Under the Sink

If you lack drawer space, under the sink is just as practical but requires a bit more thought. Create a drawer system using a product like iDesign or Sterilite drawers. Many of these stack perfectly so if you have a ton of makeup you can divide it between multiple drawers. As always organize by like items - put your brushes together, contour and highlight pallets, etc.

On the Counter

This works best when everything is contained. Try using an acrylic container or a beautiful divided basket that compliments your décor. You want to keep this option very simple and clean to avoid visual clutter but it’s great if you are working with very limited space!

Decant that makeup friends! Unless you have a very small amount or travel weekly it’s best to keep your makeup out of a bag. Nothing falls to the bottom or becomes hidden so you can see everything very quickly!

Pro tip: write on the bottom with a permanent marker the date that you purchased your new summer blush so you know when it’s expired and time to buy a new one!

Let’s chat about spices for a minute!

We all know that spices can make or break a meal. What is banana bread without nutmeg or fajita’s without cumin?! If you love cooking or baking you also have a love for all those abundant flavours to add to your kitchen creations!

As a professional organizer I go into client’s homes with an open mind & ask many questions to make each space a custom fit for that family. I have never organized two kitchens in the same way and a lot of that has to do with how each family uses that kitchen. Do they order mostly takeout and need to have instant access to disposable chopsticks? Or are they a home chef and have over 20 knives? These questions can be especially important when it comes to spices and how each family cooks!

With that comes spice organization! I’ll give you my most “go to” ways I tackle my client’s spices – let’s get started!

In the Drawer

I know this sounds risky and some people may fear that it will take up serious real estate in your kitchen but if you have the room why not!? A nice shallow top drawer where you lay the spices down label facing up can give you all the feels. This route works best if you traditionally purchase the same brand of spices or decant them so they fit together nicely and stay lined up. You can sort them by alphabetical order, by colour or by category (ie: chicken, beef, baking, etc.)

On a Shelf Riser

What is a shelf riser you may ask?! Well it’s a tiered little shelf (or big and expandable). It is often advertised as a way to store canned goods but it works wonders for spices and gives you the ability to see everything at a glance – which is exactly what we need when making that beef stew!

Try Decanting

If you are looking for an Instagram or Pinterest worthy look you can decant your spices as you would flour or pasta noodles (if that’s your sort of thing!) You can easily purchase like looking jars in bulk from Amazon or Canadian Tire and create labels. If you have a deep drawer or are lucky enough to have a custom spice drawer you can even place labels on the tops of the jars so you can pick and choose easily. Not quite that crafty? Try a Sharpie chalk pen & give your writing a go!

A Back Door Rack

This solution is simple, easy and fast! Whether it be a pantry or cupboard door every kitchen has one which makes this spice organization so attainable! Many major brands have a wonderful door shelf that can be installed within minutes to the back of any door and house spices in a pinch. This option also gives you a ton of space for growth and backstock – it can hold those giant Costco sized bottles without flinching

A Turntable

Last but definitely not least is my ultimate favourite way to organize spices! Turntables have come a long way and no longer look like a heavy wooden chunky wheel our Grandmother’s had on the dinner table. I get a lot of initial hesitation with turntables from clients because they think it will take up too much space therefore not fully utilizing the shelf. But believe it or not they actually work better by being able to see everything by a simple whirl! They come in various sizes to fit almost every space and again give you the ability to see all your spices quickly and efficiently. These can be easily placed in a cupboard or pantry – just spin to win!

Now go organize those spices and try a new recipe!

Pro Tip! If any of this completely overwhelms you - hire Sparx Organizing and we will make those spices work for you and your kitchen!