Your kitchen counter might seem like a convenient place for all sorts of items, but some things are better kept elsewhere.
From food items to essential kitchen appliances, storing certain things on the counter can lead to clutter, hygiene issues, and even damage.
Let’s explore 25 items you should consider relocating for a cleaner and more efficient kitchen space.
1. Bread
Bread might feel right at home on the kitchen counter, but it’s a recipe for dryness and staleness. The air circulation can turn your loaf into a rock-solid relic before you know it.
Instead, consider keeping it in a bread box or pantry where it can stay fresh longer. Remember, even bread deserves a cozy spot!
By storing bread properly, you’ll keep it soft and tasty, avoiding waste and preserving that delightful fresh-baked texture.
2. Coffee Maker
Your trusty coffee maker can brew delightful mornings but doesn’t need to live on the counter full-time. It takes up valuable space and can accumulate dust.
When not in use, store it in a cupboard to free up room for cooking tasks.
This keeps your kitchen looking sleek and gives you more space for culinary creativity. Plus, less dusting is always a win!
3. Paper Towels
While paper towels are a kitchen essential, they don’t need to take up counter space. The roll can easily unspool, causing clutter or wasting sheets.
Consider using a wall-mounted or under-cabinet holder for easy access that keeps your surfaces tidy.
This little change organizes your kitchen and prevents the dreaded “paper towel avalanche.” Clean and convenient!
4. House Plants
Plants love sunlight, but your counter might not be their ideal home. Without adequate light, your leafy friends can wither.
Instead, place them by a window where they can soak up the sun’s rays.
This not only keeps them healthy but also adds a touch of green to your view. Happy plants, happy kitchen!
5. Dish Soap
Dish soap is a cleaning champion, but it doesn’t need to dominate your counter space. Spills are common, leaving sticky residues.
A caddy or under-sink storage keeps it accessible without the mess.
This simple move keeps your counter clutter-free and ready for action, while your dish soap stays neatly contained.
6. Fruit Bowl
While a fruit bowl might seem decorative, it can attract unwanted guests like fruit flies. It also exposes fruit to sunlight, hastening spoilage.
Consider storing your fruit in the fridge or a pantry to keep it fresh and fly-free.
A little change that saves your fruit from an untimely demise and keeps your kitchen clean!
7. Cereal Boxes
Cereal boxes on the counter scream breakfast chaos. They take up space and invite spills.
Opt for a pantry or cabinet spot to maintain a streamlined look and keep cereals fresh.
This way, you’ll avoid crunching through spilled cereal first thing in the morning!
8. Electric Kettle
The electric kettle, while handy, doesn’t need to monopolize your counter. It might clutter your workspace and add to visual noise.
Store it away between uses to keep your kitchen looking neat and organized.
You’ll appreciate the extra space when preparing meals, and your kettle will be ready to brew whenever needed.
9. Kitchen Scale
A kitchen scale is a precise tool, but it’s often used infrequently. Leaving it on the counter just adds to clutter.
Keep it in a drawer or cabinet when not weighing ingredients.
This frees up valuable prep space and ensures your scale stays clean and ready for action when precision is key.
10. Spices
Spices are the flavor backbone of any dish, but they don’t belong scattered on the counter. Sunlight can degrade them, dulling their zest.
Opt for a spice rack inside a cabinet to protect them from light and heat.
This keeps your spices potent and your counter free from the chaos of rogue jars.
11. Cookbooks
Cookbooks are culinary treasure troves, but they don’t need to claim counter space. They can gather dust and take up room better used for preparation.
Stash them in a shelf or cupboard when not in use.
This keeps your work area open and your beloved recipes within easy reach when needed.
12. Utensil Holder
A utensil holder can quickly become a jumble of spatulas and spoons. It can take up valuable counter space and look untidy.
Consider a drawer or wall-mounted organizer to streamline your kitchen tools.
This not only tidies up the counter but also makes finding the right utensil a breeze.
13. Blender
Blenders are smoothie-making marvels, but they don’t need to dominate the counter. They add bulk and can be an eyesore when not in use.
Store your blender in a cupboard when not blending.
This keeps your kitchen sleek and spacious, ready for the next cooking adventure without a bulky blender in the way.
14. Toaster
The humble toaster is a breakfast hero but doesn’t need to monopolize your counter. Crumbs can scatter, creating a messy appearance.
When not toasting, find a home in a cabinet or pantry for it.
This keeps your kitchen tidy and ensures a crumb-free counter, ready for other tasks.
15. Cutting Board
Cutting boards are kitchen workhorses but don’t need to occupy counter space when not in use. They can clutter the surface and limit prep area.
Store them vertically or in a drawer to free up space.
This organization trick keeps your kitchen ready for action, with boards out of the way until needed.
16. Microwave
The microwave might feel at home on the counter, but it often takes up prime real estate. It can make your kitchen feel cramped and cluttered.
Consider a built-in option or a dedicated shelf to save counter space.
This change declutters the area and opens up your kitchen for more enjoyable cooking experiences.
17. Snack Jars
Snack jars filled with treats can lead to counter chaos. They create clutter and can be too tempting when left in plain sight.
Store them in a cupboard to keep the counter clear and snacks out of mind.
This helps maintain a tidy kitchen and keeps snack cravings in check!
18. Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies belong under the sink, not scattered across your counter. They can spill and create a cluttered appearance.
Organize them in a designated cabinet for easy access without the mess.
This keeps your kitchen looking neat and your cleaning arsenal ready to tackle any spill.
19. Mail and Papers
Mail and papers are notorious for turning counters into chaos zones. They accumulate quickly, creating a disorganized look.
Designate a spot away from the counter for sorting and storing paper.
This keeps your space tidy and ensures important documents don’t get misplaced among the mixing bowls.
20. Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags are eco-friendly but can create counter clutter when piled randomly. They take up space and look unsightly.
Hang them on hooks or store them neatly in a cabinet.
This small change keeps your counters clear and your bags ready for the next grocery run.
21. Pet Food Bowls
Pet food bowls on the counter are a recipe for mess and mix-ups. They take up space and can easily spill.
Place them on the floor where they are accessible to your furry friends.
This keeps your counters clean and ensures your pets have their designated dining area.
22. Portable Speakers
Portable speakers can fill your kitchen with tunes but don’t need to hog counter space. They can get knocked over or create clutter.
Consider a shelf or wall mount to keep them out of the way.
This frees up space and prevents accidental spills, while still letting the music play on!
23. Unused Gadgets
Unused gadgets are counter space thieves. They gather dust and make your kitchen look cluttered.
Assess whether you truly need them, and store or donate those you don’t use regularly.
This decluttering effort creates a more functional kitchen and clears the way for culinary creativity.
24. Keys and Wallets
Keys and wallets on the counter invite clutter and confusion. They can easily be misplaced among kitchen items.
Designate a spot by the door for these essentials.
This keeps your counter clear and ensures you always know where your keys and wallet are, reducing morning stress.
25. Leftover Containers
Leftover containers shouldn’t linger on the counter. They create clutter and can tempt you into unnecessary snacking.
Store them in the fridge promptly to maintain a tidy kitchen.
This keeps your counter clear and ensures leftovers stay fresh for future meals without being forgotten.