The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. It’s a space where families come together to cook and eat, and it can quickly become cluttered if not properly organized. If your kitchen is feeling cramped and cluttered, don’t worry – there are some easy tips and tricks you can implement to make better use of this space! Let’s look at some questions you should ask yourself to make decluttering much easier.

• Tip #1 – What do you really need?

• • The first step in decluttering your kitchen is to identify what needs to be kept and what can be thrown away or donated. Start by sorting through your cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Ask yourself the following questions:
    • Do I use this item regularly?
    • Does this item have a specific purpose or function?
    • Is this item damaged or broken?
    • Do I have multiples of this item?
  • Once you’ve answered these questions, then it’s time to get rid of some things. Be ruthless when getting rid of items – if you haven’t used it in months (or years), there’s a good chance you never will. If it’s broken and you have no intention of repairing it, it’s time for it to go. If you have unwanted items or duplicates, consider donating them to a charity or selling them online.
• Tip #2 – Do you need all of the small appliances you have?
  • It’s very easy for small appliances to take over your kitchen – so take a look at them. When’s the last time you made waffles? Is it really necessary to have a mini chopper and a full-sized food processor? If you have appliances that you don’t use or ones that are damaged, it’s time to get rid of them. If they’re in good condition, consider donating them to a friend or family member who could use them.
• Tip #3 – What’s in your pantry?
  • Now let’s take a look at your pantry. If you have expired food items or things that you never use (such as spices), it’s time to get rid of them. Be sure to organize your pantry by category (cereal, pasta, etc.) and place like-items together. This will make finding what you need much easier!
• Tip #4 – What’s on your countertops?
  • Take a look at your countertops and cabinets. Are they cluttered with pots and pans? Utensils? Store pots and pans in an overhead cabinet or in a pantry, and store utensils in drawers or a utensil crock. This will free up counter space and make your kitchen look much more organized.
• Tip #5 – Do you really use those cookbooks?
  • Do you have a collection of cookbooks? When was the last time you actually prepared a recipe from one of your books? It may be time to go digital! If you don’t use them often, consider donating them to a library or friend.

Once you’ve gotten rid of the excess, it’s time to start organizing what’s left. Use drawer dividers and cabinet organizers to create specific spaces for each item. This will help keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. Label storage containers with stickers or a permanent marker so you can easily find what you’re looking for. If possible, try to keep like items together – this will make finding things even easier! (If you need some baskets or containers to help you get organized – check your local dollar store. They usually have a great selection of things that can help.

The final step in decluttering your kitchen is to clean it thoroughly. Start by wiping down all of the surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner. Next, scrub the floors and cabinets with a degreasing agent to remove any built-up dirt and grease. Finally, vacuum or mop the floors to ensure they are clean and sanitized.

Your kitchen will look amazing and feel spacious when you take the time to declutter and get organized. Get started today, and you could have a kitchen you love tomorrow!