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How to clear your kitchen for the new year

Your kitchen may be the heart of your home as it is mine, but it can quickly become a big source of stress when clutter takes over. I find for many people this keeps them from wanting to prepare food and slip into an expensive take out habit.

From overflowing drawers to countertops crammed with gadgets, a disorganized kitchen makes cooking feel like a real chore rather than a pleasure (well, for me it's a pleasure).

In this post I am going to help you transfor your space into a calm, functional haven and it is easier than you think!

These are five simple steps to declutter your kitchen and create a stress-free cooking space.

Step 1: Clear the Counters

Cluttered countertops are the #1 thing that will make a kitchen feel chaotic. Mine quickly get bungled up because I cook nearly everything from scratch 3 times a day. Then days I am filming for my cooking channel you can multiply that chaos by ten.

Start by removing everything from your counters, including appliances, jars, and utensils.

Ask Yourself:

• Do I use this item daily?
• Is this the best spot for it?

Store infrequently used appliances (like a waffle maker) in cabinets or pantries. Keep only essential items, like your coffee maker or a fruit bowl, out in the open to maintain a clean, streamlined look.

Step 2: Organize Your Cabinets and Drawers

Cabinets and drawers are often the most overlooked areas when it comes to decluttering. I had a professional organize come in a few years ago and she had me pull everything out, this way you know what you are working with. Then you can sort items into three piles: keep, donate, and toss. Sometimes a hard truth has to be face. Not everything in your home has a place in your home. Those are the items that don't stay in your home.

Tips for Streamlining:

• Group similar items together (e.g., baking tools, pots, and pans).
• Use dividers or organizers for utensils and small items.
• Donate duplicates or gadgets you never use.

Pro Tip: Store frequently used items in easily accessible spots and reserve higher shelves for rarely used pieces.

Step 3: Tackle the Pantry

A disorganized pantry makes meal prep harder than it needs to be. It's also likely hiding food you forgot was in there or it's been left so long it has long expired.

Start by taking everything out and checking expiration dates. You will be glad you did this once it's done.

How to Declutter Your Pantry:

• Toss expired or stale items.
• Combine half-empty containers of the same product.
• Use clear bins or jars to store dry goods, making them easier to identify and more visually appealing.

Pro Tip: Label containers for quick identification and organize your pantry by categories like snacks, baking supplies, and canned goods

You may like this post: 10 hacks that make cooking easier.

Step 4: Create a Functional Flow

The layout of your kitchen plays a big role in how stress-free it feels. Arrange your items in a way that supports your cooking habits.

Key Zones to Consider:

• Prep Zone: Cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls near your prep area.
• Cooking Zone: Spices, oils, and utensils close to the stove.
• Cleaning Zone: Sponges, dish soap, and cleaning sprays near the sink.

By creating designated zones, you’ll make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.

Step 5: Maintain the Decluttered Space

Decluttering isn’t a one-time task. To keep your kitchen stress-free, develop habits that maintain your hard work.

Easy Maintenance Tips:

• Spend 5 minutes at the end of each day putting things back in their places.
• Adopt a "one in, one out" rule for new kitchen gadgets or tools.
• Regularly clean out your pantry and fridge to avoid build-up.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these five steps, you can create a stress-free cooking space that’s both functional and inviting. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or just trying to get dinner on the table, a clutter-free kitchen can transform your daily routine.

Ready to get started? Grab a trash bag, turn on some music, and tackle that clutter today!