15 Tips For How To Organize Kitchen Counter

1. Clear Everything Off the Counter

The first step I took was clearing everything off the kitchen counter. It’s hard to know what belongs and what doesn’t when you have piles of items scattered around. Once I had a clean slate, it was easier to decide what needed to stay and what could be stored elsewhere. I recommend starting with this step, as it gives you a fresh perspective on how much space you actually have.

2. Only Keep Daily Essentials on the Counter

One of the rules I now follow is only keeping daily essentials on the counter. For me, that includes my coffee maker, toaster, and cutting board. Everything else that I don’t use every day is stored in cabinets or drawers. Limiting the items on your counter to essentials not only keeps it organized but also makes cooking and meal prep more efficient because you have more space to work.

3. Use a Tray to Corral Items

To keep smaller items from spreading across the counter, I’ve started using a decorative tray to corral things like my olive oil, salt, and pepper shakers. Grouping these frequently used items together on a tray keeps them organized and easy to grab when I’m cooking. Plus, the tray adds a nice touch to the kitchen decor and makes the space feel more intentional.

4. Store Appliances in a Cabinet or Pantry

Appliances can take up a lot of counter space, and if you’re not using them daily, they don’t need to be out. I’ve made it a habit to store my blender, food processor, and stand mixer in a cabinet when they’re not in use. This frees up counter space and makes my kitchen feel less cluttered. When I need one of the appliances, it’s easy to take it out and put it back once I’m done.

5. Install Wall-Mounted Storage

If you’re short on counter space like I am, consider installing wall-mounted storage options. I’ve added a magnetic knife strip on the wall near my stove, which keeps my knives within reach while freeing up drawer space. I’ve also hung a small shelf for spices and cooking utensils. Utilizing wall space for storage helps keep your counters clear without sacrificing functionality.

6. Use Vertical Storage Solutions

In addition to wall-mounted storage, I’ve found that vertical storage solutions are a game-changer for keeping the counter organized. I use a tiered fruit basket on my counter to store fresh produce, which helps keep things off the counter while still making them easily accessible. You can also use vertical storage racks for things like spices, utensils, or small kitchen items.

7. Declutter Regularly

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that counter clutter tends to accumulate if I don’t stay on top of it. I now make it a habit to declutter my counters regularly. I try to do a quick scan at the end of each day to make sure everything is in its place and that random items like mail, keys, or papers don’t pile up. A few minutes of daily maintenance helps keep the space tidy.

8. Create a Coffee Station

If you’re a coffee lover like me, having a designated coffee station can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen counters organized. I’ve dedicated a small corner of my counter to my coffee maker, mugs, sugar, and a few other essentials. Keeping everything in one spot makes my morning routine smoother and prevents coffee-related items from spreading across the counter.

9. Invest in Drawer Organizers

To prevent clutter from spilling onto the counter, I’ve invested in drawer organizers to keep things like utensils, kitchen gadgets, and cooking tools neatly contained. When everything has a designated spot in the drawers, it’s easier to keep the counter clear because you know exactly where to put things back after use. Plus, it’s much more satisfying to work in a kitchen where everything is organized and easy to find.

10. Use Jars and Canisters for Dry Ingredients

One of the things I struggled with was how to store frequently used dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and rice without cluttering the counter. My solution was to use clear glass jars and canisters. Not only do they keep the ingredients fresh, but they also look great on the counter. Plus, I can see how much of each ingredient I have left, which helps me stay organized and on top of my grocery shopping.

11. Utilize Cabinet Door Storage

Another great way to keep the counter clutter-free is by utilizing cabinet door storage. I’ve added hooks and small organizers to the inside of my cabinet doors to hold things like measuring spoons, pot holders, and small cutting boards. This frees up drawer and counter space while keeping essential items within easy reach.

12. Store Frequently Used Utensils in a Crock

Instead of letting cooking utensils pile up in drawers or on the counter, I’ve started storing them in a crock or jar near the stove. This keeps all my spatulas, spoons, and tongs organized in one spot, and they’re easy to grab while I’m cooking. It also helps keep the counter looking neat, as all the utensils are contained in one place rather than scattered around.

13. Hang a Pegboard for Cooking Tools

If you have a bit of wall space near your counter, I highly recommend hanging a pegboard for cooking tools. I did this in my kitchen, and it’s been a fantastic way to store things like pots, pans, and utensils. Everything is within reach, but it’s off the counter, giving me more space to work. Plus, I love how customizable a pegboard is—you can arrange and rearrange it as needed.

14. Keep Paperwork Off the Counter

One of the biggest sources of clutter on my kitchen counter used to be paperwork—bills, mail, and random notes would pile up and take over. To combat this, I designated a separate spot in my home for paperwork. Now, I have a small filing tray in my office where all the mail and papers go as soon as they come into the house. This simple change has kept my counters much clearer and more organized.

15. Maintain a Minimalist Mindset

Finally, the key to keeping your kitchen counters organized is maintaining a minimalist mindset. I’ve learned to only keep out what I truly need and use regularly. Everything else is stored out of sight in cabinets or drawers. When you limit the number of items on your counter, it becomes much easier to keep the space clean and functional. Plus, it just feels more peaceful and inviting to work in a clutter-free kitchen.

This post is all about how to organize kitchen counter!

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