Kitchen countertops tend to collect more than cooking supplies, from unopened mail and grocery bags to rarely used appliances. Before long, clutter eats up the space you need for meal prep and makes the kitchen harder to work in.
The trick is deciding what deserves a spot on the counter and what can go somewhere else. Here are seven things worth putting away and six items that can earn their place.
7 Things to Remove From Your Kitchen Counters
Don’t Keep Duplicate Condiments on Display
Keeping several bottles of the same sauce, oil, or seasoning on the counter wastes space and makes the area look crowded. Store extras in a pantry or cabinet, toss expired products, and keep out only the seasonings you use every day on the counter.
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Don’t Let Utensil Holders Overflow
A container packed with spatulas, whisks, ladles, and spoons makes it harder to find the tool you need. Keep your most-used utensils handy, and store specialty gadgets in a drawer until you need them.
Don’t Store Bulk Groceries on the Counter
Large bags of flour, cereal boxes, canned goods, and warehouse-store purchases can quickly take over valuable prep space. Store extra groceries in a pantry or cabinet, and keep frequently used ingredients in easy-to-reach containers.
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Don’t Let Mail Pile Up
Bills, envelopes, school papers, and coupons can turn a clean kitchen into a makeshift office. Set up a mail station elsewhere in the house so paperwork doesn’t compete with your cooking space.
Don’t Leave Rarely Used Appliances Out
A waffle maker, bread machine, or specialty mixer you use only a few times a year probably doesn’t need a permanent spot on the counter. Store occasional-use appliances in a cabinet or pantry to free up room for everyday cooking.
Don’t Turn the Counter Into a Catch-All
Keys, purses, shopping bags, wallets, and random household items can quickly crowd the place where you prepare meals. Give these belongings a designated home elsewhere so they don’t keep finding their way back onto the kitchen counter.
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Don’t Store Cleaning Products Beside Your Prep Space
Sprays, disinfectants, and other cleaning products take up space and shouldn’t sit where they might contact food. Store them away from food prep areas, follow label instructions, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
6 Things Worth Keeping on Your Kitchen Counters
Do Keep Everyday Oils and Seasonings Together
A small tray with cooking oil, salt, pepper, and your most-used seasonings keeps frequently needed ingredients close at hand. Grouping them in one spot also makes spills easier to clean up and keeps the rest of the counter clear.
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Do Display Your Favorite Cutting Boards
One or two wooden cutting boards can be both useful and attractive when leaned against the backsplash. Keeping them nearby makes meal prep more convenient while adding a warm, natural look to the kitchen.
Do Keep a Fruit Bowl
A bowl of apples, bananas, oranges, or other produce adds color and makes snacks easy to grab. Leaving fruit in plain sight can also remind you to eat it before it becomes overripe, though some fruits need refrigeration to stay fresh longer.
Do Use a Sink Caddy
Dish soap, sponges, and scrub brushes are useful near the sink, but spreading them across the counter can make the area look messy. A compact caddy keeps these items together and gives them a designated place to dry between uses.
Do Keep Frequently Used Appliances Accessible
If you use it every day, a coffee maker, toaster, or electric kettle may deserve a permanent spot. Limit the counter to the appliances that fit your routine so there’s still enough room to prepare food.
Do Add One Decorative Accent
A small vase of flowers, a potted herb, or a ceramic bowl can add a personal touch without crowding the space. Choose one item you enjoy looking at and leave enough room around it to work comfortably.
