Declutter Your Kitchen Counter: 5 Smart Storage Hacks

Is your kitchen counter cluttered instead of a spot where you like to cook? You’re not alone. Many people want a clean and open kitchen, but ours often gets overrun with gadgets, spices, and pots that take up space.

The good news is that making your kitchen a place you enjoy is easier than you think. By using a few smart storage tips, you can clear your counters, make cooking easier, and enjoy your kitchen again.

Here are the top 5 storage hacks to help you declutter your kitchen counter and create more cooking space.

Declutter Your Kitchen Counter: 5 Intelligent Storage Tricks You Can Try

1. Going Vertical: Smart Shelves and Risers

If you have limited countertop space, try this smart idea. Use vertical space in your kitchen for storage. This can help you declutter your work area.

Fit Floating Shelves: Install thin floating shelves above your counter or stove. They are perfect for items you use often, like spices, oils, or your favorite mugs. By moving these items off the counter, you create more space for meal prep while keeping them easily accessible.

Use Shelf Risers: Shelf risers are great for maximizing cabinet and counter space. Stackable risers allow you to create levels for plates, bowls, or pantry items, effectively doubling your storage without needing more floor area. Over-the-hob shelf risers are also useful for keeping spices and cooking tools close by.

My Tip: Choose shelves or risers that match your kitchen’s style—wood for a rustic look or metal for a clean, modern vibe. Feel free to mix them to find what works best for you.

2. Pull-Out Storage to Declutter Your Kitchen Counter

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Hidden storage helps you keep your kitchen clean by hiding the mess and clearing the counters of unnecessary items.

Toe-Kick Drawers: These small storage spaces are at the bottom of your cupboards. You can easily store flat items like chopping boards, baking sheets, or place mats in them. They are easy to reach and help reduce clutter on your counters.

Pull-Out Chopping Boards and Trays: You can install a pull-out chopping board under your counter. It gives you extra prep space when you need it, and you can put it away afterward. Tip-out trays under the sink are great for keeping sponges or brushes. Rollout drawers in lower cabinets make it easy to access pots, pans, and small appliances.

Pull-Out Pantry: If you have a small space next to your fridge or cooker, consider installing a pull-out pantry. These tall, narrow shelves are perfect for storing cans, spices, or snacks while saving space. It becomes easy to reach and find what you need.

My Tip: Look for DIY kits or customized accessories that fit your kitchen’s size. Even one more inch can make a big difference when trying to clear the mess on your kitchen counter.

3. Wall and Door Ideas

Why let walls and cabinet doors go unused? Hanging storage is a smart and attractive way to keep kitchen items within reach.

Wall-Mounted Racks and Bars: Install a sturdy rack or bar on your splashback. Hang pots, pans, and utensils on it. This saves space in your cabinets and on your counters, and it adds a professional look to your kitchen.

Cabinet Door Organisers: The insides of your cabinet doors are great for storage. Attach racks or hooks there to hold paper towels, cleaning supplies, or pot lids. Magnetic strips are ideal for safely storing knives or metal tools where you can easily grab them.

Produce Hammocks and Magnetic Hooks: A small hammock under your cabinets works well for keeping fruit and vegetables. Use magnetic hooks for light items like measuring spoons or oven mitts.

My Tip: Choose storage solutions that match your kitchen’s colors for a coordinated appearance.

4. Multi-Use Accessories

To keep your kitchen counter neat and organized, only have items that are tidy and useful.

A two-tier turntable, also known as a Lazy Susan, is a great way to organize oils, spices, and sauces. It helps you use your space better and lets you see everything you have quickly.

Choose attractive bins and a bread bin that you like. A stylish bread bin or matching canisters can store bread, coffee, or snacks while keeping them fresh and adding style to your kitchen.

Using clear glass jars and canisters for items like pasta, rice, or flour is a smart choice. You can easily see what you have, which keeps your space looking clean and less cluttered.

My tip: Label your containers. It makes it easier to find things and speeds up meal prep.

5. Keep It Simple: Essentials Only

One simple tip is “Less is more.” Keep only the essentials on your kitchen counters. This will make your kitchen look better and feel more spacious. Simplifying your kitchen counter starts with this idea.

Create Zones: Designate specific areas for different tasks, like a coffee station or a prep area. Store everything else. This keeps your work surfaces clean and helps you focus.

Clear Out Regularly: Make it a habit to clear your counters daily or weekly. Put away items that don’t belong there. Remove anything you haven’t used in a while.

One-In, One-Out Rule: For each new gadget or appliance you buy, get rid of one that you no longer use. This rule helps prevent clutter from returning.

My Tip: Have a box ready for items you don’t need. Your local charity shop will appreciate it, and your kitchen will look much better.

Ready to Declutter Your Kitchen Counter?

A tidy kitchen is not just about how it looks; it should also work well for you. You can improve your kitchen by using height, hidden storage, walls and doors, smart organizers, and keeping only the essentials out. This will make your kitchen feel more spacious, effective, and enjoyable for cooking and hanging out.

Start small. Try one or two of these ideas this week and see the difference they make. Little by little, these changes will help you create a kitchen you love.

Do you have your own storage tips or before-and-after pictures of how you decluttered your kitchen counter? Share them in the comments below – I’d love to see how you make your kitchen work for you!

Read also: 15 Genius Kitchen Cleaning Hacks That Actually Work