Struggling with a messy kitchen? Learn how to clear clutter off your kitchen counters with simple, effective organization tips to keep your space clean and functional every day!
We recently renovated our kitchen (what a dream!) and one of my top priorities was that the space not feel cluttered at all.
I mean, when you look at a kitchen in a magazine - is there junk all over the place? Are there appliances and accessories and things everywhere? No way!
And while our kitchen will never look just like a magazine - we have 2 kids, we cook 3 meals a day, we live here - we wanted to make it look at clean and fresh as possible.
That meant making some decisions that would make it easier to keep organized - and committing to keepint it that way.
Today I want to talk about the importance of maintaining clutter-free kitchen counters and my best tips for getting the space to stay that way!
Why should you prioritize a clutter-free kitchen?
A clean kitchen is aesthetically beautiful, cute, but it's also great for functionality.
Clutter can get in the way of cooking and meal prep. Nothing is less motivating to cooking than having to take ten minutes to clean first. Let's just order take out!
Once stuff starts to pile up, your brain rationalizes piling up more stuff! It can become a snowball effect.
Plus, a clean kitchen is more inviting when you have guests over. No more last minute scramble to throw things into cabinets. Having a spot for everything makes it easy to keep it clean, all the time.
How to clear clutter off your kitchen counters
Here is the process I like to use to deep-organize the kitchen.
1. Assess the Current Situation
- Remove All Items from Counters: Start by clearing everything off your countertops to get a clear view of the space.
- Categorize Items: Group items into categories: daily-use, occasional-use, and rarely-used or never-used.
Really be honest with yourself - is there stuff you can get rid of? Take this as a chance to throw away trash and unload anything broken or that you just don't want.
Thank it for its service and feel zero guilt recycling or donating it!
2. Decide What Stays on the Counter
- Daily-Use Items: Only keep appliances and tools you use daily on the counter, such as a coffee maker or toaster.
- Store Occasional-Use Items: Place items used less frequently in cabinets or pantry spaces.
- Eliminate Rarely-Used Items: Consider donating or storing appliances and tools you seldom use.
Be very very stingy on what you are willing to give counter space to. This is precious space!
Organize as many things as possible in drawers, cabinets, or the pantry.
We moved our frequently used appliances - coffee maker, tea kettle, and toaster - to our pantry. The rest go in cabinets. The rarely used ones go in the cabinet over the fridge!
Move things you use the least office to top shelves or the back of drawers. Keep the frequently used items at your fingertips!
3. Optimize Storage Solutions
- Utilize Vertical Space: Install shelves or hanging racks to store utensils, pots, and pans, freeing up counter space.
- In-Cabinet Organizers: Use drawer dividers, pull-out shelves, and cabinet door organizers to maximize storage efficiency.
- Appliance Garage: Create a designated space, like an appliance garage, to tuck away frequently used appliances when not in use.
Be really smart about your storage. By creating a really specific space for everything, you are so much more likely to put things back!
Storage solutions we have DIYed in our kitchen include:
4. Implement Daily Habits to Maintain Clarity
- Clean as You Go: Adopt the habit of cleaning and putting away items immediately after use.
- Nightly Reset: Spend a few minutes each evening clearing and wiping down counters to maintain a clutter-free environment.
- Designate Drop Zones: Have specific areas for items like mail, keys, and bags to prevent them from accumulating on kitchen counters.
The most important part of organizing any space is keeping it that way. It's so easy to clean once - you need to create systems to keep it organized.
This means involving anyone who lives in your home. How can you make it easy for them to put things away? Labeling can help. Adding baskets or bins can also be great.
Add cleaning up to your routine - before bed or first thing in the morning - so you never go a full day with stuff all over the kitchen!
By following these simple steps, you will be able to enjoy a more organized and efficient kitchen!
I hope that you can get your space organizes and that a clutter-free space has a fabulous impact on your mood and the functionality of your kitchen.
Looking for something?
We've been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips
Hello, I'm Morgan, half of the creative force behind CharlestonCrafted.com! With a passion for DIY that dates back to 2012, I've transformed three homes and now I'm dedicated to helping others craft their dream spaces. Let's turn your house into a home together!
