Instructions

1. Pull out all your pot and pans (including woks, roasting pans and steamers), along with their lids. Throw out anything that's gouged, nicked or burned beyond repair, including nonstick pans if the coating is peeling. Toss aluminum pots immediately: The metal they leach into cooked foods and liquids has been associated with Alzheimer's disease.

2. Scan your kitchen: Does it make sense to return the pans to their drawer or cabinet, or do you need the space for other appliances? Free up space by installing a wall- or ceiling-mounted pot rack or a Peg-Board outfitted with hooks.

3. Make cabinets that house pots and pans more efficient by installing a deep, slide-out drawer. Nest pots and pans as much as possible. Start with the roasting pan on the bottom, then stack pots followed by frying pan.

4. Target a shallow drawer for the lids. Or, organize them in a lid rack (available at organizational and hardware stores) or a long, thin plastic basket that will fit in your drawer or cabinet.