Unlock a Stress-Free Kitchen: 5 Simple Ways to Declutter

Kitchens often become the most cluttered room in the home. Because it is probably one of the most used spaces in our homes, decluttering the kitchen space might seem like a daunting task. But if you work out a repeatable plan, you’ll find that the result is worth the effort and you’ll be able to keep up with keeping your kitchen clean and orderly. I’ve got 5 simple tips to help you declutter your kitchen, and the best part is you can do it with minimal effort.

5 Simple Tips to Declutter Your Kitchen

1) Clear Your Countertops

The first thing you’ll notice about a cluttered kitchen is all the stuff that accumulates on the countertops. It’s natural because we’re in the kitchen so much that it becomes habit to set things down that we’ve had in our hand as we reach for a pot holder to check the roast that is in the oven. Or, we think we can save time by keeping our appliances sitting on the countertop instead of putting them in a cabinet. 

The truth is, the more we have on the counter the more cluttered our kitchen looks. To fix this problem start by removing anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen. Set a basket on a nearby table and just start loading it full of all the things like mail, kids schoolbooks, earrings, the random candle, that tube of hand cream that found it’s way onto the counter. Whatever those things are that ended up in your kitchen that doesn’t belong, drop them into that basket. Then, in the evening go through it and return those items to the place they are supposed to be. 

You can develop a habit of putting those random items into that basket whenever you clean the kitchen, and once or twice a week, sorting the basket to keep it clear from clutter. 

Next, take a good look at the appliances on top of your counter. Decide what you are using verses what’s rarely used. If there is an appliance that sits there with little use, make space for it in a cabinet. If it’s not something you’ve used for six months or more, then sell it, give it away, or donate it. 

Reserve your counter space for items you use. If you aren’t using your cookbook stash that’s sitting in a corner of the countertops daily, then find a shelf inside the pantry, or create a home for them that isn’t out in public view. The same is true for canisters, baskets, and other items that could be considered decorative. 

The clearer your countertops look, the more you will declutter your kitchen. 

2) Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

Kitchen drawers are convenient and offer a great storage solution for many things you use daily. The problem most homemakers face is that there are too few drawers in their kitchens. I wish I had one more base cabinet that was all drawer space rather than 1 drawer with a cabinet that has two shelves. 

That means it’s important to the drawers that you do have organized. You don’t have to stress about every single spoon or knife being in the exact location. Instead have a drawer for like items. Use drawer separators whenever possible to keep the inside somewhat organized. 

Tips for organizing kitchen drawers

Designate a drawer for each of the following.

• Cooking Utensils
• Measuring spoons and cups, whisks, baking spatulas, etc. 
• Eating utensils
• Knives
• Dish cloths and towels
• Pot holders

Deep drawers are great for linen napkins and/or tablecloths, storage containers, and foil or wrap packages. Also, deep drawers can be used for pots and pans as well.

For upper cabinets, again keep similar items together in one section of the cabinet and you can label your shelves accordingly. 

I like to use Mason jars whenever possible to store many of my dry goods food supplies in because they look so pretty on the shelf whenever I open the cabinet. If you need more space, use stacking bins to separate certain types of foods from others. This will help make sure you can quickly find something when needed. You can also turn boxes on their side rather than storing upright for shorter shelf space. 

For spices these custom spice labels or others like them will look beautiful whether your store in your cabinet or on the countertops.

For lower cabinets, you can store your glass bakeware, mixing bowls and pots and pans on lower shelves. If you have sliding shelves it’s even better because those items will be easier to find. If you don’t then consider carefully what you need to keep, donate items you don’t need, and limit the amount of items you store in your kitchen. Doing this helps you to declutter your kitchen and creates an efficient work environment.

You’ll find such freedom in letting go of cookware that you don’t use. Donate it to a local charity, or young family who are just starting. 

3) An Organized Pantry Saves Time

A cluttered pantry will mean you’re spending time digging through shelves to find the things that you need. Which can be frustrating when you are trying to come up with the best dinner idea for the family. That’s why you need good tips for organizing your pantry.

For your food pantry its good to store like items on the same shelf. For example, cereal on one shelf, pasta and rice on another shelf. If something is past it’s an expiration date then it’s time to get rid of it.  

Storage bins and baskets will give you more flexibility with how much space each item takes up while still keeping everything organized. They don’t have to be expensive. You can get lovely ones like these pictured for just one dollar each at The Dollar Tree. 

A great way to keep all of your kitchen spaces organized is to use Pantry Labels.

4) How to Organize Your Fridge

Keeping your fridge organized will not only look nice, but it will also help you find what you are looking for faster.

Keep similar items together in one section of the fridge helps you know where to look when you’re prepping your meals.

You can store fresh vegetables and fruits like berries, grapes, apples and lettuces in mason jars to keep them fresh longer. Plus, whenever anyone opens the fridge to look for something they’ll see them and be more willing to grab them as a healthy snack.

Also, keep track of expiration dates, so nothing goes bad before being used.

5) Organize Your Food with a Rotation Method

Nothing is more frustrating that having to throw out food that has expired or gone bad. When you’ve worked hard for the money you bring in to buy the food you need, only to throw it out because it’s expired, you recognize you are wasting money!

Organize your cans, and boxes of food by date placing the newer items in the back of the shelf and older items toward the front. This way you will be more likely to grab and use the items that you see first and less likely to have food sit past it’s use by date. 

If you’ve got food that you know you won’t be eating (for whatever reason) and it’s NOT expired, donate it to a local food pantry or soup kitchen. 

As you organize your food supplies, make a list of what you have. You can use my pantry supply list to help you keep track of what you have in stock. Look at food that will expire soon and make a plan for what you will use them for and when you will eat them over the next few days.  

Keeping track of your food stores in the freezer, fridge and pantry will save time and money. 

While you’re organizing don’t forget your freezer. Clear out any frozen packaged meals or leftovers that are no longer fresh enough to eat. If it’s freezer burnt it’s time to let it go. Organize it in the same way you do you the pantry, older items near the front or top of the freezer and newer items toward the back or bottom. 

Keeping a rotating pattern for your foods will help you to remember to use what you need to before they’ve had a chance to spoil. 

Don’t get overwhelmed when you declutter your kitchen. You can get started today, by choosing one area to work on. Clean as you go and then work on another area the next day. Taking the time daily and working in small sections will make the work easier. When you’ve completed the project you’ll be happy with the results. And, once you’ve got it looking like you want it to, just make sure to take the time regularly to freshen those spaces as needed, instead of waiting until the entire kitchen is cluttered. 

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Now that I’ve given you a few tips, you have no more excuses to keep things cluttered anymore. Tell me your best tip to declutter your kitchen in the comment section below! I want to know.