Here are the details on how to organize, declutter, and store all of your kitchen appliances. For example, consider buying a high-quality blender that can double as a food processor. Do you really need a panini press when you already have a waffle iron? A stockpot can produce a batch of perfectly cooked rice. There is really no need for a rice cooker unless you use it daily. If the appliance is no longer in working order, you can recycle it. Check with your local recycling centers to see if they accept kitchen appliances. You can also donate them to Freecycle and have them recycle the appliance for you. If you’re not sure if you should get rid of an appliance or not, try the box method. Put it in a box and store it out of sight. If in a month you need the appliance, then keep it. If you never think about it, then it’s time to donate, recycle, or sell it. So now you’re left with the appliances used regularly in your kitchen. You should store them where you use them. Three rules of thumb are to put frequently used appliances on the countertop or the lowest shelf of an upper cabinet for easy reach; rarely used appliances should go to the top of the cabinets; and never-used items should be sold or donated. While a clean and clear kitchen countertop is a lofty goal, but don’t be afraid to store some of your commonly used appliances—coffeemaker, blender, toaster oven—front and center on your countertop. Kitchen organization is all about making your cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, and appliances functional.
