New Year, Renewed You: Decluttering and Organizing Your Kitchen – Day 1
Welcome to 2025! A fresh year always brings a sense of new beginnings and a chance to adopt healthier habits, both for your lifestyle and your living space. As a real estate agent, I know firsthand how important it is to maintain a home that feels organized, functional, and welcoming. For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home—but let’s face it, sometimes it can quickly become the "catch-all" spot for everything.
I don't have a huge kitchen, and I don't use it every day. It's easy for clutter to accumulate, this month, I'm committing to a challenge: decluttering and cleaning my home, starting with the kitchen. I’ve created a simple 7-day challenge to help us all take manageable steps toward a kitchen that feels more organized and functional.
Let’s kick off the first day of this challenge—starting with a task that will make a big difference in how your kitchen feels: cleaning and organizing your countertops.
Day 1: Clean and Organize Countertops
Focus: Declutter and Clean Your Countertops
You may not realize it, but your countertops are one of the most important aspects of your kitchen’s overall functionality. When they're cluttered, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unmotivated to cook, clean, or even do basic tasks. That’s why Day 1 is all about getting your countertops in shape.
Task: Remove Everything That Doesn’t Belong on Your Counters
Take a few minutes to clear everything off your countertops. Yes, everything. The mail, random dishes, that stack of unused kitchen gadgets you’ve been meaning to get rid of (we all have them). You only want to keep items that serve a real purpose, like the coffee maker, toaster, or a decorative piece that brings you joy.
Clean: Wipe Down Surfaces
Now that your countertops are clear, it’s time for a good scrub. I like to use a simple all-purpose cleaner or a natural solution with vinegar and water for my counters (especially if they’re stone). Wipe down every nook and cranny, paying close attention to edges and corners where grime can sneak in. Fresh countertops make such a big difference in how the space feels.
What’s your favorite cleaner for your countertops? I love a good multi-surface spray for a streak-free finish!
Streamline: Keep Only Daily Essentials on the Counters
If you’re anything like me, your kitchen might feel cramped, and every bit of counter space is valuable. After cleaning, decide what should stay and what should go. Consider the essentials—your coffee maker, toaster, or a fruit bowl might make the cut. But everything else? Store it in a drawer or cabinet.
Pro tip: If counter space is limited, think about installing floating shelves or adding magnetic strips for knives. These space-saving solutions can free up valuable real estate without sacrificing functionality.
Kitchen Organization Tips for Small Spaces
Living in a small kitchen doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice organization. A few smart tweaks can transform even the smallest kitchen into an efficient, clutter-free zone:
Floating Shelves: These are great for adding storage without taking up floor space. Store spices, cookbooks, or decorative pieces that you use less frequently.
Magnetic Knife Strip: Keep your knives safe, accessible, and off the counter. It frees up drawer space and creates a modern, minimalist look.
Drawer Dividers: If you don’t have enough cabinet space, dividers can help keep your drawers neat and prevent things from piling up.
Ready to Tackle the Rest of Your Home?
By starting with your countertops, you've already made a big first step toward a more organized kitchen and, ultimately, a more organized home. With clear, tidy surfaces, you’ll be able to enjoy the space more and feel motivated to keep going. Tomorrow, we’ll tackle the drawers and cabinets, so stay tuned!
What are your must-haves for your kitchen counters? Any tips for maximizing space in small kitchens? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
See you tomorrow for Day 2 of our kitchen declutter challenge!