How to Have a Clutter-Free Kitchen
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 feel like a hassle—these tips will show you just how simple 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 running around your feet, growing teens who eat at all hours of the night, 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.
How to Have a Clutter-Free Kitchen
When you’re tackling the kitchen, it helps to take it section by section—especially in those spots where clutter has a way of piling up.
Here are the usual suspects:
- The counters
- The kitchen table
- The floor
Let’s look at each of these areas one by one.
#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).
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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.
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 funny way of turning into a catch-all for mail, keys, bills, and random odds and ends. To keep it clear, try giving those items their own designated spots elsewhere.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- A basket to hold mail. – Place it on the counter where everyone can see it, making it easy to drop mail in and actually use it.
- A wall organizer to hold keys. – Hang it near the door, so grabbing your keys on the way out is a no-brainer.
- A weekly planning basket for important items. – Keep it handy near your favorite chair or on a desk for quick access.
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When everything has its own home, you’ll free up the table and avoid the constant “Wait, where did I put that?” struggle.
Keep the Table for Eating
Another easy way to keep the table clear? Actually use it for its true purpose—eating. Sitting down for meals at the table can subtly remind everyone that this is a space for family time, not a drop zone for clutter.
Want to take it a step further? Add a vase of fresh flowers. A little pop of color makes the table feel warm, inviting, and ready for shared moments.
#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.
Set up Put Away Baskets
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.
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Designate an Area for Shoes
Use the floor for what it’s meant for—walking. When there is a designated spot for shoes and other items, it’s a gentle reminder that the kitchen floor isn’t a storage zone.
Always be Downsizing
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.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Clutter-Free
Keeping your kitchen clutter-free is actually pretty simple when you focus on a few key habits. It’s all about giving everything a place, building routines that keep items in their spots, and being mindful of how you’re using the space.
Storage Containers
One of the easiest ways to stay organized is by using storage containers and trays. They’re a lifesaver for keeping counters clear, and they make it so much easier to find what you need when it’s time to cook.
They’re perfect for drawers, too, giving you a go-to spot for the tools you use all the time. It’s like creating a little slice of order in the middle of the chaos.
All the Way Away
Put things all the way away when you’re done with them. It’s such an easy habit, but it makes a huge difference.
Whether it’s dirty dishes going straight into the dishwasher, trash landing in the garbage can, or today’s mail finding its way into your new mail basket, those few extra seconds can stop clutter from taking over and keep your counters neat and inviting.
Be Aware of Your Space
At the end of the day, your kitchen is for cooking and enjoying meals with your loved ones. Every time you walk in and notice something that doesn’t belong, toss it into a basket or container you’ve set up for stray items.
This one habit can make a big impact on keeping the space organized and stress-free.
Learning how to have a clutter-free kitchen starts with having a solid plan for dealing with all the things that tend to pile up. Whether it’s mail, random gadgets, or dishes that never seem to find their way back where they belong, focusing on those areas that seem to collect the most mess can make all the difference.
Once you tackle those clutter hot spots, you’ll see how quickly the whole kitchen can transform. It’s like a domino effect of neatness that makes the space not just free of clutter and mess, but more inviting too!
