|
|
Organizing Your Spices - 10 Tips
for Choosing the Right Storage
by Ariane Benefit
Everyone's needs for spices storage are completely unique. Some people
have lots of space, but only have a few spices to store and they don't
use them often. Others have limited space, lots of spices, and use some
of them all the time and some of them rarely. Often people buy many
types of storage before finding the one they really like and use. So, to
help you get it right the first time, here are a few things to consider
in selecting the right storage to organize your spices.
1. Is it easy to use? Test it out in the store. Is it easy to open and
close? Can you access it with one hand? How many steps does it take to
use it?
2. Will it be easy to clean? Are there lots of nooks and cranny for dirt
and grime to settle into? Can you submerse it in water without
destroying the contents?
3. Is it the right size? Will you have to constantly refill containers?
if so are they really easy to open, close, and refill?
4. Is it easy to get the right amount out of the containers? Can you fit
your measuring spoon inside? Does it have controls to keep all the
contents from accidentally spilling out at once? If this is important to
you, today you can even get containers that meter out the right amounts
for you! Just dial the amount you want and let it go.
5. Where in your kitchen do you have space? Don't buy a product unless
you KNOW that you have a designated space for it and it will fit.
Measure the area you plan to store spices in before you shop.
6. Will each spice have it's own home so that you will know exactly
where to put it when you are done with it? And it will be easy to find?
7. Count the number of spices you have. Make sure the storage solution
you buy will be large enough for all your needs, plus have room to grow.
Consider using more than one solution. One to keep handy for everyday
cooking, one for infrequent use.
8. Do you really love the look of it and will you enjoy using it? If you
don't really love it, cooking will be less enjoyable for you and you may
end up ordering out more often. Cooking at home is the best way to eat
healthy and save money. So why not make cooking as easy and enjoyable as
you possibly can?
9. Will it fit with your decor and colors even if you change them? Try
to get something neutral enough to fit in with any decor. Having a theme
to all your kitchen accessories is a great way to make it easy to
redecorate and still have everything fit in. For example, your theme
could be white accessories, or chrome or stainless steel. If your items
conform to a theme, they tend to look less cluttered when they are out
on your counters.
10. Don't buy an item just because it's a novelty and seems like a cool
idea. When you get these impulse buy gadgets home, they often don't fit
in and you'll probably end up giving it away anyway.
Thinking through these factors will help you get the right storage the
first time. But just in case, whatever you buy, make sure it's
returnable. Even the best shoppers sometimes get something home and find
it just doesn't work.
About the author
Ariane Benefit, M.S.Ed., is a professional organizer, coach, author and
speaker with over 25 years experience helping people and businesses
reach new heights of performance. She has written over 80 articles which
can be found on the popular "Neat Living Blog: Neat Ideas for Living" at
http://www.NeatLiving.net and at
http://www.OrganizingForHealth.com. Ariane resides in Bloomfield, NJ
with her husband, Alan and three adorable Maine Coone cats. When not
helping people organize their lives, she enjoys gardening, entertaining,
traveling and riding her motorcycle.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ariane_Benefit
|
|
