Hey there! 🙂 When teaching a client how to declutter the kitchen, the question I get asked the most is “How do I keep my counters clear?” It’s really painless, and once you learn how to declutter your kitchen counters, you’ll never have to worry about it again.
How to Declutter Your Kitchen Counters
Only Keep Items Out That You Use Daily
The first tip is to only keep items on the counters that you use daily. If you don’t use something every day, find another place to store it and bring it out only when you need it. Now you’ll need to create a “station” for the items you use each day. If you drink coffee or tea, create a beverage station with coffee, sweetener, and anything else you may use. Place all of these items back on the tray when you are finished using them.
Use the Space Under Your Kitchen Cabinets
The second tip is to consider using the area under your cabinets and your backsplash for storage. If your cabinets and pantry are too full to add additional items, think about hanging mugs, spices, etc. under the cabinets. There are many attractive ways to display items under your cabinets. You can even attach cooking utensils or knives to the backsplash.
Store Items on Top of Your Kitchen Cabinets
The third tip is to look up. If space is really tight, you can store items on top of your cabinets. These pretty baskets can hold extra linens, baking supplies, and seasonal or holiday dishes.
Download a FREE Decluttering Checklist
- Declutter your home at your own pace
- Check off tasks when complete
- Always know which areas still need to be decluttered
- Enjoy your decluttered home! 🙂
Create a Paper Collecting Station
The fourth tip is to create a paper collecting station. Place a tray on the counter to collect any papers that enter the kitchen. When you have time later that evening, go over the papers in the tray and deal with them accordingly. This tip will significantly reduce the amount of paper that accumulates on the counter.
Store Items Where You Use Them
The fifth and final tip is to store items in your kitchen where you usually use them. If you have items available to you where you need them, it will be easier to put them back because you don’t have to walk across the room to return them. This post talks more about organizing your kitchen using zones. I always use zones when organizing a kitchen.
If you follow these five simple steps to declutter your kitchen counters, you’ll be able to prepare meals quickly and keep your kitchen clean at the same time! 🙂
Do you struggle to keep your kitchen counters clutter-free and feel like you need a little help decluttering and organizing your home? Maybe it’s time you give Virtual Organizing a try! Learn what it is, how much it costs, and if it’s right for you and your family!
As always, feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments section. I’m here to help! 🙂
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Hey there, thank you for sharing. I absolutely loved your ideas.
Thanks! I’m glad you found them helpful!
I have a small rack from Office Max where all the paper goes. I also use it to hold current coupons and take out menus. I clean it out weekly while I read the Sunday paper (more coupons).
I also have a large flat circular basket where I put things like winter squash, avocados, tomatoes – anything not being refrigerated. I try to arrange them so they look decorative.
Having clean counters makes it so much more fun to cook!
Those are great ideas Judith! I agree with you…it is so much more fun to cook when your counters are clear. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! ~Leigh
This is such great advice! I am always going around my kitchen to get stuff off the counters. It drives me crazy! Thanks for sharing with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂
I store things on the top of my cabinets and it helps so much. Thanks for all these other great tips. Thanks for joining us at Family Joy Blog Link up Party as well. Have a wonderful week.
Thanks! I’ll be sure to stop by next week…I always find great blogs to read and follow! 🙂
Hate items just piled on top of cupboards. I have special glasses on mine as ornaments so do not get broken and they look tidy.
I love the idea of having a paper tray. For me, that’s the hardest thing to keep under control. I get so much mail and paperwork, that it’s hard to keep organized. I am thinking of getting a cork board so I can put important things, like gift certificates and appointment cards in view rather than in a pile. I think that will help with the clutter.
Hi Marla! The tray should work nicely for you. It will definitely cut down the “paper spread” in the kitchen. 🙂 The cork board is a great idea. I tend to use my calendar to keep track of appointments and put the gift cards in my purse so I can use them when I’m out and about. Thanks so much for commenting!
My countertop is so cluttered. I will start storing on top of my cabinets.
Great tips. I especially like the one about keeping things where you use them so it’s easier to put them away when you’re done with them.
Hope you had a great Christmas. I am still trying to put away the mess of the holidays 🙂