Are You a Conscientious Cook? 5 Ways to Save Time, Energy, and Money in the Kitchen

We’re talking to organization expert Melanie Graham at The Container Store for kitchen fixes that will not only save you energy and time, but money as well. We’ve already covered small changes. Up next, the big things! 

RELATED: 5 Small Changes to Save Time, Energy, and Money

Make Your Kitchen Appear Larger

Don’t have the money to expand your kitchen? No problem. Creative solutions like removing cabinet doors to expose glasses and dishes can give your kitchen a more open feel.

“The average person opens their kitchen cabinets 15 to 20 times a day so having this area in order will go a long way to creating a clutter-free kitchen that is a pleasure to relax in,” said Graham of updating and refurbishing cabinet doors.

Paint the back of the cabinet a fun color like aqua or orange to make the space pop. If you don’t want to remove your cabinet door, opt for a glass door that exposes a bit more light, while still keeping dishes in their place. [pagebreak]

Customize Your Shelves

More often than not, the biggest problem in the kitchen is the insufficient use of space. Turn your boring, stationary shelves into sliders and lazy Susans for easier access.

“Shelves that have been installed by the builder are often spaced too far apart. A quick and easy solution to cavernous cabinets is to add gliding drawers,” said Graham, which are made in a variety of sizes and styles. “Choose racks to keep the lids to your pots and pans under control. Your lids will be easily accessible and won’t spill out each time you open the cabinet.” [pagebreak]

Dedicate a Section to Your Pet

Giving up a portion of your kitchen to your dog/cat is a lovable gesture to your furry family member. But not everyone can afford to give up a single drawer.

Creative options like using the garbage drawer as a designated food drawer and a pull out drawer as a food and water tray are pet-friendly solutions that won’t cause chaos in the kitchen.

“There’s nothing worse than discovering you’re out of dog or cat food, so storing bulk food and treats in clear, airtight containers can solve that problem,” said Graham. “Containers with airtight seals and easy-open lids will keep your contents visible and fresh for longer.” [pagebreak]

Invest in a Second Fridge

For those fortunate enough to have a second refrigerator consider yourself very lucky. Not only can fridge number two serve as extra storage for prepped food and pre-made meals, but it is a space saver for your main fridge.

“By establishing order in your refrigerator and freezer, you won’t forget (or overlook) ingredients you already have on-hand, which is a major money-saver,” said Graham. “Take inventory, organize food items by size to improve functionality and look for organizers that maximize shelf space.”

Graham also emphasized the importance of cleaning out both the refrigerator and freeze once a month. By making it part of your household cleaning routine, you will avoid spending money on items you don’t need. [pagebreak]

Make your Cookware and Appliances Last

Another kitchen conundrum is storage for other essentials, such as cookbooks, serving bowls,, and not often used appliances. Graham recommends a freestanding shelving unit that fits into a corner or against a wall to accommodate these items.

“Not only will another unit free up cabinet and counter space for regularly used items, but it will also protect appliances from collecting dust and other debris,” she said.

Whether you’re looking for a creative quick fix to save money or a complete kitchen overhaul to make your life easier, it’s always a good idea to pay a little more attention the hub of the home.