There’s nothing more frustrating than overflowing drawers, vanities, cupboards, and bins, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. These two spaces see the most traffic in the home and, as a result, tend to accumulate the most clutter.

As the workhorses of the home, our kitchens and bathrooms require careful organization to maintain functionality and cleanliness. Pam Gilbert and Angie Smith, the expert organizers behind Tidy Matters and featured presenters at the upcoming 2024 Calgary Fall Home Show, are sharing their wisdom on de-cluttering your most-used rooms in this special feature for Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

The Calgary Fall Home Show, running September27–29 at the BMO Centre, is the one-stop-shop for homeowners to discover the latest and greatest tips and tricks for any home improvement project. Tidy Matters Sleep Country Main Stage presentation, Decluttering for Downsizing or Renovating, is full of useful information on how to finally get organized. Tickets are available online at calgaryfallhomeshow.com.

Why Do Kitchens and Bathrooms Struggle to Stay Organized?

Pam Gilbert: Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most challenging spaces to keep organized because they serve multiple functions and are constantly in use. The kitchen is a gathering place where families cook, eat, snack, and even do homework, leading to a frequent shuffle of dishes, gadgets, and food items. Similarly, bathrooms are used daily for showering, grooming, and other personal tasks, resulting in constant handling of toiletries and small items.

Angie Smith: For busy families, these challenges are heightened by the need to move quickly through these spaces. Mornings are often rushed, with everyone trying to get ready and out the door, and evenings are filled with extracurricular activities, leading to items being left out and not returned to their proper places.
Staying Organized Without Minimalism

PG: If you’re not a minimalist but still want to keep your kitchen and bathroom organized, the key is to establish the right systems. It’s all about finding a balance between accessibility and storage. Store frequently used items within arm’s reach, and place less-used items higher in cabinets or a storage room. For space-limited homes, use vertical space with wall-mounted racks and stackable bins.

AS: In the bathroom, consider using drawer dividers or small baskets to keep makeup, perfumes, and toiletries in check. Group similar items together and store them in a way that makes sense for your daily routine. If you have a lot of makeup, for example, designate a specific drawer or container for each type of product — lipsticks in one, eye products in another — so you can quickly find what you need.

Daily and Weekly Maintenance Tips

Maintaining a decluttered and organized kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can keep the kitchen in order with minimal effort by incorporating a few simple habits into your daily and weekly routines.

Daily Tips:

• After each meal, take a few minutes to put away dishes, gadgets, appliances, and any ingredients you’ve used.
• Don’t let dishes pile up — wash them immediately or load them into the dishwasher.
• Put away items like mail and receipts that tend to accumulate in the kitchen.
• Wipe down the stove and countertops to keep the kitchen looking clean.

Weekly Tips:

• Go through your fridge and pantry to purge expired food items.
• Restock supplies by creating a grocery list for items that are running low.
• Choose one cabinet or drawer per week to declutter and reorganize.
• Plan meals and only buy what you need to reduce waste.

The Appeal of Restocking Videos — And Alternatives

The viral trend of restocking videos has everyone obsessed with uniform, clear containers for dry goods and knickknacks. While this level of organization can be visually appealing, Tidy Matters says it’s not necessary for keeping things neat and tidy. If matching containers aren’t your style, consider these alternatives:

• Repurpose Containers: Use jars or containers you already have. Clear, labelled containers work well even if they don’t match.

• Create Categories: Group similar items together — such as baking supplies, breakfast items, or snacks — so you can easily find what you need.

• Label Everything: Clear labels on shelves, bins, and jars make it easy to identify what’s inside, regardless of the container type.

• Maintenance: Take time each week to tidy up and restock items to prevent clutter from accumulating.