How to Make Your Small Kitchen Clutter-Free (And Finally Find That Missing Lid!)

Let’s be honest—keeping a kitchen clutter-free, especially a small kitchen, feels like an Olympic sport. You start off with good intentions, but somehow, you end up with a drawer full of mismatched lids, an army of takeaway boxes, and a countertop that looks more like a storage unit than a place to cook. And don’t even get me started on the unnecessary packaging we all insist on keeping ‘just in case.’ (Spoiler: That case never comes.)

But fear not! If you’re tired of feeling like your kitchen is playing hide-and-seek with your utensils, here’s how you can reclaim your space, keep things organized, and—dare I say—actually enjoy cooking again.

1. The Great Packaging Purge

First things first, let’s talk about all those empty cereal boxes, takeaway containers, and jars you swore you’d reuse. If you haven’t touched them in the last month, it’s time to say goodbye. A cleaner kitchen starts with less stuff, and trust me, you don’t need 25 pasta sauce jars ‘just in case.’

💡 Tip: Repackage frequently used pantry items in clear stackable containers—they take up less space and make your kitchen look instantly tidier.

2. The Mystery of the Mismatched Lids

If I had a pound for every time I found a lid with no matching container, I’d be rich enough to buy a bigger kitchen. Stop the madness. Go through your food storage and match lids with containers. If you can’t find its partner, it goes (no, it’s not coming back).

💡 Tip: Use a drawer organizer or a vertical rack to store lids properly. No more avalanche every time you open a cabinet.

3. Maximize Your Vertical Space

When you have limited counter and cabinet space, it’s time to look up. Floating shelves, under-cabinet hooks, and wall-mounted spice racks can free up tons of space while keeping things accessible.

4. Declutter Your Drawers (Yes, Even the ‘Junk’ One)

We all have that one catch-all drawer filled with batteries, random sauce packets, and a collection of utensils we never use. Here’s a radical idea: clean it out.

Keep only the essentials.

Use drawer dividers to separate items (goodbye, tangled mess of measuring spoons).
Relocate non-kitchen items (your old phone charger doesn’t belong here!).

5. Adopt a ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

If you bring a new kitchen gadget into the house, commit to removing something old. Do you really need five wooden spoons? Probably not. Keep what you actually use and donate the rest.

💡 Tip: If you’re tight on space, opt for multi-functional gadgets like stackable mixing bowls or a cutting board with built-in storage.

6. Keep Countertops Sacred

A cluttered counter makes even a clean kitchen feel messy. Only keep daily essentials out—like your coffee station or knife block. Everything else should have a home inside a cabinet or drawer.

💡 Tip: Use a hanging rail system for utensils and spices, so they’re accessible but not in the way.

7. Make Tidying Up a Daily Habit

A few small daily habits can keep your kitchen looking spotless:

Wipe down surfaces immediately after cooking.
Unload the dishwasher first thing in the morning, so dirty dishes don’t pile up.
Take out the trash regularly (especially if you want to avoid ‘mystery smells’).

Final Thoughts: A Clutter-Free Kitchen = A Clutter-Free Mind

I function best when my house is in order, and nowhere is that more true than the kitchen. When my space is clutter-free, I actually enjoy cooking (shocking, I know), and I don’t waste time looking for a missing whisk. If you’re tired of chaos in your small kitchen, start small—clear off one shelf, toss the old takeaway boxes, and before you know it, you’ll have a space that feels bigger, cleaner, and stress-free.

What You’ll Get: ✔️ Easy-to-follow steps for decluttering your kitchen & home ✔️ A simple checklist to make cleaning quick & stress-free ✔️ Smart storage solutions for small spaces

My Favorite Kitchen Storage Must-Haves

I’ve linked my favorite storage solutions at the bottom so you can enjoy a good read without distractions. Once you've soaked in all the tips, you can check out these essentials to help you stay organized:

Check out these kitchen storage essentials to help you stay organized:

Ready to declutter? Try these must-haves and enjoy a clutter-free kitchen!

Home Decor With Shade

12 February 2025