Like the rest of America, every January I begin the task of clearing out items that are expired, that we don’t use or that are broken. I think most people dread the cleaning out process, as do I, but it feels amazing afterwards when you’ve cleared out items you don’t use and regained precious storage space that most of us are in dire need of.
The kitchen area is the spot that becomes disorganized the fastest, especially after cooking, unloading groceries, coming in from work and school, snack time, homework time — anytime, really, for being the main hub of everyone’s activity. It just becomes a complete mess; items are often stuffed away where they don’t belong, and I later realize I’ve purchased an item we already have. Over and over again.
Spices are probably the worst. I either can’t remember if we ran out of one or I don’t see it when I look because they are crammed in a cabinet, so I purchase it again. They aren’t always cheap and usually come in containers that aren’t space-saving. There is even more wasted space when an empty container is put back in and, thinking we have enough of it, it’s not repurchased.
During one of my trips to World Market, I found magnetic spice storage tins and knew immediately they would help out with organization and with not buying the same spices over and over again.
Materials:
1. Magnetic Spice Storage Tin(s)
2. Flat galvanized steel sheet: These can be found at home improvement stores. They normally come in 24″x36″ sizes, and they make the best magnetic boards.
3. Drill with drill bit
4. Hammer and nails
5. Label maker or marker
Directions:
1. Make a hole in the galvanized sheet to run a nail through. I just used a drill bit to make a hole, hammered a nail in the place on the wall where I wanted the spices, and hung the metal sheet on the nail.
2. Pour spices into containers and close lids.
3. Using a label maker, a marker, etc., label your magnetic tins. I used my vinyl cutter so I can reuse the tin at a later time, if needed.
4. Apply labels to containers and arrange on metal sheet.
I like to keep my magnetic board and spices close to where I plan out meals and make my grocery store lists.
When I am looking at recipes, it helps me easily scan and see what we have on hand and what is needed. There is no digging through cabinets anymore, and anyone can look to see how much of certain spices we have left.