A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward
15-Minute Daily Decluttering Habits for the Kitchen That Actually Work
I’m so excited to kick off my 15 Minutes to an Organized Space campaign! Each week, I’ll focus on one area of the home and see how much progress we can make in just 15 minutes. The idea is simple: decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent actions add up to big results. Let’s get started with 15-Minute Daily Decluttering Habits for the Kitchen That Actually Work.
And where better to start than the kitchen—the heart of the home, but also the place where clutter gathers fast? I hope you will join me for the campaign and will respond to the posts with your personal progress.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but it can also be the first place to fall into chaos. Between cooking, meal prep, and family traffic, clutter can pile up quickly. The good news? You don’t need hours of deep cleaning to keep your kitchen functional and welcoming. By practicing a few simple 15-minute daily decluttering habits, you can transform your space and make it easier to maintain long-term.
- Clear the Counters Each Evening
Cluttered counters make the whole kitchen feel messy. Take 15 minutes at the end of the day to wipe down surfaces and put away anything that doesn’t belong—mail, appliances, snacks, or school papers. Waking up to a clean counter in the morning sets a positive tone for the day.
- Tackle the Sink
A sink full of dirty dishes can make the kitchen feel overwhelming. Each evening, load the dishwasher or wash dishes by hand before heading to bed. A clean sink not only looks better, but it also prevents odors and makes cooking the next day less stressful.
- Quick Pantry Check
Spend a few minutes going through one shelf or one category in your pantry (canned goods, snacks, or spices). Toss expired items and reorganize what’s left. Tackling it bit by bit helps you avoid a massive overhaul later.
- Reclaim the Junk Drawer
Most kitchens have at least one “catch-all” drawer. Dedicate 15 minutes to sort through it—toss old receipts, broken pens, or random twist ties. Create small compartments for essentials like scissors, batteries, and tape so everything has a place.
- Wipe Down the Fridge Door & Handles
You’d be surprised how much of a difference this makes! Spending a few minutes cleaning the fridge doors, handles, and the outside of appliances instantly makes your kitchen look fresher and more inviting.
- Put Away as You Go
Make it a daily habit to put items back where they belong after use—measuring cups, spices, cutting boards, and gadgets. A quick 15-minute tidy-up at the end of cooking keeps clutter from spreading.
- Create a Drop Zone
If your kitchen doubles as a landing spot for keys, bags, or mail, create a designated “drop zone.” A basket, tray, or wall hook can prevent clutter from spreading across countertops.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering your kitchen doesn’t have to be a big, exhausting project. With consistent 15-minute daily habits, you’ll not only maintain a cleaner space but also save yourself from weekend marathons of deep cleaning. Small actions really do add up—and your future self will thank you for every little bit of effort today. Check out my free 15-minute kitchen organization checklist.
Hugs & Blessings,
