Your kitchen countertops are some of the most valuable spaces in your home. They're the hub of food preparation, a spot for quick meals, and often, a catch-all for everything from mail to small appliances. But when every inch counts, clutter can quickly take over, making it hard to find room for the tasks that matter most. To keep your kitchen functional and organized, here are eight things you should never keep on your countertops, according to professional organizers.
1. Piles of Paper
Bills, junk mail, and catalogs have a sneaky way of piling up on kitchen countertops, turning them into cluttered, stressful spaces. Professional organizer Nicole Gaba emphasizes that each piece of paper represents a decision—a task to complete, a call to make, or something to throw away. Allowing paper to accumulate not only creates visual clutter but also makes it harder to focus on essential kitchen tasks.
Solution: Establish a system for dealing with paper as it comes in. Consider setting up a mail station with labeled bins for "To Do," "To File," and "To Shred." Alternatively, move your paper management to another part of your home, like a home office or entryway, to keep kitchen surfaces clear.
2. Cookbooks
While it might seem convenient to keep your favorite cookbooks on the counter for easy access, doing so exposes them to potential damage from spills and splashes. Jen Rowe, founder of NEAT Method Toronto, points out that keeping cookbooks on the counter is a surefire way to end up with stained pages or ruined bindings.
Solution: Store your cookbooks on an open shelf or inside a cupboard, away from food prep areas. If you’re following a recipe, you can always bring the book out temporarily and then return it to its proper place when you're done. This simple step will keep your cookbooks in good condition for years to come.
3. Cooking Oils
Storing cooking oils on the countertop, especially near the stove, might seem convenient, but it’s both an organizational and safety concern. Oils exposed to heat can spoil more quickly, and if kept too close to the stove, they can even become a fire hazard. Shantae Duckworth, founder of Shantae-ize Your Space, warns that heat from your stovetop can also cause plastic oil containers to melt, creating a potential disaster.
Solution: Store cooking oils in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry, away from heat sources. Not only will this keep your kitchen safer, but it will also extend the shelf life of your oils, ensuring they stay fresh longer.
4. Phone Chargers and Electronics
In today’s connected world, phone chargers often end up on kitchen counters, leading to tangled cords and visual clutter. Jen Rowe advises against this, noting that not only do chargers create a messy look, but they can also get damaged if they're exposed to kitchen spills or heat.
Solution: Designate a specific drawer or basket for storing chargers and small electronics. If you need to keep them in the kitchen, consider setting up a charging station in a less trafficked area, like a kitchen desk or a nearby wall-mounted organizer.
5. Infrequently Used Small Appliances
The coffee maker you use daily can stay on your kitchen counter, but other small appliances that see less frequent use—like blenders, mixers, and food processors—should be stored elsewhere. Keeping these items on the counter not only takes up valuable space but also makes your kitchen look more cluttered.
Solution: Store lesser-used appliances in a cupboard, pantry, or even on a rolling cart that can be tucked away when not in use. By keeping only the essentials on your countertop, you’ll free up space for cooking and meal prep, making your kitchen more efficient.
6. Cleaning Products
While it might seem practical to keep cleaning supplies within arm’s reach, especially if you use them frequently in the kitchen, storing them on the countertop is not ideal. Mixing food and cleaning products in the same area can be dangerous, and cleaning supplies can easily spill or leak, creating a mess.
Solution: Store cleaning products under the sink or on a shelf in a nearby broom closet. To maximize space under the sink, use stackable bins or vertical organizers. This way, your cleaning supplies are still easily accessible but out of sight, keeping your kitchen counters clutter-free.
7. Bulky Appliances
Large, bulky kitchen items like food processors, slow cookers, and toaster ovens can take up a significant amount of counter space, making it difficult to prepare meals. Nicole Gaba suggests using a rolling cart with shelves to store these oversized items. This keeps them accessible but also allows you to reclaim your counter space when they’re not in use.
Solution: Invest in a kitchen cart or additional shelving that can hold your larger appliances. When not in use, simply roll the cart into a corner or pantry, freeing up your countertops for more critical tasks.
8. Mugs and Glasses
It’s tempting to leave frequently used items like mugs and glasses on the counter, but doing so can create unnecessary clutter and expose them to dust and potential breakage. Shantae Duckworth recommends storing all glassware in cabinets to protect them and keep your kitchen looking tidy.
Solution: Dedicate a cabinet to storing mugs and glasses. If you’re short on cabinet space, consider installing additional shelving or using a mug rack inside your cabinets to optimize space. This will keep your glassware clean, safe, and ready for use.
Conclusion
A clutter-free kitchen countertop isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and safety. By removing these eight items from your counters, you’ll create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable space to cook and gather. With a little effort in organizing and storing these items properly, you’ll find that your kitchen becomes a more pleasant and productive part of your home. Whether you're preparing a quick meal or cooking a gourmet dinner, a clean, organized countertop is the first step to a stress-free kitchen experience.
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