One of the big advantages of meal preparation as a part of meal planning is saving on time. It can be hard to get this benefit, though, if your kitchen isn’t streamlined for efficiency. Here are some ways you can redesign your kitchen to make meal preparation even easier.
Create a Redesign Plan
The Spruce gives a general idea of the things you will need to consider before you start your project. This will include settling on a budget and deciding on the actual layout of your new kitchen. While it might be tempting to check everything off the list of available upgrades, it’s advisable to determine a must-have list and work with the space that you have. When setting a budget for the renovation, you’ll want to do some research on what a kitchen remodel might cost as well as any new items you want to buy. Choosing a layout is also an imperative part of your kitchen renovation. This is where you’ll be able to determine the best arrangement of your cupboards and appliances that complement the kitchen’s square footage. If one of the items on your must-have list is an island, then this is the point where you’d know if that is something that can be achieved. At this stage, you’ll also make decisions about the size and type of appliances you’re going to have in your kitchen, as things like plumbing and electrical outlets must be planned around them.
There’s Hope for Small Kitchens
If you’re working with small kitchen space, all is not lost. It just means you’ll have to get creative with your renovation to create more space. For example, you’ll have to choose built-in appliances to help keep the kitchen clutter-free. A roll-out pantry is a good space-saving option if you have an empty space in your kitchen to accommodate it. You can also maximize your storage space by using hooks on the inside of cupboards, installing rolling shelving, using a rolling cart and hanging large pots and pans from the ceiling.
Assign Tasks Carefully
When it comes to doing renovations, lots of people like to get in on the action. If you’re one of those people, then you’ll need to think carefully about what tasks you should take on yourself and which ones need to be left to the professionals. According to DIY Network, amateur DIYers can easily paint and install window treatments. Those with more specific experience may be able to tackle flooring installations and update light fixtures. You should definitely leave projects like the installation of a waste disposal system, running electrical wires and the general reconfiguration of your kitchen layout in the hands of the professionals.
Organization Tips for Meal Prep
Once your kitchen has been renovated, you’ll want to implement some other habits that will make meal preparation easier. You can organize your kitchen in general by grouping like items together (e.g., cooking supplies, cleaning supplies) and in their designated areas of the kitchen. It’s also helpful if you keep your countertops clear of everything that’s not in use, and only leave out the items you plan to use every day. Organizing your fridge by keeping like items together and labeling your containers is also helpful. When you keep things organized, it makes it easier for you to keep track of what ingredients you have on hand, which in turn makes grocery shopping a breeze. Be sure to keep your kitchen stocked with great meal prep foods like fresh and frozen vegetables, eggs and complex carbohydrates that can be used to whip up a meal quickly.
Meal preparation is supposed to be easy and efficient. It doesn’t make sense to attempt this in a kitchen that is thwarting your efforts. Figure out the kind of kitchen that you need and get started on making things just a bit easier.
Written by Julian Lane