When it comes to implementing the best kitchen storage ideas, it's daunting to learn how to organize everything from kitchen cabinets to pots and pans. And how do you even start tidying up the dreaded spice rack?
Intimidated by my own overflowing spice drawer, I found myself in desperate need of an organization makeover after moving into a new apartment this summer. I tapped Julie Harris, a Kansas City-based organization expert for her expert spice storage ideas.
Lucky for me, I discovered it only takes a few simple steps to organize spices like a pro. Add a few genius Amazon kitchen storage solutions to the mix and your space will look like it just got a luxe makeover.
Whether you prefer to organize spices in a drawer, cabinet or pantry shelf, here's how to organize spices and keep them clutter-free for good.
The first step in creating the spice drawer or cabinet of your dreams is clearing everything out. Julie says, "Take out all of your spices from their respective cabinets, drawers and shelves." Then, wipe the area down with a microfiber cloth and multi-purpose cleaning solution.
Sort spices by laying them all out in the open on the kitchen countertop. "Consolidate any duplicates, then group spices by flavor profile," says Julie.
To keep your spice drawer or cabinet from becoming cluttered, we highly recommend investing in a uniform spice jar. Not only will this method make it a breeze to consolidate duplicate spices, it adds functional design to any drawer or cabinet. For duplicates, remove the spice jar's cap and use a funnel to pour extra spices into the jar.
Whether you use the labels included with the glass spice jars listed above or your own, a label system is key to keeping spices organized for good. Opt for sticker labels or a permanent marker to label each individual spice jar.
Once spices are consolidated, "Designate an upper cabinet [or drawer] next to the cooktop for spices," recommends Julie. "Incorporate turntables [or drawer shelves] for grouping cooking and baking spices together." A turntable or shelf maximizes deep drawers or vertical cabinet space while making it a breeze to quickly locate spices without having to dig through them.
Depending on the length and width of your drawer, a cabinet may be your best bet. "I prefer a cabinet for organizing spices," says Julie. "A typical drawer is usually not large enough for all the variety of spices, especially the large ones that don't fit within the depth of most drawers."
However, this doesn't mean a drawer is off limits. If you opt for a drawer, Julie recommends picking one closes to the cooktop. As for organizing a cabinet, "Use an upper cabinet for the spices as well as large containers of rubs, seasoning packets, cooking oils and vinegars," adds Julie.
Small space dwellers, like myself, know that organizing anything is a true art. Whether you have a cabinet, shelf or a small strip of countertop, Julie recommends adding a Lazy Susan turntable. "I love a turntable! A two-tier turntable maximizes the amount of spices stored in a small space."
There are two common methods for grouping spices, by alphabetical order or flavor profile. "I prefer to group spices by flavor profile," says Julie. "That way, when you're cooking an Indian dish, for example, all of your Indian spices are already together for easy access."
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The post How to Organize Spices in a Drawer or Cabinet appeared first on Taste of Home.