Step-by-Step Declutter
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Primary Kitchen Work Zones


There are three primary kitchen work zones in every home.  The purpose of zones in the kitchen is to create areas of focus where all the necessary tools and equipment for accomplishing a specific type of task are conveniently located within easy reach of one another.

To plan work zones for your kitchen:
  • Identify the different types of work that you do in your kitchen (mixing, cooking, storing, cleaning).
  • Figure out what tools are needed for each type of task.
  • Designate areas, or zones, within the kitchen for doing the different tasks you've identified.

Thinking of your kitchen in these terms and organizing it accordingly will help you to establish an orderly, functional, clutter-free work space.
The three primary kitchen work zones center on the three major appliances or fixtures that make up the backbone of the kitchen: the refrigerator, the sink, and the oven/range. Let's examine each one more closely.

The Refrigeration Zone


The main function of the refrigeration zone is, not surprisingly, keeping foods cold. Simple and straightforward as that may seem, this is an oft overlooked kitchen work zone.  In addition to the fridge itself, the refrigeration zone should include the nearby countertop and cabinet space. Ideally, you should have a minimum of 18 inches of counter space on the latch side of the refrigerator. That way you don’t have to close the refrigerator door or reach around it in order to access the counter space.

The section of countertop adjacent to the fridge serves as a sort of landing/launch pad for holding food as it goes into or comes out of the fridge. In addition, this area can be used for filling food storage containers to place in the fridge. If you don’t have counter space beside your refrigerator, a nearby kitchen island will work (see the image below for an example of this). 

​Any cabinets or drawers in this area of the kitchen should be used to house items that relate to the function of this primary kitchen work zone. See the list below for suggestions.
Picture
What to store in the refrigeration zone:
  • Bottle opener
  • Ice cream scoop
  • Serving utensils such as slotted spoons, salad tongs, etc.
  • Food storage containers for food going into the refrigerator – to include zippered freezer bags
  • Serving dishes for cold food (such as salad bowls, ice cream bowls, etc.)
  • Glasses – The tendency is to store glasses near the dishwasher, but it makes sense to store them near the refrigerator as well since this is most likely where you fill them. You have to decide which is more convenient for you based on the layout of your kitchen.

The Wash Zone


The wash zone is the most multi-functional kitchen work zone. This is where everything from fruits and vegetables to dishes and hands get washed. In addition, this center supplies water for drinking and for cooking.

This is the most frequently accessed area of the kitchen and the most likely to experience a traffic jam. Ideally it should include a fair amount of counter space to one side at least (30-36 inches is preferable) for draining, drying, and staging.
​
What to store in the wash zone:
  • Hand soap
  • Dish washing supplies (liquid dishwashing soap, dishwasher detergent, scrubbers)
  • Dish cloths and towels
  • Dish drainer
  • Colanders and strainers for rinsing and draining food
  • Glasses (if not stored elsewhere)
  • Pitchers and reusable water bottles
Picture

The Cooking Zone


The cooking zone needs to accommodate stove top cooking, baking, broiling, and maybe even microwaving so storage in this zone is at a premium.
​
What to store in the cooking zone:
  • Pots and pans and their accompanying lids
  • Casserole/baking dishes
  • Baking pans (muffin, bread, cookie, pizza)
  • Serving dishes & bowls
  • Common cooking utensils: can opener, whisks, stirring spoons, turners, thermometers, ladle, pasta server, etc.
  • Herbs & spices
  • Cooking oils
Picture

Sample Layout of Primary Kitchen Work Zones


Notice in the diagram below that the refrigeration zone and the wash zone overlap, sharing a section of counter space. Not only is this OK, it’s quite common. Think of zones as fluid transitions within your kitchen from one activity or task to another. They will frequently overlap in much the same way as the activities they support.
Picture

Read More


The refrigeration zone, wash zone, and cooking zone represent the basics of kitchen organization. In addition to these primary kitchen work zones, there are several potential secondary zones that you may wish to identify and establish in your kitchen to maximize efficiency and functionality. Click on the image below to read more about these specialized kitchen work zones. 
Picture

Please Share


If you found this page helpful, please share it on social media. Please leave a comment below as well. I'd love to hear about your kitchen organization pitfalls and triumphs.
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  • Home
  • About Sheri
    • Contact
    • Services >
      • FAQ
      • The Organization Process
      • Packages & Plans
      • Presentations
      • Results
      • Why Hire an Organizer?
  • Organization Basics
    • Declutter Your Home >
      • Basics of Home Organization
      • Household Cleaning Schedule
      • Tips for a Quick Declutter
    • Basics of Decluttering >
      • 4 T's of Decluttering
      • Clutter vs Decor
      • Coming to Terms with Your Clutter Personality
      • Conquer Clutter
      • Principles of Organization
      • The Proven Process for Organizing Everything
      • Purge Like a Pro
      • Rules for Decluttering
      • Steps to Declutter
      • Systems for Decluttering
    • Organizing by Room >
      • Bathroom >
        • Bathroom Storage Solutions
        • DIY Bathroom Wall Storage
        • Declutter Hair Accessories
        • Declutter Your Makeup
        • Declutter Your Medicine Cabinet
      • Bedroom >
        • Bedroom Storage Solutions
        • How to Declutter Clothing
        • How to Organize Your Closet
      • Entry
      • Home Office >
        • Declutter Your Files
      • Kids' Rooms >
        • Toy Storage Tips
        • Toy Storage Options
        • Maintaining Kids' Rooms
      • Kitchen >
        • Primary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Secondary Kitchen Work Zones
        • Movable Kitchen Storage
        • How to Declutter Kitchen Cabinets
        • How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets
        • Kitchen Cabinet Space Savers
        • How to Declutter a Refrigerator
        • Tips for Organizing a Refrigerator
        • Meal Planning
        • How to Organize Recipes
      • Pantry >
        • Pantry Inspiration
    • Storage Solutions >
      • Assessing Your Storage Needs
      • How to Create a Whole House Storage Plan
      • Storage Kits
      • Storage Unit Dos and Don'ts: An Organizer's Perspective
    • Information Management >
      • How to Establish an Information Management System
      • Declutter Papers
      • How to Organize with Lists
      • Deciding What Paperwork to Keep
    • Family >
      • How to Raise an Organized Child
      • Teaching Kids to Work
    • Productivity >
      • Stop Procrastinating and Declutter
      • The Myths of Multitasking
      • 7 Strategies for Single Tasking
    • Lifestyle >
      • College Prep >
        • College Packing List
        • Dorm Room Essentials
        • What Not to Take to College
      • Holiday Planning >
        • Declutter Your Holidays
        • Clutter-free Gift Giving
        • Give the Best Gifts
        • Organize Your Gift Giving
      • Preparing for Transition >
        • Aging with Grace and Purpose >
          • Estate Planning
          • Organizing for Alzheimer's Disease
        • Adult Children
      • Travel Planning >
        • Air Travel with Kids
        • Sightseeing with Kids
        • Tips for Care-free Travel
        • Traveling with Kids
    • Moving >
      • Creating a Household Inventory
      • Organize Your Move
      • Planning for a Move
      • Moving Options
      • Prepare for Movers
      • Working with Movers
      • Tips for Packing
      • Tips for Unpacking
  • Resources
    • Books >
      • Moving Made Easy
    • Challenges >
      • Get Rid of 100 Things in 100 Days
    • Newsletter
    • Product Recommendations >
      • Organization Gems Every Girl Needs
      • 12 Amazing Organization Products for Men
      • Fabulous Farmhouse Storage Solutions
      • Crazy Cool Products That Will Make You Want to Clean
      • Best Board Games for Beating Boredom
    • Donate Your Stuff >
      • Donate Books
      • Donate Clothes
      • Donate Craft Supplies
      • Donate DVDs & More
      • Donate or Recycle Electronics
      • Donate Furniture
      • Donate Musical Instruments
      • Donate School Supplies
      • Donate Sports Equipment
      • Donate Used Toys
    • Recycling Resources
    • Sell Your Stuff >
      • Garage Sale Organization
    • Swap Your Stuff
    • Setting Goals
    • Tools for Organizing >
      • Furniture >
        • Organize with Dressers
      • Wall Storage >
        • Organize with Pegboards
        • Personalized Pegboards
  • Blog