Week 6

Area to Organize – Kitchen
 Kitchen Cabinets: Tackle one by one if the job seems overwhelming. Start above counters, on one side of the room and work in one direction & when done, tackle cabinets below the counter. Save the under-sink area for last, for me it was the hardest.

 Get Rid Of:
• Old, currently unused cleaners
• Cans & Bottles of food over 6 months old unless there is a later expiration date.
• Old cracker/cookie boxes probably stale
• Pans & pots that you don't use, have duplicates of, are in horrible shape, etc.
• Extra serving dishes (store them elsewhere unless you have lots of room) until needed. Donate if you have not used them in the past six months.

 Check any open boxes for bugs

 Don't forget to wipe down empty shelves, re-line (if necessary)

 If you store medicines in the cabinets, check expiration dates. Verify prescription items with your pharmacist. Throw out medicines that "didn't work", expired or tasted so horrible you won't use them, etc.

 Don't forget to empty drawers, clean inside, then replace items. Get rid of duplicate items (utensils) if you can.

 Clean all appliances inside and out (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker--use vinegar once through, followed by several rounds of water-- stove vent, etc.)

 Sink: Use a toothbrush to get rid of gritty dirt at faucet. Clean drains, disposal, etc Use favorite cleaner to make "shine".

 Pantry: Use same method as for the cabinets. Don’t forget to wipe down while empty. Try to combine duplicate boxes of things to throw out that which you haven't and probably won't use.

 When this is done, you will probably want to dust any appropriate items, vacuum from ceiling to floor, including vents/ a/c ducts, clean any windows, and sweep & wash the kitchen floor (I always do that last!)

 Be ruthless! Go through every drawer, cabinet, and counter. Did you take time to do all that work and sell yourself short? Did your Mama tell you a job worth doing is worth doing well??? Well go ahead an "git": make that kitchen shine. Go through the spices and the cookbooks again. I know there are things you still really need to do.