Any cook can attest to the importance of a well-equipped kitchen. The challenge lies in keeping your kitchen running efficiently without overwhelming it with cooking tools and serveware. But, even the most sparsely-stocked kitchens have a way of becoming cluttered over time. It is surprisingly easy to accumulate a surplus of appliances, dried goods, and gadgets.

Luckily, our organization experts have provided us with a comprehensive how-to guide for decluttering your kitchen, offering a step-by-step method that is practical and approachable. Read on to learn how to streamline your kitchen for a more relaxed and happier you.

The Importance of a Clutter-Free Kitchen

Removing clutter from your kitchen is a guaranteed way to create a calmer space. “A clutter-free kitchen is essential because it’s one of the most high-traffic areas in a home,” says Melanie Summers, organizing specialist and owner of I Speak Organized. “When clear systems are in place, the space becomes more functional and less stressful for everyone.” 

Not only does an orderly, well-organized kitchen foster a more enjoyable cooking and dining experience, but it can encourage better eating habits by reducing decision fatigue and stress. When meal prep becomes simpler, so too does cooking nutritious meals at home. A clutter-free kitchen also improves efficiency. “Less time searching for items means more time enjoying meals with loved ones,” says Summers.

Questions to Ask When Decluttering Your Kitchen

It’s helpful to ask yourself questions when letting go of items that are cluttering your kitchen. Our experts recommend this simple mental framework for decision-making.

• Would I buy this again if I didn’t already own it? If the answer is no, it’s likely not essential, says Summers.
• If this item broke, would I fix it, or would I replace it? This helps distinguish between what’s worth keeping and what’s just taking up space.
• If I weren’t holding this item right now, would I remember that I had it? If it’s out of sight and out of mind, it’s probably not necessary, notes Summers.
• Where would I go to look for this item? If you struggle to answer, it likely doesn’t have a designated home in your kitchen and may be adding to the clutter. 
• Does it make me happy or add value to my cooking experience? Keep the things you look forward to using when cooking or serving meals, says Tina Priestly, home decluttering expert at Ready, Set, REFRESH. 
• Is this item doing the same thing as something else I already have? If so, consider donating it to someone who could use it. You only need one.
• Am I keeping this because I feel guilty about getting rid of it? While it can be difficult to part with items that were gifted to you or passed down, organizing expert Sarit recommends letting the item—and the guilt—go.

8 Steps for Decluttering

Breaking your kitchen down into manageable parts can make decluttering less overwhelming. It also allows for well-deserved breaks when needed, resuming with the next area when you have time.

1. Prep your space: Create three designated spots for your discarded items, clearly labeled “keep,” “donate,” and “trash.”
2. Start with surfaces: Pull everything away from the walls (small appliances, décor, etc.)—clear countertops of non-essential items, keeping only daily-use essentials within reach to reduce visual clutter. 
3. Sort drawers and utensils: Empty everything out and group similar items together. Get rid of duplicates, any broken tools, or anything that hasn’t been used in a year, says Summers.
4. Declutter cabinets: First, remove everything, says Weiss. Then, sort and categorize the items you’ve removed so you can clearly see what you have, grouping like items with like. Finally, place duplicates or items you never use in the donate bin.
5. Tackle the pantry: Pull everything out of your pantry so that it is all visible. Check expiration dates, consolidate duplicates, and place non-perishables that you won’t use in the donate bin.
6. Reassess small appliances: If an appliance hasn’t been used in six months, consider donating or selling it. Store seasonal appliances in higher cabinets or an out-of-the-way space.
7. Don’t forget under the sink: Many expired or nearly-empty cleaning supplies and old sponges might be lurking under the sink. Priestly recommends checking labels and throwing away anything that is expired.
8. Clean out your fridge and freezer: Check your expiration dates and toss anything past its prime (a great opportunity for composting). Wipe down shelves and organize by food category to streamline meal prep.

What to Let Go Of

If you’ve gone through everything in your kitchen but haven’t successfully found things to let go of, you may just need a nudge. Here are some ideas of things experts recommend parting with:

• Chipped plates, bowls, or mugs: The last thing anyone needs is to sip tea out of a cracked cup. Put broken items in the trash or recycle them, if applicable.
• Souvenir mugs or shot glasses: If you’re not ready to donate kitchen keepsakes, consider placing them in a storage box marked “sentimental.”
• Plastic cups from take-out: As well-meaning as it is to hold onto plastic anything, ask yourself honestly if you are really going to reuse that cup. If not, dispose of it.
• Reusable water bottles: Consider how many you actually use per week, narrow it down to your favorites, and donate the rest, recommends Weiss.
• Duplicate or damaged cookware: If you don’t really need that second Dutch oven, consider donating it to save space and help someone else’s kitchen get on its feet. Also, make sure to ditch any scratched non-stick pans.
• Expired spices: Yes! Spices expire and should be tossed or repurposed to clear up space on your spice rack or in your pantry.

Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Clutter-Free

Once your kitchen is in a state of peace and functionality, you will want to keep it that way. Doing so is not difficult when you implement some basic rules and habits. 

• Clean up each night: Reset the kitchen before bed so it’s ready for the next day—wipe counters, load and run the dishwasher, and put items back in place, says Summers.
• Streamline your setup: Ditch bulky knife blocks if you can switch to a wall-mounted option, for example. Maximize vertical space by using hooks or shelves to organize mugs and tools, says Priestly.
• Adopt the “one in, one out” rule: To maintain balance, remove an old item whenever you bring something new into the kitchen.
• Use easy-to-maintain storage solutions: Clear bins, turntables, and drawer dividers make it easier to keep things organized and accessible.
• Choose sensible locations: Consider accessibility when choosing locations for each kitchen object. For example, coffee filters should be stored above or below the coffee maker, and items used daily should be stored at eye level, advises Weiss.
• Label everything: If every cabinet, drawer, shelf, and bin has a label, everyone should know exactly where to find things and where to put them back, says Weiss. Keeping things clearly labeled reduces clutter and saves time and energy.