If there’s one space in the home that seems to attract clutter faster than anything else, it’s the kitchen. Mail piles up. Appliances slowly take over. Kids’ water bottles multiply. And before you know it, your countertops feel chaotic instead of calm.
As a North Shore Realtor who walks through dozens of kitchens every month, I can tell you this: decluttered countertops make a huge impact—both for daily life and for resale value. Buyers instantly notice when a kitchen looks spacious, clean, and intentional. And homeowners feel the difference, too. A tidy counter can make cooking easier, mornings faster, and your whole home feel more peaceful.
Whether you're prepping your home for market or just want to enjoy a more streamlined kitchen, here are seven practical, doable ways to declutter your countertops and transform your space.
1. Clear Everything Off… Then Add Back Only What You Use Daily
The biggest mistake people make is trying to declutter “around” the mess. Instead, remove everything from your countertops — appliances, decor, mail, snacks, bottles, all of it.
Then ask:
What do I realistically use every single day?
For most households, that’s usually:
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Coffee maker
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Toaster
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Cutting board
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Hand soap or dish soap
That’s it. Everything else can be put away. When you start with a blank slate, you reset the space and only bring back what earns its place.
This method is also one of the easiest ways to show your home at its best when selling — buyers want to visualize large, open surfaces, not clutter.
2. Rethink Appliances: Store the Ones You Don’t Use Often
Air fryers, blenders, espresso machines, stand mixers… modern kitchens are appliance heaven, but they don’t all need to live on your counters.
A good rule of thumb:
If you don’t use it at least five times a week, store it.
Even storing two or three appliances can free up an entire stretch of countertop. Use lower cabinets, a pantry shelf, or a utility closet for:
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Slow cookers
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Waffle makers
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Food processors
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Pressure cookers
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Anything used occasionally
Bonus: This instantly makes your kitchen feel bigger and more luxurious — something buyers love.
3. Create “Drop Zones” for Mail, Keys, and Kid Stuff
One of the most common countertop clutter culprits? Random everyday items that don’t have a home.
Instead of letting them pile up:
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Designate a drawer for mail
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Use a small basket in a cabinet for keys, chargers, and earbuds
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Create a hidden bin just for school papers and kid items
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Use a family command center inside a pantry or mudroom
When everything has a place, your counters stop becoming the default dumping ground.
This is especially helpful for families (hello, Wilmette and Winnetka households!), where papers, forms, and notes tend to take over fast.
4. Use Attractive Storage Containers for Daily Essentials
Some things will live on your countertops — and that’s okay. The key is making them look intentional and organized.
A few simple upgrades can make a big difference:
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Store cooking utensils in a ceramic crock instead of a drawer overflow
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Use a stylish tray to corral oils, salt, pepper, and frequently used spices
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Place fruit in a pretty bowl instead of a plastic bag from the store
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Use matching canisters for coffee, tea, sugar, or snacks
Containers give your items boundaries, which keeps everything looking tidy and cohesive.
5. Take Advantage of Vertical Space
If countertop space is limited, it’s time to go up.
Easy, renter-friendly upgrades include:
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Magnetic knife strips
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Floating shelves for cookbooks or decor
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Wall-mounted paper towel holders
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Hooks under cabinets for mugs
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A peg rail for aprons and towels
Freeing surfaces while still keeping items accessible is a game-changer. It’s also a look that photographs beautifully — light, airy, and modern.
6. Keep Only One Decorative Moment on the Countertops
When staging kitchens for buyers, I always recommend one intentional decorative moment per zone. Too many items make the kitchen feel cluttered; too few can make it feel cold.
A perfect “moment” could be:
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A vase of fresh flowers
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A small plant next to a soap dispenser
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A tray with a candle and cookbook
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A bowl of lemons (yes, they truly work every time!)
Choose something simple and elevated. The goal is to create warmth without stealing valuable visual space.
7. Build a Weekly Reset Habit
Here’s the simple truth: even the most organized kitchen needs regular maintenance.
A weekly reset is the secret to keeping countertops clutter-free long-term:
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Put appliances back where they belong
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Recycle old mail
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Remove school papers that have piled up
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Refill canisters
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Store anything that’s migrated from its usual place
Do it on Sunday nights or Monday mornings — whatever works for your schedule. It takes five minutes and completely changes the tone of your week.
When prepping to sell, this habit also makes showings dramatically easier.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering kitchen countertops isn’t about perfection — it’s about making your home feel calmer, cleaner, and more functional. And if you’re preparing to sell, a streamlined kitchen is one of the fastest ways to elevate your listing photos and increase buyer appeal.
If you ever need help getting your home looking its absolute best for photos, showings, or simply for your own enjoyment, please reach out. I love helping my clients create spaces that shine — and thoughtful presentation is one of the smartest investments you can make during the selling process.
Whenever you're ready, I’m here to help your home look (and feel) amazing.
