01/03/2022
Week 1: Kitchen Counters & Sink
This week’s optional organizational information centers around the same area we are decluttering. This week we are focusing on kitchen organization, specifically keeping our countertops and sink clean and clear. There will be a lot of info in the weekly posts but stick with me because it’s all really helpful in helping you organize and declutter.
Step 1) The first thing you need to do before decluttering is to really think about what the current functions of your kitchen are (intentionally and unintentionally) and how you WANT to use your kitchen moving forward. Some functions of a kitchen can be cooking/food prep, eating, food storage, homework area, recycling center, family hangout, family calendar/control area, home office/bill pay center, mail organization, or the drop off location for items as they enter your home like paper, bills, school stuff, keys, etc. The key to kitchen organization is making the space you have functional and INTENTIONAL. You can use your kitchen for as many functions as you want as long as you have room for them, and you can make the space functional for the intended uses.
STEP 2) Create useable counterspace & clear your kitchen table. Once you have decided the functions you want your kitchen to serve you can take action to meet those goals. This week we are focusing on counter space and keeping the sink clear ONLY.
Clear counters are important because you need the space to do the primary function of the kitchen which is cooking and food prep. Another benefit is that seeing clear space instead of clutter is calming and keeps you feeling less stressed. This area DOES NOT have to be completely clear, but optimally you only want to have out what you need, what you use often, or whatever brings you happiness.
Declutter and put away stuff on the counters that don’t fit the functions you have decided to use your space for. For example, if bills and mail currently come into the kitchen, but you decide that bills will now be paid in the home office, move them, and then create a plan to start bringing the bills and mail to the home office so things don’t reaccumulate.
Declutter and put away items on the counter that will stay in the kitchen. A good rule to follow is the more frequently you use something, the easier it should be to access. Think about how often you use the things left on the counters. First keep out the items and small appliances you use daily like a coffee maker or toaster. If you have additional room, you may decide to keep out the items used weekly like a crockpot, InstaPot or air fryer. Anything you don’t use weekly should probably find a new home in a cabinet or other storage area.
Throw away or donate any items that are too old, are broken, you have duplicates of, or that you know you will never use again. Another good rule to follow is that if you haven’t used something in at least a year, it’s probably safe to say it can be decluttered.
Make it a habit to declutter and clear your kitchen table daily.
STEP 3) Consider kitchen storage solutions to help clear your counter space. Some ideas are:
• Rails, racks, and hooks to hang pots/pans/utensils from the
walls or ceilings.
• Knife block or magnetic knife storage for the wall.
• Shelving
• Rolling kitchen cart
• Decorative utensil crock next to the stove
STEP 4) Create the habit of keeping the kitchen sink clear of dishes twice a day. I like to do dishes after breakfast and after dinner. The reason for this is because if the sink is full of dirty dishes, it invites other areas of your kitchen to become dirty. Kind of like a slippery slope mindset...I can just put the mail on the counter until later because the sink is full anyway. While washing the dishes you can also declutter things like excess sponges/scrubbers, soap bottles, dish drainers, etc. that you no longer use. Although I don’t personally use one, there are some really cool sink caddies and organizers out there that can help keep all your things neat and organized.
