Declutter the Kitchen: Expert Tips for a Tidy and Well-Organized Space
Decluttering the kitchen can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for maintaining a clean, functional, and inviting home. To help you get started, we’ve consulted with expert organizers and compiled their top tips for decluttering your kitchen with ease.
Set Decluttering Goals
Before you start decluttering, take some time to assess your kitchen and identify the areas that need the most attention. Are your drawers overflowing? Countertops cluttered? Once you have a good understanding of the problem areas, set realistic goals for what you want to achieve. For example, you might aim to create more space, make areas more functional, or simply reduce clutter.
Use Boxes or Bins for Sorting
One of the most effective ways to declutter is to use boxes or bins to sort through your belongings. Label the boxes “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Toss.” Give yourself plenty of time to go through each area of your kitchen, deciding what you want to keep, donate, or throw away.
Declutter by Section
If the thought of decluttering your entire kitchen at once is overwhelming, start small and tackle one section at a time. This could be a drawer, pantry, or cabinet. Removing everything from the section will give you a clear space to work with, making it easier to organize what goes back in.
Get Rid of Multiples
Over time, it’s easy to accumulate multiples of kitchen items, such as utensils, takeout containers, and serving platters. If you’re serious about decluttering, ditching multiples is a simple but effective way to reduce clutter. Ask yourself if you really need multiple serving platters if you don’t host often. Keeping what you need and getting rid of the rest will free up valuable space.
Clear Up Counter Space
Cluttered countertops can be a major source of kitchen clutter. Keep only the essentials on the counter, such as frequently used appliances and utensils. For items you don’t use daily, such as blenders or stand mixers, store them away in cabinets or shelves to keep your countertops clear and functional.
Relocate Seasonal Items
Seasonal items, such as holiday cookie cutters and turkey basters, can take up a lot of space in your kitchen. After the season ends, declutter any seasonal items that you didn’t use. Store the items you want to keep in another space in your home or on a high shelf in the kitchen to keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized.
Regularly Declutter and Clean
Once you’ve decluttered your kitchen, it’s important to maintain your progress by regularly cleaning and organizing your space. Spend a few minutes each day or week putting things back in their place and decluttering as needed. This will prevent clutter from building up again and keep your kitchen looking its best.
Additional Tips
- Use vertical space: Install shelves or stackable organizers to maximize vertical space and keep items off the countertops.
- Declutter regularly: Make decluttering a part of your routine by setting aside a few minutes each week to go through your kitchen and remove any unnecessary items.
- Be ruthless: Don’t be afraid to get rid of things you don’t use or need. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go.
- Reward yourself: Once you’ve decluttered your kitchen, reward yourself with something you enjoy to stay motivated and make the process more enjoyable.