10 Habits to Keep an Organized Kitchen

Kitchens are one of the most difficult rooms in the house to keep organized. It’s no wonder: 3 meals a day to prepare, endless dishes to clean, daily mail and other armloads from the car dumped on the counter, plus any number of activities happening on the kitchen table. That’s a lot of activity to keep on top of every day.

Sure, you can set aside a block of time, roll up your sleeves, declutter, re-organize and return your kitchen back to organized bliss. But, here’s the deal: life continues every day. More meals will be cooked. More dishes will need washing. More mail will come in the door. Every. Day!

Kitchen organizing is not an occasional activity

The best way to keep your kitchen organized is to add a few simple steps to your daily routine. Practice these routines often enough and over time they’ll become ingrained habits that you’ll do without thinking. Soon, you’ll be effortlessly organized. Every. Day!!

10 Habits to keep an organized kitchen

1. Empty the dishwasher every morning

Start the day with everything in its place. Simply take a few minutes to empty the dishwasher while waiting for your morning coffee to brew. No more reaching for a favorite mug or bowl and wondering where the heck it is!

2. Clean up as you go

Put dishes straight into the dishwasher instead of the sink. If necessary, start soaking those pots and pans. Wipe down splatters and spills right away and save the need for a deep clean at the end of the day.

3. Put things away as you go

It takes only seconds to put something back where it belongs vs. having to put everything away all at the same time.

4. Use wait time while cooking

Waiting for water to boil? Use these spare minutes to clean up or put things away. Even a minute of tidying up here-and-there helps keep things in order.

5. Plan meals around what you own

Use ingredients already in your fridge and pantry first before shopping for more. This will ensure your ingredients are as fresh as possible, will eliminate overbuying and free up storage space.

6. Purge on shopping day

Check dates and freshness as you put groceries away. Toss anything spoiled or expired. Remember to take a look at leftovers. Move older/soon-to-expire items to the front so they’ll be used first.

7. Use your command center

Keep counters clear of daily essentials and paperwork by keeping everything in one central spot – ideally, your family Command Center.

8. Corral the clutter

Keep a few small containers or trays in hot spots to corral clutter and small pieces. It’s much easier to walk around with a container or tray and return everything to its home than it is to deal with one small item at a time.

9. Overwhelmed? Stop and take five

It’s not always possible to pick-up and clean as you go. If you begin to feel overwhelmed with clutter and chores building up – simply stop, set a timer for five minutes, and do what you can to set things straight. Do this a few times throughout the day and you’ll stay in good shape.

10. Do the dishes every night

At the end of the day, finish washing any pots and pans that have been soaking. Gather any remaining dishes, top off the dishwasher and turn it on before going to bed. Never wake up to dirty dishes again.

Incorporate these 10 habits into your daily routine and your kitchen will stay clutter-free and organized. Every. Day.

What is your daily kitchen routine? Do you have any different habits to share? Let me know in the comments. I’m always interested in new ideas.