A cluttered kitchen isn’t just inconvenient—it’s mentally draining. If you’ve ever avoided cooking because the counters are crowded, or spent 10 minutes looking for a spatula, it’s time for a reset. Knowing how to declutter your kitchen can transform it into a calm, efficient space where you actually enjoy being. And it doesn’t take a remodel—just a few focused changes that make a lasting difference.
15 Ways How to Declutter Kitchen
1. Start With a Clear Vision
Before diving in, visualize how you want your kitchen to feel and function. Are you aiming for a minimalist kitchen setup? More space for cooking? Let that guide every decision you make.
2. Empty Cabinets and Drawers First
Pull everything out. It might look worse before it gets better, but seeing it all laid out forces you to confront how much you’ve accumulated.
3. Toss or Donate Duplicate Items
You don’t need four can openers. Keep your best-quality tools and donate or recycle the rest.
4. Identify “Clutter Hotspots”
Every kitchen has zones where clutter piles up fast — junk drawers, that one corner cabinet, or countertop mail piles. Target these first to create instant breathing room.
Pro Tip: Set up a catch-all basket near your entrance to corral keys, mail, and small essentials.
5. Use the “One In, One Out” Rule
Anytime you bring something new into the kitchen, something old must go. This keeps clutter from building back up over time.
6. Rethink Your Countertops
Only leave out what you use daily. Everything else — blenders, food processors, slow cookers — should have a home inside cabinets or pantries.
7. Maximize Vertical Space
Install floating shelves for mugs and spices. Use stackable shelf risers inside cabinets. Mount a magnetic knife strip on the wall. Small moves create massive space.
8. Declutter Your Pantry Like a Pro
Check expiration dates. Group similar items together. Use clear bins for snacks, grains, and canned goods so you can always see what you have.
9. Create “Zones” for Functionality
Designate spaces for prepping, cooking, baking, and storage. When everything has a “zone,” your kitchen naturally stays more organized.
10. Use Clear, Stackable Storage Solutions
Clear bins and stackable containers aren’t just aesthetic; they’re practical. They help you find what you need fast without digging through clutter.
11. Smart DIY Storage Upgrades
- Install pull-out shelves inside lower cabinets.
- Mount adhesive hooks inside cabinet doors for measuring spoons and oven mitts.
- Add a rolling cart or slim pantry shelf to unused corners.
12. Seasonal Decluttering Works Wonders
Tackle mini-declutters every season:
- Spring: Deep clean pantry and fridge.
- Summer: Sort out picnic and outdoor gear.
- Fall: Edit baking supplies before the holidays.
- Winter: Store or donate bulky kitchen appliances.
13. Mindful Purchasing Habits
Before buying new kitchen gear, pause and ask:
- “Where will I store this?”
- “Will I use it weekly?”
- “Do I already own something similar?”
Avoid impulse buys that end up gathering dust.
14. Set Up a Donation Station
Keep a donation box in your pantry or garage. Anytime you find an item you don’t need, toss it in the box instead of back into a drawer.
15. Finish With a Decluttering Checklist
Use this quick checklist for regular touch-ups:
- Label storage bins
- Toss expired pantry items
- Donate duplicates
- Clear the junk drawer
- Wipe down cabinets
Final Words
A clear kitchen creates space not just on your counters, but in your head. By committing to smarter storage, mindful habits, and a few quick routines, you’ll stop fighting against your kitchen and start flowing with it. You don’t need perfection—you need practicality. Decluttering is simply a choice to live with intention, and your kitchen is the best place to start.
