Decluttering: The Kitchen!

         

Here are a few posts I made to the group for the kitchen...

The first one was sent out on Sunday evening preparing the Ladies for what area we were going to declutter next.  I try to keep it secret but you know...some of these Ladies are jumping right ahead and decluttering away!  I do have some great pictures to show you later on...

Did I just hear some groans?! 

We can take some time in this area...for some this may take a few pass throughs before we are completely done.  This area may be a simple one or it could be one you were not looking forward to going through...but when this area is organized...I feel as if I can cook anything in my kitchen!  We are going to be working on our ABC's in the kitchen area   Yep!  Our A's, B's and C's!  Read the following post and you will see what I mean...

Decluttering:  The Kitchen 

Questions:

Do you have areas set up currently in your kitchen where you have easy access to your items needed?  (See post above)

Looking at the items you do have/use in your kitchen have you found any duplicates?

As you are going about decluttering your kitchen area...are there any items you found that you had forgotten you had or never have used?

Let's throw open those cubboards (don't forget to take pictures!) and start decluttering!!!

 

xoxo Cat

And this was sent on Monday...

Dearest Ladies,

I hope this finds you all busy making your lists in regard to your kitchen area...but only after you have finished your lists of things you wanted to accomplish today.  Maybe after you have had your lunches and you have a moment or two...sit in your kitchen and look around.  Ask yourself a few questions...

What would you like to do in this room?  For many of us...the kitchen is the heart of the home.  In many southern homes...it is the gathering place or where many of us tend to gravitate towards and hang out.

Is this area someplace you look forward to preparing your family meals in?  If not, why not?

What are some of the changes you can make now to help make this area of your home comfy, cozy and inviting?

• Curtains can make a huge difference in this area. 
• Cushions for the chairs or sew a few napkins together to make a seat ruffle with tie backs. 
• Plants always add such a nice touch. 
• Apple-cinnamon-coffee-pumpkin spice scented candles add a nice touch even if you can't see it...others smell them and it just adds to the ambiance of the room.  Think about the senses when you are planning a room...seeing, touching, smelling, hearing...what do you see?  What can you touch or feel here?  How does the area smell? 
• If you have trash cans...do they look like they need cleaning and maybe some freshing up due to the odor?  Be sure to clean them and changing the bags in them on a regular basis.
• Rugs can add a nice touch of color and are very functional in that they help keep the floors cleaner.
• Tablecloths, napkins and/or placemats.

What are some things that need to be placed on the honey-do-help-me list?

• Painting
• Cleaning behind the refrigerator/oven/stove

When you open your cabinets and drawers what do you see? 

If you are using your digital cameras, what do you think others see when they open cabinets and drawers? 

• Try taking a picture and take a look through a different set of eyes!  You might be surprised as to what you see or didn't see before!

Have you thought of using objects you would not normally use in this area?

• A loveseat and/or comfy chair placed in a corner of the room with a decorative pillow.  Have a nice table for books and magazines and maybe your workbasket (needlework) handy.
• Fireplace mantle (if you have room) and place a mirror behind the area where it should have the inset for the fireplace.  Place a plant or silk flower arrangement in front or maybe a set of candles to reflect off the mirror.
• Ladder.  I had a neighbor that threw away an old wooden ladder.  I used it to hold plants and to hang plants off of.  If only one side is actually usable...remove the hinges and lean up against the wall and store kitchen towels on the rings.

Make your list of things you would like to do, purchase and keep the list handy with you so that the next time you are out and about you can mark off those items as you find them.

I can't wait to see the before and after pictures!!  It is so nice to see both pictures!

xoxo Cat

First let's work on those lists.  Think about what needs to be done and what you would like to do...there is a difference.  Sometimes we get hung up on the things we would 'like' to do and mix that up with things that need to be done in that we don't do anything at all!  We are not talking perfection here...just doing what can be done right now.  We are not worrying about painting projects or new cabinets or sinks...we are only working on what we have right in front of us now. 

Love and God's Blessings on your efforts today in your homes!

xoxo Cat