How to Stop Your Kitchen From Feeling Cluttered

A kitchen can be completely clean and still feel cluttered.

Usually, the problem isn't dirt. It's too many things competing for the same space.

Start with the counters

Counters are usually the first place clutter becomes visible.

Keep only the items you use regularly. Everything else can be stored away.

Group similar things together

Keep cooking utensils together.

Store food containers together.

Keep cleaning supplies together.

When similar items have a shared home, the kitchen becomes much easier to manage.

Use vertical space

Shelves, hooks and wall-mounted storage can free up valuable counter and drawer space.

You don't always need a bigger kitchen. You may simply need to use the available space better.

Make your storage visible

Clear containers and labelled storage can make it easier to find ingredients and household essentials without opening every cupboard.

Don't let the “temporary” pile become permanent

That one package on the counter.

Those three utensils beside the sink.

The shopping bag you planned to put away.

Small temporary piles have a habit of becoming permanent clutter.

Put things away as soon as you're finished with them whenever possible.

A calmer kitchen starts with fewer decisions

The best kitchen organisation system isn't complicated.

It's one where you can quickly see what you have, reach what you need and put everything back when you're finished.