Counter clutter is unavoidable. Seeing it pile up can discourage you from cooking in your otherwise lovely kitchen. But it doesn’t have to stay that way forever; you can do something about it. Cleaning It up doesn’t need to feel like a chore either.  

Instead of dedicating an entire day to decluttering your kitchen counters, using clever solutions allows you to keep it tidy and organized every day. Check out this list of five smart ways to start decluttering your kitchen counter today. 

5 Smart Ways to Declutter Your Kitchen Counter

1.   Group Similar Items on Trays

Instead of pushing your ingredients aside to a random corner every time you cook, try grouping similar items on a tray. 

The word “tray” is used loosely here; anything you can place items on can be a tray. You can use a decorative cloth, a placemat, or even unused plates.

By grouping similar items on the same tray, you’re creating a zone for them to belong in. This way, you know exactly where to find them and where to put them back.

2.   Seal Ingredients in Pantry Jars

Once opened, some ingredients, such as flour or sugar, can be challenging to store again. Instead of using unreliable clips or weak rubber bands, try pouring them all into pantry jars. That way, they are sealed and tidily stored. But that’s not the only benefit of using pantry jars. 

Your pantry may be filled with different products with brandings that scream for your attention. If you like consistency, using similarly designed pantry jars will create an aesthetic harmony in your kitchen. That way, not only is physical clutter reduced but visual clutter too.

3.   Use Your Cupboards

Instead of leaving things out on the counter, utilize your cabinets. After placing your ingredients and food in containers, store them in your cupboards. 

You can even group similar containers and pantry jars in specific cabinets to add another level of organization to your kitchen. For instance, have all your baking materials in one cupboard while another has your seasonings and spices. 

4.   Hang Your Cooking Materials

The kitchen clutter you encounter may not always be food-related; sometimes, it’s cooking materials. Try using adhesive wall hooks if your cabinet is already packed or your counter has enough trays to hang utensils, cookware, and other materials.

Using adhesive wall hooks can give things like your rags, aprons, potholders, and pans their own zone in your kitchen. It can also be a practical decoration to give your kitchen a little more style.

5.   Donate Unused Items

A mess can lead to stress. Instead of giving in to the frustration typically associated with large decluttering tasks, you can look at it another way: You’re looking for things to give away.

Maybe you have plastic containers or spatulas that you barely use. You can give them to your friends or donate them to your local charity. That way, you won’t only be clearing up your kitchen but helping someone at the same time; it’s a win-win.

Keeping it Clean

Beyond using smart ways to declutter your kitchen counters, there’s another vital tip to remember: Don’t let it pile up. Take a few minutes every night to wipe your countertops clean. Even if it seemingly looks spotless to you, there are bound to be things you missed.

Cultivating the habit of returning ingredients and kitchenware to their designated zones after use is another practice to keep your counters clean.

If you keep up the habit, you may just find yourself inspired to cook again in your aesthetically pleasing, clutter-free kitchen.