Moving and settling into a new home is an exciting endeavor, even if you feel overwhelmed at first while unpacking and becoming familiar with your place of living. Spend time organizing your new kitchen while unpacking to get acquainted with your kitchen’s new layout while you discover how to make the most out of your available space. Here are top tips for unpacking quickly and efficiently:
Organize Kitchen Boxes
Before you begin sifting through each of your kitchen boxes, organize them. Refer to labels you have created on each box and separate boxes by the type of items each of them contain. Decor and small appliances can be put aside while you choose your drawers for silverware along with pots and pans.
Eliminate Junk and Clutter
While browsing through all of your kitchen boxes, take time to consider the theme you want to implement into your space. Place unwanted or unnecessary kitchenware items and decor in a separate box to sell, give away or throw out once the unpacking is complete. Eliminating clutter is essential to avoid feeling overwhelmed when finding new places for your kitchen items.
Choose Cupboards and Storage Areas
Designating cupboards for glasses, bowls, and plates should be one of the first steps you take while unpacking your kitchen items after a move. Choose cupboards for your everyday eating items based on the location of your kitchen sink or your dishwasher if you have one. Placing dishes, cups, and bowls near the cleaning and loading area of your kitchen saves time while also eliminating the hassle of putting kitchenware away once a wash cycle is complete. Check out this article for tips on how to set up your kitchen.
Utensil Placement
Consider the counter space you have available before you begin organizing your kitchen utensils. Keep the main utensils in a large vertical vase or holder for easier access, especially when you prefer cooking home-cooked meals and side dishes. Staple kitchen utensils often include:
- Spatulas
- Wooden and large plastic spoons
- Tongs
- Meat tenderizers
- Straining spoons
If you have the drawer space, consider designating an entire drawer for oversized and bulky kitchen utensils and accessories you use frequently.
Add Labels
When putting away spices or other kitchen accessories that are difficult to identify at first glance, add labels to suit how you plan to store them. If you plan to place all of your kitchen spices in a drawer standing up, add clear and concise labels that are easy to read on the top of each spice cap. Use labels such as chalkboard stickers or washable marker labels on all of your mason jars that hold fours, beans, seeds, and nuts to rid bulky packages from taking up all of your cupboard space. Use vertical storage racks for spices and non-perishable ingredients to minimize overcrowding and clutter inside of your cupboards.
With the right organization tips, avoid spending unnecessary hours unpacking and getting to know your new kitchen area. Taking the time to carefully organize your kitchen while unpacking is a way to alleviate stress while allowing you to create a clutter-free cooking and eating environment.