 Makeup: a love-hate relationship. It can be fun to experiment with new makeup products and try out the trendiest lipstick shades, but after the shopping-adrenaline wears off, the sheer number of cosmetic products we each own can be truly overwhelming. Concealers, foundations, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, blushes, bronzers- the majority of our makeup comes in small, individual containers. With all these small products, it can be hard to have a functional cosmetic organization system. Stop feeling like your makeup storage is grimy and embarrassing and follow these 5 hacks for a clean, organized space to hold your makeup goodies: 1. Throw away all expired makeup/makeup you don't use A lot of people don't realize that makeup products expire. Each item of makeup should have a small picture of container on it with how many months the makeup is good for. For instance, the back of my bronzer says "24M" inside the picture of the container meaning it expires in 24 months. Keeping old makeup not only clogs up your pores, it clogs up your storage too! While you are checking the expiration dates on your products, also think, "When was the last time I used this?" Just because it isn't expired, doesn't mean it deserves a place in your drawer. It can be hard to part with makeup but once you throw away makeup you aren't using, it will make you more conscious the next time you go shopping. Check out this chart to help if you still have questions about when your makeup expires! 
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Leigh Bryant is the Director of Sales and Expansion Partner for The Temple Team in Charlotte, NC. Contact her here.
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Whether you are moving and unpacking a kitchen, or just want to reorganize, your mind will be blown by these 4 kitchen organizing secrets.!
Ready to learn the Kitchen Organizing Tips that will amaze you? Read on...
Secret #1: Organize Your Kitchen Into Work Zones
The most efficient way to set up your kitchen is to have “zones” for each function of the room. Take into consideration where you want things located, what will go there, and why it makes sense.
Ideas for kitchen work zones:
Dishwasher and Sink
What: Cleaning products, dish towels, everyday plates, bowls, silverware and glasses.
Why: Keep items closest to where they are most frequently used. Choose cabinets, shelves, and drawers near the dishwasher to make unloading efficient and easy.
Cooking and Stove
What: Pots, pans, bake ware, and cooking utensils, and frequently used spices/oils.
Why: Reduce the movement needed when cooking hot foods. Choose deep cabinets for pots and pans. Store bake ware near oven.
Food Prep Zone
What: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, Tupperware, knife block, often-used counter top appliances.
Why: Keep everything you need to prep your meals within arms reach. Keep appliances that are used daily on the counter top; everything else should be stored in cupboards and drawers
Food Storage Zone
What: Shelf stable foods and food wraps. Usually stored on pantry shelves.
Why: Keeping all food in the same area allows you to see when you’re out or running low. Organize foods by category (e.g. all baking items together, all canned goods, snacks, etc.)
The Rest
What: Everything else should be filled in in the remaining available spaces.
Why: All the often-used items have been put away. Now put the rest away in the high, low and tough-to-get to spots.
Ideas for kitchen work zones:
Dishwasher and Sink
What: Cleaning products, dish towels, everyday plates, bowls, silverware and glasses.
Why: Keep items closest to where they are most frequently used. Choose cabinets, shelves, and drawers near the dishwasher to make unloading efficient and easy.
Cooking and Stove
What: Pots, pans, bake ware, and cooking utensils, and frequently used spices/oils.
Why: Reduce the movement needed when cooking hot foods. Choose deep cabinets for pots and pans. Store bake ware near oven.
Food Prep Zone
What: Cutting boards, mixing bowls, Tupperware, knife block, often-used counter top appliances.
Why: Keep everything you need to prep your meals within arms reach. Keep appliances that are used daily on the counter top; everything else should be stored in cupboards and drawers
Food Storage Zone
What: Shelf stable foods and food wraps. Usually stored on pantry shelves.
Why: Keeping all food in the same area allows you to see when you’re out or running low. Organize foods by category (e.g. all baking items together, all canned goods, snacks, etc.)
The Rest
What: Everything else should be filled in in the remaining available spaces.
Why: All the often-used items have been put away. Now put the rest away in the high, low and tough-to-get to spots.
Secret #2: The Countertop is Prime Real Estate
There is only so much counter space to go around, so items have to “earn” their spot.
For example, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffeemaker should be on the counter top. (Pro tip: store your coffee mugs, coffee, and filters in the cabinet directly above the coffee maker for easy access). Same thing goes for a toaster: if you enjoy toast daily, leave the toaster on the counter top and store the butter dish in the cabinet above it.
The counters around the kitchen sink deserve some counter space, since many items are used all day long. Dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels all belong right next to the sink. Keeping neatly folded dish towels in a small basket near the sink is another option.
Be honest with how often you really use small appliances. Just because you make a panini once a month does not warrant a space on the counter for the Breville. If you make smoothies only on the weekend, do not leave the blender on the counter all week. Store your lesser-used appliances in cabinets and pantry shelves.
For example, if you’re a daily coffee drinker, your coffeemaker should be on the counter top. (Pro tip: store your coffee mugs, coffee, and filters in the cabinet directly above the coffee maker for easy access). Same thing goes for a toaster: if you enjoy toast daily, leave the toaster on the counter top and store the butter dish in the cabinet above it.
The counters around the kitchen sink deserve some counter space, since many items are used all day long. Dish soap, hand soap, and paper towels all belong right next to the sink. Keeping neatly folded dish towels in a small basket near the sink is another option.
Be honest with how often you really use small appliances. Just because you make a panini once a month does not warrant a space on the counter for the Breville. If you make smoothies only on the weekend, do not leave the blender on the counter all week. Store your lesser-used appliances in cabinets and pantry shelves.
Related Articles:
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
Declutter, Donate, and Deduct
Hoarder, Pack-rat, or Just Messy: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference
How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
Declutter, Donate, and Deduct
Hoarder, Pack-rat, or Just Messy: 3 Ways to Tell the Difference
How to Beautifully Stage Your Home So it Sells in a Flash
Secret #3: Allow Yourself a “Junk Drawer”, but organize it!
The kitchen becomes a dumping ground for nearly everything. Rather than fight it (and lose), allow yourself one “junk drawer”. Caution: do not let it get out of hand. Purchase small drawer organizers to keep like items together.
Frequently used “junk drawer” items ideas:
Frequently used “junk drawer” items ideas:
- Stamps
- Pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips and twist ties
- Batteries
- Notepads and post-its
- Gum, mints, and ChapStik
- Scissors and tape
- Chargers and earbuds
- Loose change
- Birthday candles and matches
- Small hand tools, nails and screws
- Flashlights
And One More Secret: Enough with all the Duplicate Items!
Probably the best advice, and the hardest for people to follow, is to eliminate duplicate items when organizing or unpacking a kitchen. Chances are that you only use one set of silverware, one set of everyday dishes, and the same few drinking glasses daily.
What about items that are used once a year (e.g. only pulled out at Thanksgiving)? Ask yourself if you really use the item...or just used it once and not-so-much anymore. Be ruthless!
Have more than one actively-used set of these items? Consider boxing it up and donating to a good local charity.
What about items that are used once a year (e.g. only pulled out at Thanksgiving)? Ask yourself if you really use the item...or just used it once and not-so-much anymore. Be ruthless!
Have more than one actively-used set of these items? Consider boxing it up and donating to a good local charity.
- Kitchen utensils (e.g. spatulas, old paring knives, corkscrews)
- Glassware and coffee mugs.
- Tupperware and disposable plastic ware
- Pots and pans
- Old appliances that have have been replaced (e.g. your old 1980’s crock pot with the flowers on it).
Related Articles:
6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto)
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
6 Things to Not Bother Collecting Anymore (and How to Tell What IS Worth Holding Onto)
How to Sort Like a Pro: Advice from a Professional Organizer
You can Organize your kitchen!!
It's easy to organize your kitchen while you unpack by using these 4 secrets.
What's your favorite kitchen organization tip?
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
What's your favorite kitchen organization tip?
Professional Disclaimer: The ideas, recommendations, and opinions on this website, blog, and made in person are for educational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered legal, financial, or medical advice. I am not an attorney, doctor, or licensed financial professional. Sage Organizing Co., LLC is not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act related to the content of this website, blog, or in-person discussions. If you need specific legal, financial, or medical advice, consult a professional in your area.
Hey There!
I'm Candi.
I'm an Estate Clearing Pro + Professional Organizer, helping people with family in senior care or that have lost someone to clear out all the contents of the house within a week.
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