How To Declutter and Organize Your Kitchen When You Have No Time

This guide on how to declutter and organize your kitchen will help you easily take control of clutter with real-life advice that actually works.

My popular 30-day declutter challenge was shared over 2 million times. I do this exact challenge at least a couple of times a year. It can really give you a kickstart. By the way, if you need to know how to declutter without guilt, I have one really cool quick tip I used for years. Changed the game for me.

How to Declutter and Organize Your Kitchen a Little Each Day

One of the biggest obstacles to decluttering is finding the time. We can’t think of kitchen organization as a 9-5 job or we’ll never do it. Instead, let’s think of it as a game that we play in short rounds.

Remember: every little thing you do is going to help. Celebrate small victories along the way and remember that the goal is not perfection but functionality and comfort.

Decluttering a kitchen can be so overwhelming, but with a systematic approach and some focused effort, you can transform it into an organized and functional space.

How to Actually Find the Time: Before you begin, set aside a block of time dedicated solely to decluttering your kitchen. Even if you only want to commit to 15 minutes at a time, good for you!

While I’m cooking, I use any waiting time I have to do little things. The other day, while I was waiting for the noodles to boil, I dumped out everything in my “spatula drawer”, wiped it down, and dumped it all back in. A small thing, but it felt really good.

Create a 15-minute playlist and declutter and organize while you listen. Get up to do part of a project during commercials. Tell yourself you will only organize during a podcast. Promise yourself a little reward if you declutter for 30 minutes. There are no rules. Celebrate every time you declutter, organize, or clean.

10 things you can do in the time it takes to make a microwave bag of popcorn…

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Gather Supplies: Collect the necessary supplies to aid in the decluttering process. If you have everything you need you’re less likely to walk away from what you’re doing.

Here are some supplies that will make the job easier.

Decluttering Toolkit: This may include a screwdriver for disassembling items, a utility knife for breaking down boxes, pen and paper, markers, and other basic tools you may need during the decluttering process.

This soft-sided tote could hold pretty much all of the small things you’ll need from room to room.

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1. Boxes or Bins: Use these to sort items into categories such as keep, donate/sell, and toss.
2. Trash Bags: For disposing of items that are no longer needed or usable.
3. Recycling Bin: To collect recyclable items such as paper, cardboard, and plastic containers.
4. Cleaning Supplies: Including all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, sponges, and dish soap for cleaning surfaces and appliances as you declutter.
5. Storage Containers: Invest in various-sized containers, baskets, bins, and drawer organizers to corral and categorize items in cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves.
6. Labels: Use adhesive labels, chalkboard labels, or a label maker to clearly mark the contents of storage containers, shelves, and drawers.
7. Drawer Dividers: Keep utensils, gadgets, and small items organized within drawers by using dividers or trays.
8. Shelf Risers: Maximize vertical space in cabinets or pantry shelves by using shelf risers to create additional storage tiers.

11. Hooks and Racks: Install hooks or racks on walls or inside cabinet doors to hang pots, pans, cooking utensils, and dish towels.
12. Lazy Susans or Turntables: Make items in deep cabinets or pantry shelves more accessible by using lazy Susans or turntables to easily rotate and access items.
13. Spice Racks or Organizers: Keep spices organized and easily accessible by using spice racks, tiered organizers, or drawer inserts.
14. Clear Storage Bins: Use transparent bins or containers to store and organize items in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer, making it easy to see what’s inside.
15. Fridge and Freezer Organizers: Invest in bins, baskets, and organizers specifically designed for use in the refrigerator and freezer to keep items neatly organized and accessible.
16. Magnetic Hooks or Clips: Utilize magnetic hooks or clips to hang items such as keys, measuring spoons, or recipes on the refrigerator or other metal surfaces.
17. Step Stool: If you have high cabinets or shelves, a step stool can be handy for reaching items stored in those areas safely.

It just makes sense to utilize every square inch, including vertical. These magnetic shelves are wonderful.

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Clear Countertops (15-30 minutes): Start by clearing off your countertops, removing any items that don’t belong or are rarely used. Keep only essential appliances and utensils within reach. Wipe down the surfaces as you go to remove dust and grime.

Once you’ve removed everything you possibly can, give it another look. Do you really need to have the toaster on the counter? That cookie jar is cute, but is it functional?

Make a decision in only a few seconds as to whether something should be thrown away or donated. Don’t overthink it. If you have 5 ladles, donate 3. There is no emotional attachment to a ladle… allegedly.

Sort Through Cabinets and Drawers (1-2 hours): Empty out one cabinet or drawer at a time and sort through its contents. Ask yourself if each item is necessary, functional, and used regularly. Donate or sell items that are no longer needed, and discard any broken or unusable items. Group similar items together and consider using drawer organizers or shelf dividers to keep things tidy.

As you go through your drawer, ask yourself, “Does this belong here? Do I need this? Do I use this?”

Pens, pencils, and markers go together. I keep paper beside me so I can check each pen before I put them in a pile.

Coins. Paperclips. Tape. Push Pins. Stamps. Rubber bands. Twist ties. Notepads. Keys. Keychains. Nails. Screws. Little toys. Throw away most of them and sort and store the rest in very small quantities.

There are definitely things in a junk drawer that can be purged. It’s tempting to keep twist ties, but I’ll bet your daily bread tie usage compared to your current stash means you have enough to last a lifetime.

Thistlewood Farms has a wonderful tutorial for taking a messy drawer to organized… and pretty.

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Declutter Pantry and Food Storage Areas (1-2 hours): Remove everything from your pantry and food storage areas, checking expiration dates and disposing of any expired or stale items. If you have food that is not expired, please donate.

Group similar items together (e.g., canned goods, baking supplies, snacks) and organize them in a way that makes sense to you. Consider using clear containers or labeled bins to keep items visible and accessible.

Check out the pantries featured on House Beautiful. There are definitely ideas to steal! The jars and the old crates in the pantry below are right up my alley.

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Assess Small Appliances and Cookware (30 minutes – 1 hour): Evaluate your collection of small appliances and cookware, keeping only those that are used regularly and in good working condition. Donate or sell appliances that are duplicates or rarely used. Consider storing bulky items like stand mixers or slow cookers in lower cabinets or closets to free up countertop space.

This pantry makeover from Wildfire Interiors is incredible. She has a specific spot for everything, including small appliances and cookware.

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Clean and Organize (1-2 hours): Once you’ve decluttered and sorted through everything, it’s time to clean and organize your kitchen. Wipe down cabinets, shelves, and drawers, and clean any appliances or cookware that need attention. As you put items back, think about how you use your kitchen and organize things accordingly. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and store lesser-used items in higher or lower cabinets.

Never in a million years would I have thought to store water bottles this way! Dollar Tree always has these magazine holders on the shelf.

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