A streamlined and efficient morning routine is all about preparation. Making sure that you have everything ready and to hand before you start. You need to know that your kitchen design works for you, and that you are making the most of the space available to you. At GKHQ we’ve gone through the making packed lunches, checking that homework has been done and getting everyone out of the door on time. We know that morning rush, and through our experience we are in the perfect position to give you a helping hand on how to avoid the rush. So grab a cuppa, read our blog and see what changes you can implement in your kitchen to make a noticeable difference every day.
Coffee First!
Hands up if you need a shot of caffeine before you’re firing on all cylinders! That’s definitely true in GKHQ, and we know that creating a dedicated area for drinks prep is just the ticket. You can choose a tea and coffee storage solution like this, or put together your own set-up with containers on a tray or a trolley. Click here for even more ideas 💡
Consider the Layout
When it comes to layout, forethought is vital as we’re not expecting you to start rearranging things along with trying to get everything else done. You need to consider the layout of your kitchen and kitchen appliances, thinking about what you need from it regularly and making it work.
A triangle workflow, makes it easy to transition between the sink, hob and fridge, and is a classic layout. Alternatively you could create different zones for prep, cooking, cleaning and serving for a better fit for your kitchen space. Think about the movements you need to make for your morning routine, and base the layout around that. You can collect the lunchboxes and bottles from one cupboard, pull together the fridge items you need and head to the prep area with the utensils easy to hand.
It isn’t just the mornings that a good kitchen layout can help. Organise your storage and cooking equipment so that complementary items are together; frequently used things are easily accessible; suitable cleaning supplies are readily available in each zone.
Have a Family-Friendly Environment
More hands make light work! Using the lower cabinets and drawers to store children’s lunch paraphernalia means that your children can access it, and help you gather everything together. Similarly, you can do this with pantry and store cupboard items, utilising the lower shelves.
Helping you in the process is one element, but we know that it’s not always that easy to get the kids to join in, and they have their things to be getting on with, whether that’s eating breakfast, finishing homework or remembering that they need their sports kit! It’s therefore important to make sure that there are areas in your kitchen that suit these needs as well, and while you might be making your coffee and packed lunches, you are there to keep an eye on the youngsters.
A homework station is a great addition for any time of the day, and in the morning gives that working space for finishing or checking over work, while other family members are doing their own thing. You will also be on hand for any last-minute questions. Include a tech charging station here, and everyone can pop their gadgets on charge for the day ahead.
The Night Before
This isn’t necessarily a kitchen-related hack, just good practice in life. When you’ve spent time making sure the kitchen layout is spot on with everything you need to hand, don’t fall at the last hurdle. Again, it’s in the preparation. The evening before, make sure that everything is in its place ready for the morning ahead. Do the coffee pods need refilling? If you want to be super on it, then you can fill the kettle in advance, and find anything else that you can get done in advance.
One final tip before we go, a shopping list kept on the fridge or cupboard front is great - when you’re running low or out of things, add them onto the list there and then, ready for your next shop.
We hope that these tips make your mornings calmer and more enjoyable. If your kitchen needs more than a little reorganisation, get in touch.
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