Do you struggle with countertop clutter in your own home? Then, today’s post is all about figuring out what should and shouldn’t stay on your kitchen counter. But before we get started, I wanted to point out that you are the only one who can really say where things should be stored. It all comes down to how often you use things, so use your judgment!
The benefits of having a clutter-free countertop are
- Easy to clean
- More available work surface
- Aesthetically pleasing
Here is a list of 10 things you can get off the kitchen counter
1. Tea, coffee and sugar canisters
When you have a small kitchen, these canisters can take up far too much counter space. Tea, coffee, sugar and cups can be placed in the cabinets above the kettle. So then, that area becomes a tea/coffee station.
2. Spice rack
Multiple jars of spices on the countertop can easily make a kitchen look crowded. Spices can go in the drawer or the cupboard that is right next to the stove. This can be the cooking station
3. Oils
Oils can be stored in the cooking station I.e. in the cabinets that is beside the cooking range. The oil bottle can be placed in a horizontal position, if the height is an issue. Furthermore , the less oil is exposed to light, the longer it lasts.
4. Knife block
Knife blocks are convenient but they are chunky especially if you have space constraints. I own only 4 different types of knives and I store them in the drawer. One large for meats and three for cutting other things. I don’t cut breads so I have never needed the serrated one.
5. Blender/ Toaster – if it not being used everyday then it should not be on the counter. Place it in storage right next to the plug points for easy access.
6. Non kitchen related Gadgets-
Gadgets like Alexa, cordless phone etc can move to another surface, if you have a small kitchen.
7. Condiments
Most condiments need to be refrigerated after they have been opened. The rest can be stored away in baskets and in cupboards.
8. Bulky Drying rack
For minimalists, it’s ideal to steer clear of cumbersome drying racks featuring multiple tiers and instead opt for roll-up metal alternatives that can be conveniently placed over the sink.
9. Breads
Breads can either be kept in a basket and in the cupboard or stored in a drawer
10. Photos, decorative pieces and candles
These are the first few things that can move off the counter to make valuable counter space available
Things I do put on my kitchen counter
- Fruit bowl – keeping a fruit bowl on the countertop is beneficial, especially if you have kids. When they are displayed in a bowl, there is a higher chance that it will be picked up.
- Water dispenser – to raise independent kids, a need arises to keep healthy basics at their reach. I also like to keep a few cups in a drawer,that they can reach.
- Kettle
- Drying rack (ones that you put over the sink and roll up after use)
Comment below if you found this useful or if you have any other tips that could help a minimalist. Thank you
