Keeping the kitchen uncluttered may be challenging for many homeowners, given its high traffic and the mess it entails while cooking and preparing food. Not to mention the array of cooking utensils and appliances that are very useful but do not have enough space for storage.
When it becomes difficult to find ingredients or kitchen tools you need, or there’s seemingly tighter space to work, it’s a telltale sign to declutter your kitchen. This article shares practical steps and tips for decluttering your kitchen efficiently.
Schedule The Project
It is best to clean your kitchen regularly to prevent the accumulation of clutter. However, most homeowners seldom clean their kitchen, while they hoard and store items in kitchen cabinets and drawers until the clutter becomes too much.
That is why the first step in decluttering your kitchen is to schedule your project. The duration to complete this project may depend on the size of your kitchen, the amount of clutter you have, and how much time you can spare.
Create a schedule for the dates and times you’ll allocate to work on decluttering your kitchen. You can also set a completion date for your decluttering project to help keep you accountable and prevent you from postponing it.
Gather Your Supplies And Prepare
To help streamline your kitchen decluttering project, it is vital to be prepared. Make sure to gather your cleaning supplies and prepare containers for your kitchen clutter, like boxes or disposable bins. You may also need to call a specialized disposal service such as Dirt Cheap Rubbish Removal if you’re getting rid of many items in your kitchen. If you’re interested, click here to learn more about their services.
Doing the necessary preparations can ease the process, so you can maximize your time and effort in efficiently decluttering your kitchen.
Follow A Systematic Approach
When decluttering your kitchen, it’s important to divide it into sections from top to bottom. It is especially true if you have a bigger kitchen. Being systematic will guarantee you won’t miss any area and prevent you from wasting time jumping around at random cabinets in the kitchen.
Make sure to remove everything from the areas, starting at the top and working your way down. As you remove items from cabinets or drawers, it’s also an excellent time to clean them up while it’s empty.
Start Separating
Every time you remove items from their place, you’ll need to segregate them. It is the most crucial step to ensure a clutter-free kitchen.
To make it easier, you can set aside at least two boxes. One box is for items to donate or sell, and the other is for those you’ll throw away. You can place the things you want to keep in a corner for later organizing. Other homeowners also prepare a box for items they are still unsure whether to throw or donate.
So, how do you know which items are worth putting back and which should go into the boxes? You need to consider their use. Do you use the item at least once or twice a week? If not, when do you use the item, and how often is that?
There are items that you only use occasionally but serve an important function in your kitchen, so you can keep them. Meanwhile, those items you’ve never used or used only once and probably won’t use again can be boxed for donation or disposal.
Avoid duplicated items. You don’t need two can openers or a dozen spatulas unless you have a commercial kitchen. So, look into your things and get rid of some unnecessary duplicates to lessen clutter.
Give Every Item A Proper Home
Once you’ve decluttered and reduced the items you’re keeping, it’s time to put them back in their rightful places. But don’t just put them back where you get them. It’s important to give every item a proper home. This way, you can easily find what you’re looking for whenever you work in the kitchen.
Categorize items and designate a place for each of them. For instance, utensils and silverware can be placed on drawers. Cupboards are for plates, bowls, and cups. Cabinets can store pots, ans, and small appliances. Another cabinet can be used for food storage and less-used appliances. You can install hooks to place kitchen accessories such as pot holders, trivets, oven mitts, etc.
Frequently used appliances such as a blender, coffee maker, or rice cooker can be placed on your counter for easy access.
Takeaway
The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home. Therefore, a clean and uncluttered kitchen contributes to a refreshing space while helping you prepare your meals efficiently. However, decluttering your kitchen may be challenging, so you can follow the steps above to give your kitchen an instant revamp.
