Welcome to Day 12 of my month long series “How to Organize Your Kitchen Frugally in 31 Days”. Every day during the month of October I will be sharing an organized space in my kitchen with you. My goal is to inspire you and give you ideas on how you can organize your kitchen.
If you missed it, you may want to read why I’m embracing my outdated kitchen. It might give you a little perspective on why the pictures of my kitchen organization won’t be “magazine worthy”, but helpful for real life organization.
Today we’re taking a peek into the silverware drawer. Most of what I keep in this drawer shouldn’t seem too unusual, but I do keep a few extras in there because of the size of the drawer, and the location of where it is in the kitchen.
When I showed you my gadget and knife drawer, I told you how I like to completely fill drawers with smaller bins and baskets. That way, things don’t get jumbled up and everything has a specific place. It makes it SO easy for everyone, whether it’s your own family or visitors, when they are helping to put things away. When you establish “places” and everything belongs somewhere, it just makes it simpler for the whole family.
That’s why the old adage, “A place for everything and everything in its place” makes so much sense. It’s not about being OCD, it’s about making your life a little easier.
Don’t think it will work with your family? Just try it. I’ll definitely never tell you that my hubby or kids always put things away where they belong, because they don’t. And it’s unrealistic for me to expect that from them. I don’t always do it either! When things get messy (which they do in everyday life!), having specific places for your belongings makes cleanup go a lot faster since everyone can pitch in and put things where they belong!
Last week I shared with you how I organized my kitchen into zones. My silverware drawer is directly next to the kitchen table which makes it easy to grab a utensil, if needed, during a meal. Since it’s right in the middle of the “Breakfast Zone” (which is also where I keep the kids’ plastic cups) I keep a small bin in the silverware draw to tame those crazy twisty straws.
I also keep corn cob knobs in a little container since they are sort of “utensils”.
I keep a little bin in the back for miscellaneous plastic silverware that we use for the kids’ school lunches. I keep larger supplies of plastic silverware with my paper plates which I’ll show you in an upcoming post.
I used to keep all of the kids’ silverware in one bin, but realized that it was much easier for them to help put it away when the forks and spoons are separated.
We have some wooden chopsticks that we use for fun once in a while. I keep them in the tiny space next to the kids’ silverware bins.
My silverware organizer is pretty old now and I haven’t seen one like it in years. It works great to divide our set, so I’m keeping it until it falls apart. 🙂
There is a little space right at the bottom of the tray where I keep citrus peelers. The kids love using them to peel oranges, so I keep them in this easy to grab spot.
So, there you go – an organized silverware drawer. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing my (not-so-junky) junk drawer! 🙂
I had one of those utensil holders like yours and for some “now dumb” reason I traded it for a newer model. Have always wished I would have kept it. 🙁
I had thought of “upgrading” mine, too, but then I realized that they don’t make them like this anymore and I really like how it holds the silverware. Hopefully they’ll start making them again!
Ginny you are wonderful. All the work you are putting into this project!!!!
Thank you Karen! You are so sweet to say that. It’s so nice to be appreciated. I hope it’s been helpful to you! xoxoxo
Ginny,
I’m loving your kitchen organization series! I can’t remember how I came across your blog (maybe Pinterest?) but I’m happy I did. I love your simple, down-to-earth ideas. We’ll be moving into a new place in a few months and I’m excited to organize the kitchen using all of your great tips. Thanks for sharing!
I’m happy you came across my blog, too, Amber! Thanks for letting me know how much you’re enjoying it and that you’re inspired! 🙂
I’ve gotten great deals on silverware dividers, drawer dividers, white wire shelving and baskets, at thrift shops, goodwill, and habitat for humanity restores. Sometimes garage sale prices! Although I don’t know why anyone would want to get rid of them, but I’m happy to take them off their hands. At a discount, of course!
Where do you keep your over-sized utensils? You know, the serving pieces that come with the flatware sets. They are what gets a little jumbled in my drawer. I need to get some more containers to put them in…I should have already realized that, but it took seeing it here to make it click. 🙂