10 New Year Reset Ideas for a Cluttered Kitchen

Starting the new year with a fresh, organized kitchen can make a big difference in your daily routine. Whether you’re tackling overflowing cabinets, cluttered countertops, or a disorganized pantry, taking the time to reset your kitchen can help create a more functional and enjoyable space. By focusing on deep cleaning, decluttering, and implementing smart organization solutions, you can transform your kitchen into a space that works for you.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Start with a Clean Slate: Empty Everything Out

The first step to resetting a cluttered kitchen is to empty all cabinets, drawers, and pantry shelves. This allows you to see exactly what you have and what you no longer need. It also provides the opportunity to clean every surface thoroughly, from countertops to cabinet interiors. This deep cleaning helps eliminate dust and grime that may have accumulated over time and sets the stage for a fresh, organized space. Once everything is cleared, you’ll have a clear picture of your storage needs and can begin the process of only returning the items that are truly necessary and useful.

As you empty out each area, take this time to sort items. Start a donation pile for things you haven’t used in the past year, and set aside items that can be thrown away or recycled. This not only frees up space but also makes it easier to implement an organizational system later on. With everything out of sight, it’s easier to focus on making mindful decisions about what goes back in.

Clean and Sanitize All Surfaces

After emptying the cabinets and pantry, it’s time to give your kitchen a deep clean. Wipe down all countertops, sink areas, and appliances with a safe, effective cleaner. This step ensures that you’re starting with a fresh, hygienic base before you reorganize and bring things back into the space. Don’t overlook the often-neglected areas like backsplashes, drawer interiors, and the tops of cabinets. A thorough scrub of these areas will help maintain a clean environment and make the kitchen feel more inviting.

Be sure to sanitize high-touch areas such as door handles, light switches, and faucet handles. If you use a lot of cleaning products, make sure you have a storage solution for them that keeps them easily accessible but out of the way. A deep clean, when combined with decluttering, will make your kitchen feel brand new and provide a sense of order and calm.

Declutter Your Countertop Space

Cluttered countertops can make even the most organized kitchen feel disorganized. Start by removing everything from the counter and only returning the items you use daily. Consider removing bulky gadgets or unused appliances that occupy valuable counter space. Store less frequently used items like mixers or blenders in cabinets or pantry spaces where they’re out of sight but still accessible. Keep the counters clear except for essential items such as a coffee maker, toaster, or knife block.

Decluttering your countertop will not only create a more aesthetically pleasing space, but it will also make cleaning and maintenance easier. You’ll find that with more open space, meal prep becomes quicker and more enjoyable, and it’s easier to keep the kitchen organized in the long run.

Optimize Your Pantry Storage

The pantry is one of the most clutter-prone areas of a kitchen. Start by taking everything out and checking expiration dates on canned goods, dry snacks, and baking ingredients. Dispose of expired items and anything you know you won’t use. Organize the remaining items into categories, such as canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, and grains. Consider using clear storage bins or labeled baskets to make it easier to access items quickly.

If your pantry has limited shelving, install adjustable shelves to accommodate different types of food storage containers. The goal is to create a system where everything is visible and easy to grab. With a bit of effort, you can make your pantry a well-organized, functional space that reduces clutter and allows you to find what you need with ease.

Implement Drawer Dividers and Organizers

Kitchen drawers tend to become a catch-all for utensils, gadgets, and random items that don’t have a home. Installing drawer dividers or organizers can help prevent this. Separate your silverware from your cooking tools and store knives in a knife block or magnetic strip. For smaller items like rubber bands, bag clips, or batteries, consider using smaller trays or drawer organizers to keep everything neat and accessible.

The more you break down each drawer into organized sections, the less likely it is that clutter will accumulate. These dividers are an easy way to create visual boundaries and ensure that everything has a designated space. This will help streamline your kitchen use, making it more functional and easier to maintain over time.

Create a Recycling and Trash Station

An organized trash and recycling station can make a huge difference in keeping your kitchen clean. Designate a specific area under the sink or in a pantry cabinet for trash bins and recycling containers. If space allows, use separate bins for compost, recycling, and general trash. This not only makes sorting waste easier but also keeps your kitchen looking neat and free from clutter.

By having an easy-to-use waste station, you’ll reduce the chances of trash piling up on counters or in other areas of the kitchen. It’s a small change that helps maintain cleanliness while ensuring that your kitchen stays organized and functional.

Organize Your Cooking Utensils and Gadgets

Cooking utensils can easily take over your kitchen drawers and cabinets. Instead of leaving them jumbled together, consider storing them in a drawer organizer or on a countertop utensil holder. Items like spatulas, ladles, and whisks should have a specific place so they’re easy to find when needed. For gadgets that you use less frequently, create a designated drawer or cabinet space where they can be neatly arranged.

Using small baskets or bins can help group similar utensils, so you don’t have to search through clutter every time you need something. When everything has a specific spot, the kitchen feels more organized, and your utensils remain in good condition.

Invest in Clear Storage Containers for Dry Goods

Storing dry goods like flour, sugar, rice, and pasta in clear, airtight containers is a great way to reduce clutter and keep your kitchen organized. These containers help protect your food from moisture and pests while allowing you to easily see what you have. Labeling each container with the contents and expiration date adds an extra layer of organization, making it simple to stay on top of what needs to be replaced.

Clear containers also make it easier to identify what you have at a glance, preventing you from overbuying items you already have. This small change can go a long way in streamlining your pantry and keeping it neat.

Install Pull-Out or Pull-Down Shelving

If you’re working with limited space, pull-out or pull-down shelves can be a game-changer. These shelves help you make the most of your kitchen’s vertical space while keeping items organized and accessible. You can install pull-out shelves in cabinets to store pots, pans, or even canned goods, which can be difficult to reach without these shelves.

These systems allow you to keep everything within arm’s reach without creating cluttered piles in hard-to-reach spots. Pull-out shelving is a great solution for deep cabinets or areas that don’t get used often but still require organization.

Store Baking Supplies in a Dedicated Space

Baking supplies, like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and baking sheets, can easily accumulate in a cluttered kitchen. Consider designating a specific drawer or cabinet for baking items. If you have the space, use clear containers for flour, sugar, and other ingredients that are often used together when baking.

By grouping your baking tools and ingredients, you can save time and reduce the chance of items being misplaced. When it’s easy to find what you need, baking becomes a much smoother process, and your kitchen stays neat.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.