Welcome to Day 12 of the 30 Days to Less of a Hot Mess Challenge! Today we’re focusing on the heart of the home: the kitchen. This post offers practical, easy-to-implement tips to declutter, organize, and maintain a kitchen that works for your family. If you’re just joining the challenge, consider starting at the beginning so you don’t miss any of the steps. (Affiliate links were used in the original post for convenience.)
Over the years I’ve kept my kitchen fairly pared down by regularly removing items that sit unused in the back of cabinets or drawers. When an appliance or gadget hasn’t been used in a long time, it goes into a donations box. I’ve even given away complete sets of dishes and glasses we never used—because realistically, a family of four only needs so many plates and cups.
I also cleared everything out from under my kitchen sink and reorganized the remaining supplies. I experimented with different systems and ultimately chose a simple tiered organizer that works well for the limited cleaning supplies I keep there. The key is visibility—when you can see everything at once, things stay in order.
Because the kitchen is the hub of the home, the biggest challenge for me has been keeping countertops free of random clutter: toys, school papers, loose change, receipts, and boxes. This year I committed to making clear counters a non-negotiable part of my evening routine. Each night I load the dishwasher, run it, and wipe down the counters. In under 15 minutes the difference is dramatic and the kitchen feels calm and welcoming.
5 Smart Kitchen Organizational Tips
Create a functional kitchen that works for you
Below are five simple strategies I use to keep the kitchen tidy and efficient. These are practical, adaptable ideas that you can apply to any kitchen layout.
1. Store cups and plates nearest the dishwasher or where you serve
Arrange everyday dishes and cups close to the dishwasher or the area where you typically set the table. That reduces carrying and stacking time when unloading. If your kitchen has upper cabinets rather than large drawers, designate the most convenient cabinet for cups and another close to your serving zone for plates. The goal is to make the flow from clean to stored to used as seamless as possible.
2. Keep a magnetic notepad on the fridge for running grocery lists
A magnetic notepad on the fridge makes it easy to jot down items as they run out. Tear off the page when you shop so you don’t forget essentials. If you prefer digital lists, sync a shared note on your phone with family members so everyone can add items in real time. Either approach prevents duplicate purchases and last-minute trips to the store.
3. Decant frequently used baking ingredients into clear, labeled containers
Keep sugar, flour, and other commonly used staples in airtight, clear containers and label them clearly. This saves time while cooking and baking and reduces spills or messes from bulky packaging. Chalkboard labels or printed stickers both work well; the important part is consistency so you always know where to find things at a glance.
4. Designate one day each week to clean out the fridge
Set a weekly fridge-cleaning habit—mine is Sunday evening—so expired or leftover items don’t turn into forgotten science experiments. Remove old containers, toss spoiled food, and wipe down shelves. Doing this before grocery day creates space for fresh items and keeps your fridge organized and hygienic. A quick weekly routine prevents overwhelming cleanups later.
5. Invest in stackable, easy-find-lid storage containers
Matchable, stackable food storage containers eliminate the avalanche of mismatched lids and bottoms. Choose a set that nests neatly and has lids that snap together or stack reliably. Over time I’ve moved from mixed plastic to glass containers for durability and a cleaner look. Donate old mismatched containers and start fresh with a cohesive set for easier cabinet organization.
Those five tips have made a real difference in how smoothly my kitchen runs. Clear counters, visible storage, and weekly maintenance keep small tasks from piling up into a big mess.
The Messy Work: Tackle a decluttering project today. Start by taking a box and remove everything from your countertops that doesn’t belong there. Carry the box around the house and put items back where they belong, donate the extras, or discard broken things. Next, find the worst cabinet or drawer: empty it completely, decide what you truly use, and return only those items in an organized way. Donate or trash the rest. You’ll feel the calm instantly.
I hope one of these tips helps you create a more organized kitchen. I’ll be sharing more about fridge, freezer, and pantry organization soon, along with my meal-planning system. See you tomorrow for more practical steps!
In the mess with you, Laura
More Posts You Will Love:
- How to Organize a Pantry
- Butler’s Pantry Ideas: 10+ Beautiful And Functional Designs
- Washable Kitchen Runner Rugs: 10 Favorite Pretty Floor Runners
- How to Decorate Kitchen Counters {Decorating 101}
- 7 Ways to Refresh a Kitchen