Having your kitchen space decluttered and systematically arranged not only optimizes culinary tasks but also makes it an enjoyable space where creativity thrives. However, achieving this level of organization can seem daunting for many.

With the right approach and steps, any kitchen, small or large, can transform into a clutter-free and well-organized space.

This guide will walk you through seven simple yet effective steps to help you reclaim your kitchen space, streamline your meal preparations, and ultimately, enjoy the art of cooking in an orderly environment.

Where do I start when organizing my kitchen?

Step 1 - De-clutter your cupboards and drawers

Open cabinets and drawers and keep a rubbish bag nearby. Go through every item and categorize them as 'keep', 'discard', or 'donate'. As a rule of thumb, discard items that are broken or outdated and donate gently used items to those in need. Of course, any food that is past its due date will also need to be discarded.

To ensure a lasting effect, get into the habit of decluttering regularly and avoiding any potential hoarding. If you can’t part with something, consider packing it away in containers or bins and storing it in another room until needed.

Step 2 - Deep clean the cabinets and drawers

Once you have sorted out which items you are keeping, take them all out of the cabinets and drawers and deep clean them. Wipe down all surfaces, the inside and outside of doors and under the handles. Before placing products or crockery back in their place, consider laying surface mats to avoid scratching or staining drawer surfaces.

Image credit: Studio McGee

How should kitchen cupboards be organised?

Step 3 - Store items logically

Arrange items in a way that makes sense for your various tasks around the kitchen and your cooking workflow. Frequently used items should be easily reachable, while rarely used ones can be stored higher up or at the back of cabinets.

• For example, keep your utensils and frequently used items in drawers near the stove or sink.

• Plate sets can be stored near the dining area for easy access during meal times.

• Pots and pans should be placed near the oven.

• Baking supplies and ingredients should be together in cabinets or pantries.

• To make finding items easier, consider grouping them by type or function.

For items like spices, condiments, and dry goods, invest in labeled containers that can be easily sorted and stored inside the cabinets.

Step 4 - Optimize kitchen storage

• Use drawer dividers, shelf risers, and lazy susans to optimize your storage space. Every item in your kitchen should have a dedicated 'home' where it's stored. Doing this helps you stay organized and makes it easier to locate items when needed.

• Use a modular system for corner cabinets or pantries, like pull-out shelves and baskets that can be customized to fit different types of kitchen items, such as canned goods, spices, bottles, utensils, etc. You can fit these even after you have installed your kitchen.

• If possible, use see-through containers to make your items easily visible and accessible. Labeling each container will also help you stay organized in the long run.

How do you deep clean a kitchen?

Step 5 - Clean your appliances and countertops

Now start cleaning your appliances, including the fridge and freezer. This is a good opportunity to throw away food produce that is no longer fresh.

• Remove everything from the fridge and clean all shelves and vegetable baskets. Check use-by dates on sauces and clean their lids.

• Consider moving smelly food like cheese in airtight containers.

• If your fridge has an air filter, make sure it is changed.

Countertop maintenance

Countertops, generally speaking, should be used for food preparation and as display areas; therefore, it is important to get rid of unnecessary items.

Decluttering the countertops will give you a better sense of openness and allow more space for meal preparations. For a more orderly look, you can even use an expandable utensil holder or a lazy Susan to store items and make them easily accessible.

• Remove all items from your countertops to create a clean slate. This includes small appliances, utensils, and decor items.

• Only retain items that are used daily; everything else can find a new home in cabinets or drawers.

Use the right products for clearing your countertops, depending on their material.

• If you, for instance, place feather tiles in your kitchen, you could deep clean them too.

• Marble and granite may require specific treatments like sealing. For instance, if you have marble countertops, it would be a good idea to seal them for easy cleaning and maintenance.

• If you have laminate countertops, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care.

How do I keep my kitchen organised?

Step 6 - Maintain order by building good habits

Create a routine to maintain your newly organized kitchen.

• This could include a rule like 'clean as you cook' or setting aside a few minutes each day for a quick tidy-up. Dedicating a few minutes every day prevents messes from accumulating and makes it easier to keep your kitchen organized.

• Additionally, set up a system for when items are used or replenished so that you know what needs to be replaced.

• Meal prepping is another great way to stay organized in the kitchen; aside from streamlining food preparation, it also saves time and helps cut down on food waste.

Step 7 - Embrace Minimalism

Avoid buying unnecessary kitchen gadgets or appliances that will contribute to clutter. Remember, a clutter-free kitchen is not just about having less, but also about making room for more of what matters.

If you take the right steps, you can achieve a simple yet stylish kitchen with all your essential items in place. When it comes time for a refresh or upgrade, pick pieces that serve multiple functions and are easy to maintain.

For instance, if you choose to add an open shelving system instead of more cabinets, display items neatly on shelves while keeping things organized. Open shelves can also give a more modern look to your kitchen and make it appear larger.

Keeping a kitchen clutter free and organized is not so difficult

A clutter-free and organized kitchen is more than just an aesthetic goal. It's about creating an efficient and enjoyable space that enhances your cooking experience.

Each step discussed above plays a significant role in achieving this goal, enabling you to cook with ease, maintain cleanliness, and enjoy the process.

Remember, the journey to a well-organized kitchen is a gradual one, involving regular maintenance and mindful choices. So, start today, apply these steps at your own pace, and soon, you'll find yourself in a kitchen that's not just beautifully organized but also a genuine pleasure to cook in.

Thanks for reading!

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.

Download her free bathroom renovation guide here.