Kitchen Tidying: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Your Space

Tidying your kitchen effectively means tackling one zone at a time, systematically decluttering, cleaning, and organizing. The goal is to create a functional, calm space where everything has a home and is easy to access. This guide breaks down the process into manageable steps.

Key takeaways:

• Start with a single, small zone like a countertop or a single drawer.
• Sort items into "keep," "donate/sell," and "trash" piles immediately.
• Maximize vertical space in cabinets and pantries with risers or stackable bins.
• Commit to a 15-minute daily tidy-up to maintain order.

How do I start tidying a very messy kitchen?

To start tidying a very messy kitchen, pick one small, manageable area first. Don't try to do everything at once. A single countertop section, one drawer, or even just the area around your sink is a good starting point. This approach prevents overwhelm and builds momentum. For instance, clear everything off a 24-inch section of your counter.

What's the best way to declutter kitchen countertops?

The best way to declutter kitchen countertops is to clear them completely, then only put back essentials. Remove every item from your counters. Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly. Now, look at each item you removed. Ask yourself: Do I use this daily or almost daily? If not, it probably doesn't belong on the counter. Keep appliances like your coffee maker or toaster out if you use them often. Store everything else in cabinets or drawers. Aim to have at least 50% of your counter space clear.

How do I organize kitchen drawers and cabinets?

Organizing kitchen drawers and cabinets involves emptying them, cleaning them, and then returning only relevant, organized items.

For Drawers:

1. Empty completely: Pull everything out of one drawer.
2. Clean: Wipe the inside of the drawer.
3. Sort: Create three piles: "Keep," "Donate/Trash," and "Belongs Elsewhere." Immediately dispose of trash and move items that don't belong in the kitchen.
4. Categorize: Group similar items together (e.g., spatulas with spatulas, measuring spoons with measuring spoons).
5. Use dividers: Invest in drawer dividers or organizers. These are crucial for keeping items from shifting and becoming jumbled again. For example, a basic plastic utensil organizer can cost around $8 to $15.
6. Return: Place categorized items back into the drawer, using the dividers to maintain order.

For Cabinets:

1. Empty one cabinet at a time: Don't open every cabinet at once. Focus on one upper or lower cabinet.
2. Clean: Wipe down shelves.
3. Sort: Similar to drawers, sort items into "Keep," "Donate/Trash," and "Belongs Elsewhere." Get rid of chipped mugs, expired foods, or duplicate gadgets you never use.
4. Categorize: Group similar items: all plates together, all mixing bowls, all spices.
5. Maximize vertical space: Use shelf risers for plates or mugs to double your storage capacity. Stackable clear bins work well for snacks or small pantry items. A set of two shelf risers might cost $10 to $20.
6. Zone your cabinets: Designate specific cabinets for specific categories. For example, all baking supplies in one cabinet, all pots and pans in another. Store frequently used items at eye level.

What's the trick to an organized pantry?

The trick to an organized pantry is grouping similar items, using clear containers, and labeling everything.

1. Remove everything: Take every single item out of your pantry.
2. Clean: Vacuum crumbs and wipe down shelves.
3. Check expiration dates: Ruthlessly discard anything expired or stale.
4. Categorize: Group like items: pasta, canned goods, snacks, baking supplies, breakfast foods.
5. Use clear containers: Transfer dry goods like pasta, rice, flour, and sugar into airtight, clear containers. This keeps them fresh, makes it easy to see what you have, and creates a uniform look. A set of five airtight containers can range from $25 to $50.
6. Label everything: Even if it's in a clear container, label it. Include the expiration date if applicable.
7. Zone your pantry: Assign specific shelves or sections for specific categories. Heavy items like canned goods go on lower shelves. Snacks and frequently accessed items go at eye level.
8. Use vertical space: Add stackable bins for bags of chips or smaller items. Over-the-door organizers can add significant storage for spices or small jars.

How do I deal with small appliances and gadgets?

For small appliances and gadgets, store them based on frequency of use. If you use a stand mixer every day, it might earn a spot on the counter or in an easily accessible cabinet. If you use a waffle maker once a month, it should go into a deeper cabinet or pantry.

Consider an appliance garage if your kitchen design allows for it. Otherwise, designate a specific cabinet for small appliances. This prevents them from cluttering countertops or migrating to other rooms. For example, if you have a slow cooker, an air fryer, and a blender, try to keep them all in one dedicated cabinet.

What about the junk drawer?

The "junk drawer" is inevitable, but it doesn't have to be chaotic. The key is to define its purpose and use dividers.

1. Empty and clean: Just like other drawers, empty it completely and wipe it down.
2. Be selective: Only put items in it that genuinely belong there and are useful. Common junk drawer items include pens, notepads, batteries, small tools, and rubber bands.
3. Use dividers: This is non-negotiable for a junk drawer. Section off the drawer to give each type of item a mini-home. You can find adjustable drawer dividers for less than $10.
4. Regular purges: Make it a habit to quickly sort through it once a month. Toss dried-out pens and anything else that's clearly trash.

How do I maintain a tidy kitchen daily?

Maintaining a tidy kitchen daily requires a few simple habits that take minimal time.

• Wipe as you go: Clean up spills immediately. Wipe down counters after cooking.
• Load the dishwasher: Put dirty dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of piling them in the sink. Run it nightly if possible.
• Put things away immediately: When you're done using an item, put it back in its designated spot, not just on the counter.
• Do a 15-minute tidy-up: Before bed, spend 15 minutes resetting your kitchen. This involves wiping down counters, clearing the sink, and returning any stray items to their homes. Setting a timer can help you stay focused. This small daily effort prevents major messes from building up.

What are some common kitchen tidying mistakes to avoid?

One common mistake is trying to do everything at once. This leads to burnout and an unfinished project. Another mistake is buying storage solutions before you declutter. You need to know what you're keeping before you know what kind of storage you need. Also, don't store items in your kitchen that don't belong there, like mail, school papers, or random electronics. Your kitchen is for cooking and eating, primarily. Finally, neglecting to label containers can quickly lead to confusion and disorganization, especially with similar-looking dry goods.

Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash