Declutter Ruthlessly
If you haven't used it in 6 months, it doesn't belong on the counter. Put away rarely-used appliances. Clear counters make your refresh shine.
Quick Summary
1-2 hours
$0
Emotionally hard
Massive
Why This Step Matters Most
You could paint cabinets, install new hardware, and add beautiful lighting— but if your counters are cluttered, it all gets lost. Decluttering is free, fast, and has the highest impact of any step in your kitchen refresh.
The goal is to see your beautiful new backsplash, your clean countertops, and your updated fixtures—not a collection of random appliances and papers.
The Counter Test
For every item currently on your counter, ask these questions:
Do I use this daily?
Coffee maker, toaster = yes. Bread maker, juicer = probably not.
Is it beautiful enough to be decor?
A nice stand mixer can stay. A beat-up old blender cannot.
Can it live somewhere else?
In a cabinet, pantry, or appliance garage = off the counter.
Common Counter Clutter
Get Off the Counter
- • Mail and papers
- • Keys and random items
- • Rarely-used appliances
- • Vitamins/medication bottles
- • Random food items
- • Excessive decorative items
- • Duplicate items (2 cutting boards?)
Can Stay (If You Use Daily)
- • Coffee maker
- • Toaster (if used daily)
- • Utensil crock
- • One nice soap dispenser
- • One beautiful cutting board
- • Salt/pepper by stove
- • Fruit bowl (one)
The Process
Clear Everything Off
Literally everything. Put it all on the table or floor. See your counters empty.
Clean the Counters
Wipe everything down. This is your blank canvas. Appreciate it.
Add Back Selectively
One item at a time. Question each one. If in doubt, leave it off.
Find Homes for Everything Else
Cabinet, pantry, donate, or trash. Every item needs a decision.
Maintenance Rules
- • One in, one out: New appliance? Old one goes.
- • Nightly reset: 2 minutes to clear counters before bed
- • Paper goes immediately: Mail = act, file, or trash. Never counter.
- • Weekly check: Has anything crept back? Remove it.