Six tips when decluttering a small kitchen

The small kitchen is a place that quickly becomes cluttered when it does not have enough storage space. However, a kitchen that is tidy and well organised is not only easier to use and to clean but also a more pleasant space in which to spend time. Here are six tips to help you organise your kitchen and keep it that way.

1. Empty each cupboard and drawer

Take everything out of one cupboard or drawer at a time and sort out the items into categories. This will help you to see what you have and whether there are any duplicates, out-of-date food and items that you have not used for a year or more. Be ruthless: if you haven’t used it for a year it is likely you won’t need it. Donate items that are in good condition and recycle when possible.

2. Prioritise your everyday items

The most frequently used items should be stored in the easiest to access locations, e.g. mugs near the kettle, plates near the dishwasher, knives and utensils near cooking areas. Less frequently used items such as mixers, slow cookers, roasting tins, etc. can be stored in higher levels of the cupboards, under the stairs or even in other rooms around the house.

3. Use clear containers and labels

Decant dry foods such as pasta, rice, flour and cereals into clear stackable containers around the kitchen to make them look neat, stack up better than half-open packets and mean you can see what you have got, to stop it going to waste and help stop you buying the same thing over and over again. Label the containers so you know what is in them. For foods that you may use slowly over time, make a note of the best-before date on the container.

4. Clear your worktops

Limit the items you keep on your work surfaces to essentials such as your kettle and toaster, and clear away the rest. A clear work surface helps to make your kitchen feel larger and gives you more room to cook – which is often the biggest problem in a small kitchen.

5. Make the most of vertical space

Make use of your walls and the back of doors. There are lots of types of hooks, rails and even magnetic knife strips to choose from to free up space in your drawers. Wall shelves can store jars and spices and you can use over-the-door organiser systems and stacking shelves inside cupboards to use the full height of a space.

Purchasing replacement kitchen cabinet doors from companies such as https://www.happy-doors.co.uk means your kitchen space will look modern and inviting, and it is a good option for those who don’t want the hassle of a complete renovation. You can even create a coffee mug rack to free up much-needed cabinet space.

6. Be mindful about new purchases

To prevent items in your kitchen going back into clutter, remember ‘one in – one out’. This means that for every new item you bring into your kitchen you have to take out an old one. It’s also worth asking yourself whether you really need a new single-use item or if you can make do with something you already have.

A simple decluttering plan

Frequently asked questions

How can I store pans in a small kitchen?

Store pots and pans stacked inside each other with cloth or pan protectors between them. Store lids upright on a pan lid rack on the back of a cupboard door. Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a wall rail. Pull-out drawers are better than deep cupboards for storing and using heavy pots and pans.

What should I get rid of first?

Begin by clearing the obvious rubbish: out-of-date food, duplicates, broken items and old gadgets that you have not used for a year or more. This will quickly free up space and make the harder decisions easier.

Where to go next

Once the clutter is gone, read our six ways to make a small kitchen appear bigger.

Decluttering a small kitchen is not just about getting rid of things. It’s about creating a space that functions better.