5 Steps to Clear and Organize Your Kitchen Countertops
The kitchen counter is one of the hardest-working surfaces in any home — and one of the quickest to collect clutter. Mail, groceries, coffee mugs, random papers… before you know it, the counter becomes a catchall instead of the clear, functional space you need. The good news? Getting it under control doesn’t take a massive overhaul. With a few intentional steps, you can create a system that keeps your counters clear and your kitchen feeling calm. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple process to reset your counters and keep them that way for the long haul.
Your kitchen should feel inviting and functional—not like a drop zone for clutter. These five steps will help you reclaim your counters and create breathing room in your space.
1. Remove Everything
Clear the counters completely. It’s easier to make decisions when you see the blank space.
2. Sort & Edit
Make quick categories:
Daily-use items (coffee maker, knife block)
Occasional items (mixer, blender)
Out-of-place items (mail, random clutter)
Be honest—if you don’t use it daily or weekly, it probably doesn’t belong on the counter.
3. Assign Homes
Daily-use items: designate prime spots.
Occasional-use items: store in cabinets, drawers, or pantry shelves.
Out-of-place items: return to their true home or create a new system (like a mail sorter).
4. Add Smart Organizers
Use a few intentional tools:
Lazy Susans (single or double-tier)
Clear bins or baskets
Drawer dividers
Hooks under cabinets for mugs or utensils
Slim trays for oils, spices, or mail
These corral items while keeping the counters streamlined.
5. Maintain with a Daily Reset
Build the habit: at the end of the day, clear stray items. Wipe the counters and reset them to “blank.”
