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Last updated on April 8th, 2022 at 03:07 am
Let’s face it: our kitchens get overcrowded and need frequent decluttering. Between food and dishes, kitchen clutter is inevitable.
And it’s easy to put off decluttering because we can just shove the things we aren’t using to the back of the cabinet. But really, there’s a lot of no brainer things to declutter in the kitchen. The problem is taking the time to do it.
Today, I’m giving you 5 effective tips for decluttering your kitchen so you don’t have to feel stuck and overwhelmed.
Tip #1: Take it one zone or category at a time
Instead of doing everything all in one day, take it a little bit at a time. This strategy works great if you don’t have a lot of time or if you’re feeling really overwhelmed by everything. If you can break decluttering your kitchen into several smaller tasks, you’re more likely to succeed.
Here’s a guideline of categories to declutter:
- Pantry
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Spices
- Food storage containers
- Cleaning supplies
- Small appliances
- Cookware
- Prep tools/cooking utensils
- Bakeware
- Serveware
- Dishes/glasses/flatware
- Cookbooks/recipes
- Kitchen linens
- Command Center
Tip #2: Start with an easy task
If you’re planning on working on categories, work on easy tasks each day before diving into the harder ones. Doing the easy stuff first will get you into the groove and mindset. Once you get started, it’s so much easier to keep the momentum going.
Pantries, fridges, and freezers are pretty straightforward when it comes to decluttering. You’re not very likely to be attached to a package of stale Oreos, so decisions shouldn’t be hard to make.
Once you’ve completed a smaller, easier task, move on to something a little tougher.
Tip #3: Clean each space as you declutter
Chances are food spilled somewhere in the cabinet or in a drawer in the fridge. Now is a good time to clean it up while things are emptied.
I keep clean up simple with a sponge, dish soap, my favorite dish gloves, and wash cloth. If you’re working in the freezer, you might want to pick up a cheap ice scraper to get any gross things that might have leaked and frozen to the bottom and sides.
I like to line pantry shelves with a clear, plastic shelf liner. If something spills, it’s super easy to wipe up with a sponge or spray with an all purpose cleaner.
Tip #4: Consider how often you use things
To be completely honest, you might have had some big plans for that fondue set. But now it’s just taking up space in the cabinet.
So many appliances are there to make our lives easier, but they aren’t worth storing unless they get some use. We lugged around a panini maker for years until we realized we just throw sandwiches in the frying pan if we want a hot sandwich.
We also received a wok that was still in the box four years later.
As you declutter cabinets of small appliances, cookware, dishes, and specialty tools, as these questions:
How often have I used this?
Can I use something else to do the same thing?
Does this add any value to my life?
Am I keeping this out of obligation?
Am I keeping it just in case?
Tip #5: Schedule the days you’re decluttering
Make it official. Set aside the days and times you’ll work on decluttering your kitchen. It’s all about your intention. Most of my clients won’t work on their organizing projects unless I’m there, mostly because of the accountability factor.
If that’s your biggest struggle, find a friend who will keep you accountable. Or put some skin in the game (a good motivator) and work with me on a Home Organizing Action Plan. I’ll write up a personalized plan for your home and walk you through every step of the way. Learn more about Home Organizing Action Plans by clicking here.
If you’re ready to start decluttering your kitchen, use these 5 tips to get started: Take it a little at a time, start with something easy, clean as you go, consider how much you use each item, and most importantly, schedule your time to declutter!
Need a step-by-step plan to organize your kitchen? Download the free Kitchen Organizing Action Plan by clicking here.
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