Do you want clutter-free counters? Or have you ever thought “I have no counter space in this kitchen!?”
This is a common issue and luckily for you, the fix isn’t complicated!
One of the easiest ways to tidy your kitchen is to take inventory of your counter space.
Even if you have generous counter space, when there is more stuff than is necessary on the counter, it starts to feel small really fast.
Toasters, stand mixers, knife blocks and spice racks are all very common things that live on a kitchen counter. However, those things can add up to over three feet of counter space. THREE FEET!! And don’t get me wrong, I have a decorative item or two on my counter, but only because I’ve set some boundaries with what should live on the counters..
So how do you manage this stuff? Here are some things you can consider finding an alternative home for, in order to get clutter-free counters!
1. Put appliances away
Quick question: How many small appliances are scattered across your counter? That could be your trick to clutter-free counters.
My tip: only have the daily used items on your counter. If you don’t use that toaster DAILY, consider finding a cabinet to tuck it away. No different than putting your silverware away each day, put your appliance away that you aren’t using each day.
Truth. The only appliance I have out is my coffee maker! If you’re not a regular coffee drinker, but own a coffee pot for guest visits, find a spot to tuck it away until you really need it and get it off of the counter.
Another regular clutter creator is the stand mixer. Personally, I’m no Betty Crocker, so my stand mixer is tucked away. These pieces take up some cabinet space, but it is worth gaining that usable real estate back on your counter. If you prefer to keep it out because it’s so heavy to lift each time you need it, consider grabbing this mixer lift. It helps tuck this big appliance away but also gives you the muscle to lift it when you need it.
A sister clutter creator to the stand mixer is the set of dry goods. Do you need the flour + sugar canisters on the counter for ease of regular use, or are they another way that you create your own clutter?
2. Edit the counter clutter
Reduce the clutter by getting rid of it altogether.
Do you need that crock full of 4 spatulas and 6 serving spoons? Think about how many you need on a daily basis, and purge the rest. Keep in mind that you’ll wash the dishes regularly, so don’t try to talk yourself out of keeping more than you REALLY need.
Apply this to the other things that can collect on the counter: cookbooks, mail pile, etc.
3. Move clutter to a drawer or door
The spice rack is cute, but it’s bulky. Is there a cabinet you can store those bottles without the rack they came with? Here’s the rack I have in a VERY small spice cabinet. Pulling every bottle out to find the right one wasn’t convenient, so this rack has made it easier to reach the back of that narrow cabinet.
Then there’s the knife block. Is there a drawer you could slide the knives into? I’m guessing you may use ONE of the knives a day, and likely aren’t using the row of steak knives regularly. So let’s find a drawer we can squeeze those into. Safety first – consider using one of these drawer inserts to keep the sharp side contained, while also minimizing the space they take up!
Getting clutter-free counters doesn’t need to look sterile, but too much stuff not only looks cluttered but mentally makes your space feel small. I mean think about it – you don’t leave your dishes and silverware on the counter, but likely use them daily. So be thoughtful about what takes up that valuable real estate.
P.S. This goes for the bathroom too.
Clutter-free countertops make your kitchen feel bigger and bring a sense of order and calm to the space.
-Daniele Mineck
For more tips on how to organize your day and your space, sign up for my newsletter at danielemineck.com.
Or check out my Simplified Start challenge, which helps create some great habits to keep your home your haven and not chaotic.
