20 Tips for Keeping Clutter Off Your Kitchen Countertops

Follow these simple ground rules for tidier—and easier to clean—countertops.

Our kitchen counters get used for all sorts of things. Aside from food preparation, they can also become a destination for junk mail, excess decorations, barely used appliances, and even homework sessions. All this extra activity can lead to clutter, and make time spent in the kitchen less enjoyable. (Plus, how are you supposed to clean the surface if you can't really get it?) So, follow our tips below to streamline this catchall space—and enjoy faster meal prep and easier cleanup.

Related: How to Organize Your Kitchen to Make It More Tidy and Functional

Consider Which Appliances You've Used Recently

Are you someone who makes fresh juice every single morning? Or are you someone who wants to make fresh juice every single morning? If you're in the latter group and leaving the appliance out hasn't inspired you so far, it's time to find it a new home. In order for a toaster, blender, or coffee maker to merit a spot on your counter, you need to use it daily. That fancy stand mixer or food processor is almost certainly and unnecessarily taking up valuable kitchen real estate.

Rehome Some Tools

Similarly, if you reach for the same cutting board and the same knife over and over again, maybe you don't need the other stuff you've got out there. Give countertop space to any tool you use at least once a week. Everything else can go in less-accessible spots.

Build an Appliance Garage

Appliance garages are exactly what they sound like: spots to park your appliances. If you're handy, or have someone who can help, you can add one so that you've got a convenient place to tuck things away.

Get Rid of Some Stuff Entirely

In some cases, it might not be a matter of moving a tool or an appliance to a drawer or cabinet. Nope. You might just need to get rid of some things. Do you truly need two (or more) spatulas? Many cooks efficiently work with one favorite version of each tool. To begin the purge, toss tools that are broken and start another pile of things to donate. Don't forget to take a look at spices, oils, and vinegars, which often accumulate on countertops.

Reorganize Your Drawers and Cabinets

If stuff is on your counter because there's no room in your drawers or cabinets, it's time to rethink those systems. To get you going, check out this list of 20 things you can purge from your cabinets right now. And here's how to organize that messy junk drawer.

Move Spices and Oils to the Pantry

You go-to olive oil and favorite finishing salt can probably stay, but the rest really should be put away. No pantry? Turn a nearby cabinet into one with a tiered spice organizer or hang little shelves on a nearby wall.

Resist the Urge to Decorate

One vase is fine. Maybe even two. But more than that is probably too many. You can have a pretty, stylish kitchen without going overboard. The more stuff on display, the less counter space you'll have!

Relocate beautiful pieces you'd love to keep on display to an open shelf or the top of the cabinets. Otherwise, move bowls and serveware to a cabinet. Remember, you can periodically switch out which pieces get the coveted countertop spot.

Clear Your Landing Zones

Stand in front of your range, sink, and refrigerator. You should have at least one clear spot available at all times for a pan to cool, dishes awaiting washing, or a grocery sack to be unpacked. Edit these areas thoroughly. Shift utensils and spices into drawers and cabinets. Replace a traditional countertop dish drainer with an in-sink version or a drying mat.

Find Alternative Methods for Memos

Stop using your kitchen countertops as your family message center. Make a sign declaring the countertops a no-drop zone and focus on adding vertical organizers—a memo board, wall pockets, wall-mounted clips for each family member—as ways to share papers and reminders for one another.

Pick Up a Pretty Crock

Invest in a canister or crock that's stylish enough to leave out on the counter, then fill it with your most-used cooking tools. Dedicate a drawer close to the stove for other important but less frequently used tools. They'll be easy to grab when needed (and easy to put away afterward).

Hang a Handy Shelf

The backsplash area between your counter and your upper cabinets often goes wasted. Install a shelf along a length of it: “A slim floating shelf allows you to get little things up and off the counter," says Jamie Novak, a professional organizer. "A foldaway version is also a nice option because when it’s not in use, you can fold it up against the wall or backsplash.”

Install Magnetic Knife Strips

“Wall-mounted magnetic strips, which are available in several widths, are a smart way to keep knives and other frequently used utensils out of your drawers or bulky countertop holders," professional organizer Kate Martin says.

Hang Your Coffee Mugs

Look closely at the photo above. See that? There's a coffee mug hanging from the upper cabinet. Add hooks to the bottom of shelves or your cabinets and you can free up space around your coffee station.

Related: 20 Things You Can Purge From Your Kitchen Cabinets Without a Second Thought

Roll in a Cart

It could be that you just don't have enough space! Consider bringing in a little kitchen cart, which can add storage and also an extra bit place to work. We've actually done some extensive testing to find the very best kitchen carts.

Corral Stuff on a Single Tray

Of course, it's not realistic to have totally empty countertops. But maybe you can whittle down your stuff to fit on just one pretty tray. This way, it'll look more like a purposeful vignette than clutter. And you can pick the whole thing up when it's time to wipe down the counter.

Evict All Devices

Just like the mail, your phones and tablets and laptops should not live in the kitchen. For starters, they end up multiplying and taking over. It's also risky! Because, spills. Find a new place for your devices to charge—maybe on a console by the front door or your desk, perhaps?

Banish All Mail and Papers

Unless you have a dedicated basket on your kitchen counter for collecting and sorting mail, it doesn't belong there. Instead, get into the habit (we know, it's hard) of opening your mail every day, then create an organization system on your desk or entryway. And have the kids clear their homework every night before bed.

Shelve Your Cookbooks

While you may want to keep your favorite cookbooks close at hand, it's best to clear them off the counter. Not only will you have more space for chopping veggies, but you also won't risk spilling hollandaise on your copy of The Joy of Cooking. Move cookbooks to a shelf on your kitchen island, an open shelf above the counter, or a nearby cabinet.

Clean Up As You Cook

If you're not in the habit of cleaning up as you cook, it's easy for spoons, spatulas, and can openers to collect on the kitchen counter. When you're done cooking or meal prepping, do a quick scan of the kitchen. Grab all of the used cooking tools and toss them directly into the sink (if they need to be hand-washed) or dishwasher.

Utilize Turntables

To free up space on your kitchen countertop, order two turntables—one for the pantry and one for the refrigerator. Stash room-temperature condiments and frequently used spices on the revolving tray in the pantry or cabinet; place chilled condiments on the one in the fridge. Instead of hunting for that bottle of black pepper on your cluttered countertop, you'll be able to grab it from the cabinet with a quick spin of the turntable.

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