In this five part series, SweetHome expert organizer Barbara Sidoruk will organize your home from top to bottom. This week, she tackles the kitchen.
Kitchens pose two problems, well probably more, but I’ll concentrate on my two pet peeves: your children’s art (I know you love those little Picasso’s but there are better ways to display their talents than on the fridge door) and the fridge.
Art
- Sit down with your child and pick three favourites and put them in frames, (IKEA has a great selection). Do this monthly, it will encourage your children to paint or draw and can become a fun project. Eventually you could even buy canvases for them to work on.
- If framing isn’t your style, get a large bulletin board where the artwork can be displayed.
- Bulletin boards are also useful for both yours and your children’s to-do list. I know it’s in your smartphone but it’s great for your kids to see it. It will get them organized young.
- Chalk board paint comes in a variety of colours and if you use a few coats of magnetic primer your kids can hang their art or simply use the board itself as a 'creative outlet.'
The Fridge
The second problem in the kitchen is the fridge itself. What’s lurking behind your fridge door? There is nothing less appetizing than spills and unidentifiable bits of dry food stuck to the shelves.
- You MUST empty your fridge on a regular basis and give it a good scrub.
- Contrary to popular belief, those condiments do expire. Check the expiry dates regularly and toss them. While you're at it, do the same with your freezer; you cannot keep frozen food forever.
- Use clear containers for storage. You will end up with less spoiled food if you can actually see what’s in there.
- Keep your eggs in the container they came in, they will stay fresh longer and they won’t absorb other food odours.
- The door is the warmest place in your fridge, perfect for condiments, not for milk.
- Cold air sinks, which means the bottom shelf is the coldest; organize accordingly.
Barbara has been a successful wardrobe stylist in the film industry for the last 20 years. Many of her clients look to her not only to update and refresh their wardrobes, but to organize the closets they hang in. Her company, Space came out of organizing closets and into the office, the basement and the entire home. She can be reached at barbara.sidoruk@sympatico.ca or 416-937-9708.
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