Kitchen Organization: Spices and Dry Goods Using Access Principles
Transform kitchen chaos into organized bliss using uniform containers, strategic placement by usage frequency, and clear labeling. Place daily essentials at eye level, weekly items nearby, and rare ingredients on top shelves for maximum efficiency and tidiness.
Why the Kitchen Turns Into Chaos
A familiar scene: you open the spice cabinet and half the contents spill out. Bags of grains are scattered in different corners, and finding the right seasoning is impossible. It seems like organizing the kitchen is a whole science.
But the Fly Lady method teaches us: convenient means tidy. When everything has its place and is easily accessible, maintaining order becomes natural.
Uniform Containers — The Foundation of the System
The first step to an organized kitchen is getting rid of mismatched packaging. Spices in different jars, grains in factory packages — all of this creates visual clutter.
Choose identical containers for dry goods. These could be:
- Glass jars with airtight lids
- Clear plastic containers of the same size
- Special spice containers with dispensers
Uniformity not only pleases the eye but also saves space. Identical containers stack easily and fit in any cabinet.
The Logic of Usage Frequency
The LadyFly app reminds us: the most important rule of organization is frequently used items should be within reach. Let's apply this principle to the kitchen.
Divide spices and dry goods into three categories:
- Daily: salt, pepper, sugar, flour, cooking oil
- Weekly: favorite spices for main dishes, grains for side dishes
- Rare: holiday seasonings, exotic spices, rarely used ingredients
Place daily products at eye level and arm's reach. Weekly items go slightly higher or lower. Rare items can "live" on the top shelves.
Labeling as Time-Saver
Even in clear containers, it's not always obvious what's inside — especially with small spices. Clear labeling turns searching for the right ingredient from a quest into a matter of seconds.
Use simple labeling methods:
- Labels with the product name
- Purchase date or expiration date
- Color coding by type (spices — red labels, grains — green)
Don't forget to update the information when restocking supplies.
Convenience Leads to Tidiness
When the organization system is well thought out, maintaining order becomes easy. You automatically put the container back in its place because it has a specific spot. Cooking becomes more enjoyable, and the kitchen always looks neat.
Start small — organize just the spices or just the grains first. Gradually expand the system. LadyFly will help track your progress and remind you of important household tasks, so your kitchen always brings joy with its orderliness.
