Nobody likes it when a houseguest enters the kitchen and starts rearranging the items in the cabinets. On the next day, you could go and reach for a glass only to find the cabinet filled with a stack of bowls. It can be really annoying to have anything misplaced in the kitchen due to lack of space. We have all been guilty of thinking about kitchen remodelling. All of us want the best remodelled home and kitchen. But do not rush the process. It is a huge undertaking and there are some things you must do before you proceed with remodelling.
1. Plan well
When you begin organizing the kitchen, you literally need to see every single item in the kitchen and start from a clean slate. To start with, you need to pull everything out and check for damage. Consider the available space in the kitchen and on the counter top before you create a plan. To have a functional space, you will need to look at everything you own and use. Once you get past this stage, you will be in a better position to create a plan for remodelling.
2. Deep clean is necessary
Now that you have everything out of the kitchen cabinets and drawers, you need to give them a good wipe down. It will feel great when you go to put it in its place. Again, this step will take time but it will make it easier for you to place items on the respective shelves after the completion of the project. Plan a weekend where you can empty and clean each drawer in the kitchen thoroughly.
3. Identify zones
You need to assess the kitchen and the drawers into zones. Based on the amount of space you have, you need to create different zones for different items. The best way to do this is to use a pen and paper. Write down which item will belong to which zone. The first zone should be the one that is right in front of you when you are cooking. It should provide close access to the dishwasher and carry items like plates, cups, glassware, cutlery, and serve ware.
The next zone should be close to the oven and it should have pots, dishes, pans, wooden spoons, measuring cups, etc. You can now move further away and have your spices or large kitchen gadgets in the third zone. Place your storage items like ziplock bags, Tupperware, tin foil, and other go-to items near the fridge in the fourth zone. Have a separate shelf or drawer for the coffee and bar items. Now have space for cleaning suppliers and garbage bags under the sink.
Lastly, the special items that you only use when hosting or for special days should be stored in a different area of the house if possible. Place it in the dining room or the garage to save space in the kitchen and keep the special cutlery safe.
4. Remember safety
The kitchen can lead to hazards if you are not careful. There are certain items that you must always place carefully. Keep the toxic substances away and in hard-to-reach areas. If you have your children at home, you need to keep the cleaning supplies high up and not under the sink. You will need to create space for such items. With children, you also need to ensure that items like plastic plates and cups are easily accessible and more fragile or expensive items are not easy to reach. Keep these things in mind when creating the remodel plan.
5. Recheck the plan
Once the kitchen remodel plan is ready, you need to take another look at it and check if everything is just the way you want it to be. Ensure that there is not a lot of distance between the counter top and the sink. Check if there are enough cabinets and shelves to store your items. Maintain walking space in the kitchen. You will still have to put in a lot of time to reorganize regularly. Never let the drawers overflow with kitchen items you do not use. If you do not need something, put it away.
6. Budget
There are a lot of times when you will be tempted to go over budget and invest in the kitchen but it helps to stick to your budget. Consider the scope of the project, materials and labour when you plan remodelling the kitchen.
These tips will help plan kitchen model in the most efficient manner. Whether you are moving into a new home or simply want the kitchen well organized and updated, use these tips and take one step at a time. It may take longer than you planned but in the end, it will be worth it.