It’s time for a kitchen declutter! Let me show you how I got our kitchen more organized with these 10 tips!
Let’s be honest with ourselves, we only use 3-5 cooking utensils, so why are we digging through a drawer full of gadgets we don’t use? It’s time for a kitchen declutter! Let’s make some room in those drawers and cabinets and make cooking more enjoyable. I think a kitchen deserves a declutter about every 6 months. Actually, I think all rooms in your house should be on a 6 month declutter rotation. I just decided that. One moment while I add some declutter reminders to my calendar.
Knowing we would be hosting family in a few short weeks, I knew it would be a good time to do a kitchen declutter, and I feel so much better knowing it’s done. Decluttering and organizing is the cheapest therapy you can buy! Seriously, a cluttered home is a cluttered mind! Let me show you how to declutter a kitchen with my list of foolproof tips!
Pin Kitchen Declutter for Later
Have Some Fun with your Kitchen Declutter
Decluttering your kitchen doesn’t have to suck! I find that getting started is the hardest part of decluttering. Once I am in the zone, I do not mind doing it as much. So, to pump me up and make the tedious task of organizing fun, I turn on one of my favorite shows (stick to reruns so you do not get distracted) or jam out to some upbeat music (dance breaks are encouraged). I also make sure to grab a favorite snack and caffeinated beverage (I save the wine to celebrate a job well done – otherwise I get too sleepy)!
Another way to have some fun with your declutter is to grab a buddy! You are not the only one who uses the kitchen, so it’s okay to recruit a family member or two to help you. It’s never too early to teach your children the art of a good declutter.. or your spouse! I went solo on this declutter but I am not above asking Alex for help.
Surface Level
Like I mentioned in my How to Organize a Messy Room, CLEAR OFF YOUR SURFACES FIRST! This is an instant win, and will give you more room to organize! First things first, do the dang dishes! You want to start with a clean slate when conquering the clutter in your kitchen which begins with freeing your sink of dirty dishes. Wash, dry, and put away! I mean it. This will help set you up for success. Next, clear off your counters. Take a few seconds and sort through that pile of junk mail and then deal with the other random items that have been camping out in the kitchen. Anyone else’s husband leave random screws or bolts on their counters? Just mine? Once you have cleared off your counters, you are ready to start decluttering! Yay!
Don’t do What the Pros Tell You
I know professional organizers like Marie Kondo and the lovely gals from Home Edit say to get everything out and pile it up, but for my sanity, I prefer zones. Your kitchen is probably already pretty well categorized, which is why I suggest working in one zone or cabinet at a time. I began with my silverware drawer. I pulled everything out of the drawer (somewhat like the professionals) and only put back what I thought should go in the silverware drawer. Anything that was left out, got placed in my “I don’t know Pile”, but more on that later.
Where do I Start?
I am all about quick wins when it comes to decluttering and organizing, so I started with our kitchen drawers. They hold less stuff which makes it a quicker space to declutter. Then I moved onto the lower cabinets, because we have less of them, and finished with the upper cabinets. If you have time to declutter and organize your pantry, be sure to check out my pantry organization post. Bonus, I show you how I upgraded our wire shelving for like $2!
I don’t Know Pile
Quick decisions are an essential part of decluttering your kitchen. If you are indecisive like me, then you will want to create an “I don’t know” pile. The “I don’t know” pile is for items that don’t belong in the kitchen, items you only use during the holidays, items you don’t need or items you don’t know what to do with. This way you can quickly sort through your kitchen and add any questionable items to the I don’t know pile. You don’t have to make final decisions on these “I don’t know” items until the kitchen is complete. You can toss the questionable items in a tote, basket or your kitchen table like I did.
Spot Clean
Since you are spending the time decluttering, you might as well do some spot cleaning as you go. Keep a vacuum handy to suck up the crumbs and dust as you take things out of your drawers and cabinets. I like to wipe down the face of my cabinets too.
Sticky Notes
When decluttering your kitchen, you will find yourself rearranging things a few times before settling on a final plan. You will not nail your organization system the first time and that is okay. I suggest using sticky notes to label as you organize, then you can add cute labels when your declutter is complete.
Declutter for You and only You
In case you needed a reminder, you are not decluttering your kitchen for anyone but you and your family. Therefore your system only needs to make sense for you. If you never use the fancy china from your wedding, get rid of it or store it away for special occasions. If you use all 6 ladles, keep them! You are decluttering for you, not Karen down the street.
Also, I think it’s important to note that you are not committed to anything you organize. If the system you created isn’t working, change it. Don’t marry your system! Organizing and decluttering are processes that can’t be completed once and forgotten about. Your system will evolve with you and your family’s needs.
Pinterest Pretty
Stick to your budget! It’s okay if your drawers and cabinets don’t have matching organizers and sorters. Instead, use what you have and make a wish list as you declutter. Be resourceful with what’s laying around the house and reward yourself with a few new “Pinterest pretty” items once you complete your declutter. For inexpensive organizers, check out Walmart or stores like TJ Maxx.
Family Tour
When it’s all complete, give your family a tour. Yes, I am serious. You probably changed a few things around, so walk your family into the kitchen and show them every drawer and cabinet to get their buy-in. If you want their input, have them help you sort through your “I don’t know” pile too.
Free Kitchen Conversion Chart Printable
I’m not sure if I should count this as an organization tip, but this cheat sheet sure makes meal prep flow a lot easier! My FREE kitchen conversion chart printable is your new best cooking buddy! We use it every time we cook. I taped it to the back of our cabinet so we can easily access it at any point during meal prep. Click here for your free copy!
Show Me your Kitchen Declutter
As always, thank you for following along with me in my creative journey. Be sure to tag me and use #meagannicholedotcom when sharing your own kitchen declutter! Thanks for stopping by MeaganNichole.com
Leave a Reply