5 Simple Kitchen Decluttering Tips for a Fresh Start

Start the new year fresh with these 5 simple kitchen decluttering tips! Simplify your cooking space and create an organized, stress-free kitchen.

January is the perfect time for fresh starts, and your kitchen is the best place to begin. A decluttered kitchen isn’t just visually appealing—it makes cooking easier, reduces stress, and helps create a calm and welcoming space for your family. If you’ve been putting off tidying up your kitchen, these step-by-step kitchen decluttering tips will help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.

By tackling small tasks one at a time, you can transform your kitchen into a functional, organized space you’ll love spending time in.

Step 1: Clear Out Expired Items

The quickest way to see immediate results in your kitchen is by removing expired or stale items. Start with your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Check the expiration dates on spices, canned goods, and condiments. Toss anything that’s past its prime, smells off, or has been lingering unused for too long.

Quick Tip:
Don’t forget to inspect items that don’t have obvious expiration dates, like baking supplies (flour, baking powder) or oils.

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, take a moment to wipe down shelves and organize what’s left.

Step 2: Simplify Your Cookware Collection

Most kitchens are overflowing with duplicate pots, pans, and utensils. Ask yourself:

• Do I really need three spatulas or four frying pans?
• When was the last time I used this gadget?

Keep only the essentials and donate or recycle the rest. A streamlined collection of cookware will make it easier to find what you need and create a more enjoyable cooking experience.

Pro Tip:
Group items by use: store baking tools together, keep everyday pots and pans within easy reach, and reserve rarely used items for high cabinets or storage.

Step 3: Organize Your Countertops

Clear countertops are the secret to a stress-free kitchen. Remove non-essential items like appliances you rarely use, piles of mail, or decorative knick-knacks that take up space.

Actionable Steps:

1. Keep only daily-use items, like a coffee maker or toaster, on the counter.
2. Store other appliances in cabinets or a pantry.
3. Use trays or baskets to corral frequently used spices or cooking oils for a tidy look.

With minimal clutter, your countertops will be easier to clean and far more inviting.

Step 4: Tidy Up Cabinets and Drawers

Overstuffed cabinets and chaotic drawers make finding things frustrating. Take a few minutes to declutter and organize:

• Cabinets: Remove items you don’t use (mismatched lids, chipped mugs, or duplicates).
• Drawers: Group similar items together, like utensils, measuring tools, and specialty gadgets.

Use organizers or dividers to create a system that makes everything easy to find. As you work, wipe down shelves and drawer liners to refresh the space.

Step 5: Adopt a ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

Maintaining a decluttered kitchen is all about habits. Start practicing the ‘one in, one out’ rule: for every new item you bring into the kitchen, remove an old one. This prevents clutter from building up over time and encourages thoughtful purchases.

Example:

• Bought a new mug? Donate or recycle one of your older ones.
• Replaced your frying pan? Let go of the scratched or outdated one.

This simple rule ensures your kitchen stays organized long after your initial decluttering session.

Bonus Kitchen Decluttering Tips

• Maximize Vertical Space: Add hooks or shelves for storage without crowding counters.
• Rotate Pantry Items: Use the “first in, first out” method to prevent expired food from accumulating.
• Label Everything: Label jars, bins, or storage containers to keep your system organized and easy to maintain.

More Posts like these Kitchen Decluttering Tips

• How to Start Decluttering When You’re Overwhelmed
• How to Use the One-Bin Decluttering Method to Simplify Your Home

Take Your Decluttering Further

If you’re ready to tackle more areas of your home, join my 7-Day Decluttering Challenge! It’s the perfect way to create a calm, organized space one room at a time. Plus, you’ll receive a free printable checklist to guide you through the process. Click here to sign up now!

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking the process into manageable steps and adopting simple habits, you can create a space that’s both functional and inviting. Start small, focus on one task at a time, and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean, simplified kitchen that works for you and your family.