How to Set Up a New Kitchen in a New House

Hauling in boxes and directing the movers isn't the end of your responsibilities when you move into a new house. The next step requires you to unpack, organize and store all the stuff that makes life convenient. Setting up your new kitchen should be the first place you tackle, as it's where you will fuel the body and feed the soul. Get organized in the kitchen to quickly and easily locate pots, pans, pantry goods and more.

• 1

  Organize your boxes. Before unpacking, group boxes of dishware, cookware, dry food goods and cleaning agents in one area that is easy to access. Make a list of things used every day and a list of items that aren't commonly used.

• 2

  Clean and paint the kitchen. Before shuttling in kitchenware and food, give all appliances a wash-down. For newly constructed houses, wipe out construction dust that may have settled. Clean out the refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher with mild detergent and a washcloth. Add a fresh coat of paint to dingy walls and sweep the floor and baseboards clean.

• 3

  Divvy up storage space. Designate a special area for food goods, pots and dishware. Pantries and upper-level cabinets are good spots to store food. Put pots, glassware and specialty items in lower cabinets.

• 4

  Keep frequently used items close by, andat a height that's easy to access. Have a step stool handy to grab hard-to-reach items.

• 5

  Put things back where they belong. Keep a kitchen organized and easy to use by placing pots back in their cupboards and spices or other food goods back in their appropriate spots. Clean out storage spaces regularly to prevent bugs or moths from getting into food.