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Wednesday, April 05, 2006

HGTV's Mission: Organization: Kitchen Clean-Up

Sandy Thompson is a banker, a writer and a full time student. That busy schedule doesn't leave her much time to keep her kitchen and dining room organized. Her nine by thirteen feet kitchen in her Wilmington, Deleware, townhouse is too cluttered to allow Sandy to get everyday tasks accomplished.

Weeks of newspapers and mail had piled up on the kitchen counter. As the counter space filled up, the paper overflowed into the adjoining dining room. Cabinet shelves were sagging under the weight of dishes and glassware. Food was stored throughout the space making it difficult to find what was needed to make a meal. Time was wasted and Sandy was getting frustrated.

Professional organizer Debbie Lillard was called on to tackle this challenge. First, Debbie and Sandy cleared the space so they could see the space as a blank canvas. Items that are used everyday are pulled out and stored separately so things can easily be found during the kitchen reorganization. Paper and mail was sorted into trash and needed items. Papers and mail that were kept were then taken to the office to be filed away. Food was then sorted, carefully checking expiration dates.

Next, cabinets were cleared of plasticware. Glasses were wrapped for temporary storage. Cookbooks came down off the shelves and were boxed. Excess bakeware and dishes were cleaned from the dining room buffet. Items that are not used frequently or were no longer needed were thrown away or donated to charity.

To get this kitchen and dining room organized, a small cabinet was removed from the space. The dishwasher was moved to open up the flow of the space. An open rack was replaced with a new pantry. Walls were painted to compliment artwork that Sandy loves. A new buffet was brought in to replace the old buffet that was too small for the space. Sagging shelves were replaced with new sturdy shelves that can hold up to the weight of Sandy's dishes. A small secretary's desk was also brought in to add a space to sort mail and keep keys. And to keep the space bright, a new chandelier was installed.

To maximize cabinet space, dividers and baskets were used. Food was put in the cabinets by type. This serves two purposes: it makes it easier to find and keeps you from buying duplicates of items already on hand. Bakeware and cookware were stored in cabinets with special cabinet organizers that are next to the oven and stove to make them more accessible. The dishes were stored in a cabinet that was next to the dishwasher to make unloading the dishwasher quicker and more efficient. Finally, appliances were put in pantry and in the buffet.

With proper organization, time can be saved and stress can be reduced. Sandy's new kitchen and dining room gives her a new space to entertain, write and do homework. Her newly organized cabinets make it easier for her to cook and save her time. The time and investment in this newly organized kitchen created a beautiful, multiuse space.

(HGTV's Mission: Organization: Kitchen Clean-Up)