Dishes piled up in the sink, countertops covered in appliances and utensils, and random ingredients scattered on the shelves—does this sound like your kitchen?

It’s totally normal to have a messy kitchen, especially when life gets busy and cleaning takes a back seat. But a disorganized kitchen can make cooking and meal prep much more stressful than it needs to be. Not to mention, a cluttered kitchen can also make your house feel impossible to rest in.

So how do you tackle the clutter in your kitchen? Here are some tips!

Install Smart Storage Solutions

One of the main culprits of a cluttered kitchen is lack of storage space. People with small kitchens need to make smart cabinet choices to maximize their storage potential. Consider installing pull-out shelves or racks in your cabinets, as well as utilizing vertical space with hanging racks or shelving units.

Another great storage solution is using clear containers or bins for organizing pantry items and keeping them visible and easily accessible. This will save you from rummaging through a messy pantry every time you need an ingredient.

Declutter Your Countertops

Your toaster oven. Your blender. That strange contraption you bought on a whim and have never used. If these items are taking up prime real estate on your countertops, it might be time to evict them.

Clearing off your countertops can instantly make your kitchen feel more spacious and organized. Keep only essential appliances and tools on the counter, and find designated homes for everything else.

Get Rid of Excess Kitchen Utensils

Do you really need five different spatulas and three whisks? Probably not. Take an inventory of your kitchen utensils, then get rid of any duplicates or items you rarely use. Donate them or give them to a friend who may need them.

Having less cluttered drawers and utensil holders will make it easier to find what you need and keep everything organized.

Regularly Purge Your Pantry and Fridge

It’s easy for expired products and forgotten leftovers to accumulate in your pantry and fridge. Make it a habit to regularly go through these areas and toss out anything that’s expired or no longer needed. You don’t want moldy food taking up precious space in your kitchen.

Clean Up As You Go

One of the easiest ways to avoid a cluttered kitchen is to clean as you go. Rather than letting dishes stack up in the sink or leaving ingredients out, aim to wash and put everything away right after using them. This practice will prevent a buildup of clutter and make your post-cooking cleanup much easier.

Just because your kitchen is messy now doesn’t mean it has to be that way forever. By implementing these tips and making a conscious effort to keep your kitchen organized, you can create a more functional and less cluttered space for cooking and enjoying meals.