Realistic Homemaker

Cleaning House

How to Start Decluttering Again When You’re Overwhelmed

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Finding the time and motivation to work on a home decluttering project that has been put on hold can be difficult. Here are some practical tips to help you get back in there and finish what you started.

white shelf with 3 baskets, clear bottle and blue bottle with babies breath and how to declutter your home text

Re-start the decluttering process successfully in your home with these five tips.

Maybe you were really pumped up when you first started decluttering your home. Then, for whatever reason, the project came to a halt.

Whether you just couldn’t find the time to get around to it, or you were overwhelmed by the mess…or maybe there was an illness. Things come up!

Or maybe you just got burnt out. And that’s normal. Because, that happens to all of us. Or, most of us.

At least, it happens to me anyway.

In fact, I launched my own MASSIVE home decluttering project a few years back. I went through tons of bags and boxes, closets, under beds… You name it, I tackled it.

And it was fun while it lasted. But, at some point, I was DONE.

I wasn’t finished….I was just done working on it. Yet, I still desired a less cluttered, more organized home for myself and for my family.

And I could see that the work I had already put in was paying off big time.

But it was it was hard to fit in “decluttering” with the other regular life stuff like keeping house, cooking, and homeschooling that I already felt like I could barely keep up with.

I wish I could say that I jumped right back in there after a short break and started cleaning things out like crazy. But, the truth is I was burnt out. And it took awhile for me to figure out how to get started again in a way that was sustainable.

Maybe you’re overwhelmed and stuck in your decluttering journey like I was.

And maybe, as badly as you want to finish what you started, you just can’t figure out how to get things rolling again.

Here are some tips that helped me (and hopefully will help you) get back on track.

This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.

1. Check in with your goals

When you first got into this whole decluttering thing, you probably had an idea of what you wanted your home to look or feel like when you came out on the other side.

Take a look around your home. What were those original goals?

Clear counters? Papers organized so that you can always find what you need, when you need it? Drawers and cabinets that actually shut? (Maybe things aren’t that bad at your house, but hopefully you get the idea)

For some of us, our number one goal is to NOT DIE of embarrassment when someone drops in unexpectedly. Or asks to use our bathroom. Or needs access to our hot water heater or some other broken thing that is currently hiding in the wreckage but needs emergency repair.

Sometimes, just remembering why we started something to begin with gives us the inspiration to keep on going.

2. Finish something you previously started

You probably have one or more unfinished decluttering projects you had started before.

There can be many advantages to tackling a halfway, or even somewhat partially finished project.

  • It probably won’t take as long to complete
  • After you finish, you will have a sense of accomplishment
  • If it was important enough to start before, then it’s probably important enough to finish now
  • You’ll get your head in the game faster by picking up where you left off

Zoom in on one of those areas that you already tackled once upon a time (the smallest one would be my suggestion) and knock that one out for a win!

3. Try the 5-7-9 Gentle Decluttering Method

Maybe the thought of emptying a whole closet full of clothes, or all of the food in your pantry, or just tackling any entire space all at once right now, is just too daunting.

If that’s the case, then you might need a more “gentle” approach to help you get back into that mental space of “I just want this stuff gone and I want my house back”

One way you can do that is to use the 5-7-9 method.

With the 5-7-9 approach, you don’t need to gather boxes and bags before you start. You are simply going to choose a problem area in your home and set a timer for 9 minutes.

Then, during that 9 minutes, you’re going to remove between 5 and 7 items and take each one to the place where it belongs. And that could be in another area of your home, the trashcan, or the donation box.

(I have a donation box or bag going all the time for just this purpose. And other family members know that it’s there if they need to get rid of something.)

One of the great things about this method is that there is no preparation time and there are no props that you have to gather. Nothing to slow you down.

And you’re getting back into that decluttering mindset gradually, while seeing progress along the way. That progress tells our brains “hey, this is working! I can do this!”

4. Start with small projects

Choosing quick and doable projects at first will help you get back into the decluttering habit.

Here are a few ideas:

  • one pantry shelf
  • nightstand
  • one refrigerator drawer or shelf
  • junk drawer
  • under the kitchen sink
  • one bag or tote of miscellaneous “stuff”

You could also choose a space that you partially finished before. For instance, if you previously tackled the laundry room, and it’s kind of starting to look like a disaster area again, then that could be the perfect project to reignite that decluttering fire in your belly.

>> Related Post: How to Clean Your Messy House When You Don’t Know Where to Start

5. Making time for decluttering

If not having enough time to declutter is a problem for you (and let’s be real who doesn’t have a problem with finding time to do things these days) then you might have to get more intentional with taking time for your project.

One way to do that is to simply schedule it in during your day. Write it on your to-do list. Set an alarm on your phone. Or just plan to do it at a certain time when you know you will be reminded.

For example, if you’re working on your laundry room then you might plan a short declutter session after you’ve put clothes in the washing machine.

Another way to work decluttering sessions into your day is to just do it when the urge hits you.

We somehow always manage to pile up a particular closet near the kitchen with random stuff. Lately, I have made that closet my focus to unclutter. So, if I have a few minutes after lunch, or there’s less clean up after dinner than usual, I’ll set my timer and use those few extra minutes to work on that closet.

Those little chunks of time matter. Whether you declutter just a few items. or tidy one small area of your kitchen. That’s one more win!

And it’s one less thing that is holding you back from having a home that you love. 

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How to Re-start a Home Decluttering Project When You’re Overwhelmed

10 Simple Ways to Organize Pots and Pans in Your Kitchen

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Save time and frustration with these simple solutions for storing cookware in your kitchen. Here are the tips, tools and ideas you need to easily organize and declutter your pots and pans once and for all.

cast iron cookware on white window ledge

If you’ve ever had to deal with pots, pans, and random bakeware stacked and stuffed into kitchen cabinets, then you know the inconveniences that unorganized cookware can cause.

For me, it meant wasted time digging through precariously stacked pieces. And things clashing and clanking, falling every-which-way as I tried to pry loose the thing I needed.

The chaos resounding from the kitchen would prompt my family to ask “are you okay?” and “what was that crashing sound?”

“If you can organize your kitchen, you can organize your life.” – Louis Parrish

My 1990’s cabinets made finding the perfect cookware storage solution a bit of a challenge. Older cabinets lack those nifty deep drawers like the newer cabinets have, for instance.

I even tried one of those hanging pot racks over my kitchen island, but it was always leaning to one side or the other. It attracted dust. And it made my kitchen look even more cluttered.

I did eventually find some amazing organizational tools that work for traditional as well as modern cabinets. And the result has been nothing short of miraculous.

I can honestly say that organizing my pots and pans has changed my kitchen experience.

And, therefore, my life.

So, if you hate clashing metallic noises and digging through stacked frying pans as much as I do, check out these ideas for quick and easy cookware organization.

(This post may include affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE.)

Space saving in-cabinet pots and pans storage

pull-out pots pans and lids organizer with stainless cookware

1. Pullout organizer does double and triple duty

This type of storage organizer has rolling pullout shelves with dividers, and actually installs inside of your kitchen cabinet.

slide-out chrome pots and pans organizer

I have used this one, Rev-A-Shelf 2-Tier Wire Pull Out Organizer for Pots, Pans, and Lids, for several years.

This particular design has two sliding wire shelves, is extremely sturdy, and pretty simple to set up.

The Rev-A-Shelf holds all of my everyday stainless steel pots and pans, along with their lids, strainers, and other accessories.

And, if I want to add something or change things around, I can adjust it in seconds just by sliding the dividers along the wire base.

Having everything plainly visible and easily accessible saves me so much time in the kitchen.

stainless cookware in pull-out organizer

This organizer has been nothing short of miraculous for storing pots and pans in my older cabinets.

Need a one-tier or other type of design? You can find other styles, sizes, and price-points here.

2. Chefs love this vertical tiered pot rack with multiple options

The GeekDigg Pot Rack Organizer, Adjustable Height and Position, Kitchen Counter and Cabinet Pan Organizer holds up to eight pots and pans with their lids on. So, there will be no more searching for the right sized lid.

black pots on tiered pot rack

This nifty contraption has three options for configuration. So, it can be used vertically two different ways, or laying horizontally.

Users say it is a cinch to assemble. 

I’ll have to admit, I have never used one of these storage racks myself, but the reviewers love this one for its durability, flexibility, and use of vertical space.

Storing heavy duty and cast iron pans

cast iron pans on kitchen counter

3. Sturdy wire rack does the job

My cast iron pieces store nicely in a simple vintage coated wire rack that I thrifted a few years back. It is very similar to the ones in this budget-friendly 2-Pack Simple Houseware Kitchen Bakeware Cabinet Organizer.

two racks with pots, pans and cutting boards

I like how the coated wire sort of “cushions” the pans and doesn’t scratch or disturb the finish.

These racks are substantial in weight and have rubber feet to keep them from sliding around when you are reaching for or replacing an item.

4. Heavy duty rack stores larger cookware with ease

heavy black pots and pans on vertical rack

The Heavy Duty Extra Large 5-Tier Pan Organizer Rack is another great choice for storing your enamelware and cast iron cookware.

This one holds up to 60 pounds, and can even accommodate larger pieces, such as dutch ovens and deep skillets.

It is attractive enough for countertop storage, and can be placed vertically or horizontally to best fit your space.

Best minimalist pots and pans storage

5. Compact sized rack is perfect for storing cookware in small kitchens

For adjustable storage of fewer items, the YouCopia Storemore Pan and Lid Rack could be just what you need.

teal and silver kitchen items in rack

The YouCopia has dividers that can be placed exactly where you need them to accommodate different sizes.

A white finish gives it a clean, minimalistic look that is nice enough to display right on your kitchen counter. Yet, it is small enough to tuck into a cabinet.

Pro Tip:

>>Declutter your cookware while you are reorganizing it! Get rid of scratched or warped pieces, duplicates, and things you no longer use. Make room for the good stuff!

6. Expandable storage rack fits minimalists’ needs

cookware in white storage rack

The larger cousin to the above compact storage rack, this YouCopia StoreMore Expandable Cookware Rack actually expands in length from 12” to 22” to fit your space.

Also adjustable, this one has the flexibility to meet your storage needs and a style that fits any decor.

Wall-mount kitchen organizers

 

wall pot rack with stainless and cast iron pots

7. Hanging storage organizers utilize wall space

If you’re short on cabinet and counter space, you might think about trying a wall storage unit like this Lyon Kitchen Organization and Storage Rack for Hanging Pots and Pans to store your cookware.

Wall units come in an array of finishes, styles, and sizes, and can hold everything from stock pots to frying pans.

For a large capacity option, this Miyili Wall Mounted Pot Rack offers two-tiered shelving and fifteen hooks.

This one has room for even more of your cookware, plus your favorite cooking utensils and accessories.

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8. Simple rail design is minimal and effective

pot bar rack with pots and pans

The rail or pipe design can work in a kitchen where counter and cabinet space is lacking. They can be mounted in obscure locations, such as below the upper cabinets, and can hold quite a bit.

This Oropy 39” Pot Bar Rack Utensils Hanger with 14 S Hooks comes in copper or cast iron. Reviewers love its simple styling and durability.

DIY Tip: You can also accomplish this look with an industrial towel bar like this one Vintage Style 16 Inch – Heavy Duty Rustic Hand Towel Bar and a few S hooks. 

Storing sheet pans and bakeware

baking sheets and muffin pans in cabinet organizer

9. Bakeware racks offer quick and simple solution

white bakeware rack with teal and metal pans

For organizing cookie sheets, muffin pans, cutting boards, baking stones and more, bakeware racks are more than practical. Most require minimal or no assembly, and come in many lengths to fit a variety of cabinets and shelves.

The YouCopia Bakeware Storemore Adjustable Rack gets amazing reviews. It has movable dividers. Non-slip feet will keep it in place when you are removing or replacing your cookware.

black rack with pot lids

As an ultra budget-friendly option, this Kitchen Bakeware Pot Lid Rack Holder Organizer is the perfect choice. It is the same style that I use in my kitchen.

I like it for its simplicity and for the wide spaces that accommodate many different kitchen items.

10. Slide-out organizer is sleek and convenient

chrome slide out rack with muffin pan cutting board and cookie sheet

A pullout style rack keeps all of your bakeware sorted and easy to access. The Lynk Slide Out Cutting Board, Bakeware, and Tray Organizer Pull Out Kitchen Cabinet Rack rolls right out from the cabinet so you can view everything at once, making it easy to find what you’re looking for every time.

Users have great things to say about this one, including that it “looks very professional,” and is “sturdy and easy to install.”

SHOP COOKWARE STORAGE ON AMAZON

What about stock pots and large roasting pans

Large cookware that doesn’t work in a cookware rack, such as deep stock pots and roasting pans, can present a storage challenge for sure. Just their mere size can make it hard to find a place for them.

My larger stainless steel pots are simply stacked and nested in the large cabinet space underneath my stovetop.

Here are some other ideas for storing large cookware:

What to do with oversized lids and odd accessories

Some of my larger lids store nicely in my 2-tiered pullout organizer, either in the top or bottom rack.

Large and even oversized lids usually work well in a simple cookware rack. My huge glass lid to my large frying pan works great in one of these racks along with my cast iron pans.

DIY Tip: Attach a towel bar to the inside of a cabinet or cabinet door for cookware lid storage. This one from 3M Command sticks right on and removes without damage. How cool is that?!

Pro Tip:

>>Nest large lids inside of larger pans in your cookware rack.

Related post: 10 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Kitchen

>>Check out more storage and organization ideas for pots and pans HERE.

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stainless steel cookware with text 10 ways to organize your pots and pans

How To Clean Your Messy House When You Don’t Know Where To Start

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When the mess in your home has you stressed out, and you don’t know where to start cleaning it up, there is hope! Here’s how you can get motivated and clean that house up, even when it is a REALLY huge mess!

If you are looking around your house and thinking, “It’s just too hard. I CAN’T EVEN DEAL with this disaster.” then you might be suffering from Messy House Overwhelm.

It’s frustrating and sometimes even depressing.

I have been there more times than I would like to admit. And, as hopeless as it might seem, I promise you CAN get your house, or any room for that matter, CLEAN!

WHAT HOLDS US BACK FROM CLEANING OUR MESSY HOUSE

We might expect the process to be painful.

And, we would rather be doing something else. Or, ANYTHING else actually.

But, that’s okay! Because this clean-up plan offers us quick results, with less pain involved.

And, this is NOT an all day deep cleaning extravaganza. Not that you can’t do it all in one day. You can use this approach however it works for you.

The goal here is to take some of the sting out of the process by starting with small, incremental tasks that will give us big wins. That’s what this clean-up plan is all about.

Overwhelmed exhausted woman feeling tired of cleaning in her messy house sitting on the floor with toys and laundry lying around her

FINDING THE MOTIVATION TO CLEAN A MESSY HOUSE

Just wanting a clean house isn’t enough for us to get our cleaning groove on. We can feel stuck…even paralyzed by the chaos.

We know that our family will benefit from a cleaner space. It might even seem that we owe it to our spouse or our children.

But don’t we also owe it to ourselves to have the level of cleanliness in our homes that we desire?

Tidy, clean, relaxing…whatever that means to you. You owe it to yourself. And I believe that you are ready to put in the effort and claim it.

You have already taken the first step just by reading this post today!

(This post may include affiliate links for your convenience. Read my full disclosure policy HERE.)

(After you have tackled the mess, 5 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Home has some useful tips for keeping it under control!)

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

Kitchen Timer

Clothes Basket or Storage Tote (Clutter Basket)

Trash Bin or Bag

Microfiber Cloths

Dusting Spray for Wood Surfaces (this one is non-toxic and is my fave)

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray (this is an awesome non-toxic spray or you can use/make your own)

Vacuum Cleaner (this is one amazing machine)

For our home, I choose to use cleaning products that are non-toxic and fragrance-free. This one is really good. Or, you can save tons of money by making your own with natural products that clean as well or better than chemicals!

Some things, like mirrors and some surfaces, can be cleaned with only microfiber cloths and water!

FOCUSING ON “DONE”, NOT “PERFECT”

Repeat after me: “Progress, not Perfection!!“

This is about getting it done, not getting it done to precision. Consequently, we don’t need to hunt down every dust bunny and find every speck of dirt.

Also, this is not a good time to get distracted by going on a purging spree. Ultimately, however, you make the rules. So if a few things make it into the donation box along the way, no biggie.

This strategy gives you a clear idea of where you left off and where to start again. So, don’t be frustrated if life gets in the way. Just roll with the interruptions.

And you and I both know that unless the stars align, and pigs start to fly, you are going to be interrupted.

The goal here is to make it as pain-free as possible, and maybe even pleasant. Shoot…you can even have fun if you want to!

So, turn on some of your favorite jam (or a good podcast if that’s what motivates you) and let’s see what we can do.

Man hangs his outside shirt on a hook in hallway

WHERE SHOULD YOU START CLEANING WHEN EVERYTHING IS A DISASTER?

Even if there are other areas of our home that need attention, it just feels good to have a somewhat clean and welcoming entrance.

For us, this is our mudroom area. That’s the last space we see as we leave the house, and the first thing we experience when we return.

Of course, if it’s the living area that really needs emergency attention, then feel free to start there. You can always tackle that room first and then come back to the entryway.

(Think you are failing at homemaking? Read 7 Encouragements for When You Are Struggling as a Homemaker)

HOW TO DO THIS THING: SIMPLE STEPS FOR CLEANING A REALLY MESSY HOUSE

Alright, here we go.

Armed with your basket and timer, head to the area or room closest to your home’s most used entrance (or living area if that’s what you plan to tackle first). Leave the cleaning products behind for now.

Choose a small section of that room and set your timer for 10 minutes. This will help to keep you on task and encourage you to steadily work.

If there are things on the floor, begin there and work quickly in that section, putting items in their proper place.

Next, still working in that section, start on the things that are on the furniture and other surfaces. Remove items from that section that don’t belong and place them in the “clutter basket” to be put away later.

If you are done with a section before the timer goes off, use that time to put away some of the items in the clutter basket, or just reset the timer and move on to the next section.

Now you’re cruisin’!

Continue moving clockwise around the room, resetting the timer for each section. Each time it goes off, you can have the satisfaction of knowing that you have reached a small goal, and that you are 10 minutes closer to accomplishing the much larger goal of having a cleaner home!

Do as many sections as your schedule or your energy allows. Or continue until you have worked your way around the room and are back where you started.

The hardest part is done!

smiling woman wiping white bookshelves

CLEANING THE MESSY SURFACES

It’s time to tackle the actual dust, grime and dirt that has accumulated.

Set your timer for 5 minutes and do any refinements that might be needed before bringing in the cleaning supplies, like putting furniture back in place or picking up something that you missed the first time around.

Grab your cleaning cloths and spray cleaner if you’re using one. Use paper towels, too, if you need them. Yes, I know that some people consider them to be wasteful but if it’s a really grungy, icky, gross mess, a paper towel can be a wonderful thing!

Now, go back to the first section you chose in the beginning.

Start with the highest surfaces in that section, spraying, wiping, and cleaning…or dusting that surface.

Work down from the upper surfaces to the lower in each section as you move around the room.

Get your groove on!

Whistle. Sing. Dance.

Might as well burn some extra calories and get some endorphins flowing while you do this thing.

Spray. Wipe. Repeat.

I like to spray my cloth as opposed to the surface so that I am not sending dust and other stuff into the air.

If you like using the timer and it motivates you, totally use it for this part too!

If you are interrupted or have to stop cleaning, make a note of the section where you left off.

This way, there won’t be any guesswork when you come back to it later.

Cleaning floor in room close-up of womans feet and mop

FINALLY…CLEANING THE FLOORS

Give the floor a good vacuuming. This should only take a few minutes.

Next, if the floor is hard surfaced you can either “spot clean” as I like to call it, or scrub the whole shebang if it needs it.

I find that scrubbing or mopping the floor doesn’t take very long, but for some reason it is one of my least favorite chores. So, if you’re like me, you might need some really upbeat music and a fun, fancy mop for this task.

If the “clutter basket” has items in it, now is a good time to take the basket around the house and deliver those things to their proper places.

Congratulations!

That wasn’t too hard, I hope.

Now, look around (quickly, while it lasts) and take in the awesomeness of your clean space.

Of course this is not the ONLY way to approach cleaning a super messy house.

But it is effective… and doable. That’s what counts!

And the results are so rewarding!

RECAP:

  • Know that you owe it to yourself to have a space that is clean and enjoyable.
  • Start close to the main entrance of your home, or in another area that needs immediate emergency attention.
  • Use 10 minute increments to clean small sections of a room.
  • Work up from the floor as you clear the mess.
  • Put things that don’t belong in that room in a “clutter basket” and put them away later.
  • Wipe and clean surfaces, working from high to low in each section of the room.
  • Shake it up and have fun…might as well!
  • Vacuum and clean floors.
  • Look around and marvel at your super cleaning powers.

SOME PRO TIPS:

~ I like to load my dishwasher before diving in to the cleaning process so it can be running while I am working on other areas of the house. By the time I get back around to the kitchen, one load of dishes is already clean. I can unload it and load it again if needed. Makes me feel like I scored a big win!

~ It’s conventional wisdom to vacuum after you have wiped surfaces. I have this thing, though, about dirty floors. If there is visible debris on the floor, it sort of paralyzes me. So, I have to give it a quick one-minute vacuuming before I proceed.

~ With little ones, I know it can get tricky. I used to clean the bathroom while watching mine in the tub. I gave them bowls of beans or rice to stir when I worked in the kitchen…age appropriate of course. Safety first. If they’re older, get them involved. Sure, it might slow you down a bit. But it may actually motivate you somewhat to have the help, and they will learn so much by working alongside an adult.

~ Use five or ten minute chunks of time that you have during the day to slowly pick away at the mess until is more manageable. You will see the progress and hopefully be encouraged by what you have done so far.

Finally, if you are in that place where you really need another person to help with cleaning, I get that too.

Don’t be afraid to ask available friends or family if you have that option. Or hire someone if you can work it into the budget. It can save physical and mental energy in the end and can definitely be worth it.

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10 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Kitchen

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While the kitchen is the heart and hub of the home, it can also be the hardest room to maintain. These simple, but practical tips will help you keep your kitchen cleaner and more organized.

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When my husband and I were first married and it was just the two of us in our new home, maintaining the kitchen was fairly simple. It was pretty much always clean and uncluttered.

Then we had kids.

And I quickly realized that in a busy household with children, a clean, uncluttered kitchen is as rare as a buy one, get one sale on organic produce.

In fact, I started to dream about how blissful it would be to have my own “Alice”, the iconic loyal and duteous television sitcom housekeeper, to help me in the kitchen.

But, alas. No Alice, nor fairy godmother, nor magical house elf has ever shown up to lend a hand.

And I’m guessing that that hasn’t happened for you either. So I’m going to share some tips to help you keep your kitchen under control. Yes, even without the help of the aforementioned fictional characters.

kitchen with pot on counter, keep kitchen clean

1) GET RID OF THINGS YOU DON’T USE

The fewer “things” you have in your kitchen, the easier it will be to maintain.

Extra serving pieces, mismatched flatware, or the bread machine you purchased right before deciding to go gluten-free. Anything in your kitchen that is not serving you and your family, just let it go.

Even if something was pricey to begin with, if it’s not being used then it’s probably not worth the real estate it inhabits.

Need inspiration? Click here for a free printable KITCHEN DECLUTTER CHECKLIST!

2) HAVE KITCHEN RULES

And make sure that everyone follows them.

Here are a few of ours.

  • If you cook outside of regular meal times, you are responsible for cleaning up.
  • Wipe up spills, crumbs, and other disasters.
  • Use your personal coaster for your water glass during the day. (this helps to eliminate dirty glass demolition derby)
  • If you use a non-dishwasher safe dish, wash it. Yourself. Right away.
modern kitchen black countertop greenery hanging on wall light through window behind sink

3) FOLLOW A DAILY KITCHEN ROUTINE

Dirty dishes pile up crrraaazy fast around here.

By unloading the dishwasher each morning, I have a place to put said dishes as we use them. Then my counters stay clear (somewhat anyway, if I’m being real here) and I can finish loading the dishwasher after dinner.

In the evening, I take care of anything that needs to be hand-washed. I leave those things in a dish rack to dry overnight.

Other tasks, like checking the fridge each morning for “aging” leftovers, wiping the counters after meals, and cleaning the sink every night will help to maintain your kitchen.

4) START WITH A CLEAN KITCHEN

If you’re like me, and you can’t function in a dirty kitchen, this is going to be a no-brainer for you.

If not, then you might relate to my daughter, who can come in right behind a meal, before the clean-up has happened, and whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

By the time she is halfway through, you can’t even tell where one mess stops and the other starts! Drives me a little crazy. (a lot actually)

At that point the mess is so far past manageable that it takes more time and energy to clean everything up.

So, if you want to keep mess to a minimum, start your kitchen endeavors with clear counters and an empty sink. Your later self will thank you.

5) CLEAN AS YOU GO

For some people, this is just another NO-BRAINER.

But not everyone has the intuition to do this (a few members of my own household included), so I’m gonna put it out there.

Just clean up the messes as they happen.

If you wipe the kitchen counter after a spill and wash out the blender right away, you’ll SAVE TIME that you would spend later trying to scrape off the counter or soak, wash, soak, wash, soak, wash…the blender.

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6) CLEAN WHILE YOU WAIT

If your “dawgs are barking” and the sofa is calling your name, by all means take a break. But, while your oven is working it’s magic on that yummy casserole, it’s good to get in there and clean up the mess!

Even if you are in the habit of “cleaning as you go”, there are probably some things in the kitchen that need to your attention. Might as well make smart use of your time and do it while your food is cooking.

Same goes for boiling water, making toast, cooking pasta…Get in the habit of using that time to catch up and keep up.

meal plan master list tips

7) REDUCE VISUAL CLUTTER

Personally, I would find it a real pain to pull out the coffee maker every time I set it. Or the blender each time I make a smoothie.

So I’m not going to tell you that you should take everything off of your kitchen counters and stow it away.

But appliances, decorative items, and random papers can take up a HUGE chunk of space on your counter top. They reduce your work space, and can make a kitchen look cluttered and uninviting.

If you can find a place for seldom used appliances (the ones that didn’t make it into the donation box) it can REALLY help things visually and can reclaim precious counter space.

Kitchen decor is nice. But too much can diminish the functionality of your kitchen. So, be very selective about what you choose to display. Only set out things that you truly enjoy.

And then there’s the dreaded PAPER CLUTTER. (Raising hand here because…GUILTY!) You have to handle that monster as soon as it comes in the door, if not before. Have a place for what you need to keep, and banish papers from the kitchen. Forever!

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8) DEEP CLEAN SOMETHING EVERY DAY

Each day, I try to give at least one thing in my kitchen a thorough cleaning.

It can be anything. The front of the dishwasher. The toaster oven. Or one of those little thingies from the inside of the refrigerator door.

Other Areas to Deep Clean:

  • dusty appliances
  • areas behind and under dusty appliances
  • toaster oven tray
  • microwave plate/splatter cover
  • around door frame of dishwasher
  • anything in refrigerator
  • oven glass
  • back splash behind sink
  • pantry shelf
  • top of refrigerator

9) “SPOT CLEAN” THE KITCHEN FLOOR

When the kids were little and I was in a hurry to get the house presentable (like when “short notice” company was coming) I would hand them wet cloths and tell them to “spot clean” the kitchen floor.

Cleaning up the visible stuff worked so well at making the entire floor look freshly scrubbed that I eventually incorporated it into my kitchen routine.

Often, by the end of the week, the floor has had so much “spot cleaning” that it doesn’t even need a full on mopping.

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10) SHINE UP YOUR SINK

Hands down one of the best habits I’ve adopted is to clean and shine my sink every day.

Cleaning my sink thoroughly each day not only prevents smelly bacteria and germs from building up, but it also keeps the sink free of clutter and ready to use when it’s needed.

I like to use this twisty brush because it does a really good job of getting down into the drain and crevices. (It is also great for hand washing jars and bottles AND it goes in the dishwasher!) Dish liquid works great for shining the sink. For stubborn messes, I add a sprinkle of this powder. It always gets the job done.

These habits will go a long way to keep your kitchen tidier and more functional in between deep cleanings.

For tips on keeping your entire house under control on the daily, you can check out 5 Simple Habits for a Cleaner Home.

For Meal Planning Ideas: Family Meal Planning Master List & Free Printable

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