Kitchen counters have a way of becoming a catch-all for things that don’t really belong there. A few items might not seem like a big deal at first, but before long, valuable workspace starts to disappear, and the kitchen feels more crowded than it needs to be.
A clear counter doesn’t just look better. It gives you more room to cook, makes cleaning easier, and helps the whole kitchen feel more organized. If you’re trying to cut down on clutter, here are 13 things that are better stored elsewhere.
Appliances You Rarely Use
While appliances like blenders and coffee makers may be used often, others, like waffle irons or ice cream makers, may only make an appearance once in a while.
Instead of keeping these appliances on your counter, store them in a cabinet or pantry until needed, freeing up valuable counter space for daily use and making them easier to clean.
Paper Clutter
One of the biggest culprits for kitchen counter clutter is paper. If left unchecked, bills, coupons, and receipts can quickly accumulate on your counter.
Not only does it take up valuable space, but it can also create chaos in your kitchen. To avoid this, use a designated bin or folder for important documents and dispose of unnecessary items immediately.
Unused Cooking Tools
Cooking tools that are rarely used can take up unnecessary space on your counter. If you have utensils, pots, or pans that you rarely use, store them in a drawer or cupboard until needed. This practice will also make it easier to find and access the items you use.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products on your counter may seem convenient, but they can take up valuable space and create a cluttered appearance. Spills or leaks can also make a mess and contaminate your food. Keep cleaning products under the sink or in a nearby closet.
Kitchen Decor
While a few decorative items can add personality to your kitchen, too many can create a cluttered and chaotic appearance. Limit the number of decorations on your counter and rotate them occasionally to keep things fresh.
Cookbooks
Cookbooks can be a great source of inspiration and knowledge, but they can also take up valuable counter space. Instead of keeping them out, store them in a designated shelf or cabinet to keep your counters clutter-free. If you use digital cookbooks, consider investing in a tablet stand to keep them off your counter while cooking.
Cooking Oils and Spices
Leaving cooking oils and spices on the countertop exposes them to light, heat, and air, which can diminish their quality over time. Store these items in a cool, dry location, such as a pantry or cabinet, to preserve their freshness. Invest in a spice rack or magnetic spice containers mounted on the wall for convenient access.
Drinking Glasses
Glass breaks easily, creating a mess if it falls off the counter. You don’t want to have to clean up broken glasses now and then, and let’s not even talk about the potential injuries broken glasses can cause. Keep drinking glasses in a designated cabinet or shelf and take them out when needed.
Knives
Knives are a recipe for accidental injuries if left out on the counter, especially if you have children in the house. They can also take up valuable space. Keep your knives in a designated knife block or drawer to keep them easily accessible but out of sight.
Plastic Bags
Many people habitually keep plastic grocery bags on their kitchen counters for future use. However, this practice not only creates clutter but can also bring germs into contact with food. Have a designated bag holder to keep your counter clean and organized.
Phone and Charger
When you’re at home, your phone will likely be with you most of the time. So why keep it on your kitchen counter while cooking or eating? This habit can pose electrical hazards and damage your phone, especially when near food or liquids. Keep your phone and its charger in a designated area away from the kitchen counter.
Medicine
Leaving medicine bottles on your kitchen counter can lead to accidental ingestion, especially if you have kids in the house. Also, the kitchen environment might not be ideal for storing drugs, which can deteriorate in heat and humidity. The safest option is to keep your medicine in a cool, dry place, such as a medicine cabinet.
Money and Jewelry
Keeping money or jewelry on your kitchen counter is a security risk and can lead to loss or damage. These items can also easily get mixed in with other clutter, making them difficult to find when needed. Have a designated, secure storage area to keep these items organized and safe.
