March 3, 2014
4 Simple Steps to Clear Kitchen Counters (for Good)
This week’s focus is on the counters. I’m focusing on the kitchen but if you need to focus on the bathroom counters you can do that too. Make it a goal this week to keep your kitchen counters clear in between meals. You’ll be surprised how keeping your counters clear can help eliminate that disorganized and cluttered feeling. Here are a couple quick steps to tackle that kitchen counter clutter once and for all.
- Completely clear your counters. Remove everything and place it on your kitchen or dining room table.
- Wipe your counters with your favorite cleaner or with a sponge and warm, soapy water.
- Look at your counter goods on your table – is there anything that you don’t use daily that can be put in a different place or in a cupboard or cabinet? Is there anything that you can donate or give away? Before you move everything back, take a minute to edit your counters a bit. If you only use your toaster or blender once or twice a week and you have limited counter space maybe it would be better stored elsewhere. A little space on the counters is a good thing – you don’t need to fill it up!
- Put the remaining items back on your counters and think about zones as you return the items. If you keep baking goods (flour, sugar) on the counter, put them back by where you store your mixer or measuring cups. Put your coffee pot back by the coffee mugs. And so on…
Once you’ve returned your items to the counters, resolve to keep them cleared off this week. After every meal put things back where they belong, don’t pile dishes on the counters, and empty your sink and dishwasher as soon as you are able. If you’re a mail stacker, sort your mail right away and don’t leave it on the counters. If you really work at this this whole week, you’ll see how easy it is to keep it up, it’s when you let it go that it becomes a chore and a nuisance.
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Evelina Says
Thank you! I so need that!
Katie Says
Hey Becky! Where do you find all your blue things? We have the same colors in our kitchen and I have so much trouble finding that color in little accessories. I love the holder for your big spoons, spatulas, etc. Also, your window decor is beautiful! 🙂
Thanks for the info!
Becky Says
Post authorThanks Katie! The utensil holder is an antique (look up vintage stoneware aqua and you might find something similar), the colander is from Target (Threshold), the teapot is Macy’s from the Martha Stewart line, and in the window is a mix of Fiesta (turquoise) and antique Ball canning jars. Hope this helps!
xo, Becky
Katie Says
Yes, this really helps! Thanks so much! 🙂
Kirstin Says
If you have a home goods or marshalls they sometimes have random glass pieces too.
Cerise Says
I really need to do this. I take everything off to wipe them down anyway. Not sure why I feel the need to put it all back on the counters.
Penny Says
I love your checklists. I ordered your notebook and printed everything. I need to get it organized so I can start using it.Now would be a good time. : ) Thanks again.
Elizabeth Says
Good Morning,
I just found your blog after searching in desperation for a cleaning (not tidying…we have that under control. It’s the dusting and deep cleaning we need turned into a routine!) schedule that can work! I printed the march one off and put it in a sheet protector on my fridge so I can check it off as we do it.
Anyways, I don’t know if you’re aware but the Martha Stewart tea kettle you have might be one has been re-called due to a safety issue! We had the exact same one and ended up dealing WITH the safety issue and THEN learning it was recalled. Not a good thing 🙁 Anyways, I just wanted to let you know. It’s so pretty…but you may want to consider looking into the recall!
Here’s a link: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/the-problem-solver/2010/02/recall-martha-stewart-collection-tea-kettles.html
Kayle Says
Do you have any posts on how to clean the darn grease off of your cooktop? Or how to minimize it? I scrub and scrub, and two days later, it looks the same again! Grrr
You’re wonderful, by the way!
Becky Says
Post authorAw, thanks Kayle! Ordinary dishsoap works best for me to get the grease off the cooktop 🙂
xo, Becky
C M Says
My kitchen island is a mountain of mail and junk! This is a great idea! 4 day weekend coming up, I just might tackle it! Thanks!!
Lura Says
As my MIL would say, “Oh my!” =D Looks like it’s going to be another “Hurry! Shove everything into a grey bin (I usually use 18 gal – fyi 😉 ) and get back to it…sometime.” I know this really isn’t a “laughing” matter, but that’s my usual route, unfortunately. Although, I do get around to doing lots of purging, like the “21 Item Toss”, for example. (Anyway…) =D Thanks so much! A little inspo is all we need sometimes!!
Brenda O'Toole Says
Just renovated m kitchen…almost everything off the counters…from now on. I love it! Your book just came today…
can’t wait to dive in! Any advice on getting rid of small ants? Looking for an organic way…pets.
Maggie Says
I know this is a little late, but corn meal! Put a little bit of corn meal in a really shallow vessel, even a water bottle lid would work, and put it where you notice ants the most frequently. The ants carry it back to their home and they can’t digest it so they die. But it’s obviously not going to hurt if a pet or child gets into it.
Allison Says
Also cinnamon repels ants! I don’t know how it works, but it does :). And borax works too, you just have to make sure small children don’t try to eat it (it’s soap).
Margaret Says
I’m going to try these. Ants religiously invade every spring. I hate them.
Katie Says
I love keeping my home tidy, but with a little one who is now walking, it is difficult. It would be great to see a little series or at least a mention of how you do things with little ones around. Thanks!
Melinda Says
What kitchen table??? Right now it’s under at least 5 in. Of stuff. And I live alone! No one else to blame.
Sigh
Christina Says
I love having a clean and tidy counter. All your ideas help alot through out the house. Keeps me motivated 🙂
Karen Says
Thanks for the motivational pep talk. I’m starting on the kitchen counters tomorrow.
Kim Says
Becky hi this is Kim wondering if you know anybody who handles records for a business what to keep and what to throw out I have a business I m in real estate so I have contracts I can’t throw them away they need to be put a way I need to know how long I can keep them or when I can throw them away some Or all.
b r Says
Post authorHi Kim! I would contact your accountant on that 🙂
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