The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where meals are prepared, where families gather, and where memories are made. However, it can also be one of the most chaotic and cluttered rooms in the house. A cluttered kitchen can cause stress, reduce productivity, and even lead to unhealthy eating habits.
That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 15 must-try tricks for a clutter-free kitchen. Let’s take back control of our kitchen space and create an environment that’s clean, organized, and enjoyable to be in.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Often, the first step to a clutter-free kitchen is a deep clean. This involves removing everything from your counters, cupboards, and drawers, and giving the entire kitchen a thorough scrub down. Don’t forget to clean out your fridge and pantry as well. This will give you a clean slate to work with.
Once your kitchen is sparkling clean, it’s time to go through all the items you removed. Get rid of anything you don’t use, don’t need, or don’t love. Remember, every item in your kitchen should serve a purpose. If it doesn’t, it’s just taking up valuable space.
2. Use Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers are a game changer when it comes to kitchen organization. They allow you to divide your drawers into sections, making it easy to find exactly what you need when you need it.
Consider using drawer organizers for your cutlery, utensils, and even your pots and pans. You’ll be amazed at how much more space you have when everything has a designated spot. Plus, your drawers will look neat and tidy, which will make you feel more organized and in control.
3. Utilize Vertical Space
If you’re short on counter or cupboard space, consider utilizing your vertical space. This can be done by installing shelves, hooks, or magnetic strips on your walls or inside your cupboards.
For example, you could hang your pots and pans on a wall-mounted rack, or attach a magnetic strip to the inside of a cupboard door to hold your knives. This not only frees up counter space, but also makes your kitchen items more accessible.
4. Invest in a Pot Rack
Speaking of pots and pans, a pot rack can be another great space-saving solution. Pot racks can be hung from the ceiling or mounted to a wall, and they allow you to store your pots and pans in a way that’s both efficient and visually appealing.
Remember, the goal is to keep your most frequently used items within easy reach. So, choose a pot rack that fits your space and your needs, and arrange your pots and pans in a way that makes sense to you.
5. Store Items by Use
Another key to a clutter-free kitchen is to store items by use. This means keeping your most frequently used items near the area where you use them most. For example, keep your cooking utensils near the stove and your coffee supplies near the coffee maker.
By storing items by use, you’ll reduce the need to run around the kitchen looking for what you need. This will make your cooking process more efficient, and it will also reduce clutter by ensuring that every item has a designated spot.
6. Use a Lazy Susan
A lazy Susan is a simple and inexpensive tool that can make a big difference in your kitchen organization. Use a lazy Susan in your pantry or cupboards to store items like spices, condiments, or canned goods.
With a lazy Susan, you’ll never have to dig through a crowded cupboard again. Just give it a spin, and you’ll be able to easily find and grab what you need.
7. Invest in Stackable Storage
If you’re short on space, consider investing in stackable storage solutions. These can include stackable food storage containers, stackable pots and pans, or stackable shelves for your cupboards or pantry.
By stacking items, you can make the most of your vertical space and keep your kitchen items neatly organized. Plus, stackable storage solutions are usually versatile and can be rearranged as your needs change.
8. Use Clear Containers
Using clear containers for food storage is another great way to keep your kitchen organized. Clear containers allow you to easily see what’s inside, which can save you time when you’re cooking or looking for a snack.
Plus, clear containers can make your pantry or fridge look more organized and appealing. Consider using clear containers for items like cereals, pasta, rice, or baking ingredients.
9. Label Everything
When it comes to kitchen organization, labels are your best friend. Labels allow you to easily identify what’s inside your containers or where items should go.
Consider labeling your food storage containers, your pantry shelves, or even your drawers. This will make it easier for you to find what you need, and it will also make it easier for other members of your household to put things away in the right place.
10. Create a Junk Drawer
Even the most organized kitchens need a junk drawer. This is a place where you can store random items that don’t have a designated spot elsewhere.
However, just because it’s a junk drawer doesn’t mean it has to be messy. Use drawer organizers to keep your junk drawer tidy, and make a habit of going through it regularly to get rid of items you don’t need.
11. Keep Your Counters Clear
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel more organized is to keep your counters clear. This means only keeping out the items you use every day, like your coffee maker or knife block.
Everything else should have a designated spot in a cupboard or drawer. Clear counters will make your kitchen feel more spacious and less cluttered.
12. Use Baskets for Storage
Baskets can be a great storage solution for your kitchen. You can use them to store items like fruits and vegetables, bread, or even snacks.
Baskets not only keep your items organized, but they also add a decorative touch to your kitchen. Choose baskets that fit your style and your space, and use them to keep your kitchen items neat and tidy.
13. Install a Pegboard
A pegboard can be a versatile and space-saving addition to your kitchen. You can use it to hang utensils, pots and pans, or even small appliances.
By hanging items on a pegboard, you’ll free up drawer and cupboard space. Plus, you’ll have your most frequently used items within easy reach.
14. Use a Rolling Cart
A rolling cart can be a great solution for extra storage in your kitchen. You can use it to store items like pots and pans, baking supplies, or even as a coffee station.
The great thing about a rolling cart is that it can be moved around as needed. This makes it a flexible and versatile storage solution.
15. Make a Cleaning Schedule
Finally, maintaining a clutter-free kitchen is all about regular cleaning and decluttering. Consider making a cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
This could include tasks like wiping down the counters daily, cleaning out the fridge weekly, and deep cleaning the oven monthly. By sticking to a cleaning schedule, you’ll keep your kitchen clean and clutter-free.