5 Things You Can Do (Today!) To Organize Your Kitchen

From message boards to spice racks: the very best methods to get organized.

As the hub of many families' homes, I'd argue the kitchen is one of the toughest areas to keep clean and organized throughout the week. Equal parts bill-paying center, homework desk, meal preparation surface and entertainment seating, kitchens are for multi-tasking.

Yet how much love are you giving to your kitchen? Spend a few minutes today to look around -- Are things in their proper places, or are your kitchen counters a free-for-all? If you're guilty of the latter, check out these few easy steps to gearing up for a more organized kitchen (which, funny enough, equals a more organized family!).

1. Clear the countertops
It's true -- a clear surface makes for a clean room. Rather than housing your paper towels on the counter, invest in a wall-mounted unit like the Stream Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder by Umbra® ($15) at The Container Store. Have a bulky knife block? Switch to a Magnetic Knife Bar ($40) from Williams-Sonoma. Move mail from the countertops to a handy letter station and key rack ($17) from Stack and Stacks.


2. Organize spices
If you're still lining up your spices on a lazy Susan, it's time to step it up a notch. The Olde Thompson 20-Jar Stainless-Steel Square Spice Rack ($60) from Amazon holds more than enough spices for your everyday needs in one tiny compartment. Another handy alternative? The Kamenstein 12 Tin Magnetic Spice Rack ($40) from Amazon keeps fresh spices handy on the side of your fridge -- easy peasy!

3. Ditch the notes
Still penning phone numbers and messages on post-it notes? Forget it. Paper clutter adds up, so why not switch to a family message board like the Peel and Stick Slate Chalkboard Sheet ($17) from Organize.com? Handy, eco-friendly, and if you stick a sheet on an existing cabinet, you're using virtually zero wall space! Brilliant.

4. Tackle tupperware
Oh, tupperware. Nothing stresses me out more than missing lids and hard-to-stack plastic containers. I'm a big fan of OXO's fully stackable containers, which are both airtight and incredibly space-efficient. Ditch over-sized cereal boxes and opt for a more stylish, smaller alternative. Loyal to your Rubbermaid? Invest in a Smart Spin storage system ($16) at Target; an inexpensive way to cut down on search time for missing lids.

5. Hide the coupons
I'm an avid coupon-cutter but rarely use them because either (a) I forget them on the kitchen counter, or (b) they've expired before I get a chance to cash them in. A few weeks ago, I purchased an EX Coupon Organizer ($5) from Organize.com and my life has changed. Seriously. As soon as I cut a coupon, I file it into this envelope and keep it in a drawer. Then, when it's time to shop, my handy organizer comes with me and all coupons are together in one spot! I also file a few recipes in the same place, as it's really great for grocery shopping.

Check out a few of my favorite kitchens; read on:
-Inspiration: Classic Kitchens
-Kitchen Backsplash Ideas