Let's face it.... we all seem to need more space in the kitchen.

I, personally, always seem to think about that lavish, tremendous, top notch with all the amenities - dream kitchen that I see in the Magazines.

Now, let's face facts. No matter where we live, we must utilize the space that we have. Sure, I would love to tear down walls and build an addition; but I am really not in a position to do that right now.

So, what can I do to give my family more space where it is needed most - the kitchen?!?!?

Everyone seems to have a different method in their kitchen; and that's what makes the world go round! I organize my kitchen in a manner that is best for me, my cooking skills, and my family's needs. Let me share:

Silverware, dishes, and glasses - all close to the sink, and preferably close to the fridge. It's just easier to grab what you need when you want a glass of water, or a bowl of cereal with milk from the fridge.

Serveware, storage containers (tupperware), special needs utensils (spatula, can opener, pizza cutter, knives, etc. - all close to the stove. These items are right there when you need them - when you are in the middle of cooking!

Pots, pans, small electrics - close to the stove, in a bottom cabinet. If cabinet space is limited, a nice pot rack over the stove area is another option.

I do not have a pantry. I live in a small house, and my space is very precious. I sometimes wish that I had additional storage, but I have adjusted to work with what I have.

I personally like to have my canned goods, jars and spices in an upper cabinet that is close to my stove. I don't have to walk far to see what I have available, and my spices are always at hand.

Again, with limited space, we seem to do what we must to make things work. I group my Cereal, Crackers, Flour, Sugar and Snacks together in the same cabinet.

All of these items come in their own "unusual" packaging. Some cereal boxes are too large to fit into my cabinets. The flour and sugar bags are standard, but they too, don't precisely fit into my cabinets. How about those Triscuts, Oyster Crackers or Saltines? They seem to be different and unusual size boxes too.

I splurge on purchasing Ziploc Storage Bags. The moment that I return from shopping, I sort my items out and the "odd balls" get dumped into the Ziploc's. Now, I have my crackers, my flour, my sugar, and other things in storage bags. The best thing about this:

1. They take up less space because they are "flexible",

2. They don't leak (the sugar bags always seem to leak, even if it is a drop or two),

3. We can easily see what is remaining of the product.

A word about Bread.....

I only buy what I can use within 3 days. I keep my bread in the fridge and when I am ready to use it, I take it out and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Cookies, well, we all seem to buy cookies at one time or another. Again, only buy what you need for 3 days. What I have started doing - I started making my own. I cut the recipe in half and make only one dozen. Our family of 3 (+ dog) consumes them in 3 days (sometimes 2). I keep a nice cookie jar on the kitchen table in lieu of a floral centerpiece.

Cake - well, we don't consume much cake in our household. When we are in the mood - or get a craving; I tend to purchase the single serve portions that my local supermarket makes. Sure, you can make your own, but I am still working on mastering scrambled eggs! I'm sure that you could store the cake in the fridge for up to 3 days, and when ready, pop it in the microwave.

My family and I downsized about 2 years ago. I did own a TON of small kitchen electrics. The boxes in which they were packed in must have been lost or thrown out.

Truthfully, I have never looked back. I never replaced them.

I had a small food processor and a large food processor. I had a blender and a hand mixer. I had a waffle maker and a margarita maker. I tend to think that I had an electric can opener (which I couldn't figure out how to use), and I also recall a rice maker and a deep fryer.

I have not missed these items yet! Why, because I would not have the room to store them. Sure, they may have been helpful in the past, and may have made my cooking times faster or easier.... but I have learned to live without them.

I own three... yes, I said THREE.... very sharp knives. That's all I need. How about you?

De - Cluttering your kitchen is half of the battle. Just a few words of advice:

1. Keep only what you need. If you are a family of four, keep four of everything. So, when you have company, get paper plates!

2. Kitchen Electrics are great, but they are not necessary, especially if you don't have room to store them. Remember, food tastes the same if you use your food processor or your really sharp knife.

3. Don't purchase more than you can consume in a week. Yes, the supermarkets have sales every week - Ten for $10. - but do you really need to purchase 10? If you will consume 10 in one week, then yes, do so. If not, pass it up - another sale will be coming next week.

4. Organize, organize, organize. Easier said than done, but once you start a routine, it will become second nature.

One final word -

The "SUPERmarkets" today are in the business to make us "emotional" about how and what we buy.

I hate to shop during the day, as there are always "food samplers" walking around the store. Sure, they give you a taste of free food, you love it (because you are hungry), they give you a coupon, and you BUY! Right?

Now, you just spent $20.00 per pound ($4.99 for a 4 ounce box, which was more box than food) for some salty chicken nuggets that your dog won't even eat.

Shop the circulars, make a list and stick to it. Don't shop when you are hungry (you knew that already!). Don't impulse buy, and take your groceries and leave.

When you get home, put the stuff away and forget it.

Don't remodel, just de-clutter. You will find that your family life will be better, you will save money, and you will do a better job in the kitchen by learning how to do things more efficiently.

If this doesn't work, give me a shout. My husband is a home improvement contractor, and we would love to build you a new, bigger and better kitchen. But, it will cost you!