GON Reader Question
How Do I Begin to Organize My Kitchen with Limited Time?
Hi Maria,
I am an avid reader of your newsletter and I've organized many rooms in my home. My kitchen is next, but it's very messy, and I'm not really sure where to begin. Plus, I just took on a part-time job on top of my full-time one (sadly, the economy has necessitated this). In these circumstances, how can I get it under control?
Thank you,
-- Sally in Mcdonough,
GA
Response from Maria Gracia
Hi Sally,
Thank you for your question. The economy has been wearing a lot of people thin for sure! Hang in there!
I'm assuming, since you're working a full-time job AND a part-time job, that you're not wanting to hire outside help. You may consider just getting a one time service if your kitchen is way too overwhelming for you to begin. This way, you can just work on maintaining the cleanliness after it's handled.
If that's not an option, you can tackle your kitchen a tiny bit at a time. If you do a 15-minute tidy daily, you'll begin to see a difference in no time at all.
Here are some options you can choose from daily. Just set a timer for 15-minutes and do what you can before it sounds.
1. Declutter ONE item.
Every day, choose one item to donate (put it in your donation box) or discard (put it in the trash.)
2. Clear Countertops: Put away at least one item that doesn't belong on the countertops.
3. Wash Dishes: Quickly wash dishes or load them into the dishwasher. If you're having trouble keeping up with dishes to be washed, you may consider switching to paper temporarily.
4. Wipe Surfaces: Use a damp cloth to wipe down one surface, like the countertop, the stove, or the table.
5. Sweep or Vacuum: Tidy up the kitchen floor with a quick sweep or vacuum.
6. Empty Trash: Empty out the trash...and replace the trash bag.
7. Get Rid of Expired Items: Check for expired items in the fridge and pantry. Get rid of them.
8. Put Away Groceries: Quickly put away recently purchased groceries.
9. Straighten Cabinets: Straighten up items in one cabinet.
10. Address Clutter: Clear one clutter hotspots like the kitchen table.
11. Check for Maintenance: Address a quick maintenance task.
12. Put Away That Which Doesn't Belong: Put away one item that doesn't belong in the kitchen.
By choosing a few of these simplified tasks daily and taking action, you can begin to achieve a tidy kitchen in just 15 minutes a
day.
