Sammy’s Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Your Kitchen Chaos

17 min read

Okay, let’s talk kitchens. Mine, yours, everybody’s. It’s supposed to be the heart of the home, right? The place where delicious things happen, where we gather, where maybe Luna (that’s my rescue cat, bless her furry heart) tries to steal a stray piece of chicken. But sometimes… sometimes it feels more like the heart of the chaos. When I moved to Nashville from the Bay Area a few years back, unpacking the kitchen was… an experience. Suddenly, I had duplicates of things, gadgets I hadn’t used since 2018, and just this overwhelming sense of *stuff*. As someone who geeks out on systems and patterns (hello, marketing background!), a cluttered kitchen feels like a broken system. It slows you down, makes cooking less enjoyable, and honestly, just stresses me out. Sound familiar?

So, I decided to tackle it, not just as a chore, but as a project. Applying a bit of that analytical thinking to my own spatulas and spice jars. And you know what? It worked. It wasn’t instantaneous, and yeah, there were moments I wanted to just shove everything back in and pretend it didn’t exist. But getting a handle on the clutter made a huge difference. It’s not about having a sterile, magazine-perfect kitchen (unless that’s your jam, no judgment!). It’s about creating a space that works *for you*, that feels efficient, and maybe even inspires a little culinary creativity. It’s about reclaiming that heart of the home vibe.

This isn’t going to be one of those super minimalist, ‘throw away everything you own’ guides. I mean, I like my gadgets, even if I only use that immersion blender twice a year. It’s more about a realistic, step-by-step guide to declutter your kitchen, making conscious choices, and setting up systems that hopefully prevent the clutter monster from immediately moving back in. We’ll break it down, zone by zone, decision by decision. Think of it as optimizing your personal culinary workspace. We’ll cover everything from the initial mental prep to dealing with that dreaded junk drawer and figuring out what actually deserves precious counter space. Ready to dive in? Let’s get this kitchen sorted.

Taking Control: Your Kitchen Decluttering Game Plan

1. The Mental Prep & Setting Intentions (Don’t Skip This!)

Alright, first things first. Before you even open a cupboard, take a breath. Why are you doing this? Seriously, ask yourself. Is it because you can’t find the can opener? Because you saw a perfectly organized pantry on Pinterest and felt a pang of envy? Or because you genuinely want a more functional, enjoyable space? Understanding your motivation is key. For me, it was about reducing daily friction. I love cooking, but constantly searching for things or battling an avalanche of Tupperware lids was sucking the joy out of it. Your ‘why’ will be your anchor when you’re staring at a mountain of stuff and wondering if ordering takeout forever is a viable option (spoiler: tempting, but probably not).

Next, set realistic expectations. This likely isn’t a 30-minute job, unless you live in a tiny house with only a kettle and a spork. Depending on the scale of your clutter, this could take an afternoon, a weekend, or even be broken up over several days. Don’t try to do it all at once if you know you’ll burn out. Schedule blocks of time. Maybe tackle one zone per day – drawers on Tuesday, upper cabinets on Wednesday. Also, visualize the end goal. Not just ‘less clutter,’ but what does that *feel* like? Easier meal prep? More space to try that new recipe? Less stress when unloading the dishwasher? Having a clear vision makes the process less about deprivation and more about creation. Gather your supplies too: boxes or bags for donations, trash, and items that belong elsewhere. Maybe put on some good music. Make it an event, not just a chore. This initial mindset shift, this intentional preparation, is honestly half the battle.

2. The Big Empty: Clearing the Decks (or Counters)

Okay, deep breath. This is where it gets real. Start with one zone. I usually recommend the countertops first because clearing them provides instant visual gratification and gives you a staging area. Take *everything* off the counters. Yes, everything. The toaster, the knife block, the fruit bowl, the mail pile that somehow migrated there, the decorative-but-dusty olive oil bottle. Put it all on your kitchen table or another clear surface. Why? Because you can’t truly assess what belongs until you see the space completely clear. It forces you to consciously decide what earns its place back. It’s like wiping a slate clean. It might look chaotic for a bit, but trust the process.

Once the counters are clear, give them a good wipe-down. Seriously, enjoy that pristine surface for a second. Now, look at the pile of stuff you removed. Immediately sort out any obvious trash or items that don’t belong in the kitchen at all (mail, tools, kids’ toys – you know the drill). Put those in their respective piles/boxes. This initial sweep makes the pile less daunting. The goal here isn’t deep sorting yet, it’s just about creating that clear workspace and doing a quick, high-level filter. This step is crucial for resetting the visual baseline of the area you’re working on. It’s amazing how much space you actually have once the surface clutter is gone. It’s a powerful motivator to keep going. Remember that visual impact is a huge part of feeling progress.

3. Sort & Conquer: The Decision-Making Gauntlet

Now comes the core of the decluttering process: sorting. For every single item you took off the counter (and eventually, out of drawers and cabinets), you need to make a decision. I use a variation of the classic four-box method: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash, Relocate. Be honest with yourself. When was the last time you *actually* used that novelty avocado slicer? Do you really need three different corkscrews? Is that chipped mug bringing you joy, or just taking up space?

Here are some questions to ask yourself for each item:

  • Do I use this regularly? (Define ‘regularly’ for yourself – weekly? monthly?)
  • Do I love it? (Does it have sentimental value or genuinely enhance your cooking experience?)
  • Do I have duplicates? (Can I get rid of the lesser-quality one?)
  • Is it broken or expired? (Easy ‘trash’ pile!)
  • Could someone else get more use out of it? (Donate/Sell pile)
  • Does it actually belong in the kitchen? (Relocate pile)

This is where the analytical part of my brain kicks in, but also where sentimentality can trip you up. It’s okay to keep something purely for sentimental reasons, but be selective. Maybe keep Grandma’s rolling pin, but donate the five others you never use. Be ruthless but realistic. The goal isn’t emptiness, it’s purposeful ownership. Don’t get bogged down – make quick decisions. If you’re really unsure about an item, create a temporary ‘maybe’ box. Put it aside, and if you haven’t needed anything from it in a month (or whatever timeframe you set), donate the contents. This process of active decision-making is what reclaims your space.

4. Counter Intelligence: Reclaiming Prime Real Estate

With your ‘Keep’ pile sorted for the countertops, it’s time to decide what goes back. Remember, countertops are prime real estate in the kitchen. They are your main workspace. The less cluttered they are, the easier it is to cook and clean. Think about functionality and frequency. Items used daily or multiple times a week might earn a spot: coffee maker, toaster (if you use it daily), maybe a crock with essential utensils near the stove, a knife block. Items used less frequently? Find them a home in a cabinet or drawer.

Consider the ‘visual noise’ too. Even useful items can make a space feel cluttered if there are too many of them. Can the utensil crock be streamlined? Can the knife block be replaced with a drawer insert? Can the toaster go in a cabinet if you only use it on weekends? Challenge your assumptions about what *needs* to be on the counter. I realized I kept my stand mixer on the counter because it looked nice, but I only used it monthly. Moving it to an accessible lower cabinet freed up a huge chunk of space. Be intentional about placement. Group similar items together (e.g., coffee station). Keep cooking zones clear. The goal is a balance between accessibility and clear, usable workspace. It’s about optimizing workflow as much as aesthetics.

5. Drawer Detox: Taming the Utensil Jungle

Ah, the drawers. Home of tangled whisks, mystery gadgets, and that one spatula you can never find. Apply the same Empty-Sort-Decide process. Empty one drawer completely. Wipe it out. Now, sort through the contents. How many wooden spoons do you *really* need? Do you use all those specialized peelers? Be honest about duplicates and unused items.

Once you’ve decided what to keep, think about organization. Drawer dividers are your best friend here. They prevent everything from sliding into one big jumble. You can get adjustable bamboo ones, plastic trays, or even DIY solutions. Group similar items: all measuring spoons together, sharp knives (safely stored!) in one section, baking tools in another. Consider zone-based storage. Utensils used for cooking near the stove, baking tools near where you mix, silverware near the dishwasher or dining area. I found that investing in good drawer organizers was a game-changer. It stopped the daily frustration of rummaging. Don’t forget the ‘junk drawer’ – even that can be tamed with small containers or dividers for batteries, pens, tape, etc. It doesn’t have to be *empty*, just organized enough to find things. The aim is accessible storage.

6. Cabinet Cleanout: Facing the Tupperware Avalanche

Cabinets often hide the biggest clutter culprits: mismatched food storage containers, stacks of promotional mugs, appliances you forgot you owned. Again: Empty, Sort, Decide, Clean. Empty one cabinet at a time. Be brave. Face the Tupperware monster. Match lids to containers – recycle or donate any orphans or stained/warped pieces. Assess your dishes and glassware. Do you need service for 24 when you usually host 6? Can you donate the excess? What about those mugs from every conference you ever attended? Keep your favorites, donate the rest.

When putting things back, think vertically. Use shelf risers to double your storage space for plates or mugs. Stack pots and pans efficiently, perhaps using a pot lid organizer on the cabinet door. Group similar items: all baking dishes together, all drinking glasses, etc. Place frequently used items on lower, easily accessible shelves. Less-used items (holiday platters, large serving bowls) can go up high or in the back. Consider visibility – can you see what you have? Clear containers for stored food items in the pantry cabinet can help. This is about making the most of your vertical space and ensuring items are easy to find and put away. It’s about creating a system that’s intuitive for inventory management – even if it’s just your personal inventory.

7. Pantry Purge: Exiling Expired Spices and Stale Cereal

The pantry can be a source of stress or satisfaction, depending on its state. Time for the purge. Empty everything out. Check expiration dates ruthlessly. Spices lose potency, canned goods don’t last forever, and that bag of flour from two years ago might have inhabitants. Toss anything expired or questionable. Be honest about food you bought with good intentions but will never actually cook. If it’s unopened and unexpired, consider donating it to a local food bank.

Once purged, organize what’s left. Group like items: all canned vegetables together, pasta and grains, baking supplies, snacks. Use baskets, bins, or clear containers to corral items. Decanting dry goods like flour, sugar, pasta, and cereal into airtight, clear containers not only looks neat but keeps food fresher and lets you see inventory levels at a glance. Label everything! Use shelf risers here too, especially for canned goods. A lazy Susan can be great for corner cabinets or organizing oils and vinegars. The goal is clear categorization and making sure you can actually see and use the food you have, reducing waste and making meal planning easier. This step directly impacts your food budget and waste reduction efforts.

8. Fridge & Freezer Forensics: Uncovering Forgotten Foods

Don’t neglect the cold zones! Empty the fridge and freezer (maybe do this just before grocery shopping when they’re less full). Toss expired items, mystery leftovers, and anything suffering from freezer burn. That jar of questionable pickles from last summer? Gone. That frosty container with no label? Probably gone too. Give the shelves and drawers a good cleaning – warm soapy water usually does the trick.

When reloading, group items logically. A designated spot for dairy, for meats (on the bottom shelf to prevent drips), for produce in the crisper drawers, for condiments on the door. Use clear bins to group smaller items like yogurt cups or cheese sticks. For the freezer, label *everything* with the item and date before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Try to stack items vertically or use bins to prevent things from getting lost in the icy depths. A well-organized fridge and freezer mean less food waste, easier meal prep, and quicker identification of what you need to buy. It’s a core part of kitchen hygiene and efficiency.

9. Tool Time: Assessing Your Gadgets and Appliances

Let’s talk about the tools of the trade: small appliances, gadgets, cookware, bakeware. We already touched on some of this, but it deserves its own focus. Look at your collection critically. Do you *use* the bread maker, the ice cream machine, the giant food processor? If you use something infrequently but love it, find an accessible storage spot that’s not prime real estate (like a lower cabinet or pantry shelf). If you haven’t used it in a year or more, ask yourself if you realistically will. Could you borrow one if needed? Is it worth the space it occupies?

Consider quality over quantity. One good chef’s knife is better than a block full of dull ones. A sturdy set of mixing bowls is better than a dozen flimsy plastic ones. Maybe it’s time to upgrade a key piece and donate the older, less effective ones. Assess the condition of your pots and pans – are non-stick surfaces scratched? Are handles loose? Decluttering is also an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of your tools. Don’t keep things out of obligation or guilt (‘it was a gift!’). Your kitchen needs to serve *your* current cooking style and needs. This is about curating a set of functional tools that you actually use and enjoy.

10. Maintaining the Zen: Habits for Lasting Order

Okay, you did it! The kitchen is decluttered, organized, sparkling! High five! But… how do you keep it that way? This is where habit comes in. Decluttering isn’t a one-time event; it’s the start of ongoing maintenance. Implement the ‘one in, one out’ rule: when you buy a new mug, donate an old one. Tidy up as you go: wash dishes or load the dishwasher while cooking. Put things away immediately after use, back in their designated spot. Do a quick countertop clear-off every evening before bed – it takes 5 minutes and makes a huge difference in the morning.

Schedule mini-declutter sessions periodically. Maybe once a month, take 15-30 minutes to quickly tackle a drawer or shelf that’s starting to get messy. Do a pantry check before grocery shopping to avoid buying duplicates. Be mindful of what you bring into the kitchen in the first place. Do you really need another free water bottle? Resist impulse buys of gadgets you might not use. It’s about creating sustainable organizational habits. It might feel like effort initially, but soon it becomes second nature. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about maintaining a level of order that reduces stress and makes your kitchen a place you genuinely enjoy being in. It’s about long-term system management for your space.

Keeping the Kitchen Clear: Final Thoughts

Whew. We covered a lot of ground there, from the mental game to the nitty-gritty of spice racks. Decluttering your kitchen is definitely a process, maybe even a journey. It forces you to confront your habits, your relationship with stuff, and maybe even that slightly expired jar of olives you’ve been avoiding. There were definitely moments during my own big clear-out where I felt overwhelmed, staring at a pile of kitchen gadgets that seemed to mock my culinary ambitions. But pushing through, making those decisions, and finally seeing clear counters and organized drawers? Incredibly satisfying.

Remember, the goal isn’t some impossible standard of perfection. It’s about creating a kitchen that feels good *to you*. A space that supports your life, whether you’re a gourmet chef or a microwave maestro. It’s about efficiency, reducing stress, and maybe, just maybe, making it a little easier to whip up dinner after a long day working from home (with Luna supervising from her perch on the kitchen rug, of course). The steps we walked through – preparing, emptying, sorting, organizing zone by zone, and building maintenance habits – provide a framework. Adapt it to your own space and pace.

So, here’s my challenge to you, or maybe just a gentle nudge: pick one small area. Just one drawer, one shelf. Start there. See how it feels. Does clearing that little bit of chaos make a difference? I suspect it might. And who knows, maybe that small win will snowball into a kitchen transformation. Or maybe you’ll just be able to find the darn can opener next time. Either way, it’s progress, right?

FAQ

Q: How long should it realistically take to declutter my kitchen?
A: It really depends on the size of your kitchen and the amount of clutter. A small kitchen might take a dedicated afternoon (4-6 hours). A larger or more cluttered kitchen could take a full weekend or even be broken down into 1-2 hour sessions over a week. Don’t rush it; focus on making thoughtful decisions rather than hitting a specific deadline.

Q: I feel guilty getting rid of things I spent money on or received as gifts. How do I overcome this?
A: This is super common! Reframe it: the money is already spent, and keeping an unused item doesn’t recoup the cost. It just costs you space and potentially peace of mind. For gifts, remember the giver’s intent was likely your happiness, not to burden you with an item you don’t use or like. Thank the item for its service (or the sentiment behind the gift) and let it go – donating it allows someone else to benefit.

Q: What’s the single most impactful area to declutter first for maximum effect?
A: I personally find clearing the countertops first provides the biggest immediate visual and functional impact. It instantly makes the kitchen feel larger and more usable, creating momentum and motivation to tackle drawers and cabinets next. Getting that main workspace clear is often a game-changer.

Q: I live in a small apartment with limited storage. How can I make the most of my tiny kitchen?
A: Small kitchens require ruthless decluttering and smart storage solutions. Focus on multi-functional items (e.g., an Instant Pot that replaces several appliances). Utilize vertical space with shelf risers, under-shelf baskets, and wall-mounted storage (like magnetic knife strips or spice racks). Only keep what you truly need and use regularly. Be creative with every inch!

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@article{sammys-step-by-step-guide-to-declutter-your-kitchen-chaos,
    title   = {Sammy’s Step-by-Step Guide to Declutter Your Kitchen Chaos},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/declutter-your-kitchen-step-by-step-guide/}
}

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