One of the kitchens on display at the Fulton Design Center

At first glance, getting your kitchen organized may seem like a daunting task. Chances are that when you moved in your goal was simply to get unpacked and able to make meals. Even if you had some plan of organization at the time, actually using your kitchen can help you discover that some items need to be rearranged. You have at least two ways to tackle your kitchen. See which one appeals to you.

Complete do-over. This is a full-day project, preferably with at least one other person to help as well. To make this work, try the following steps:

• Clear off counters, placing any decorative items in another room for the day.
• Have a bag ready for garbage and a box for giveaways.
• Empty every shelf onto the counters and dining table.
• Dispose of anything you don’t want or use in either the discard bag or giveaway box.
• Wipe down counters and add or change shelf paper if desired.
• Place the “sure things,” those items you already have a good place for, in their cupboards.
• Thinking of function and utility, rearrange the other cabinets & drawers.
• Determine if you need baskets or other containers for some items, and measure the space to know the size. Make a list for an upcoming shopping trip.
• Measure your drawers for appropriate drawer dividers – these help keep drawers in shape once organized.
• Compare the space left to the items left. Can you make them work? If not, consider more discards.
• Put your kitchen counter accessories back, or not. Analyze what you actually want back in your kitchen.
• Celebrate by going out to eat – you don’t want to mess up your newly-organized kitchen right away!

In our next organizing blog, look for advice on the second suggested method of kitchen organization. It takes longer but is less overwhelming.