How to Have a Clutter Free Kitchen That Stays Organized

If your messy kitchen is driving you crazy, these tips on how to have a clutter-free kitchen are just what you need to get back on track. Imagine a streamlined space that’s a breeze to cook in—sounds great, right?

Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a chore, and these ideas will show you how easy it can be. Give them a try and see how they transform your kitchen organization.

The kitchen—it’s a room that gets a lot of love. Every single day, actually.

No matter what stage of life you’re in—whether you’ve got little ones, growing teens, or you’re enjoying the quiet of an empty nest—it’s safe to say your kitchen sees its fair share of action.

In our home, the kitchen is the heart of it all. It’s where everyone naturally gathers, the spot where we share meals, catch up with our kids when they visit, and share plenty of laughs. It’s where plans are made, coffee is sipped (sometimes more than once), and the last room to have the lights turned off before heading to bed.

Sound familiar? I bet it does. Even though the kitchen’s main job is cooking and eating, it somehow ends up wearing a dozen other hats.

With so much happening in one space, keeping it organized can feel like a real challenge. That’s why finding a few tried-and-true tips from others can be a game-changer. With the right strategies, you can finally get your kitchen under control—clutter-free and beautifully organized.

Kitchen counter cluttered with different items such as tea bag container, bottle, and paper clutter.

How to Have a Clutter-Free Kitchen

When you’re tackling a space like the kitchen, it’s easiest to break things down into sections—especially the spots where clutter loves to pile up.

Here are the usual suspects:

The counters
The kitchen table
The floor

Let’s look at each of these areas one by one.

a neat kitchen with a basket on the counter and pots hanging from the ceiling

#1. Keep Counters Clutter-free

Kitchen counters have a way of becoming a catch-all for, well, everything—food, cooking utensils, papers, grocery bags, and all those random items waiting to be put away. To keep them clear, try creating a designated spot for these things.

A basket or tray works great for tossing items into until you have time to deal with them. It keeps the counters tidy and saves you from the frustration of hunting for things when you need them (because let’s be honest, that’s the worst).

Livabber Fruit Basket for Kitchen, Metal Fruit Vegetable Storage Bin with 2 Banana Hangers, Countertop Wire Basket Organizer for Snack Potato Onion, Screw Mounted or Stand (Black, 1 Pack)NAGAWOOD Wooden Countertop Baskets Set of 2 for Kitchen, Bathroom, Pantry|Wall Mount Upgrade with Full Accessories| Rustic Nesting Boxes|Wooden Organizer Crates for Fruit, Vegetables, Produce, Bread Best Choice Products Set of 4 9x12in Water Hyacinth Pantry Baskets, Woven Organizers w/Chalkboard Label, Chalk Marker – Natural

Another simple trick? Use your counters for what they’re actually meant for—preparing food. When you set up a specific area for food prep, it’s a subtle reminder to everyone that this space is for cooking, not storing stuff.

a cookbook opened on a counter nest to a spoon

One idea is to keep a cutting board out at all times. It not only gives you a go-to spot for chopping and slicing but also helps keep the rest of the counters clear and ready for action.

#2. Keep the Kitchen TAble Clutter Free

The kitchen table has a sneaky way of becoming a dumping ground for mail, bills, keys, and all those odds and ends that don’t have a home. To keep it clear, try setting up a designated spot for these items somewhere else.

Here are a few ideas:

A basket to hold mail.
A wall organizer to hold keys
A weekly planning basket to toss bills

Adding big, clear labels to these spots can make a world of difference. It keeps the table free and saves you from the endless game of “Where did I put that?”

Another simple way to keep the table clutter-free? Use it for what it’s meant for—eating! Sitting down for meals at the table can gently remind everyone that this is a space for gathering and sharing, not for piling up stuff.

Want to make it even more inviting? Add a fresh vase of flowers. It’s a small touch that makes the space feel warm, welcoming, and ready for family meals.

bunch of tulips on a table in the kitchen

#3. Keep The Floor Clutter Free

The kitchen floor can easily turn into a clutter zone if you’re not careful. Shoes, toys, backpacks, cases of water—you name it—tend to pile up in corners. To keep things tidy, set up a designated spot for these items.

A basket or bin works wonders for holding things that belong in other rooms. As you come across stray items, toss them in, and at the end of the day, do a quick walk-through to return everything to its proper place. This simple habit keeps the floor clear and saves you from the frustration of searching for misplaced stuff.

Jute Rope Laundry Hamper Basket by YOUDENOVA, 58L Tall Laundry Basket, Baby Nursery Hamper for Blanket Storage for Bedroom-Large-Jute OIAHOMY 80L Laundry Baskets Hamper with Handles,Decorative Basket for Living room,Woven Storage Basket for Toys Bin,Pillows, Blankets,Clothes-20x18in-Gradient Yellow INDRESSME XXXLarge Cotton Rope Basket 21.7

Another tip? Use the floor for what it’s meant for—walking. When everyone has a specific spot for shoes and other items, it’s a gentle reminder that the kitchen floor isn’t a storage zone.

One more idea I love is keeping a donation basket in the kitchen. It’s a great visual reminder to always be on the lookout for things you no longer need. The more you pare down, the easier it is to keep your kitchen clutter-free.

a donation basket in a kitchen to toss clutter into

Organizing Solutions for a Clutter-Free Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen clutter-free comes down to a few simple things: giving everything a home, building habits that keep things put away, and being mindful of how you use the space.

Let’s dive into a few practical solutions:

Storage Containers – One of the easiest ways to keep your kitchen organized is by using storage containers and organization trays. They’re perfect for keeping counters clear and making it a breeze to find what you need when you’re cooking.

silverware tray in a drawer of a kitchen

Put Things Away – This one’s simple but powerful—put things away as soon as you’re done using them. It’s a small habit that prevents clutter from building up and keeps your counters looking neat and tidy.

Be Aware of Your Space – Lastly, remember what your kitchen is really for: cooking and enjoying meals with your family. Each time you walk in and spot something that doesn’t belong, toss it into the container or basket you’ve set up for stray items. This one habit can make a huge difference in keeping your kitchen streamlined and clutter-free.

By following these tips, you’ll create a kitchen that’s not only organized but setup in a way that makes it fun to cook again.

Keeping your kitchen from turning into a total disaster is so much easier when you’ve got a plan for all the stuff that ends up there. By focusing on the spots that tend to attract the most clutter, you’ll start to see a big difference in the whole space—it’s like a domino effect of tidiness.

Streamlining these three key areas and building a few simple habits can transform not just your kitchen, but your entire home. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the clutter disappear.