Tips for a Calm,
Clutter-Free Space

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home—and for good reason. It’s where we fuel our bodies, gather with loved ones, and maybe sneak a late-night snack or two. But it’s also one of the easiest spaces to become overwhelmed with clutter. Between appliances, dishes, junk drawers, and expired food, it can feel like you’re constantly battling chaos.

The good news? You don’t need a full remodel or a weekend-long purge to reclaim your kitchen. With a few intentional steps, you can create a space that’s more efficient, inviting, and easier to maintain day-to-day. Here are some quick but powerful kitchen organization tips to get you started:

Clear the Counters

Why it matters: Visual clutter leads to mental clutter. Keeping your countertops clean and clear not only looks better—it actually makes you feel better.

How to do it:

• Only leave out items you use every single day, like a coffee maker, toaster, or a fruit bowl.
• Store less frequently used appliances in cabinets or the pantry.
• Use vertical space—like hanging hooks or magnetic strips—for utensils or knives to free up counter space.
• Set a daily two-minute timer to “reset” your counters each evening.

Bonus Tip: Consider using matching containers or canisters for staples like flour, sugar, or coffee if you like leaving them out. It keeps things both accessible and visually appealing.

Tackle the Junk Drawer

Why it matters: Junk drawers become the black hole of the kitchen—where batteries, rubber bands, paper clips, and menus go to disappear.

How to do it:

• Take everything out and sort it into “Keep,” “Toss,” or “Relocate.”
• Use small dividers, silicone trays, or repurposed boxes to create compartments for each category.
• Only put back what actually belongs in the kitchen. Everything else should be stored elsewhere or discarded.

Bonus Tip: Place a label on the inside of the drawer so everyone knows where items belong, making it easier to maintain over time.

Try the One-In, One-Out Rule

Why it matters: It’s easy to accumulate duplicates—how many spatulas does one person need?

How to do it:

• Make it a rule that for every new kitchen item you bring in (a mug, utensil, or gadget), you donate or discard an old one.
• Keep a donation bin in a closet or garage to make it easier to let go of extras on the spot.

Bonus Tip: Schedule a quarterly “kitchen audit” to identify items you haven’t used in months. If you wouldn’t buy it again, you probably don’t need to keep it.

Refresh Your Fridge Weekly

Why it matters: A cluttered fridge makes it harder to find what you need and easier for food to go to waste.

How to do it:

• Designate one day a week—like grocery day—to go through your fridge.
• Toss expired items, wipe down shelves, and group like items together.
• Use clear bins or lazy Susans for items like condiments or snacks for better visibility.
• Keep a small dry erase board on the fridge door to track what needs to be used up.

Bonus Tip: Store leftovers in stackable, matching containers. It keeps your fridge organized and prevents forgotten food.

Do a Pantry Purge

Why it matters: An organized pantry saves time, money, and stress during mealtimes.

How to do it:

• Remove everything and check expiration dates.
• Group similar items together—like baking supplies, snacks, and canned goods.
• Use clear bins, baskets, or tiered shelves for better visibility and access.
• Label everything to make it easy for everyone in the household to maintain the system.

Bonus Tip: Use the FIFO method—First In, First Out—by placing newer items behind older ones to ensure nothing gets wasted.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By tackling just one area at a time, you’ll create a space that feels lighter, more functional, and more enjoyable to spend time in. Whether you’re prepping meals, hosting guests, or just grabbing a quick snack, a well-organized kitchen sets the tone for the whole home.

Remember: small habits lead to big results. Start with one tip today and build momentum toward a calmer, cleaner kitchen space.