Organizing Kitchenware: Dishes To Pots

Keeping your kitchenware organised can be a challenge, especially when it comes to bulky items like pots and pans. These items are essential for cooking, but they can be awkward to store, particularly in smaller kitchens. However, with a few clever storage solutions, you can keep your pots, pans, dishes and glasses neat and easily accessible.

Firstly, consider your available space. If you have room in your kitchen, a designated cabinet for pots and pans can work well, but only if it's organised effectively. Stack pots and pans in size order and use a cookware rack as a divider to keep them from scratching each other. If you have deep drawers, these can also be a great place to store pots and pans, with lids tucked alongside.

If you're short on space, you could install a hanging or ceiling rack for your pots and pans. This keeps them within easy reach and showcases your cookware as part of your kitchen decor. Alternatively, make use of narrow spaces by installing a pull-out cabinet or toe-kick drawer for sheet pans and baking trays.

For dishes and glasses, open shelving can be a great way to display attractive dishware while keeping it easily accessible. Reserve lower shelves for daily items like plates and bowls, and use upper shelves for larger serving pieces. If you're tight on space, try a tall, ready-to-assemble shelving unit to maximise vertical storage.

With a bit of creativity and some careful planning, you can keep your kitchenware neat and tidy, no matter the size of your kitchen.

How to pack dishes, glasses, pots and pans for moving home

Packing up your kitchenware can be a challenging task, especially if you have a lot of fragile items. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pack dishes, glasses, pots, and pans for moving home:

Packing Materials and Workspace Preparation:

Before you start packing, gather all the necessary materials, including packing paper (newspaper can be used but has the risk of ink smudging), bubble wrap, cardboard boxes (preferably dish boxes with double-layered cardboard for extra protection), packing tape, and markers for labelling. Prepare a clean and spacious area, such as a table or a kitchen countertop, to organise your packing. Assemble the boxes by taping the bottoms and seams for added reinforcement.

Packing Dishes and Glasses:

Start with the heaviest items first, which are usually the plates. Wrap each plate individually with packing paper, pulling the corners of the paper over the plate to secure it. Stack three to four plates together, and then rewrap the entire bundle with another layer of paper and secure it with tape. Place the bundle of plates vertically in the box, adding more paper or soft items like towels as cushioning. Repeat this process until the box is full, ensuring the plates are packed tightly with no movement when shaken. Label the box as "Fragile, This Side Up."

For bowls, follow a similar process as plates, wrapping each bowl individually and adding cushioning. Place the bowls vertically in the box, adding more paper on top after each layer.

Glasses are the lightest and most fragile, so pack them last. Wrap them individually, stuffing the insides with crumpled packing paper for added protection. Place the glasses in a single layer on their sides in the box, maximising space by grouping similar-sized items together. Fill any empty spaces with packing paper for added safety. Label the box as "Fragile, This Side Up."

Packing Pots and Pans:

Remove lids from pots and pans and wrap them separately in packing paper and bubble wrap. Place the lids in a small box, standing them upright like plates, with cushioning between each lid. For the pots and pans, nest them together by size, placing the smaller ones inside the larger ones. Put packing paper or bubble wrap between each pan to prevent scratching. Wrap the entire group in packing paper and secure it with tape before placing them in a well-padded box.

Final Steps:

Seal all the boxes with packing tape and clearly label them with their contents and "Fragile" or "Fragile, This Side Up" indications. When packing the boxes in the moving truck, ensure heavier boxes are placed at the bottom and securely stacked to prevent shifting during transport.

By following these steps, you can confidently pack your dishes, glasses, pots, and pans, ensuring their safety during your move to your new home.

How to organise pots and pans in a cabinet

Keeping your pots and pans in a cabinet can be a great way to save space, but it can be a challenge to keep them organised and easily accessible. Here are some tips to help you organise your pots and pans in a cabinet:

Stacking and Dividing

If you're using a cabinet, organisation is key. Stack your pots and pans in size order to make the most of the space and ensure smaller items don't get lost at the back. You can also use a cookware rack as a divider to keep pans organised and prevent them from getting scratched.

Sliding Organisers

Sliding organisers are a great option for hard-to-reach cabinets. These racks can be pulled out like a drawer and are designed to hold and adjust to different types and sizes of cookware. They keep your items visible and easily accessible, and they also help save space in your cabinet.

Vertical Organisers

Vertical organisers are perfect for maximising storage in small spaces. These racks have a small footprint and leave room for other kitchen tools. They help keep your cookware in top condition and make it easy to access your favourite pots and pans.

Lid Storage

Lids can be stored in a separate cabinet or drawer near your pots and pans. You can use a lid organiser to keep them standing upright and in place. Alternatively, you can place lids upside down inside your pots to create a flatter surface for stacking.

Shelf Liners

Adding a shelf liner to your cabinet can make your kitchen feel fresh and clean. Choose a pattern and colour that suits your space.

Editing Your Collection

Before organising your pots and pans, consider editing your collection. Keep only the items you use regularly in your cabinet, and store special-occasion items elsewhere. Get rid of any broken, scratched, or unused pots and pans, as well as any unmatched lids or duplicate items.

By following these tips, you can effectively organise your pots and pans in a cabinet, making your kitchen more functional and efficient.

How to display glasses and dishes

Displaying your glassware and dishes can be a fun way to add some personality to your space. It's also a great way to show off your favourite pieces and keep them easily accessible. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a Display Area

Start by selecting a display area for your glasses and dishes. This could be a shelf in your kitchen, a curio cabinet in your dining room, or even a dedicated display cabinet. Consider the amount of space you have and how visible you want your pieces to be. If you're short on space, you can utilise built-in shelves or opt for a slim-profile dresser.

Group Similar Items

Once you've chosen your display area, start grouping similar items together. This could be by colour, type, or even by the occasion for which you use them. For example, you could display all your wine glasses together or create a romantic coffee station with your favourite mugs.

Layer and Vary Heights

To create a visually appealing display, vary the heights and widths of the items you're arranging. Layer objects of different sizes and shapes to add depth and interest to your display. You can also group similar items together to create a sense of cohesion. If you're working with a tonal colour scheme, you can create mini colour palettes on each shelf.

Add Lighting

To really make your glasses and dishes shine, consider adding some lighting to your display. Integrated LED lighting can be a great way to illuminate glassware and crockery, especially if your display is located in a small or dark space. Alternatively, you could use a glass-fronted cabinet, which will reflect light and make the space feel larger.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to think outside the box! Glassware doesn't just have to be for drinking. You can use tumblers as makeup brush holders or small vases. You can also mix and match your glassware and dishes with other decorative objects, such as books or trinkets, to create a unique and personalised display.

How to store pots and pans if you have limited space

Storing pots and pans can be a challenge, especially if you have a small kitchen or limited cabinet space. Here are some ideas to help you maximise your storage and keep your kitchen organised and clutter-free:

Edit your collection:

Start by going through your pots and pans and deciding which ones you really need. Keep only the ones you use regularly and donate or recycle the rest. This will make organising and storing them much easier.

Utilise wall space:

If you're short on cabinet space, consider using wall-mounted storage solutions such as a pot rack or pegboard. Hang your pots and pans on hooks, either above the stove or on any available wall space. This keeps them easily accessible while cooking and frees up cabinet space.

Make use of vertical space:

Install a hanging rack or use a simple tiered holder to store your pans vertically. This saves space and also prevents pans from getting scratched.

Store items together:

Keep your pot lids, baking sheets, and cutting boards together in a designated cabinet or drawer. Use a lid organiser or pan organiser rack to make the most of the space and prevent items from getting damaged.

Use creative solutions:

Think outside the box with creative storage solutions such as a ladder with S-hooks, a metal rod with S-hooks in front of a window, or a wall-mounted shelving unit. You can also use a kitchen cart, such as the IKEA RÅSKOG cart, which takes up minimal space and can be easily moved around.

Optimise deep drawers:

If you have deep drawers, utilise them for storing pots and pans with their lids on. You can also add dividers to your drawers to keep items organised and prevent them from sliding around.

By combining these ideas, you can efficiently store your pots and pans even in limited space, creating a functional and stylish kitchen.

How to hang pots and pans

Hanging pots and pans is a great way to save cabinet space and keep everyday items within reach. Here are some tips for how to hang your pots and pans:

Install a ceiling-mounted pot rack

Ceiling-mounted pot racks are available in a wide variety of sizes and are a great solution if you have limited wall space and cabinet storage. You can pick up a high-quality pot rack from your local hardware store or online. Just make sure that you can easily reach the hanging pans without the help of a stepping stool. If your ceilings are particularly high, try adding length to the fixture's chain or attaching the pot rack to a beam instead. You can also hang them across a window to save space.

Use a wall-mounted pegboard

A pegboard is a versatile and affordable storage solution that can be used in the kitchen to store not only pots and pans but also kitchen shears, spatulas, ladles, and other tools. You can continually reconfigure the pegs to create new ways of storing items and additional racks or organizers.

Hang them from pot rails on a wall

If you have wall space in your kitchen without cabinets or shelving, consider adding a pot rail and using hooks to hang your cookware. You can also prop the lids onto the rails for smarter storage.

Hang them on a pot rack above the stove

A hanging rack above the stove can match your hardware and style of your kitchen. This way, the pots and pans become part of the decor. Hanging racks are also great for storing spatulas and other kitchen tools within arm's reach.

Use a rolling bar cart

A rolling bar cart is a versatile and convenient storage solution. Keep oft-used pots and pans on the top shelf and nest the others down below. Wheel the cart into a discreet corner when you need to clear space.

Other tips

• If you have a kitchen island, you can anchor some S-hooks under the counter and hang your pots and pans.
• Stacking or nesting pots and pans can save space, especially if you have a set of similarly-shaped items. Just be sure to place a few sheets of paper towel or a kitchen tea towel between them to protect from scratches and rusting.

Frequently asked questions