"Clear counters create a calmer, more functional kitchen that feels easier to maintain every day," says Lauren Saltman, professional organizer and owner of Living. Simplified.
The good news? You don't need a full kitchen renovation to get your countertops looking clean and clutter-free. Whether you're decluttering before spring or getting a head start on your spring cleaning routine, you can reclaim your counters with a few simple tweaks and habits. Keep reading for Saltman's expert tips on how to make it happen.
1. Clear Everything Off First
Do your counters feel totally out of control? If so, the first step is to start fresh. "Clear everything off first. Start with a completely blank surface," Saltman suggests. "Removing everything allows you to evaluate what truly belongs on the counter versus what has simply accumulated."
Now, instead of working around clutter, you're making decisions from scratch. Give yourself space to sort through what you've removed so you're not rushing the process. A temporary staging area makes it easier to thoughtfully decide what earns its way back.
2. Relocate Items to Logical Homes
"Many items end up on counters because they don't have a designated storage space," Saltman notes. Creating specific homes for your items inside drawers, cabinets, or the pantry makes tidying up effortless. When something has a clear destination, you're far more likely to put it away instead of setting it down "for later."
If you find yourself running out of space in your storage areas, that's still useful feedback. "It might be a sign that it's time for a full kitchen decluttering session," Saltman says.
3. Keep Only Daily-Use Essentials Out
Sure, your tea kettle might be gorgeous and that ceramic canister set is cute, but not everything in your kitchen needs to be on display. Saltman recommends keeping only the essentials you use every day out, like a coffee maker, toaster, or electric kettle. Beyond that, less is usually more. But Saltman does suggest keeping out one or two simple items that can actually benefit your routine, like a bowl of fresh fruit.
"Having healthy, easy-to-eat snacks within arms reach and easily accessible will promote healthy eating choices," she says.
4. Contain Small Groupings
Even necessary items can look messy when they're scattered. Grouping them thoughtfully using trays, jars, or canisters helps establish defined zones and makes the area easier to manage, according to Saltman.
"Not only does it prevent visual clutter, but it also makes it easier to wipe down counters regularly," she says. "Instead of shifting five loose items every time you clean, you can simply lift one contained grouping and wipe underneath in seconds."
5. Create a Maintenance Habit
The real secret to clean countertops isn't a one-time overhaul—it's consistency. With that in mind, Saltman underscores the importance of doing a quick nightly reset.
"Returning items to their designated homes prevents counters from becoming a catch-all," she explains. "To really keep things running smoothly, work on developing the habit of immediately putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher, scrubbing pots and pans after they are used, and emptying the dishwasher as soon as the drying cycle has been completed."
"When systems are simple and intuitive, maintaining clear surfaces takes just a few minutes a day," she adds.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
