Lazy Susan: Maximize Kitchen Space & Storage

Lazy Susan corner cabinets are a game changer, and they are a great way to maximize the use of your kitchen space, especially for items like pots and pans that are hard to store in regular cabinets. Pantry items, like cereals, snacks, and spices, benefit from the accessibility a lazy Susan provides and it keeps everything neatly organized. Storing small appliances such as blenders or mixers in a lazy Susan makes them easy to reach, without taking up valuable counter space.

Ah, the lazy susan corner cabinet – that spinning enigma in the depths of your kitchen. Is it a black hole where things go to disappear? Or is it a storage haven waiting to be unlocked? Let’s be honest, it often feels like the former.

These cabinets, designed to solve the problem of awkward corner spaces, often become the problem. You cram things in, give it a spin, and hope for the best. But what happens? You end up with a chaotic mess of half-used spices, rogue cans, and that one mystery jar you’re too afraid to open. Sound familiar?

Fear not, fellow kitchen adventurers! This isn’t a lost cause. We’re about to embark on a journey to tame this beast and transform it into an organized oasis. Imagine a lazy susan where everything is visible, accessible, and actually used. It is possible!

The secret? It’s not about shoving more stuff in. It’s about understanding its quirks, strategically planning what goes where, and, most importantly, harnessing the power of organizers. Get ready to reclaim your kitchen space and say goodbye to the lazy susan abyss.

Understanding Your Lazy Susan’s Anatomy: It’s Not Just a Spinning Shelf!

Okay, before we dive headfirst into organizing your lazy susan, let’s get to know this quirky contraption a little better. I mean, you wouldn’t try to dress a dog without knowing its size, right? Same principle applies here! Understanding the specifics of your lazy susan is absolutely crucial to unlocking its full storage potential. Trust me, a little upfront detective work saves a LOT of frustration later.

First things first: measurements! Grab a measuring tape and channel your inner interior designer. We need to know the diameter of each tier (that’s the distance across the circle) and the height between each shelf. This is vital. These numbers are your best friends when shopping for organizers because you need to make sure things will actually fit. Imagine buying a super cool spice rack, only to find out it’s too tall – total bummer, isn’t it? So, jot those numbers down and keep them handy!

Now, let’s talk about the different breeds of lazy susans (yes, I’m still going with the pet analogy!). They’re not all created equal, and knowing what you’re working with impacts how you can organize. Here’s the breakdown:

Meet the Family: Lazy Susan Types

• Full-Circle Lazy Susans: These are the rockstars, the OGs! Offering a full 360-degree rotation, they give you access to every nook and cranny (eventually, once we get them organized!).
• Pie-Cut Lazy Susans: These are the corner dwellers, shaped like a slice of pie to snuggle perfectly into a corner cabinet with a door. The door is usually attached to the rotating shelves so the door swings around as you rotate!
• Half-Moon Lazy Susans: These guys only rotate 180 degrees. You’ll usually find them in blind corner cabinets with no center pole.

The Pole Dilemma

And speaking of architecture, does yours have a central pole or not? This is key! A central pole definitely restricts how you stack and store, but it also adds stability, so it’s a bit of a trade-off. If you don’t have a pole, you’ll have more open space, but you’ll want to be extra careful about weight distribution to prevent tilting or wobbly shelves.

Strategic Prioritization: What Deserves a Spot?

Okay, so you’ve got this spinning vortex of potential in your corner cabinet, but before you just start chucking things in there willy-nilly, let’s talk strategy. Think of your lazy susan as prime real estate – valuable and limited. You wouldn’t build a shed in the middle of Manhattan, would you? (Okay, maybe you would if you were really desperate for storage, but you get the idea).

It’s all about that frequency friends! That’s where you should start prioritizing! What do you reach for all the time? Those are your A-listers, the items that deserve front-and-center access. Think about it: do you really want to be excavating through a pile of mismatched lids just to find your go-to spatula every Tuesday taco night? I bet not.

Cooking and Storage Habits: Your Inner Chef

Time for a little self-reflection. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or wine – I’m not judging) and ask yourself some tough questions. What are you actually cooking on a regular basis? What kind of ingredients are you always grabbing for? Knowing your cooking style helps you decide what NEEDS to be easily accessible.

Do you suddenly get the urge to become a baker extraordinaire and need flour all the time? Or are you more of a spice rack adventurer, constantly whipping up exotic dishes? Your answers will dictate what gets the VIP treatment. So make sure that you have the materials that you use more frequently is within arms reach on your lazy susan.

Group Therapy: Items United

Now that you know your stars, let’s get organized. Think of it like this: baking supplies hang out together at the cool kids’ table, spices have their own little clique, and so on. Grouping similar items isn’t just visually appealing; it’s a major time-saver. No more rummaging through a chaotic mix of cocoa powder, turmeric, and chicken bouillon cubes (unless you’re into that sort of thing, of course).

If you’re like me, keeping the supplies organized will help the whole process of cooking go smoother and less stressful. I’m sure your family or party guest will thank you for that.

The “No Lazy Susan Zone”: Items to Ban

Alright, let’s get real about what doesn’t belong in your lazy susan. Think of these as the uninvited guests at the party:

• Heavy Hitters: Overly heavy items are a big NO. You don’t want to strain the poor lazy susan mechanism or risk a catastrophic collapse. Those cast iron skillets? They can chill out in a regular cabinet.
• Towering Titans: Tall items are a recipe for disaster. They could tip over, block the rotation, or just generally cause chaos. Store those in a more stable location.
• Spill-taculars: Anything with a high risk of spilling is a no-go. Imagine a sticky, sugary syrup avalanche coating everything in sight. shudders Keep those items in a place where containment is easier.

Strategic Food Storage Solutions: Taming the Edible Jungle

Okay, so you’ve got your lazy susan prepped and ready for action. Now comes the crucial part: deciding what actually goes in there and how to arrange it for maximum efficiency and minimal food waste. Let’s dive into some specific food categories and unlock their lazy susan potential.

Canned Goods: Stack ‘Em High (But Not Too High!)

Canned goods are a lazy susan staple, but without a strategy, they can quickly become a tumbling tower of tomato paste and garbanzo beans. The key here is organization.

• Can Organizers/Risers: These nifty gadgets are your best friend. They allow you to stack cans neatly, making it easy to see what you have and grab what you need without causing an avalanche.
• Rotation is Key: Don’t let those cans languish in the shadows! Adopt a first-in, first-out system. Place the newest cans at the back and the oldest at the front. This simple trick will help you avoid expiration date surprises and wasted food.

Spices: Aromatic Arsenal at Your Fingertips

Spices can be tricky—too many of them, and they start looking like a mad scientist’s potion collection. But with a little organization, you can transform your spice stash into an aromatic arsenal.

• Spice Racks/Tiered Organizers: These are a must-have. They allow you to see all your spices at a glance, preventing forgotten flavors and duplicate purchases.
• Alphabetize, Baby!: Trust me on this one. Alphabetizing your spices will save you precious seconds when you’re trying to whip up a culinary masterpiece. No more frantic rummaging!

Baking Supplies: Sweet Success Starts with Storage

Baking should be a joy, not a treasure hunt for flour and sugar. Keep your baking supplies fresh and organized with these tips.

• Airtight Containers: Flour and sugar are notorious for attracting moisture and pests. Keep them safe and sound in airtight containers.
• Label, Label, Label!: Don’t rely on memory alone. Clearly label each container with its contents and expiration date. This will prevent accidental substitutions (salt instead of sugar—yikes!) and ensure your ingredients are always fresh.

Oils and Vinegars: Contain the Drips!

Oils and vinegars are kitchen essentials, but they can also be messy. Prevent spills and keep your lazy susan clean with these strategies.

• Secure Storage: Make sure your bottles are stored securely to prevent them from tipping over. Consider using a bottle organizer or a small box to keep them upright.
• Drip Tray: Even the most careful pourer can’t avoid the occasional drip. Place a small tray or container under your oils and vinegars to catch any spills. Easy cleanup is a win-win.

Condiments: Sauce Boss Central

Condiments are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, adding zing and zest to our meals. Keep them organized and accessible for maximum flavor impact.

• Group Like with Like: Group your condiments together by type (e.g., mustards, hot sauces, salad dressings). This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent condiment clutter.
• Expiration Date Vigilance: Condiments have a surprisingly short shelf life. Check expiration dates regularly and toss anything that’s past its prime.

Snacks: Fueling the Hungry Masses

Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or just yourself, a well-stocked snack section is a must. Keep your snacks organized and visible to prevent impulse purchases and promote healthy choices.

• Designated Snack Zone: Dedicate a specific area of your lazy susan to snacks. This will prevent them from getting mixed up with other food items and make it easier to grab a quick bite.
• Baskets and Bins: Use baskets or bins to contain your snacks. This will prevent them from spilling over and keep your lazy susan looking tidy.

Jars of Sauces: The Flavor Boost Brigade

From pasta sauce to pesto, jars of sauces add a flavor kick to any meal. Ensure a streamlined and accessible sauce selection.

• Sauce Squad Grouping: Group sauces together, either by type, cuisine, or frequency of use. This ensures quick selection when hunger strikes!
• Labeling for Clarity: Clearly label each jar, especially if you decant homemade sauces. Prevents confusion and ensures the correct sauce is used.

Maximizing Vertical Space with Cookware: It’s a Balancing Act, Not a Tetris Game!

So, you’ve bravely ventured into the lazy susan and now you’re staring down a mountain of cookware. Don’t fret! We’re about to turn that chaos into a symphony of storage, but let’s be real, some things just don’t belong in the rotating realm.

Pots and Pans: Choose Your Battles Wisely

Think of your lazy susan as prime real estate. Smaller, stackable pots and pans are welcome residents – they play well with others and don’t hog space. Larger beasts (we’re talking Dutch ovens and family-sized skillets) are better off hanging on a pot rack or living in a cabinet where they can stretch out. Trying to cram them in will only lead to a cookware avalanche.

Lids: The Eternal Storage Puzzle

Ah, lids. The mischievous gremlins of the kitchen. They multiply when you’re not looking and never seem to fit where they should. Vertical lid organizers are your secret weapon here. Stand those lids up like little soldiers! Storing them separately from the pots and pans is key. Trust us; you’ll thank us later when you’re not wrestling them out from under a pile of metal.

Mixing Bowls: Nesting Dolls, Kitchen Edition

Mixing bowls are the gift that keeps on giving…especially when they nest neatly inside each other. Embrace the nesting technique! This will save you precious square footage. Bonus points if you store them near your baking supplies. That way, when inspiration strikes, everything you need is within reach.

Cake Pans: Stack ‘Em High (But Gently!)

Cake pans can be tricky because of their various shapes and sizes. Vertical storage or careful stacking is the name of the game. Protect your precious pans from scratches by using dividers between them. You don’t want any battle scars on your bake-ware before the cakes.

Pie Plates: Fragile but Fabulous

Pie plates are delicate treasures. The goal here is to organize pie plates to prevent damage. Felt pads between each pie plate are like little cushions ensuring your pie plates stay pristine for your next masterpiece.

Cookie Sheets: Slim, But Still Need a Home

Cookie sheets might be slim, but they still demand respect (and a designated spot). Storing cookie sheets vertically, or in a specified section, ensures they don’t become tangled or bent. Dividers can prevent scratches, and keep the peace between your sheets.

Optimize with Organizers: Your Lazy Susan’s New Best Friends

Alright, let’s talk about the secret sauce to really conquering that Lazy Susan—organizers! Think of them as your tiny, plastic-or-metal, space-maximizing superheroes. Without them, you’re basically just tossing things in and hoping for the best (we’ve all been there). But with them? Pure organized bliss.

Turntable Organizers: Spin Your Way to Success

Imagine this: you’re making a killer chili, and you need that one crucial spice… but it’s buried somewhere in the depths of the spinning abyss. Nightmare, right? Enter the turntable organizer! These little wonders are like mini-Lazy Susans within your Lazy Susan, perfect for corralling spices, condiments, or even small jars. Just give it a spin, and voila! Your desired item appears like magic. No more digging, no more frustration, just pure culinary efficiency. These organizers give an extra layer of organization and accessibility.

Shelf Liners: The Unsung Heroes of Stability

Ever opened your Lazy Susan to find a mini avalanche of cans? Yeah, not fun. That’s where shelf liners come in. These aren’t just some fancy extra; they’re essential for keeping things from sliding and crashing. Opt for non-slip liners; they’re like giving your items a little hug, ensuring they stay put, even when the Susan is spinning at full speed. As a bonus, they protect the surface of the shelves from scratches and spills, keeping your cabinet looking fresh and clean.

Dividers: Creating Zones of Order

Think of your Lazy Susan as a tiny, spinning neighborhood. You wouldn’t want the baking supplies hanging out with the cleaning products, would you? Dividers are your zoning commission, creating separate areas for different categories of items. Use dividers to create zones within the lazy susan to separate items and prevent them from toppling. Adjustable dividers are especially fantastic because they can adapt to your ever-changing storage needs. It prevents items from toppling over and creating chaos inside your cabinets.

Maintaining Cleanliness: A Quick Guide to a Happy Lazy Susan

Okay, folks, let’s talk dirt. I know, not the most appetizing topic when we’re discussing food storage. But trust me, a clean lazy susan is a happy lazy susan, and a happy lazy susan means a happy you. Think of it this way: it’s preventative medicine for your sanity. By nipping spills and crumbs in the bud, you avoid the dreaded “what IS that sticky stuff?” moment down the road. Nobody wants that. Especially not me.

Cleaning Sprays: Your First Line of Defense

Imagine this: you’re reaching for that jar of gourmet mustard (because, let’s be honest, regular mustard is just sad), and BAM! You knock over a rogue bottle of balsamic vinegar. Tragedy! But wait, you’re prepared! Keeping a bottle of all-purpose cleaner within arm’s reach is your secret weapon. Stash it nearby, maybe on a shelf in the adjacent cabinet, or even tucked discreetly behind the lazy susan if space allows. That way, you can swoop in for a quick wipe-down before the vinegar has time to stage a sticky takeover. You can also use a micro-fiber cloth for this.

Dish Soap: Soap? Next to food?

Now, hear me out! While a full-blown kitchen sink situation inside your lazy susan is NOT recommended, keeping dish soap handy serves a similar purpose. It’s not about doing dishes in the cabinet, but about dealing with slightly messier spills. A soap dispenser adds a touch of elegance (yes, even to cleaning!), and lets you squeeze out just the right amount for dampening a cloth for spot cleaning. This is an excellent way to spot clean food residue, you can also dilute it a bit so it doesn’t leave as much residue, use warm water.

Sponges and Scrub Brushes: Keeping Your Arsenal Ready

Let’s be real, a single sponge can get pretty gross, pretty fast. That’s why a designated container for your cleaning tools (sponges, scrub brushes, even a small cleaning toothbrush for getting into hard-to-reach places!) is essential. This keeps everything organized and prevents your cleaning supplies from becoming part of the problem. Plus, and this is crucial, replace your sponges regularly. Think of it as a mini-spa day for your lazy susan: out with the old, in with the fresh and clean! You might also consider a long-handled scrub brush to clean without having to fully empty the lazy susan.

So, there you have it! Who knew the humble lazy susan could be such a storage superstar? Now, go forth and conquer that corner cabinet – and maybe even enjoy cooking a little more while you’re at it. Happy organizing!