Storing So Many Things at My Farm
The beginning of a new year is always a nice time to get everything in good order.
Here at my busy Bedford, New York farm, we try very hard to keep things clean and well-organized - in my kitchen, my office, my large Equipment Barn, my greenhouses, my hayloft, etc. Staying organized saves time, boosts productivity, and helps minimize stress. I am always looking for useful and attractive storage solutions that optimize space and control the clutter. From neat and tidy desk accessories to repurposed containers found at tag sales to commercial sized wheeled units, there are so many ways to keep "a place for everything and everything in its place."
Enjoy these photos.
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- Storage solutions can be both functional and pretty. Here in my studio kitchen, we keep lots of flour, sugar, and grain in these large glass containers. Pantry vessels like these are so useful for so many items and can be kept on the countertop for easy access.
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- Vintage and antique crocks can be used to hold utensils on the counter. These strong, large jars are durable and easy to keep clean.
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- In my own Winter House kitchen, I keep flour and rice in these glass jars with wide mouths, so measuring cups and scoops can fit inside.
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- Dog treats are also good to keep in these glass canisters. They can be bought in multiples and used all around the home.
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- I also use and reuse these plastic containers for salts, peppers, and items that come in smaller amounts.
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- If you follow this blog regularly, you know I use the bigger quart sized containers for storing my homemade dog food. These can be used over and over and kept neatly stacked in the freezer.
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- I use a variety of small dipping bowls and salt cellars to store different types of salt where I can reach them easily.
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- On another counter, giant ironstone bowls for storing my eggs that are collected every afternoon.
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- On my kitchen desk, old silver plated julep cups serve as pen and pencil holders – so pretty in any office space.
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- Underneath a counter, I house often-used pet supplies in these woven rattan boxes. Items inside are hidden from view, but can be accessed quickly when needed.
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- Inside one – leashes, harnesses, and slip leads for everyday use.
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- In my servery, which is a service room from which meals are served, I use these lucite airtight containers for cat food. I always offer my cats a “buffet” of foods, so clear containers allow me to see what is in what vessel.
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- This metal cabinet in my Flower Room was from an old bakery in Maine. It fits perfectly in the space and is used to store various kitchen supplies.
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- Every drawer is well labeled and always stocked.
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- Industrial rolling restaurant storage units made in stainless steel are easy to keep clean. The Flower Room is also an outdoor kitchen which we often use for cooking when I entertain. These drawers store utensils and other tools, so the counters can be used for food preparation.
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- In my generator room, I use these metal garbage bins to store the wild birdseed. Look for storage solutions that are durable and long-lasting. These receptacles are inexpensive and easy to find at hardware stores and home improvement shops.
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- Do you know what this is? I had these cases specially made to store screen doors and windows so they are well protected during the off-season. Screens should be stored either by laying flat or standing upright, in a dry area where the temperature is kept fairly constant.
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- A big favorite for storage in my greenhouse and stable are these commercial food ingredient bins – also very common in bakeries to hold flour. Here in the head house, we use several, each one storing a different soil mix.
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- Inside, the bin can hold a good amount of mix that’s easy to reach when seeding trays and repotting plants.
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- In my Equipment Barn closet, we keep washers, nuts, and bolts carefully stored in these trays and then in large plastic bins – always organized by type.
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- A custom made rack holds the hoop house piping we use as frames for the burlap that covers all my boxwood in winter. Storing items properly keeps valuable supplies and items in good condition.
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- In my stable hayloft, I store various moldings, window casings, etc. All the moldings are kept on these shelves and stacked according to length and type. I keep the moldings stacked horizontally to keep them from bowing.
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- Everything is kept off the floor. These window casings, already painted in my signature Bedford Gray, are sitting on a wood base. It is crucial that any stored wood be kept free from dampness.
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- And many of you will recognize this storage unit where I keep all my beautiful baskets. I have hundreds of baskets in my collection – some are rare and antique, some are vintage, and some are more contemporary. A good number of these baskets were used during my catering days.
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- My Basket House is located near my grove of bald cypress trees across from my clematis pergola. I will share more of my storage solutions in future blogs. What are your favorite organizing strategies at home? Share yours with me.
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