1. Simplify.
If I was only going to give you one rule this would be it. I can’t stress enough how having less equipment in your cupboards and less ingredients in your fridge and pantry makes is so much easier to feel organized.

So how do you simplify?

This is a huge topic on its own but the first place to start is just being mindful of what you bring into the kitchen.

Ask yourself:

‘Do I really need this?‘

The next step is to clear out and review what you have. Any out-of-date ingredients or equipment you haven’t used in months should go.

If you’re struggling with letting things go, do what I do and create a ‘things to donate to charity box’. Keep this in your garage (or shed).

Having this step makes it easier because you can change your mind if you find you are actually missing that hot dog warmer or popcorn maker.

2. Keep like things together.
I find it best to keep similar items together. For example I have one cupboard for plates, another for mugs, another for pots, another for cleaning supplies etc.

3. Keep things where you use them most.
Easy access makes being in the kitchen a smoother experience so you’ll want to spend more time there!

For example, I keep salt and pepper on our dining table so they’re always there when we eat. And I have salt and pepper in the pantry for seasoning when I’m cooking.

Other examples are keeping a jar with utensils next to the stove so they’re easy to grab when I’m cooking. And I have my knives on a rack on the wall in the middle of the kitchen so they’re within arms reach.

4. Clean as you go.
One of the worst feelings is walking into a dirty kitchen and having to spend precious time cleaning before you can even start cooking.

I’m afraid that apart from getting a cleaning robot or a live-in maid, the only way to avoid this is to have a personal rule to clean on an ongoing basis.

If you find yourself with a minute to spare, ask yourself ‘what can I clean now?’ It can take a while to build this habit but you’ll never regret it.

5. Do it now.
This is a trick I picked up from Gretchen Reuben in her brilliant book ‘The Happiness Project’.

Whenever you see something that could be put away or cleaned, say to yourself ‘do it now’ and follow through. This really worked for me so now I automatically pick things up and put them away.

6. Build habits.
I’ve saved this for last because after golden rule No. 1, simplify, habits are the next biggest game changer.

By building habits you put being organized on autopilot. It becomes automatic – something you don’t have to think about.

This is HUGE because you get the benefits of feeling in control and ‘on top of it’ without having to think or try too hard.

Some of the habits that make my life so much easier (and more organized) include:

• shopping on a regular basis
• keeping a running shopping list on my phone
• doing things ‘now’ as I mentioned above
• putting my groceries away as soon as I get home
• really looking in the fridge every day so I know what needs eating up
• prepping ingredients on the weekend or whenever I can (usually when I’m already in the kitchen).