Decluttered & Done: Kitchen Countertop Hacks

The kitchen is where we come together, make meals, and spend time with family and friends. But, with kitchen appliances like air fryers and slow cookers becoming more popular, our kitchen countertops can often look cluttered and untidy.
It can be hard to cook and enjoy your kitchen when there’s little countertop space, which is why this blog highlights top tips and hacks to declutter and organise your countertops, keeping your kitchen functional and stylish. In our latest article, the team at House of Worktops take a closer look at how to maximise your kitchen space by decluttering
Clearing the clutter
Before getting started on organising your space, have a look at what’s on your kitchen worktops already. Start by removing everything from the surface. That will give you a clear view of your available space and help you figure out what to keep. Think about what you use daily and what can be stored somewhere else. By doing this, you can work out what belongs on your kitchen countertops and what can be set aside.
After you’ve taken everything off your countertop, put them into categories; one pile to keep, one to donate or sell and one to bin. If you haven’t used an item in the last six months, it will probably belong in either of the last two piles. This process declutters your counter while refreshing your kitchen, making it a more enjoyable room to spend time in.
Common mistakes
As you put things back, be mindful not to overcrowd the countertop. While it is tempting to have every appliance at arm’s reach, a cluttered countertop can make cooking frustrating and a bad experience overall. A top tip is to ensure you’re using the vertical space in your kitchen. Use walls and shelves to free up valuable countertop space.
Items to keep off the counter
Certain items can take up unnecessary space on your countertops and should be stored elsewhere. For example, large serving platters or decorative pieces can be put in cabinets or storage cupboards. Investing in some storage containers or drawer organisers is a good idea. That way, you can keep utensils, spices, and other smaller items tidied away while easily accessible. That will help to keep your countertop clean, organised and functional.
Smart storage solutions
As briefly mentioned above, one of the best ways to declutter is by making the most of your vertical space. You can do this by installing shelves or wall-mounted racks. Floating shelves are a stylish option for displaying cookbooks, decorative jars, or small plants, adding functionality and aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.
Consider a hanging pot rack above your kitchen island or prep area. Not only does it free up cabinet space, but it also adds a rustic charm to your kitchen. Magnetic knife strips are another great way to keep knives accessible while freeing up drawer space.
Multi-functional furniture
In a compact kitchen, multi-functional furniture is a game changer. A kitchen island with built-in storage can give you extra workspace for house appliances and kitchen tools. If space allows, a rolling cart can be great, as it will offer extra surface area when needed and can be easily moved out of the way when it’s not. These solutions keep the countertop clear while boosting functionality.
Creative ways to make the most of your space
One of the easiest yet most effective ways to declutter is to use baskets and containers. Grouping similar items not only keeps them organised but also makes your kitchen look more visually appealing. Choose stylish baskets or containers that complement your kitchen décor.
Labelling these containers can help you quickly find what you need without rummaging through everything. For example, set aside a basket for baking supplies, another for spices you use often, and one for kitchen tools. That helps to keep your countertop tidy while maintaining easy access to key items.
Appliance garages
Appliance garages are a great way to keep your countertop clear while still having your appliances there to hand. These small cabinets can be built into your countertop or added as an attachment. From toasters and microwaves to blenders and coffee makers, appliance garages let you hide the clutter when not in use.
Aim to keep no more than three frequently used appliances on your countertop. If you’re good at DIY, you could consider building an appliance garage with a door that lifts for easy access. Also, many kitchen retailers have ready-made options that will fit seamlessly into your space.
Daily habits
After you’ve successfully decluttered and organised your kitchen countertop, maintaining it is key. A daily habit such as a 10-minute blitz at the end of each day is a great way to prevent clutter from building up. During this time, wipe your surfaces, pop items away that don’t belong on your countertop, and make sure everything has its place.
Refresh and reassess
Every few months, take some time to reassess your countertop setup. Are there items that have crept back onto the counter? Have you got some new appliances? Looking at this regularly will help keep clutter at bay and ensure your kitchen remains functional and inviting.
Depending on the season, you can change your setup based on your needs. For example, during the festive baking season, you might like to keep mixing bowls and baking sheets somewhere you can access them easily. It’s all about adapting your countertop organisation to fit your current lifestyle and needs.
Smart tips for a clutter-free kitchen
In a world where there are many kitchen appliances and not a lot of countertop space, it’s essential to find effective organisation hacks that make your kitchen a place that’s functional and enjoyable.
Take a look at your kitchen setup, add some smart storage, and build a few daily habits to keep things tidy and clutter-free. Start with one or two of these simple hacks, and soon your kitchen will feel more open, welcoming, and ready for your culinary creations.