Kitchen Organization

I don't know about you but my kitchen NEEDS to be organized. So when we get back to our humble abode in July the kitchen is my first project (my apartment needs to be RE-organized)
Here are a few Ideas to help get your kitchen organized.
* Have an Assigned notebook for (get this) notes: You know all those crazy reminder notes that you are always sticking on your fridge or on the kitchen table. the solution: find a cute little notebook that you can leave on the counter or on the table so you can see it. You will use less paper & when you need the space simply move the notebook instead of a dozen post-its
* Downsize Your Cook books: If you are like me, you have TONS of cook books. I have favorite recipes in everyone & i can never find the one i want when i need it. A project that i have been trying to get done since i have been married is to organize my recipes. Now for the sake of the blog (and my sanity) i will get them all organized.
*Ditch the letter trays for Magazine files: They don't take up a lot of space and they are easy to access. you can even make your own magazine files if you don't want to send a lot of money. (i also need to organize my blog stuff so when if find the link i  will post it.)
*Family Binders are really nice: Have a binder for all your important phone numbers (ward directory, school phone numbers, work numbers family numbers...) School Calenders, Frequent shopper cards, Schedules, Emergency contact info & even a list of repair persons. I even add our favorite foods & shopping list. Also stuff for babysitters.
*Use drawer organizers to keep the "junk drawer" neat & tidy: what junk should you keep in the "Junk Drawer?" Stapler, tape scissors, clips, rubber bands, sticky notes, permanent markers, pencils, pens, super clue, lip balm, hand creme & loose change.
*Use a family Wall Calendar: School holidays, appointments, trips all go on the family calendar.
*Store Items by use: Arrange your Kitchenware by frequency of use, With everyday dishes on an easy to reach lower shelf & special occasion pieces up above.
*Group Similar Objects & Designate a Cooking Zone: Group objects by purpose & assign them to specific cabinets. Create a cooking zone around the stove, storing pots & pans as close to the range as possible.
 * Stash & Stow like items together & Tools efficiently: Keep plastic bags & wrapping together in a drawer near the refrigerator to make quick work of storing away leftovers. Stow essential tools together within easy reach of your cooking area for efficient food prep.

SO where do you start?

*Take Stock of what you have: Empty cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, & drawers. Have you been holding onto empty margarine containers, mismatched dishes and logo mugs that never see the light of day? Disposing of them will fee up valuable kitchen real estate!
* Take a look at your Counter space: if you see items on it that you do not use often, relocate them to a different area in your kitchen or basement/storage room. (here comes more counter space)
*Sort items by category: keep items of similar size, shape & type together. Stacking plates, keeping canned goods together & nesting spoons makes them easier to locate.
*Aim high when putting away seldom-used items: Reserve the higher shelves in your cabinents for items you don't use very much. keep mixing bowls, casserole dishes, glasses & other everyday items within easy reach. this will also reduce the risk of mishaps.
*Store for a view: Loose packets of Kool aide, salad dressing & other powdered drinks can be kept neat and easy-to-find in transparent containers stacked on the pantry shelf.
*Stack Smart: Pile plastic food storage containers by size, from large to small, inside one another. store matching lids in a separate pile also by size. When choosing containers keep in mind that square ones take up less room than round, while collapsible containers can save seven more space.

Let me know how your Kitchen organization project goes!