Quick and Easy Kitchen Decluttering: 3 Simple Methods That Work!

Sep 17, 2024 | YouTube

Decluttering your kitchen is the perfect place to start if you only have a few minutes.

Why? Because a clutter-free kitchen can make such a huge difference in your day!

Recently, I sat down with my besties, Dawn from The Minimal Mom and Dana from A Slob Comes Clean, to talk about three super quick ways to declutter your kitchen. Let’s jump into the key takeaways and tips we shared!

Why Decluttering the Kitchen is a Game Changer

For me, the kitchen is the most important space to keep decluttered. When it’s messy, it stresses me out. There were days when I’d wake up to a sink full of dirty dishes and cluttered counters, and it made me want to crawl back into bed! But with a tidy kitchen, I feel so much happier and more in control of my day.

Plus, it saves time! We’re in and out of the kitchen all day for meals and snacks, so not having to clear away clutter just to cook is a game changer. And when my kitchen’s clean, I’m more likely to cook healthier meals instead of just grabbing takeout.

The bottom line: A decluttered kitchen lowers stress, saves time, and helps you eat healthier.

Method 1: Start with Hidden Spaces

This might sound counterintuitive, but when I declutter my kitchen, I actually start with the hidden spaces—like inside cabinets and drawers—before tackling the stuff on the counters. Why? Because it clears out space to store the items I actually use every day.

When you declutter hidden areas, it frees up room for all the things that are cluttering your counters right now, and the best part? This method makes a lasting change since those items hidden away aren’t likely to reappear anytime soon!

Takeaway: Declutter hidden spaces first to make room for everyday items and keep your kitchen clutter-free for longer.

Method 2: Focus on the Visible Stuff First

On the flip side, Dawn likes to start with what’s most visible, like the countertops or dishes. And honestly, this method is super motivating! Seeing that quick progress is really energizing. For many of us, it starts with the dishes. If your sink is full, it can feel like you’ve done nothing even if other areas are tidy.

Here’s a fun tip: There’s something Dana calls “dishes math”—once you catch up on dishes, it only takes about 10-15 minutes a day to keep up with them. So, by staying on top of dishes, you can keep your kitchen looking clean and continue decluttering without losing momentum.

Takeaway: Start with what’s most visible (like those dishes!) to stay motivated and keep things moving.

Method 3: Declutter for Your Current Season of Life

This one’s Dana’s personal favorite (and mine too) and that’s the idea that your kitchen should work for you *right now*, in this season of life. That means letting go of things you’re not using anymore, like baby spoons if your kids are older. Simplifying your kitchen means that you make sure that everything you keep is serving your family as you are today, not the fantasy version of us.

Ask yourself, “Is this item serving my current life?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. And for those sentimental items, I recommend putting them in a memory box, so you still have the memories without cluttering up your kitchen drawers.

Takeaway: Declutter your kitchen with your current needs in mind—don’t hold onto things for your “fantasy self.”

Ditch the “Just in Case” Mindset

We’ve all done it—kept something “just in case” we need it someday. But most of the time, those items just sit around collecting dust. If you haven’t used something in a long time, chances are you won’t need it. Be honest with yourself about whether or not it’s truly necessary.

For example, I don’t hold onto items like baby spoons anymore because they don’t fit into my life right now. If something does hold sentimental value, but you don’t use it, store it away in a memory box instead of letting it take up space in your kitchen.

Takeaway: Let go of “just in case” items to clear space for what you actually use.

Kitchen Declutter Wrap Up: Try What Works for You

The great thing about decluttering is that there’s no one “right” way to do it. Whether you start with hidden spaces, focus on what’s visible, or declutter based on your current life, the most important thing is finding what works best for you. Test out these tips and see which one clicks!

By taking just a few minutes to declutter your kitchen, you’ll reduce stress, save time, and create a space that’s not only functional but also peaceful and inspiring.

Happy decluttering!