For many families, the kitchen counter is the landing place for everything from backpacks, mail and more. It may also be the place where you see the appliances, napkins, newspapers – you name it – the kitchen counter is often the place where it lands.
Everyone tossing items onto the counter not only makes for a messy space; it can deter you from wanting to cook, meaning you may end up dining out more than you want to.
The idea is to create a comfortable space with access to the things you need. You have to be willing to make sure that everything that comes in has a place to go — OTHER than the counter. It may take a bit of family training to accomplish this task, but you can do it.
Print this checklist to help you tackle this space by just clicking on the link below. You can also find this typed up below, with additional details to help explain the items in more detail.
Other organizing tips:
Get my checklist to use to clean and declutter your kitchen counters. Click on the image below to find out how you can get one.
HOW TO DECLUTTER YOUR KITCHEN COUNTER
1. Take all items off of the counter that do not belong there
Put these items into the rooms where they belong. If you have mail or paperwork that you need to keep on the counter, find a basket and place them in there. You need to find a new landing place for these items so that they will not end up scattered on the counter.
2. Declutter the items on the counter
Clear out the clutter! That means remove items from the counter so there is not so much “stuff.” Ideas include appliances, dishes, and other things. Here is a way to know what you should do with them.
What to keep:
- Appliances used daily
- Items that work well and are not damaged
- Your favorites
What to get rid of:
- Things you never use
- Items that do not work and are broken/damaged
- You no longer like
- You are keeping just because you feel you have to (gift, family item, etc.)
- Things that prevent you from working (they are in your way)
3. Find a home for your appliances
To keep your counter clean, put the appliances you do not use daily away. Find room in your pantry or cabinet.
Of course, if you do not have space for these, try to organize them into a place on the counter where they will be out of your way.
4. Arrange remaining items
Set up things so that they function for you. That may mean placing the napkin holder on the kitchen table instead of the counter. You may want to put that favorite fruit bowl in the center and keep fresh fruit in it.
Decide what works for you and your family and set up your kitchen accordingly.
5. Find new storage ideas
You may need to add a basket to catch your mail (see step 1 above). It may mean a hanging shelf above the sink for your soap and sponge. Perhaps you can add a utility holder by the stove and put your most used cooking utensils there.
Take a look around and figure out what you could put into something else and keep up off of the counter, but still easily accessible.
6. Get rid of items
As soon as you declutter, take the things you no longer need and add them to your donate pile. The sooner they are out of your home, the less likely you will be to try to bring them back in again.
