One way to make Thanksgiving a bit more manageable this year: organize your pots and pans. Before you are knee-deep into recipes and shopping lists, now is the perfect time to do a little reorganization of your primary Turkey Day tools. Here are 5 steps you should take to get your pots and pans organized before the holiday season even begins:
Take Stock
Gather all of your pots and pans in the middle of the kitchen to see what you have—or what you may be missing. Discard pots and pans that are no longer usable (look for nonstick coating that is flaking, etc.), donate items you no longer use and match lids with their partners. Earth911.com has some great tips for how to recycle your old cookware.
Group Items
Group items by purpose (bakeware, stove top, etc.) and frequency of use, putting those items you use regularly in an easy-to-reach location. For items you may not use often (think large roasters), consider moving them outside of the kitchen area.
Install Organizers
There are so many great organizers for both shelves and drawers. We like this pot and lid organizer from Bed Bath & Beyond because it makes it easy to match the right lid with the right pan. We also love this DIY idea: install a tension rod in a drawer to keep pot lids from rattling around or getting lost or add them vertically in a shelf to create storage for cookie sheets.
Use Your Space Wisely
If your kitchen area is small, you may be pressed for extra drawer and shelf space. Look at unused spaces such as the side of a cabinet or island (install a towel rack with some S-hooks to hang pans), an empty wall (hang a peg board) and even the ceiling (you can use a curtain rod to hang them over a window just like a valance!).
Roll with It
If you are really tight on space, invest in a roll in cart like this one from Wayfair.com. In addition to adding extra storage to your home, this type of cart also gives you additional counter space for cooking and you can transport finished dishes to your guests—instant buffet!
Talk to us: What will be your most used pot or pan this holiday season?
image courtesy of flickr CC/Brandice Schnabel