{31 Days to a Functional Kitchen} Day 8: Utensil Storage

Likely one of the messiest drawers in my kitchen has got to be the utensil drawers.  Yes, I have two.  The first drawer has our tableware and a few other gadgets, etc.  The other drawer is all serving, baking and cooking utensils.  Finally, I have a pitcher on my counter with some additional utensils that I use almost daily. All of these are a mess!!!

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to PURGE!  It may not look like it, but I have actually gotten rid of A LOT of utensils.  I have found certain ones that I like and use and have gotten rid of those that either never get used or are duplicates (or quadruplets).

You will hear me say this a lot this month, but the most important part of having a functional kitchen is to EDIT!  By editing, I mean, removing those items that never or rarely get used and either toss, donate or sell them.  If you must keep them, try to find a location that makes them accessible but out of the way.  I have a box in my hall closet with these types of items that only get used once or twice a year.

Here are a few awesome ideas for utensil storage courtesy of Pinterest.

     1.  A Place for Amy - love the 3 categories of utensils
     2.  HGTV - fun DIY using interesting cans
     3.  Homestead Revival - beautiful jars to match your decor
     4.  Real Simple - repurposing a simple vase
     5.  Better Homes and Garden - keeping utensils to the basics and using dividers
     6.  Better Homes and Garden - love the idea of using a deep drawer for vertical storage
     7.  Shelterness - another alternate storage solution to the traditional drawer

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY...

Can you find the utensil you need when you are looking for it? 
Could your utensil storage use an overhaul?

Assignment:  Place ALL of your utensils into a box.  When you use a utensil you may place it back in your drawer.  At the end of the month take a look at what is still remaining in your box.  Pull out specialty tools that you know you will need and discard the remaining items.  Then, head over to your drawer or other storage solution and make it function for you using your edited items.