GET ORGANIZED!

Get Organized! 

Part Three 

Esti Ostrovitsky 

We’re almost at the finish line! As you unpack the last mishloach manos, think about getting your kitchen in order so you’ll have an easier time cleaning it for Pesach. A few small tweaks and additions here and there can make all the difference. Whatever you do, make sure your system works for your family. This way they’ll have an easier time replacing things in their proper places. Feel free to send me pictures to show off your work! 

I hope the organizing process wasn’t too difficult for you and it helped make your life easier. There is nothing better than an organized home. It lets your day run smarter, smoother, and more efficiently. It just feels amazing – invigorating and freeing!

THE KITCHEN 

The key to keeping any space in your home organized, especially high traffic areas like the kitchen pantry, is to check in a couple of times a year and go through its contents. Get rid of old stuff, wipe down spills and dirt, and tweak some systems as needed. Maintenance is a must, and we need to adjust as life changes!

The Pantry

Use a wall-mounted dispenser to consolidate shopping bags. 

Install hooks for brooms, mops, and aprons. 

Decant dry goods into clear containers when possible so you can easily keep track of what you have in stock.  Label them and include the expiration date and cooking instructions if needed. 

Remove small individually wrapped snacks from their boxes and place them in bins. 

Store sweets on a high shelf and healthier snacks on a lower shelf. 

Items that can’t be easily decanted or removed from packaging can be placed in bins or baskets. 

Square or rectangular containers with flat lids stack easily and allow you to fit more on each shelf. 

Group like with like: similar ingredients or categories. 

Keep your most frequently used items in easily accessible spots. 

Under-shelf baskets will help you gain extra vertical shelf space. 

Keep onions and potatoes in separate bins. Never mix them!

Extra items can be stored in a basket out of sight. Remove them as needed. 

A stackable can organizer makes it easy to find what you need. 

Kitchen 

Stations are always a great idea: 

• Coffee and drink station 
• Breakfast station 
• School lunch station 
• Baking station 

Keep your paper goods near the table area in a cabinet, drawer, or pantry. 

Over-the-door organizers maximize shelf space. Use them for cans, jars, bottles, and small snacks.

Cabinets

Keep your spices near the stovetop. 

Keep your dishes near the sink and dishwasher. 

Use your cabinet doors for storage. An overdoor rack is good for lids and plastic covers. Hooks are good for oven mitts. 

Stack containers inside each other. 

Shelf risers will give you more vertical space for dishes, pots, and lids. 

An adjustable shelf will maximize the space under your sink. 

Corner cabinets and lazy Susans are good for large items such as pots.  

If you don’t have a desk in your kitchen, you can use the inside of a cabinet as a command center. Hang up notes and invitations. Place a bin inside for papers you need to keep handy. 

If space allows, store boards and baking pans vertically with wire dividers. 

Keep heavy items on bottom shelves. 

Drawers 

Use inserts or drawer dividers to store utensils and small gadgets in sections. 

Nest pots together. 

Deep drawers are a great place to keep plastic containers. 

File fold or roll your kitchen towels. 

Junk Drawer 

Corral little things in sections with a bunch of containers to prevent a jumbled mess. 

Use this drawer for the items you need on hand. Keep other miscellaneous items in a utility cabinet or closet elsewhere. 

Use labels so everyone knows what goes where.

THE LIVING ROOM

Whether you have a formal living room or one that is used as your family’s lounge space, these tips will help you make the most of your space and keep things organized.

Ottomans are good ideas for seating and storage at the same time.

Keep only what belongs here: your sofa, recliner, magazine rack, and bookcase.

Keep your bookcase neat and tidy with sefarim and books, and don’t let other stuff pile up.

Pictures can be stored in albums or photo boxes.

THE DINING ROOM 

Not as daunting as the living room, but daunting nonetheless. The more organized this room is, the easier it will be to clean. 

Keep your Shabbos items in a dedicated spot. Candles, tea lights, and matches can be stored together in a bin. 

Your table is not a dumping ground! Try to keep it clean and free of clutter at all times. 

If your table is used as a homework spot, maintain a homework box that can store everything when the kids have completed their work.  Once homework is done, clear the table surface completely. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a helping hand, please feel free to reach out me! @easyorganizingbyesti