Talk about the kitchen and, for most people, one thing comes to mind—food!
Cooking hearty meals for the family may entail a lot of work, but this is not an excuse to leave condiments, plates, and pans all over your countertops and sink.
According to Marie Kondo, the kitchen should not be focused on the ease of use, but on the ease of cleaning.
A globally acclaimed organization consultant, Marie Kondo created the KonMari method, which, according to her website, "encourages tidying by category—not by location."
The KonMari Method also helps you declutter by suggesting that you "keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. "
Local KonMari consultant Renelyn Tan-Castillejos explains how the KonMari Method can change your mindset about your kitchen during her presentation at the Urban Kitchen Food Keeper Collection launch on October 29, 2019 at Sentro 1771, Pasig City.
Castillejos says, "Si Marie Kondo, when she was researching how to tidy kitchens, pumunta siya sa mga top restaurants. Pinapanood niya iyong mga chefs.
"Medyo na-bore nga siya, e, kasi walang laman iyong mga kitchen, parang wala.
"Then she realized that the focus on your kitchen should not be focused on the ease of use—meaning, nakalabas na lahat di ba, para madali na—but on the ease of cleaning."
So, instead of leaving your tools parked on your countertops, it's best to keep them stored and organized in your drawers while you cook.
Here, PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) rounds up the steps that Castillejos learned from Marie Kondo when it comes to making your kitchen a comfortable space to work in.
STEP 1: DISCARD UNNECESSARY THINGS FIRST
Castillejos says everything in your kitchen (and your entire house) should only be the things that "spark joy" or the ones that have value to your family.
All else should be discarded from your home.
She elaborates, "Discard niyo muna lahat ng ayaw niyo na.
"And the factor you have to consider is, everything inside your house should be of value.
"You deserve to be surrounded with 'spark joy' items.
"And sparking joy can be based on different aspects: if it looks nice, if it's practical.
"Kahit na hindi siya maganda, pero it gives you your livelihood, it helps you feed your kids, your husband, it sparks joy."
After you have identified which of your things spark joy, Castillejos says it's necessary to put everything for disposal inside a big box, then take them out of your house, literally.
Why?
"The part of discarding items is only finished kapag nalabas niyo na siya.
"Hangga't nandyan siya sa loob ng bahay, clutter pa siya.
"Pag natapos niyo nang idiscard, there's no turning back."
STEP 2: KEEP COUNTERTOPS EMPTY
Keeping your countertops empty makes it easy for you to move around the area and, at the same time, it also inspires you to maintain your kitchen's cleanliness.
Castillejos explains, "Try to imagine, when you see kitchen showcases, ang ganda niya, di ba?
"Bakit? Walang laman.
"Paano niyo malilinis ang kitchen niyo, kung lahat nakalabas?
"Ayaw niyo na siyang linisin, di ba? Pupunasan niyo na lang yung vacant surface.
"So what Marie Kondo is teaching, is that it's easy for you to clean.
"How can it be easy to clean?
"Ibig sabihin, wala pong gamit sa surface."
The KonMari consultant suggests keeping your condiments and tools sealed in containers kept inside your cupboards.
STEP 3: ORGANIZE BY CATEGORY
When it comes to storing your kitchenware, Castillejos suggests stacking by type: dishware, cutlery, cooking tools, and food storage.
Make sure it is easy for you to see each bunch, too.
She details, "For dishware, pagsama-samahin ang mga magkakapareho—plato lahat sama-sama, and other things.
"And it's important to use risers, so you can use up the space para hindi sayang iyong dead space,"
For your cutlery and cooking tools, the KonMari consultant recommends, "Store them upright or kung gusto niyong nakahiga siya, you can choose to keep them in drawers lying down."
When it comes to food storage, use stackable containers and make sure to label them.
Castillejos also says keeping your food tidy can also benefit your health.
"I hope even in your refrigerator, your food is also tidy," she states.
"Kasi kapag hindi maayos, sometimes it leads to unhealthy eating.
"Kasi iyong nakikita mo, iyon na lang iyong kakainin mo."