6 Habits Minimalists Swear By for a Tidy and Well-Organized Kitchen

Do you fantasize about having one of those spotless, perfectly organized kitchens? Where every item is neatly decanted, sparkling clean dishes are stacked on open shelves, and everything—from your air fryer to your cheese grater—is easy to find?

While your kitchen might seem like the complete opposite of that vision, creating a Pinterest-worthy kitchen (or getting close to it) isn't out of reach. All it takes is embracing a minimalist mindset and following a "less is more" approach. So, where do you begin? A pro organizer shares six minimalist tips for achieving a clean and organized kitchen.

Clarify Your Personal Definition of Minimalism

Minimalism can have various meanings depending on the individual, so it’s crucial to understand what it represents to you personally. 'Start by establishing your own boundaries,' advises Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. 'Does it mean owning a capsule wardrobe? Or limiting yourself to a specific number of each item?'

For some, minimalism might involve having a single set of dishes or perhaps three sets. It could mean stocking up on months’ worth of paper towels from a warehouse store, or simply keeping one spare roll at a time. The essence of minimalism varies according to the individual and their lifestyle. The key is to identify the level of minimalism that best suits your needs.

Begin with a Major Decluttering Session

If you're aiming to adopt a more minimalist lifestyle, Duckworth recommends starting with a thorough declutter of everything you don’t need. 'Get rid of things that are broken, outdated, irreparable, or simply no longer useful,' Duckworth suggests. 'Review the items you haven't used in the past year and be honest with yourself; it may be tough, but the satisfaction of living in a space filled with only things you love will be worth it.'

So, whether it’s those holiday dish towels with stains or the decorative items on your table that haven't seen the light of day in five years, dispose of anything that isn't truly essential.

Eliminate Unnecessary Duplicates

If you only eat carrots once a year, do you really need six carrot peelers? Not a fan of soup? Why keep four ladles? This doesn’t mean you should have no kitchen tools, but aim to cut down on duplicates and simplify to just one of each item.

Evaluate Your Shopping Patterns

Are you someone who can’t resist a sale? Do you buy food in bulk and let it go to waste before using it? Or do you purchase items thinking you’ll use them, only to let them collect dust on the shelf?

Examine your shopping habits, advises Duckworth. 'Many of the items we purchase are attempts to fill gaps in our lives, and it’s important to evaluate them,' she explains. 'We dispose of so many things each year, and the goal is to reduce that number.' She also points out that with the rise of online shopping, certain items may not work out, and most of us don’t return them—leading to unnecessary clutter and wasted money.

Be Mindful of What You Bring Into Your Home

It can be tough to turn down gifts, but unnecessary items end up occupying precious space in your kitchen, contributing to clutter, says Duckworth. 'Be mindful of everything you bring home—the gift bags, the items your mom gives you, and all the little extras—they quickly pile up,' she advises. 'I always say, if an item doesn’t have a designated spot in your home, it doesn't belong there!'

While it may be difficult, learn to say no. If you feel uneasy about rejecting a gift or freebie, make it a habit to place the item straight into your donation pile.

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Assistance

Remember, simplifying your lifestyle becomes much easier with a little assistance, so don't hesitate to seek help from a professional organizer or even friends. 'Getting an external perspective can really help when you're unsure about something,' Duckworth says. 'A professional organizer will help you map out your vision and offer new ideas for your space.'