GON Reader Question
Hi Maria,
I feel like my kitchen counters are always a mess because I use them so often. Every time I clear them, the clutter
comes right back! What can I do to keep them organized without spending too much time on it?
-- Cade M., Green Bay, Wisconsin
Maria's
Response
Hi Cade,
You are definitely not alone. Kitchen counters are one of the most used
surfaces in the home, and when you’re preparing meals, sorting mail, or even setting down groceries, they seem to magically collect everything.
I totally get it—keeping them clear can feel like a constant battle, but with just a few simple strategies, you can
manage that clutter and keep your counters organized for good.
Here’s what I suggest:
1. Create Dedicated Zones: Think about how you use your counters and
divide them into zones. For example, one corner can be for meal prep, another for coffee or tea supplies, and one near the fridge for unloading groceries. Once you assign a zone for each activity, it’s easier to keep only what you need in that space.
You’ll be more
mindful of what goes where, and it prevents things from being dropped just anywhere. In my kitchen, I have a small tray for cooking oils and spices near my stove—that way, they’re easy to grab but contained.
2. Limit Countertop Appliances:
I know, it’s tempting to keep that blender, toaster, air fryer, slow cooker, can opener, and coffee maker all out at once, but only keep what you use daily on the counters. Everything else? Find a home for it in a cupboard or pantry.
The
fewer things you have on display, the more breathing room your counters will have. I store my mixer away and only pull it out on baking days. It made such a big difference!
3. Use Catch-All Baskets (with a Purpose!):
Baskets can be
lifesavers for those little items that seem to land on your counters—mail, keys, random pens, etc. Just make sure each basket has a purpose. For example, one can be for mail that needs sorting, another for items that need to go back to another room.
Once the
baskets fill up, take five minutes to empty them, so clutter doesn’t pile up. Perhaps keep one near the door for mail, and when it’s time to sort through it, take a few minutes after dinner to toss or file what’s needed.
4. Do a Quick End-of-Day Sweep:
Before you go to bed, take five minutes to clear your counters. This isn’t about perfection, but resetting for the next day. You’ll love waking up to a clean kitchen, and it helps keep clutter from becoming overwhelming.
I like to put on
a favorite song (a little kitchen dance party never hurts!) while wiping down surfaces and putting things away.
5. Be Mindful of What Comes In:
Finally, try to be intentional about what makes its way onto your counters. If it doesn’t
belong there, don’t set it down. Whether it’s a new gadget or yesterday’s mail, make it a habit to put things in their rightful places. This small habit helps keep clutter at bay.
And remember, if you find something on your counter that you haven’t used in a
while, it might be high time to let it go.
Give these ideas a try, Cade! I think you’ll find that by setting up a few simple systems, your counters will stay organized and clear, even with daily use. I’m cheering you on!
