Asked on Dec 31, 2018
How should I set up my kitchen?
by
Denise
+6
just moved into this kitchen. Love it but haven’t moved in 40 years and am struggling with what to put above the large countertop to the left of the stove. Actually struggling to figure out how to organize the kitchen cabinets. Still rearranging stuff on counters. Are there any rules as to where stuff should go? Lol. Thanks any help is appreciated.
Cupboards above counter I have glasses in there now but don’t like them there.
Moving glasses to cupboard by frig.
Dishwasher will eventually go to right of sink Plates are in upper cabinets
Beautiful kitchen! There are no rules. It's all common sense, not rocket science. If you live in earthquake country do not store heavy or breakable items up high, unless you install baby proof latches on them. Store things where you use them. Here are some sites to get you started.
https://www.thespruce.com/get-your-kitchen-organized-after-move-2436574
https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/organizing-tips/g3426/best-kitchen-organization-tips/
https://youtu.be/VQN1361TX9g
https://youtu.be/jxckLJdWTvo
https://www.containerstore.com/organization-projects/kitchen/project/organize-upper-kitchen-cabinets
Every time I have moved, I wiped all the cabinets with a vinegar water solution, installed new shelf liner and sprinkled fresh bay leaves in the cabinets and started unloading boxes.
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/390964/list/house-planning-how-to-set-up-your-kitchen
I think above the cooker should be things you don't use often. Like cake boxes, plastic containers, party wear.
Glasses should be either near the fridge or sink. Cooking utensils should be near the oven.
If you bake, then keep everything you use to bake on the opposite side to the oven, keep this side clutter free. You have drawers to keep the rolling pin and baking tins in.
Next to the drawers put in your mixer, above all the flours and sugars etc. Plates should be within easy access to the dishwasher when open, so the cupboard above might not work.
Cups should be near the sink and kettle.
Microwave is probably in the best place.
Spices should be close to the oven. These could be laying in the drawer. So basically when you cook, everything should be close at hand.
Under the sink is obviously for cleaning or dishwashing tablets. Hope this is of help.
If you have someone handy--you might consider switching the door swing of your refrigerator to the other side. This looks a bit awkward as it is swinging away from the kitchen instead of open to the kitchen.
There are no rules, but I've found that thinking through our family kitchen patterns helps. For example, we placed the coffee maker on one countertop and the coffee mugs and coffee in a cabinet just above or below it. Glasses were in a cabinet next to where we grab drinks (fridge? Sink?) plates and bowls would be in easy reach of the dishwasher. Then after we live like this for a few weeks, we would identify areas of frustration and rearrange. It usually took me a couple of tries to make a new kitchen comfortable.
I would definitely switch the frig and freezer doors to open on the other side. You will find that it is more usable that way. Way too awkward to get things into and out of frig the way they are now. Also, unless you are at least 5' 10" tall, you should plan on putting things like picnic supplies (things you do not use very often) in the short upper cabinets. Other wise, you will need to keep a step stool (or a tall housemate) in the kitchen to get things down for you all of the time.
Could you find someone to maybe install a wall next to your stove. Then hang your untilies on it for quick easy accessible.
just cover with something washable.
Keep only the items you use all the time in the most convenient places. For instance, I only keep 8 plates in my lower cabinet because that is more than enough for day to day. I keep all my others in a high cabinet. I can get to them for the occasional times we have a lot of company. The same is true for coffee cups & glasses. I only keep a few in my lower cabinets. Organizing this way gives me more space in the easiest to reach cabinets. Since I don't have adjustable shelves in my cabinets, I have invested in a lot of horizontal and vertical stacking systems to make the best use of the vertical space in my cabinets. Turntables are also a great way to get to the things in the back of the cabinets. I store all of my dried beans, rice, sugar, etc. in tall round jars, both flip-top and tall mason jars which I label and put on turntables. This way I don't have to move the things in front out, I just spin the turntable. I also use wooden trays on my countertops to corral the items you want out all the time. This gives a neat look.