There’s something so satisfying about a clean, clutter-free kitchen. For me, nothing beats the feeling of walking into a space where I can easily find what I need, and my counters are clear enough to prep a meal without moving mountains.
This post is all about decluttering kitchen countertops!
If your kitchen counters have started to feel like a dumping ground, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With these 14 practical tips, you can quickly reclaim that space and enjoy a more functional kitchen.
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1. Create a Drop Zone for Daily Essentials
Set aside a small tray or basket to corral everyday items like keys, mail, and your favorite coffee thermos. Keeping these essentials contained prevents them from spreading across the counters.
2. Contain the Coffee Station
Designate one area for all your coffee essentials—think mugs, sugar, spoons, and coffee maker. A small tray or organizer works wonders for keeping this morning must-have tidy and accessible.
Check out these other creative coffee station organizer ideas for inspiration for your coffee station!
3. Limit the Number of Small Appliances on Display
Ask yourself which appliances you use daily—maybe it’s just the coffee maker or toaster. Store the rest in cabinets or a pantry. I realized I don’t need my blender taking up space 24/7!
4. Utilize Wall Space with Hooks or Shelves
Free up counter space by adding wall-mounted hooks for mugs or shelves for spices and cooking oils. It’s amazing how much room you can gain by going vertical!
This floating shelf with hooks is compact and space-efficient. It can help keep clutter off your counters.
5. Adopt a One-In, One-Out Rule
For every new item that comes into your kitchen, something else must go. This rule keeps the clutter in check and encourages thoughtful decisions about what stays on your counters.
6. Use a Dish Drainer Inside the Sink
Skip the bulky countertop drying rack and opt for one that fits inside your sink. It saves precious counter space and looks much neater.
When dishes pile up in the sink, you can set the drying rack on the counter, but most of the time, it can stay hidden away in the sink.
7. Get Your Paper Towels Off the Counter
Mount your paper towel holder under a cabinet or on a wall to free up counter space. It’s such a simple switch that makes a big difference.
This is the exact paper towel holder that I have in my kitchen and it took me 5 seconds to peel the sticker off and attach it to the side of my cabinets. I love it!
8. Store Items in Drawers or Cabinets
Not everything needs to live on the counter. Think about your kitchen layout and relocate as many things as possible to drawers or cabinets, keeping only the essentials within arm’s reach.
If you don’t use it daily, and you have the space inside a drawer or cabinet, it should be off the counter.
9. Load and Start Dishes Every Night
This next small habit has made such a difference in my home. Before going to bed, load and start your dishwasher, then do a quick counter wipe-down. Waking up to a clean kitchen feels like the best kind of reset.
This helps avoid the bottleneck of dishes piling up, and will make it easier to maintain the rest of the kitchen.
10. Decorative Storage Jars
Store pantry staples like flour, sugar, and coffee in pretty jars that can double as decor. Functional and stylish—now that’s a win-win.
11. Tidy Up Daily
Set a timer for five minutes each day to declutter your counters. A little daily effort prevents things from piling up. I like doing this while my coffee brews in the morning—it’s a productive start to the day!
12. Add a Command Center for Papers
Mail and papers can take over quickly. A small wall organizer or a folder system tucked in a corner can keep this under control without cluttering your counters.
13. Use a Lazy Susan for Frequently Used Items
Place oils, salt, pepper, and other cooking essentials on a lazy Susan. It’s a small change that keeps things organized and easy to access.
This is the turntable tray that I use. It’s beautiful and the size is perfect for me. I’ve also used it as a kitchen island centerpiece with a small potted plant on top as well as in my bathroom closet for storing my small toiletries.
14. Keep Decorative Items Minimal
I love adding a little personality to my kitchen with a vase of fresh flowers or a candle, but too many decorative items can overwhelm the space. Keep it simple and meaningful.
Conclusion
Clearing off your kitchen counters doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.
With simple tweaks, such as containing the coffee station, using a dish drainer in the sink, or doing a quick nightly wipedown, you can quickly create a functional and inviting space.
For me, it’s all about small changes that make my kitchen feel calm and organized, even on busy days. Try these tips, and enjoy the difference a decluttered kitchen can make!
Don’t forget to save any of these images to your Pinterest account using the Pinterest share buttons on this page so that you can easily find them again later!
