It’s an undeniable truth that the last thing anyone wants to see when they go into their kitchen after a long day is a kitchen counter that’s buried under a mountain of dishes, appliances, and other miscellaneous items. In addition to not having any space to prepare ingredients on, there’s the added migraine of having to clean it all off before you can start putting your meal together.
If this is a situation that sounds familiar and you often find yourself having to endure this reality everyday, then it’s time to get cracking! Read on below for a few simple strategies that can help you bring your kitchen out of the darkness of cluttered chaos:
Solving the Conundrum of Clutter
Before getting into the tips, it’s important to understand why having clean counters matters. As stated above, a clean and clutter-free counter means having enough space to prepare ingredients in so that you can cook your meal with ease. Having clean counters also subconsciously puts you in a better state of mind. Many studies have shown that clutter has a negative, cumulative effect on the brain. The human mind has a preference for order, and cluttered surroundings can be distracting, at best. It’s not at all a stretch to say that disorganization and clutter leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Decluttering Your Kitchen, The Smart Way
Have a Place for Everything
Starting with a blank canvas is always easier. That’s why one of the first steps to a clutter-free kitchen is to take everything off your counters–yes, everything! From there, you can start to identify which items absolutely need to be within easy reach. You’ll want to keep things that you use daily or ones that you view as essential to your workflow on your counter, and then putting everything else away.
After that, it’s time to organize. It’s a good idea to give each item or appliance a designated spot. Frequently used appliances and equipment should be within arm’s reach–these include knives, chopping boards, and other necessary cooking utensils. If you like having bread ready to greet you in the morning for breakfast, you may want to put it in a corner bread box, such as the one sold by Sawdust City.
A corner bread box utilizes that often-ignored space in the corner of your kitchen counters, keeping your bread safe and fresh. You can use the space on top of it for coffee mugs or to store condiments.
Commit to a Daily Cleaning Routine
Maintaining clean counters requires a bit of daily effort, but it’s well worth it. Every evening, take a few minutes to wipe down your counters with a gentle cleanser. This simple act not only removes crumbs and spills but also prevents them from becoming stubborn stains later on.
Prevent Future Clutter from Accumulating
Have you ever heard of the so-called “10 minute rule”? It’s an excellent way to beat procrastination–one that will help keep your kitchen counters clean while preventing clutter from building up in the future. It dictates that if something can be done in 10 minutes or less, it’s best to start working immediately.
Keep this rule in mind for long enough, and you’ll soon find it becoming a habit that comes to you naturally.
Keeping your kitchen counters clean and free of clutter can be a journey that’s downright transformative. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a harmonious kitchen that you’ll love spending time in.
