How to Declutter a Kitchen: Clear the Clutter and Create Space

1. Start with the Surfaces

Kitchens feel instantly cleaner and more organized when countertops are clear. Start by tackling the surfaces and getting rid of anything that doesn’t belong.

Clear Your Countertops in Three Steps:

• Remove Non-Essentials: If you’re only using that stand mixer twice a year, it doesn’t need to live on the counter. Put away any bulky appliances you don’t use regularly to free up space.
• Limit Decor: A plant or two is nice, but too many decorative items can make your counters feel crowded. Keep it simple and functional.
• Designate a “Drop Zone”: If your counters tend to collect mail, keys, or odds and ends, set up a specific spot (like a small basket) as a designated “drop zone.” Just make sure it doesn’t start overflowing.

Tip: The less you have on your countertops, the easier it is to clean—and let’s be real, no one loves scrubbing around a dozen items every night.

Summary: Clear off non-essentials, limit decor, and set up a drop zone to keep your counters free and easy to clean.

2. Tackle Cabinets One at a Time

When it comes to decluttering cabinets, it’s best to go one at a time to avoid a complete kitchen explosion. Take everything out of a single cabinet, sort through it, and only put back what truly belongs.

Cabinet Decluttering Steps:

• Group Similar Items: Keep things organized by grouping items by type—baking supplies, canned goods, dinnerware, etc. This makes finding things easier and helps you avoid buying duplicates.
• Check Expiration Dates: Food and spices don’t last forever. Toss anything that’s expired or that you’re realistically not going to use (yes, that mysterious spice jar counts).

Arrange by Frequency of Use: Put frequently used items on lower shelves, while rarely used items (holiday bakeware, anyone?) can go up top or in a less accessible spot.

Tip: For cabinets with deep shelves, use stackable bins or risers to create extra space and keep items from disappearing into the depths.

Summary: Declutter cabinets one at a time, group similar items, check expiration dates, and arrange items by frequency of use. This keeps your cabinets tidy and functional.

3. Organize the Pantry for Easy Access

If you’re lucky enough to have a pantry, it can easily become a catch-all for food, snacks, and random items. Keep it functional with these quick organizing steps.

Steps for a Tidy, Functional Pantry:

• Sort by Category: Keep items grouped by type, like snacks, canned goods, pasta, and baking supplies. This makes it easier to see what you have and find what you need.
• Use Clear Containers: Clear containers or jars are perfect for dry goods like rice, pasta, and cereals. Not only do they look neat, but you’ll know when you’re running low.
• Label Everything: Labels make a huge difference when you’re searching for something specific or putting away groceries. This is especially helpful if you’re sharing the space with family members who may not share your sense of organization.

Tip: Consider using shelf risers, lazy Susans, or bins to maximize space and keep things accessible, especially on higher shelves.

Summary: Organize your pantry by category, store dry goods in clear containers, and label items to keep everything neat and easy to access.

4. Get Real About Your Gadgets

Kitchen gadgets can be game-changers, but they can also take up a lot of space. Be honest with yourself about what you actually use and what’s just taking up space.

Gadget Decluttering Tips:

• The “Once a Year” Rule: If you haven’t used a gadget in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. That means it’s time to rethink the pasta maker or the fondue set that’s gathering dust.
• Store Favorites Accessibly: Keep high-use gadgets within easy reach, like the coffee maker, toaster, or blender if you’re a smoothie fan. Store “sometimes” items, like that air fryer you break out occasionally, in a cabinet.
• Donate or Sell: If you have gadgets that are still in good shape but you don’t use, consider donating or selling them. Many donation centers in New Jersey will happily take gently used appliances.

Tip: If you’re hesitating, ask yourself: “Would I buy this again today?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to say goodbye.

Summary: Declutter gadgets using the “Once a Year” rule, keep favorites accessible, and donate or sell what you don’t use.

5. Streamline the Tupperware Situation

Ah, Tupperware. It’s great until you’re digging through a drawer of mismatched lids and containers. Here’s how to tame the Tupperware chaos.

Tupperware Tips:

• Match Lids and Containers: Go through your collection and pair each lid with its container. If you can’t find the match, toss it.
• Stack by Size: Store containers by size to save space and make it easy to find what you need.
• Limit the Collection: You probably don’t need twenty food storage containers. Pick a few in a range of sizes that meet your needs, and let go of the rest.

Tip: Consider switching to a modular set of containers that stack neatly. They save space, and you’ll never be left searching for a matching lid.

Summary: Match lids with containers, stack by size, and limit your collection. Your kitchen cabinets will thank you.

6. Declutter the Junk Drawer

Every kitchen has one—the dreaded junk drawer. But don’t worry, it can be tamed. Decluttering the junk drawer doesn’t take long, and the payoff is big.

Junk Drawer Decluttering Tips:

• Empty and Sort: Pull everything out of the drawer and sort items into categories (batteries, rubber bands, pens, etc.).
• Keep Only Essentials: Only put back what truly belongs, like scissors, tape, a notepad, and maybe a few pens. Random takeout menus and old receipts? It’s time to let those go.
• Use Drawer Organizers: Drawer organizers or small containers can keep items separated, so they don’t end up as one big pile again.

Tip: If something’s been in your junk drawer for months and you haven’t needed it, odds are you never will. Toss it and enjoy the extra space.

Summary: Sort the junk drawer, keep only essentials, and use organizers to prevent future chaos.

7. Set Up a Simple Maintenance Routine

Once you’ve decluttered, keeping the kitchen organized is key. Set up a quick maintenance routine to prevent the clutter from creeping back.

Quick Maintenance Tips:

• Weekly Quick Clean: Spend 10 minutes each week tidying surfaces, clearing counters, and checking for expired food. It’s a small task that makes a big difference.
• Monthly Deep Declutter: Once a month, go through cabinets and the pantry to catch any clutter before it builds up. Toss expired items and put things back in their proper place.
• Daily Reset: Before bed, do a quick reset by putting away anything left out and clearing the sink and counters. Waking up to a clean kitchen? Highly recommended.

Tip: Make the daily reset a family habit if you share your space. A quick team effort keeps everyone accountable and the kitchen clutter-free.

Summary: Set up a daily, weekly, and monthly routine to keep clutter from taking over again. It’s easier to maintain a tidy kitchen than to start from scratch.

Need a Hand with Kitchen Decluttering? Call GO4 Junk Removal!

Sometimes decluttering leaves you with more than just a few bags of trash. If you have kitchen appliances, old furniture, or piles of junk that need to go, GO4 Junk Removal can help. We offer fast, convenient junk removal services across New Jersey so you can keep the clutter out for good.

Why Choose GO4 Junk Removal?

• Quick and Efficient: With same-day and next-day service available, we’ll help you clear out the clutter fast.
• Eco-Friendly Disposal: We recycle and donate items whenever possible, reducing waste and giving back to the community.
• Hassle-Free: From heavy lifting to responsible disposal, we handle it all—so you can enjoy your newly organized kitchen.

Ready to make your kitchen truly clutter-free? Give GO4 Junk Removal a call today, and let’s get that junk out the door.