Organising your kitchen on a shoestring budget

Patricia Lee

An organised kitchen can be achieved on nearly any budget. The most important step though, is to declutter first.
Get rid of items you no longer want or need before you reorganize or remodel your kitchen. Cluttered cabinets may be deterrents for putting things away properly, which can then contribute to your kitchen running inefficiently.
While you’re decluttering, take note of the items that remain. Consider what you use most and be sure to reserve prime spots for them. Sort your items into categories: cooking utensils, baking tools, food storage containers and bags, seasonal items and so on.
Each of your kitchen categories need housing, preferably in separate, dedicated spaces. Consider which categories are used most frequently, such as flatware, plates and mugs, so you can store those items within easy reach. Remember to also take into account proximity to your dishwasher. For example, a prime cabinet that’s close to the dishwasher may be best for storing relatively heavy plates and bowls.

Visualize your goals
Do you want all of your counters to be completely clear of items, or do you not mind storing some items in plain view. The size of your kitchen and the items you choose to keep may be determining factors in your vision. Also, it may be worth it to measure some of your items. Flatware is usually quite standard in length and width and can typically fit in off-the-rack flatware trays.

Basic improvements
You can set up your kitchen so everything has its designated place without too much investment. If the shelves are adjustable, take advantage of that flexibility and change the heights as necessary. Even a few inches may be quite helpful for storing placemats or shallow platters.
When deciding the heights to set each shelf, be sure to leave enough clearance so that retrieving items will be easy.

Abundant organizing
Place organisers in drawers and cabinets. The cost to outfit your kitchen with containers can vary, but most homeowners can find solutions for their budget.
First, consider the type of material you’d like, such as glass or bamboo. Plastic containers offer the most shape and size options.
Sourcing containers can range from no-cost (repurposing current containers, such as snack containers, food storage containers, pasta sauce jars) to low-cost (containers from discount stores) to mid- or high-cost (containers from specialty organization stores).

Midrange improvements
If you’re not ready for a full remodel but would like to make some impactful changes, consider all the places in your kitchen that aren’t performing to their full potential.
The corner cabinet is often a prime example. It can be a big hole where things get lost and forgotten — and retrieving an item can be quite ungraceful.
Consider adding a freestanding island or custom kitchen island if you need more storage or counter space and your floor plan allows. This solution can range from a simple ready-made piece to a more involved custom design.
Midrange improvements come with more involved installations and likely require the help of a professional. A reputable general contractor who subcontracts with a plumber and electrician, if needed, would be the first step in designing, building and installing a custom island.

Deluxe Improvements
If your kitchen is falling short on functionality and if your budget allows, a remodel may be what you need. A full remodel, or even a small renovation, can be a huge undertaking in time and expense. This is an opportune time to meticulously plan your new kitchen and carefully select all the details. Your kitchen design should support how you and your family work and move in the space.
Assess your preferences and lifestyle. Consider taking note of all the tasks you perform in the kitchen and how frequently you do them. For example, do you use your stand mixer often? If so, you may want to consider incorporating an appliance lift, if you have the space, so you don’t have to carry the heavy mixer every time you use it. Plates and bowls don’t necessarily have to go in upper cabinets. If it flows better to store them in lower cabinets, your design may include a drawer with pegs to separate stacks of plates and bowls.