How To Organize Measuring Cups And Spoons

The first step to a well-organized kitchen is recognizing the problem at hand. Searching for your measuring utensils can be a daunting task, especially when you're in the middle of preparing a meal. The solution? A DIY organization system that will keep your measuring cups and spoons in check, saving you time and frustration.

The Tools You'll Need

For this project, you'll need the following items:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 5-gallon paint sticks
• 3/4" cup hooks
• Four wood screws
• Spray paint and primer
• Miter box and saw
• Fine sanding sponge
• Electric drill and drill bits

Getting Started

Before you start to organize, gather all your measuring utensils so that you have a clear idea of what you're working with. You'll need to decide which cabinet or drawer you'll use for this project. It's best to choose a location that's convenient and easily accessible.

Step-by-Step Process

Preparing the Paint Sticks

1. Start by asking your local home improvement store for some 5-gallon paint sticks. These sticks are perfect for this project because they are solid wood, and often, they are given away for free.
2. Cut the paint sticks to size, removing the handle part using a miter box and handsaw.
3. Sand each stick to create a smooth surface that's ready for painting.
4. Spray prime and paint the sticks. Pre-drill your holes through the sticks to prevent the wood from splitting when you screw it into your cabinet.

Installing the Rails

5. Screw the rails into place, ensuring that there's enough clearance from the shelves and the bottom of the cabinet.
6. Screw the cup hooks in place, leaving sufficient space between each hook for your cups and spoons.

You can enhance this system further by using vinyl to mark where each spoon and cup goes, helping you maintain the order.

Alternative Methods

If you're not comfortable drilling holes into your cabinet doors, there are other options available. For instance, an organization expert suggests using Command hooks. Simply attach a couple of these hooks to the backside of one of your cabinet doors, and hang all of your measuring utensils from them. This method is easy, effective, and does not involve any drilling.

Another alternative is to use long paint sticks covered with chalkboard paint. Attach screw hooks to the sticks and write on the rulers with a chalkboard marker. You can then attach these sticks to your cabinet doors using Velcro or Command Strips.

Additional Tips

1. When hanging your measuring utensils, consider the noise they might make when the cabinet door is opened. To avoid this, it's best to hang them flat against the door.
2. If you choose to use metal measuring utensils, they can be noisy when clanging against the cabinet door. Opt for plastic utensils to reduce noise.
3. Ensure that you position everything in such a way that the cabinet door can close easily.

Potential Challenges

One of the challenges you might face is finding the right place to hang your measuring utensils. You need to ensure that they are easily accessible, but also out of the way. The cabinet door you choose should be close to your cooking space, but not so close that the utensils get in the way.

Another challenge could be the noise that the measuring cups and spoons make when the cabinet door is opened. To overcome this, you can line your cabinet door with cork, which will prevent your measuring utensils from directly hitting the door and reduce the noise.

Success Stories

The DIY measuring cup and spoon organization system has been tried and tested by many home cooks. They report that this system not only helps them keep their measuring utensils organized, but also saves them time when cooking or baking. One user even noted that she had not misplaced any cups or spoons since setting up her new measurement station.

Conclusion

Organizing your measuring cups and spoons is a small task that can make a big difference in your kitchen. With a few simple tools and a bit of creativity, you can create a system that is both functional and aesthetic. So why wait? Get started on this project today and enjoy the benefits of a well-organized kitchen.

References

1. Infarrantly Creative
2. TSunhe 
3. The DIY Playbook
4. Pine and Poplar
5. Amazon