Whether you have an island surrounded by oceans of worktops or a tiny but functional space, the kitchen is the true heart of any home and there are lots of ways to ensure yours is organised like a pro, so you can cook with confidence.

Do you open cupboards and experience an avalanche of tea towels and Tupperware lids? Do you have four packets of the same spice, all opened because you forgot you already had some? Is that fondue set from eight Christmases ago ever actually going to get used? It’s time to get all your kitchen secrets out into the open and give everything a well-deserved chuck-out and cleanse. Anything you no longer need or use, or anything out of date can be thrown away or donated to make room for the things you love and use regularly. Every chef deserves nice, clear worktops and organised cupboards after all.

Once you’ve got rid of any out of date food, it’s worth checking the storage instructions on your items to decide which can be frozen, refrigerated or kept in your pantry or cupboards. Keep items that you use regularly within easy reach and make sure you use foods with the shortest shelf life first. The door of your fridge is the warmest area so it’s the perfect place for juices and jams, while the bottom shelf is the coldest so this is the best place to keep raw meat.

It makes the most sense to have the things you use all the time close to where you need them to be. We recommend keeping your everyday items such as crockery, cutlery and glasses in a space that is close to the dishwasher for easy unloading; while your cooking items such as pots and pans should be kept close to the oven and hob. Cleaning items can be stored under the sink, while coffee, tea and mugs can be kept close to the kettle and coffee machine. Items you use less frequently can be moved to spaces that are harder to reach and worktops should be kept clear so you can enjoy preparing your food with plenty of space to spare.

If you want to get really creative with your storage, there are lots of accessories and intelligent solutions available that can help you to maximize your space even in the smallest kitchen. Perhaps an organiser or divider will help keep your chopping boards away from your clingfilm, or hanging racks or magnetic boards can be a clever way of storing pans and knives. Spice racks will give you back valuable cupboard space or putting up additional shelving can keep your recipe books neat and organised.

The kitchen should be a creative space where you can take pleasure in preparing food for yourself and your family and friends. From innovative food storage solutions to clever accessories and utensils, Bosch has a huge range of products that can spice up your kitchen and give your cooking a new lease of life.