Organizing the Heart of the Home: Tackling a Cluttered Kitchen
Organizing the Heart of the Home: Tackling a Cluttered Kitchen
The kitchen is more than a place to cook. It’s where meals are shared, holidays are celebrated, and memories are made. But when the drawers are stuffed, the counters are crowded, and the pantry feels like a mystery zone, it can become more stressful than joyful.
Whether you're preparing to sell your home or simply craving more peace in your space, organizing the kitchen is one of the most rewarding places to start.
Here’s how to tackle it—without feeling overwhelmed.
Step 1: Start With a Clean Slate (One Section at a Time)
Don’t try to declutter the entire kitchen in one go. Instead, focus on one category or one zone—like the utensil drawer, pantry shelves, or upper cabinets.
Take everything out. Yes, everything. You need to see what you’re working with.
Step 2: Sort into 4 Simple Piles
As you go, use this sorting system:
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✅ Keep – Items you use regularly and love
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🛍 Donate or Give Away – Duplicates, unused gadgets, or dishes you never reach for
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🗑 Toss or Recycle – Expired food, chipped mugs, worn-out tools
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❓ Unsure – Set these aside and revisit in a few days
Be honest: If you haven’t used that spiralizer or ice cream maker in five years, it may be time to pass it along.
Step 3: Rethink Storage by Function
Once you've cleared out the extras, put things back in a way that makes sense for how you use your kitchen today—not how you used it 15 years ago.
Try grouping by activity:
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Coffee station: mugs, filters, sweeteners
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Meal prep zone: cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls
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Baking zone: measuring cups, mixing tools, baking pans
Keep everyday items within easy reach. Store rarely used items up high or in harder-to-access areas.
Step 4: Give Your Pantry Some Love
Pantries can become black holes over time. Toss expired items, combine half-used containers, and wipe down shelves.
Then group items by type:
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Grains & pasta
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Baking essentials
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Canned goods
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Snacks
Use clear bins, turntables, or labels to keep it simple and easy to maintain.
Step 5: Clear the Counters
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel bigger and calmer—especially if you’re planning to sell—is to clear the countertops.
Keep only the essentials: coffee maker, toaster, maybe a fruit bowl. Everything else can go in a cabinet or drawer.
Buyers notice clutter, and so do we when we’re trying to cook dinner in a rush.
Bonus Tip: Involve the Family
If you're not the only one using the kitchen, make sure everyone knows where things go. Label a few shelves or drawers if it helps. The more your systems are followed, the easier they’ll be to maintain.
Final Thought
A decluttered kitchen isn’t just easier to cook in — it’s easier to live in. And if you’re preparing to sell, it’s one of the most important areas to get organized and show off.
If you ever need a second set of eyes on your space or want advice on how buyers will view your kitchen, I’d be happy to help. One drawer, one shelf, one small step at a time — you’ve got this!
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