January 10, 2019

How to Clean + Declutter Your Kitchen Counters (and keep them that way!)

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.  If you’re doing The Clutter Challenge with me, I hope the timing of this post is perfect.

• 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 bar mop towel or sponge and warm, soapy water.

• Look at all 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.

Once you’ve returned your items to the counters, resolve to keep them cleared off for a week to see what a difference it makes.

1. After every meal put things back where they belong.
2. Don’t pile dishes on the counters.
3. Empty your sink and dishwasher as soon as you are able.  Check out this post for my full kitchen sink set up.
4. 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 overwhelming!