The kitchen is the heart of any home.  It is where the family gets together to ask about each other’s days, to make plans and, of course, enjoy delicious home made, hearty foods.  Due to its gathering nature, it is one of the most challenging places to keep organized and clean.

The kitchen is normally used for more than eating.  It is a place to entertain, study, read, and even pay bills, thus, you need a system to help you sort out all those activities in the same space while keeping it clean and in order.

• First, take pictures of your current kitchen.  Do not fix anything, just take a picture and look at it.  You will be able to view it from a different angle and really envision how it can look if you get it organized.
• Second, remember that glimpse you had of your “new” kitchen when you saw the picture? Now is time to really visualize it serving your life in full detail.  Gather the family and brainstorm what you see the kitchen becoming.  Establish rules based on what’s important to all the members of the family but be clear on what the goal is, to clear up and organize the space.  Avoid blaming others for the mess and just look for solutions that will benefit all.  Be open to feedback and discussion and take everyone’s opinion into account.
• Third, do not rush to buy anything, concentrate on disposing.  Get trash bags and label them as: Keep, Donate, Recycle, and Clutter to Cash.  Then, follow the F.A.S.T method to sort things out:
  F- Fix a time.  Choose a time that suits everyone.  This is a family activity and everyone must help.
  A- Anything not used in 12 months… is not going to be used.  Be truly honest about what gets used or not.  Do not make up reasons to keep it and do not move it to another room.
  S- Someone else’s things.  You shouldn’t be saving things that do not belong to you.  Either return it, let it go, or ask for it to be picked up.
  T- Trash.  Have fun throwing away stuff.  Make a contest to see who throws away the most.  The goal is to keep only the things that work for you.
• Fourth, define zones in your kitchen for every activity that takes place there.  This is a great principle used by recognized interior designers in Seattle, California, NY, and many other important locations.  After using each area, it is easier to clean out, as you know where things go.  Always keep surfaces clear.  Never have a junk drawer, only buy food you will eat and check for expiration dates every three months.
• Fifth, take pictures of your new kitchen and save it as a reminder of your efforts and accomplishments.  It will be a great incentive to keep it that way and reinforce order within the members of the family.