10 Real Fixes That Helped Me Declutter My Kitchen

Let me be real: my kitchen was not cute. Stuff was crammed in drawers, counters were always full, and I felt annoyed every time I cooked. I didn’t have the time or energy to do a full makeover, so I started small — and over time, I found things that worked. These aren’t Pinterest tricks. These are the actual steps I took to get my kitchen under control.

1. I Cleared Off the Counters First

This was my first real win. I took *everything* off the counters — the blender, jars, random bags — and put it all in a box. Then I only brought back the things I use daily. The space felt instantly calmer and more usable.

2. I Made a 'Rarely Used' Shelf

I had things I only used once a year — the waffle maker, the sandwich press, a slow cooker. Instead of tossing them, I stored them high up and out of sight. It cleared my everyday shelves without guilt.

3. One Drawer a Day, That’s It

I didn’t try to clean everything in one go. I just set a rule: one drawer a day. Tossed what I didn’t use, donated extras. Seven days later, my drawers were manageable and actually made sense.

4. I Created a Coffee + Tea Zone

I put my mugs, tea bags, sugar, and spoons on one tray near the kettle. It’s simple, but it made mornings smoother. No more hunting through cabinets half-asleep.

5. The Expired Food Clean-Out

Honestly, this was gross. I found stuff in the pantry from two years ago. Cleaning it out felt like a reset. Now I can actually see what I have before I buy more.

6. I Use Cheap Bins in the Fridge

I grabbed a few bins from the dollar store and used them inside the fridge. Now everything has a spot, and I don’t lose leftovers in the back anymore.

7. I Stopped 'Saving' the Good Plates

I used to save nice plates “for guests” or “special days.” Meanwhile, they just sat there collecting dust. Now I use them daily — and it actually makes me enjoy meals more.

8. I Made Basic Labels (Nothing Fancy)

Not cute font labels. Just simple sticky notes on bins that say what goes where. That way, when I’m tired, I don’t have to think. Everything just has a home.

9. I Keep a Donation Bag Under the Sink

Now I have a permanent bag for donations. When I come across a cup or tool I don’t use, I drop it in. No pressure, no drama — just quiet progress.

10. My 'One In, One Out' Rule (That Works)

If I bring in a new utensil or jar, something else has to go. This one small habit has kept things from piling up again. It feels like balance without the stress of big purges.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t declutter my kitchen in one weekend — I did it one drawer, one decision at a time. And that’s okay. You don’t need a Pinterest kitchen. You just need a space that works for you. Pick one tip, try it today, and see how it feels.