I hate to break it to you, but there is not a one size fits all approach to getting organized. So, you’ve tried one of those trendy organizing methods out there and it didn’t quite work.

If you’ve tried it (“it” meaning organizing) and it didn’t go well, chances are it’s not because you’re an unorganized person!

The mere fact that you’re reading this tells me you have the ability to create an organized, happy space for yourself. You may just need a little guide on the side to help steer you in the right direction!

Luckily I’m here to give you a few pointers that will give you the boost you need to get started the right way.

The benefits of having an organized space

Particularly your kitchen & pantry is an essential first step if you’re getting ready to transition to cooking better, healthier autoimmune-friendly foods.

Why? 

Merely being in a cluttered space is enough to create stress and anxiety. 

Both of which contribute to chronic low grade inflammation.  Not to mention, It’s hard to find- anything! Without a system in place and a place for everything it creates a “Where’s Waldo” effect and no one wants to play this version of it!

Or thinking you have a certain ingredient and nope, it’s an unplanned trip to the store which makes cooking more time-consuming and less enjoyable.

Knowing where everything is saves time and saves going and buying more of the same product that you may already have but don’t know it! Which saves you money too!

All that being said…

Here are 4 questions to ask yourself to determine how you want your kitchen to work for YOU:

How do I want this space to function for me? 

In addition to serving as the area you prep, cook and eat in, is your kitchen doing double duty as something else?

Perhaps it’s also serving as a homework space for the kiddos, or as a makeshift office for you.

These are things to consider when determining what function the kitchen will serve. 

What’s the goal for this room?  

  • Do you want it to feel less cluttered, more comfortable? 
  • Do you want to be able to find things easier? 
  • Or do you want to enjoy being in it while you cook your new healthy meals?

Determine the main purpose of how this room will serve you.

What’s currently working?

Now that you have an idea of what the room is going to do for you, now ask yourself – what IS currently working? 

  • Do you like the current flow of the kitchen?
  • Does it feel natural to grab things as you cook without it feeling like you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off?

    Write these things down.

What isn’t working in this space?

And lastly, ask what ISN’T working in this space? Again, write it down.

  • Too much clutter?
  • Not enough storage space?
  • Not sure where things should go?

    Get that on paper, or use the ‘notes’ app on your phone.

These questions matter because when you combine your goals along with what works and what doesn’t, you get an idea of a system for what you really want for your kitchen.

Once you have an outline of that, next you take the action steps to make it all happen:  

Purge

You’re looking for items that are expired, that you don’t use, won’t use and perhaps shouldn’t use with your new health goals.  

Categorize

Now that’ you’ve let go of the things hindering you, group like items with like. Food items, spices, dishes etc. 

Figure out the best flow for cooking.  Where do things you will use often need to be the most handy to make cooking a pleasurable part of your life? 

Organize

Now that you have an idea of the above, put things into their places.  There are a ton of organizing products on the market for all shapes and sizes of spaces but make sure to measure first. That should do it!

You’ll want to review your new system for a few months and see how it works. Don’t be afraid to make changes as necessary if something needs tweaking, or as your needs change. 

If you want even MORE info on how to organize your kitchen, check out my podcast interview with Dr. Julie Wilkening of The Weight Loss Show.

And if you’re looking for support from other women like you living with autoimmune disease, be sure to join our private Women’s Autoimmune Collective group! 

Live with intention, 

Beth