When you move into a new home, the kitchen should actually be one of the first rooms you unpack and settle. The kitchen is often the heart of the home – people tend to hang out in the kitchen because that’s where the food gets made. The kitchen should be functional, comfortable, and organized. In order to help you get your kitchen set up as soon as you move in, we’ve put together some tips.
Make Note of the Main Kitchen Areas
The major areas of the kitchen should be obvious, but just in case they are the sink, refrigerator, stove, and main counter area (where you’ll do most of your food prep work.) Now that you’ve identified these areas in your kitchen, take a look at your stock list and make sure you’ve got everything you need nearby – dishes, towels, pots, pans, cutting boards, and prep tools. It’s a good idea to unpack these items first – perhaps even on moving day.
Gather all the Kitchen Boxes
Once you’ve taken a look at the kitchen, go ahead and make sure you’ve got all the boxes marked “kitchen” and place them in the room. (This should be a hint to ensure that you remember to label all your boxes accurately.) Before you start unpacking you should have a good idea of where most of your things will go – no one wants to have to reorganize later on.
Remember the Sink and Stove
Though there are several main spaces in the kitchen, the stove and sink are the two stars. The cabinet and drawer space surrounding these areas should be stocked accordingly. The storage spaces that are the most easily reached should have your most frequently used items.
Arranging the Cupboards and Shelves
It should make sense, as you continue to unpack and organize the kitchen, that anything you use on a daily basis should be the most easily accessible. So, plates, glasses, and silverware should all be at your fingertips, so to speak. Items that you use less frequently can be placed in the same cabinets and drawers, but behind the items you use quite often.
Pots and Pans
The pots and pans should be stored as close to the stove as possible. While you’re at it, go ahead and store their lids with them (or at least in a drawer nearby.) Many ovens have a drawer underneath that can be used for less frequently used cooking dishes.
Cabinets Above the Stove and Fridge
Because these cabinets are harder to reach, it is a good idea to store items that you don’t use frequently. But remember, don’t place heavy objects in these cabinets. No one wants heavy items falling from above!
Make a List
While it may sound silly, make an inventory list of each cabinet and attach it to the inside of each cabinet door. This will help you remember what is in each cabinet – you can leave them up or remove them when you get used to your new home.
Jon Huser
