Bakers racks are a handy addition to nearly any kitchen in order to increase storage space and add additional work space for preparing meals – but what do you do when even your baker’s racks get messy?
Sometimes it can feel like anything you bring into your kitchen winds up getting all disorganized and out of control, but if you want your new baker’s rack to stay cleaner than the rest of your kitchen has managed, we’ve got a few tips to keep everything organized:
Figure out what can stay and what can be moved
Baker’s racks are pretty versatile for kitchen storage, but a good way to prevent them from getting messier than they need to be is to decide what absolutely needs to be stored there, and what can go elsewhere. Do you have a lot of pots and pans hanging from it that you’re going to use for dinner anytime in the near future, or can those go back in the cabinet until you get around to using them? Are the things you’re storing on the shelves actually being used there, or are they just there because you didn’t feel like walking them all the way back to the pantry? Prioritizing this sort of stuff is going to be a great first step in getting your baker’s rack under control.
Make the big call: storage or decoration?
We’re not saying it can’t be both sometimes, but most baker’s racks are better served as either decorative pieces or purely storage, depending on how it’s configured. Are you using yours to show off your wine collection, or do you have a wine rack that can do that job better while you use your baker’s rack for more immediate needs? Are you keeping plates on it that you’ll actually use for dinner, or are those purely decorative? Can it be turned into a home for your coffee maker, or just your favorite mugs? It’s time to ask yourself the big questions before you go a lot farther.
Make sure your rack is properly equipped
Baker’s racks can get a lot done on their own, but careful use of baker’s rack accessories can help you make the most of the space they provide. Use shelf liners along the bottom to add more surface space and work surface, install wire shelf accessories like hooks, posts, and cupholders to expand your storage capacity, and feel free to make it your own if you already know what’s going on your rack.
Sort by size, shape, and style
After your rack is all cleared off and ready to go, the next step is…well…the actual organizing! Take stock of your baker’s rack and decide on a spot for everything, and then stick to your plan. A few suggestions could include:
- Use the top shelf for spices, dressings, smaller ingredients, and the like
- Hang hooks from the top shelf to hold onto long utensils like spatulas and spoons, or even oven mitts
- Store bigger pots and pans on the lower shelves to keep them close at hand – stack them by size and type to reduce clutter
- Or use the bottom shelf for cookbooks (yes, some people still read them) to keep them in the kitchen but far away from where something could accidentally get spilled on it
- If you’ve committed to using your baker’s rack for decoration, use the bottom shelf for taller wine bottles or vases while the upper flat surface can be used for decorative plates
Or just use your imagination! If you’ve got your own baker’s rack decoration or organization ideas, drop a line in the comments!