Organize Your Kitchen Countertops Like a Pro with These Tips

A cluttered kitchen countertop can make the entire room feel messy and disorganized. But with some simple tips and tricks, you can transform your countertops into a stylish and functional space you'll love showing off.

In this post, we'll share our favorite professional strategies for decluttering your counters and organizing them in a way that is both beautiful and efficient. From removing non-essentials to designating specific spots for must-have items, these tips will help you maximize your counter space.

Countertop Organization Tips

Remove Non-Essentials

The first step in any kitchen organization project is to remove everything from your countertops. Take everything out of the space so you can start with a blank slate. As you sort through the items, make three piles:

1. Trash - Toss anything that is no longer used or needed, like old food containers or expired spices.

2. Put Away - Designate a home for anything that doesn't need to be left out on the counters, like small appliances, extra kitchen tools, mail, keys, etc. Find permanent homes for these items in drawers, cabinets or pantry storage.

3. Display - Keep out essential everyday items like your knife block, cutting boards, utensil crock, fruit bowl, etc. We'll get into how to stylishly display these items in a bit.

Removing unnecessary clutter is one of the easiest ways to make your counters feel instantly more spacious and tidy. By designating homes for everything not in regular use, you free up valuable real estate for the items you do need daily access to.

Designate Specific Spots for Essentials

Once you've cleared all the non-essentials from your countertops, it's time to designate specific homes for the items you are keeping out. Avoid randomly placing your must-have items around the counters. Instead, create defined zones for specific purposes.

For example, gather all coffee and tea making supplies in one area if you brew hot drinks daily. Keep cutting boards, knives, and utensil crocks all in one convenient food prep zone. Having a dedicated area for each purpose helps the space stay organized in the long run.

Also take note of your kitchen workflow as you assign spots. Position frequently used items near where you utilize them to promote efficiency. For example, keep the utensil crock near the stove for easy access while cooking.

Use Organizational Tools

Once you've cleared clutter and assigned homes for essentials, incorporate organizational tools to take your countertop order up a notch. Baskets, trays, racks, and containers help corral similar items to prevent a jumbled look.

For a farmhouse feel, distressed wood crates and woven baskets add texture. Sleek metal racks and matching canisters give a more modern vibe. Multi-tiered stands are great for upright storage of spices, cutting boards, or cookbooks.

When choosing organizers, opt for ones that complement your decor. Mixing and matching materials like wood, metal, and ceramic creates an eclectic look. Just be sure to leave some negative space between items so your counters don't get crowded.

Store Less-Used Items Elsewhere

Be selective about which frequently used tools and appliances earn a permanent spot on your counters. Items used only occasionally can be stored out of sight in cabinets or drawers nearby.

For example, keep stand mixers, air fryers, and instant pots stored away until it's time to use them. Everyday breakfast essentials like a coffeemaker and toaster can stay out. But your juicer or panini press can be tucked into a cabinet when not in use.

This frees up valuable counter real estate for items you use daily. You'll still have quick access to appliances when needed, but they won't clutter your counters when idle.

Choose Multi-Functional Pieces

When space is limited, choose items that serve multiple purposes. Multi-tasking accessories maximize efficiency in compact kitchens.

For example, a set of stacking mixing bowls does double duty as an attractive fruit bowl. An mounted pot rack provides storage and frees up counter space. Invest in a few all-in-one tools like an immersion blender with attachments.

Repurposing everyday items also helps. Use a cake stand to elegantly display fruit. Turn pots and pans into organizers for utensils. Get creative with finding ways basic kitchenware can also organize.

Edit Down to the Essentials

When it comes to decor accessories, carefully edit down to just the essentials. Too many knick knacks quickly lead to clutter. Pare accessories down to just your very favorite pieces.

A vase of fresh flowers, a couple of candlesticks and some framed art make simple yet stylish accents. For a homey touch, keep out a cutting board and a bowl of fruit. Avoid overload with non-essentials.

Also restrain yourself on the number of appliances you keep on display. Focus only on your daily use electric gadgets to limit clutter. Store the rest in cabinets to keep your counters looking tidy.

Maintain Counter Clearing Habits

No matter how organized your countertops, maintaining that order requires developing good daily habits.

Get into a routine of clearing counters completely each night before bed. Put everything away in its designated home. Wipe down surfaces and start each morning with a blank slate.

Quick but frequent tidying also helps. When you finish using an item, immediately put it away instead of leaving it out. Deal with small messes as they happen to prevent buildup.

Prioritize What's Visible

When tackling a counter organization project, focus first on the areas most visible - like near the sink and stove.

Spend time thoroughly organizing spaces guests see when they enter your kitchen. You can worry about the hidden corners or spaces against walls later.

Thoughtfully styling your most visible countertop zones creates the impression that the whole space is tidy. You don't need magazine-worthy organization behind closed cabinet doors.

Organize Based on Meal Prep Workflow

Think about how you move through tasks like food prep and cleanup as you organize your countertops.

Position cooking tools and appliances where you utilize them when preparing meals. Keep utensils handy near the stove and sink. Put cutting boards and prep bowls near your ingredient storage.

This workflow organization minimizes steps between tasks. Your essentials will be conveniently located right where you need them.

Coordinate with Overall Kitchen Style

Aim for a cohesive look by choosing countertop items that coordinate with your overall kitchen style.

For contemporary kitchens, sleek black and stainless accessories look right at home. Farmhouse spaces lean toward woven baskets and antique-inspired crocks. Go bright and retro for a funky diner-style space.

When your countertop items match the room's aesthetic, everything flows together beautifully. Mismatched accessories run the risk of looking jumbled and disjointed.

Decluttering and organizing your kitchen countertops may feel daunting. But taking it step by step using professional strategies can transform the space into a stylish, functional area you love.

Focus first on removing unnecessary items and clutter. Then designate specific homes for essentials based on your kitchen workflow. Use organizers to corral like items and maintain order.

Your kitchen countertops can become one of your favorite places to prepare meals, enjoy a cup of coffee, or admire as you walk by, with some strategic planning. Just a little bit of organization goes a long way in both form and function.