"Could you hand me the mixer? What do you mean you can't find it? It's in the cabinet, above the fridge...in the very back...I think." Sound familiar? Wouldn't it be nice to know where everything is and be able to get to it? Below are some pointers on storage and kitchen layout. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.

Make the First Move
Your first step: get everything out of the cabinets. Everything. Now sort it all into groups according to where it is used.
While you are sorting, ask yourself, "Have I used this in the past 2 years?" If you have not, then move it out of your way. You do not have to toss it in the trash. Give it to someone, store it in a less accessible area or in a different room.

Storing Pots and Pans
Pots and pans can take up a lot of your storage space, but they can be stored so they are organized and convenient. Hang a decorative wrought iron rack on a kitchen wall or suspend one from the ceiling. Aside from being handy, it will make your kitchen look professional.
Store pot lids by adding shallow bins to the back of the cabinet doors. If you have a deep drawer, divide it into compartments. Cookie trays and the like can be stored by adding a horizontal divider to a cabinet.
The keys to cabinet storage are to avoid stacking and to make everything accessible. There are several specialty organizers available for cabinets. Lazy Susans give you easy access to items in corner spaces. Step shelving in cabinets will help you organize canned goods, different sized dishes and small appliances and their accessories. Wire baskets on slides will make your deep cabinets easily accessible.
Keep in mind that there are three basic work areas in a kitchen:
preparation area, cook and serve area and sink area.
 

The Preparation Area
To make working more convenient, locate the prep area between the refrigerator and the sink. Place any basic ingredients, mixing equipment, or bowls and cups here.
Cook and Serve Area
Put pots, pans and cooking utensils near the range so they will be handy when you are cooking.
Sink Area
Store silverware and tableware here so you do not have to run all over the place when putting up dishes. Also, keep your cleaning utensils and dishes for leftovers here.
Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen triangle connects the three work areas in your kitchen. The distance between the areas should be no less than 4' and no larger than 9'. Do not let the three sides of the triangle total more than 26'.
Try not to let any traffic patterns violate the triangle. If two people are going to be working in the kitchen at the same time, allow more than the usual 4' between opposite work centers.

General Kitchen Planning
Whether you are modifying an old kitchen or planning a new one, planning is very important. Cabinets, appliances and pantries must be laid out to fit your family's needs. Start planning by drawing a basic floor plan of your kitchen. Measure as close as possible (within an 1/8"). Include dimensions of walls, windows and doors. Indicate where cabinets, lights and appliances currently are if you are remodeling. This sketch will be the basis for developing your new kitchen. You can even design your kitchen online!
Stop by your local Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, talk to one of our specialists and get a free planning guide.

Tips From the Pros
Professional kitchen designers have seen it all, and they know how to deal with the most common problems. Here is some of their best advice:

• Position the dishwasher within 36" of the sink. Leave about 21" of standing space between the side of the dishwasher and cabinets.
• Leave space near the cooking area for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Leave room for more than one waste container. Aside from everyday trash, you will generate a lot of recyclables as well.
• Leave 15" of counter space on the latchside of the refrigerator. If you have a side-by-side model, leave 15" on each side.