A neutral kitchen with white counter tops clear from clutter

Decluttering

5 Easy Steps to Decluttering Your Kitchen Countertops

Do you find clutter seems to have found a permanent residence on your kitchen work surfaces? Clearing your countertops and keeping your work surfaces clean is not as daunting as it may seem. In this blog post, I’ll share 5 easy steps to decluttering your kitchen countertops, creating a more functional and inviting kitchen space. It’s easy than you think to clear the crap off your work tops and have a clean, uncluttered kitchen, making your space feel bigger and less cluttered!

1. Assess the Chaos

The first step in clearing your countertops is to assess the chaos. Take a good look at your kitchen and identify what’s currently occupying your precious counter space. Common culprits include small appliances, stacks of mail, utensils, spice racks, and various knick-knacks. Do they really need to be there? If you’re stuck on what to get rid of, this post 15 Things You Can Declutter From Your Kitchen RIGHT NOW might help.

2. Keep What’s Essential

Now, it’s time to decide what truly deserves a spot on your countertops. Keep items that are essential for your daily cooking and meal prep routines. This may include your coffee maker, toaster, or a knife block with your most-used knives. Remember, the key is to prioritize functionality over aesthetics.

3. Relocate Non-Essentials

Many items that clutter your countertops can find a new home elsewhere in your kitchen or home. Here are some ideas:

Appliance Garage: Create an appliance garage by designating a cabinet or shelf for items like blenders, mixers, or food processors. They’ll be easily accessible when needed but out of sight when not in use.

Mail and Paperwork: Designate a specific area for sorting and storing mail, such as a desk or a wall-mounted mail organizer aka family command center. Avoid piling up papers on your countertops.
Cookbook Shelf: If you love cooking from physical cookbooks, install a shelf in your kitchen or nearby to keep them handy but off the counters.
Spices and Utensils: Consider wall-mounted magnetic strips or racks for spices and utensils. These keep essential items within reach while freeing up counter space.

Pinterest image for a blog post from Simple Neat Home about how to declutter your kitchen work tops.

4. Maximize Your Kitchen Storage

Optimizing your kitchen storage is your best friend in decluttering your countertops. Here are some ideas to make the most of your kitchen’s space:

Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves on your kitchen walls to display decorative items or store dishes. This not only adds a stylish touch but also reduces clutter on your countertops. These would be great for cookbooks or herbs!

Cabinet and Drawer Organizers: Use cabinet and drawer organizers to keep utensils, cutting boards, and cookware neatly arranged and out of sight. Organizing your drawers will mean you can find everything you need quickly, and you’ll also be able to see things that you DON’T need and can get rid of.
Hooks and Racks: Install hooks or racks on the backsplash or the inside of cabinet doors to hang pots, pans, and cooking utensils. This frees up valuable counter space and keeps your kitchen organized.

5. Create Designated Zones

To maintain a clutter-free kitchen, create designated zones for specific activities. This helps ensure that items are put away in their proper place and that your countertops remain clear. Here are a few zones to consider:

Cooking Zone: Keep all your cooking essentials like pots, pans, and utensils in one area of your kitchen. This makes meal preparation efficient and keeps the rest of your countertops clear.
Prep Zone: Designate an area for food preparation. Ensure it’s well-lit and equipped with cutting boards, knives, and other prep tools. This allows you to keep your countertops clear of clutter while cooking.
Coffee/Tea Station: If you’re an avid coffee or tea drinker, create a dedicated station with your coffee maker, mugs, and supplies. This keeps your morning routine streamlined. You could even make a hot chocolate station too for those chilly winter month (thanks to Pinterest for the idea!).

Baking Zone: If you enjoy baking, allocate a space for your baking supplies, mixing bowls, and measuring cups. This way, you can focus on your creations without clutter getting in the way. When I made wedding cakes I kept all my ingredients in the kitchen island cupboards, separate from everything else in the kitchen.

Clearing your countertops and maintaining clean work surfaces in your kitchen doesn’t have to be an arduous task. By following these five easy steps and keeping what’s essential while relocating non-essentials, you’ll enjoy a more organized and efficient kitchen. Maximize vertical storage, create designated zones, and remember that functionality should always take precedence over aesthetics when it comes to your countertops.

With a clutter-free kitchen, you’ll not only have a more inviting and enjoyable space for cooking and gatherings but also a sense of calm and control in one of the most important areas of your home. So, let’s get started decluttering your kitchen countertops!