluttered. 

We took every item out and set in on the island to give it a review of ya or nay. I kind of felt like I was hosting the TV show, Hoarders. It was very liberating to purge. 

Next, we my husband, cut two top shelves from the whole unit. The shelf space was very small in height so no tall items would ever fit properly. 

Then, we measured and cut contact/grip paper to lay on the bottom of the shelves. It gave it a more polished look. Also, they are very easy to remove and clean. 

I added a cookie tray organizer purchased from the Container Store. I was able to insert the cookie sheets upright, which I wouldn't have been able to before the top shelf was cut to extend the bottom shelf.

There are two, pull-out drawers on the other bottom shelves.  These are so easy to use for larger pots and pans.  

This project was so easy and quick to accomplish. I wish I had done it years ago.  Oh well, better late than never!

Cheerio!

Summer Organizing Challenge #3

The kitchen supply cabinet has been done for over a week, but I'm just now getting on with some pics. It's actually a small closet/pantry.  There are only a few pictures at this time, but more will follow...I am hoping to paint, paper, or decorate further.  I'm loving the organization, but not the walls behind it...SNOOZE...white paint over paneling.  It looks so barren and plain.

The baking/pots cabinet is also finished, but I will have to post those pictures tomorrow!  It's getting so late these days before I have time for a post.  I know...quit complaining when I'm not even working, but I do work many days and I'm running my kids around like never before! 

There are so many projects going on right now I don't know where to begin...I started decorating/arranging my classroom already! So, pics will be coming when that undertaking is complete.

I don't like any appliances on the counter tops of my kitchen.  I can't stand clutter.  Never look at my basement or I will be caught in a lie.  My basement is a cluttered mess right now, but you know what they say..."out of sight, out of mind".  Although, that saying doesn't apply to me because I can't stop thinking about it.  When am I going to get to that monstrosity?  

Alright, back to the task at hand...the appliances rest in this "supply cabinet" that I have been clearing/cleaning out.  Also housed in the closet is the broom/mop, paper products, water bottles for our spring water tank, and dog food.

I like the idea of the wire shelf (you can find them all around my house) because they don't seem to collect dust/kitchen crumbs. They are very easy to wipe off and I just take care to sweep the floor underneath and it's that easy. I'm trying to label as much as possible so "others" who live in this house will put things back appropriately.  

Hand-held appliances such as mixers, etc. have a home as well.  It's very easy to grab them and use as needed.  I keep most of my cleaning products under the sink, but I like the idea of the sponges being separate and away from possible toxins.

The best part of this cabinet is that both of my kids have said at one time or another this past week that they love the convenience and organization of the cabinet.  So, there you go...on to the next project.