How can I organize my kitchen so that I can find things more easily?

First, try to develop efficient organization and storage systems by following these principles of work simplification and energy conservation:

• Store frequently used items, such as pots, pans, and utensils, close to the work area or surface.
• If possible, place supplies and equipment between eye level and hip height to avoid unnecessary bending, reaching and lifting.
• Store heavier items on counter tops or within easy reach.
• Eliminate clutter by removing infrequently used items from the work area.
• Return all equipment and supplies to the appropriate storage area when you finish cooking.
• Whenever possible, avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects:
  • Use equipment with wheels, such as shopping, laundry, or microwave carts
  • Push or slide heavy objects along counters or floors
• Allow sufficient time to perform cooking tasks in order to reduce stress and fatigue. Try to balance work with rest.

Eliminate Clutter

Another way to become more organized is to eliminate clutter:

• Dispose of older and unwanted clothing and accessories
• Separate seasonal clothing
• Dispose of never- or rarely-used household or personal items
• Concentrate on reorganizing clutter-prone areas such as
  • Closets
  • Medicine cabinets
  • Kitchen cupboards and surfaces
  • Desks and bookcases
  • Workshops and hobby areas

Consider using the following supplies to help you organize and store household and kitchen items:

• Shoe boxes
• Ziploc bags
• Ice cube trays
• Egg cartons
• Film canisters
• Fishing tackle boxes
• Multi-drawer hardware storage units
• Aprons with multiple pockets
• Baby food jars/glass jars
• Storage boxes/clothing bags
• The "Sock Tuckers" shown here can help sort socks for laundry. They are available from Maxi-Aids. You can also find a variety of organizational products in Sources of Products for Independent Living on this web site.  [link opens in new window]

Organizing and Identifying Kitchen Items

There are many different methods for organiing and identifying items in your kitchen:

• By weight: A container of breadcrumbs and a container of powdered drink mix have the same size and shape, but are easily differentiated by weight
• By location or placement: Try any of the following methods: grouping similar items together, such as fruits, soups, or vegetables; placing frequently used items towards the front of shelves and cabinets; storing foods or supplies in alphabetical order
• By sound: Use auditory cues to differentiate items that have the same size, shape, and weight. For example, a can of fruit cocktail sounds very different from a can of tomato paste when shaken.
• You can also label household and kitchen items by using regular household materials or specialty labeling products. You can learn more about labeling techniques and products at Find Labeling Products and Labeling and Marking on this web site.

Organizing Mail and Bills

You can sort your mail by creating a location for pieces of mail that are most likely bills and letters. Hold these aside until you can share them with a family member or trusted friend who can read them to you.

Catalogs and magazines are usually easy to distinguish from envelopes. Advertisements often come in odd-sized envelopes, but if you are in doubt, place these in the same location as your bills and letters and ask your reader to sort through them with you.

To sort and hold your mail, you can use file folders in different colors or sizes, giant/medium sized manila envelopes, in/out stacking trays, or you can designate a specific drawer in the kitchen or a basket on the counter. The choice is yours, but try to be consistent when setting up and using your mail organization system.

Additional Resources for Household Organization

• If you would like additional instruction in household organization techniques, you can contact a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. See Vision Rehabilitation Services on this web site for more information.
• Find Vision Rehabilitation Services
• Home Modifications
• Sources of Products for Independent Living
• Find Labeling Products
• Labeling and Marking
• Reading and Writing