Spices add so much to everything you cook. Perk up a salad with a sprinkling of black pepper. Take muffins and bring them to the next level with a hint of freshly ground cinnamon. Experiment with spices from places like India, China and your own heritage. If you love to cook or just enjoy eating, you'll want to have spices on hand and ready to use at any time. Whether you’re unpacking your new kitchen or just can’t handle the clutter in the cabinets anymore, here are 5 handy tips to make it easier than ever to organize and store your spices.
Use Your Spaces
Now is the time to use your existing spaces. Your kitchen storage can be ramped up to keep your spices in order. For example, you can find small shelves that fit neatly into any cabinet. They offer an easy way to turn a drawer you aren't using into organized space. These shelves let you decide exactly how you're going to manage the spices. You can find different sizes in varied colors that let you create specific categories such as baking and savory items. This is an excellent way to take advantage of tall kitchen cabinets with space that might otherwise go to waste.
Cabinet Inserts
Another way of doing your spices is to make use of different types of cabinet inserts. There are many types on the market. These are specially designed items that are intended just for spices. Many companies offer all sorts of insects in different materials. Plastic inserts are easy to clean. That's a good choice if you have lots of spices and you need to make sure they're not getting all mixed up. Wood is another option that's elegant and pretty. It's easy to find wood inserts that you can remove and reuse. If you don't see the kind you like, you can have your own custom made.
Built-Ins
Built-ins make your cabinets more functional and make the best use of your existing space at the same time. These are also a good choice if you are shorter than average or have a disability and you need to reach things that might be just out of reach otherwise. A built in that you can pull out has many advantages. It lets you use all of the spices you own and see what's left in each jar. You can install your own with a few simple tools. A pull out spice rack also works well if you have a smaller kitchen. You're not wasting any space. You can use these in lots of places in your kitchen. Add them to the space underneath the sink. That will make sure you're using every single space in the busiest room in your home.
Creative Flair
Spice storage also offers a chance to get creative and have fun. Paint one side of a cabinet door with magnetic paint. Metal jars can be attached to the side. Look for individual magnets. These can be glued to your cabinets at regularly spaced intervals. They'll hold the spices in place while keeping the entire look organized and pleasing to the eye at the same time. Spaces directly under your cabinets are another place to look for spice storage. Install a magnet under the cabinets. The spices will stay in place. They'll also add a splash of color that makes the kitchen look elegant and adds something playful at the same time. Install hooks across one corner of the cabinet. Wrap wires around the body of the spice jars and hang them up securely. Take test tubes and put them on a rack.
Versatile Tins
Tin is a great way to store your spices. Tins can be found in many sizes. They keep the spices airtight and away from moisture and sunlight. Find the sizes you like best. Experiment with different types and different shapes like squares and circles. That will add interest and bring in the charm. Larger tins are a good idea for spices you use in large quantities on a daily basis. Tins can be stacked in any convenient cabinet. Add washable labels on the outside. This way, you know exactly what's inside without opening the jar. Clear tops do the same thing.
