How to Declutter Your Kitchen: Practical Tips to Get Rid of All Things You Don’t Need!

Spring cleaning isn’t just about wiping down windows and scrubbing floors—it’s the perfect time to tackle one of the most cluttered spaces in your home: the kitchen. Between gadgets, utensils, and mismatched containers, it’s easy for the kitchen to become a storage nightmare. But with a little organization and a few simple steps, you can turn your kitchen into a streamlined, efficient space that feels as fresh as spring itself. Here’s how to declutter your kitchen without losing your mind.

1. Start with the Basics: Empty the Drawers and Cabinets

Before you start organizing, the first rule of decluttering is to clear everything out. This step might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Take everything out of your drawers and cabinets, and assess what you actually use. It’s tempting to hold on to gadgets and appliances that seemed like a great idea at the time, but if you haven’t used that juicer in six months, now is the perfect time to let it go. Don’t forget to clean the shelves while they’re empty—dust and grime tend to accumulate in the forgotten corners.

2. Tackle Your Kitchen Tools: Keep Only What You Use

One of the biggest culprits of kitchen clutter is an overabundance of kitchen tools. Sure, that avocado slicer seemed necessary when you first saw it, but does it really need to live in your drawer next to five different spatulas? Take stock of all the utensils, gadgets, and small appliances you own. If you haven’t used something in the last few months, it’s probably time to donate it or put it in storage. The goal is to only keep the items that make cooking easier, not harder, and definitely not more chaotic.

3. Maximize Your Counter Space: Clear Out Non-Essential Items

Let’s be honest—most of us treat our kitchen counters as storage space. It’s easy to let things pile up: mail, random papers, or the blender that hasn’t been used in weeks. But counters should serve as your workspace, not your catch-all area. Start by removing everything from your counters, and only put back items that are used daily, like a coffee maker or cutting board. If you’re finding it hard to part with things, consider hiding them in cabinets or storage bins. The goal is to create a space where you can easily prep meals without having to shuffle around clutter.

4. Organize Your Pantry: Purge Expired or Duplicate Items

The pantry is often one of the most cluttered spaces in a kitchen. Cans of beans, boxes of pasta, and bags of rice tend to accumulate, and before you know it, you’ve got 17 different types of flour and an array of spices you’ve forgotten about. Take the time to go through your pantry and check expiration dates. Toss anything that’s past its prime, and organize the remaining items by category. Keep things you use most often at eye level so they’re easy to grab. You’d be surprised how a little reorganization can make a big difference in your kitchen’s efficiency.

5. Make the Most of Your Drawer Space: Invest in Organizers

Drawers are notorious for becoming junk zones. But with a few organizers, you can transform that chaotic space into a well-oiled machine. Invest in drawer dividers or small bins to separate utensils, measuring spoons, and other odds and ends. A well-organized drawer will not only make it easier to find what you need, but it will also prevent that overwhelming feeling when you open a drawer and things fall out. And remember: a drawer should only hold what you regularly use. If something doesn’t belong, it’s time to toss it.

6. Utilize Vertical Space: Install Shelving or Hooks

If you’re short on cabinet space, don’t forget to look up! Vertical space in your kitchen can be a goldmine for storage. Install extra shelves or hanging racks to store pots, pans, or even utensils. Hanging items like mugs or measuring spoons can free up precious cabinet space and keep things accessible. And if you’re feeling especially resourceful, consider using the back of cabinet doors for hooks or small storage solutions. It’s all about maximizing every inch of available space.

7. Set Up a System for Regular Maintenance

Once you've decluttered your kitchen, the real challenge is maintaining it. Set aside a few minutes each day to tidy up and put things away. After cooking, immediately wash and store dishes instead of letting them pile up. Regularly check your pantry for expired items, and make it a habit to keep counters clear. Creating this daily routine will help you avoid the build-up of clutter and keep your kitchen functioning at its best all year long.