A kitchen is only as functional as it is organized. If your cabinets and drawers feel cluttered, take a look at these tips to reorganize the the heart of your home.

Kitchen Regions

With a variety of unique design options, you can choose to install custom zones for easier organization. For your glassware and stemware, there is the drinks drawer. You can always opt for an appliance garage to store the toaster and blender. If you’re an enthusiastic baker, you can even install a baking bar for oven mitts, cookie sheets and loaf pans.

Inventory

If you can’t identify the proper use for a piece of equipment or gadget, it’s time to give it away. If you rarely use an item throughout the year, stow it in an out-of-the-way cabinet or storage area. Get rid of duplicate items. It’s also a good idea to carefully examine your kitchen once a year to identify things that you don’t need. Give them away! This is also a great opportunity to see what equipment you would like in your home and make your wish list.

Storage Containers

Be sure to invest in different sizes of storage containers with multiple uses. Go for pieces that nest inside one another which take up less room.

Everything Has Its Place

Pots and pans are best kept near the range or cooktop, mixing bowls close to the countertop you use for food preparation, and plates, glasses and flatware by the dishwasher or sink. If you decide to have an open display (either on open shelves or in clear glass cabinets), be ready for the extra work. You’ll need extra time to make sure you are keeping everything smudge and dust free.