Kitchens are the hub of most homes; whether you have a family or are single, most of us spend much of our time in the kitchen. This is where our day starts and ends, from our first meal to our last. Our kitchens are one of the most used spaces in the home and can quickly become cluttered.
Clutter can affect our ability to function correctly. It can affect our sleep and ability to focus and produce or heighten anxiety.
A clutter-free, simplified kitchen can save you time, energy, and stress. Starting our day in a clutter-free, calm space can brighten our day and help other tasks run smoothly. I created a simple list as the starting point for you to make a space (your kitchen) a place of joy and comfort.
1. Identify the Clutter
Meaningless décor, duplicate items, dish overload, unused dishware, cleaning products, over-stalked pantry, etc. Each of these items has purpose and function; however, if overdone, they could lose meaning and be another thing in the house. Here are some questions to ask when culling your kitchen:
- How often are you using it?
- Do you have duplicates?
- Is there room for it?
- Do I feel good when I use it?
- Do I know someone who might want this more than I do?
- Is it complicated to use?
2. Focus on the food
Remove all the food from your pantry and cupboards, and place it on the countertop. Remove expired items first, then remove the items you no longer want in your diet. This is an excellent start if you want to live healthier lives. If it’s not in your house, you can’t be tempted.
Think function in every aspect going forward when organizing your kitchen. All like items, such as spices, teas, and all non-perishable food, are grouped. If you have a pantry, all food goes into the pantry; if you do not have a pantry, find one designated place to store food. Spices are most accessible if kept near your prep station; I like them in the cupboard top left of the stove.
People typically move from left to right in the kitchen; keep this in mind when setting up your stations. One of the basic rules I use in the kitchen, and all homes is that I must be able to see everything. If I can’t see it, I will forget about it, and this is money wasted, and no one likes that.
3. Dishes, Pots & Pans
If you have dishes you have not used in a year, it’s time to let them go. If you are not ready to let them go, set the words aside, and wait 30 days, the decision will be clear after the waiting period. Duplicates are unnecessary; keep the amount you use no more or less. If you have a huge party once in a while, paper/plastic will work. Pot, pans, and gadgets – try to purchase multi-purpose items; this saves space and keeps more money in your pocket. Basic cookware and dishes are essential. The rest is extra. Keep the spares at bay, and your kitchen vibes will thank you.
4. Decorations
Décor is pleasing to the eye but, if overdone, can be a complete distraction. One of my favorite ways to decorate the home is to let the building do the talking. For example, we have stunning countertops (at least I think they are); therefore, I like to keep the items on our countertop minimal, so the countertop is the statement piece. Imagine if I had gizmos and gadgets on it, it would be a complete distraction and hide its natural beauty. Adding fresh flowers, a single plant, or displaying your favorite cups is a simple way to decorate.
5. Miscellaneous Items
Minimize cleaning products, lunch bags, grocery bags, magnets, restaurant menus, etc. Keep cleaning products altogether, try to purchase multi-purpose items, and only buy when needed. Menus can be found online; you don’t need to keep them; the fridge is easier to clean without having to take off magnets. If the pictures on the fridge make you feel cozy, keep them; remember, it’s what works for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Keeping it simple is our motto, not just in our kitchen but in every room of our house. We often ask ourselves, what is the shortest, most straightforward path to accomplish the task? We have had excessive and bare minimum; finding the balance has been vital.
Could we have more? Yes, but we choose to have what we need plus one and have concluded that things can be seasonal, and that’s ok. We purchased an instant pot and swore to buy it, and then over time, we no longer liked the cooking and cleaning process.
We donate items we don’t need, use, or find pleasing to the eye. These are not rules but ideas; decluttering can be exciting and rewarding, and it’s a new start. Have fun with it!
Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash