20 Life-Changing Kitchen Countertop Organization Tips & Ideas for an Effortlessly Organized Kitchen

This blog post is about kitchen counter organization ideas and tips.

If your kitchen countertops feel like a constant battle zone, trust me — I get it. 

No matter how often I clear mine off, it doesn’t take long before they’re covered again with random stuff — keys, mail, papers, and let’s not forget the never-ending pile of snacks. 

It used to feel impossible to keep my counters neat, and honestly, I just accepted the mess for a while.

Eventually, I realized that the problem wasn’t just clutter — it was not having the right systems in place. 

Once I found simple ways to give everything a proper home, keeping my countertops tidy finally became easier (and way less frustrating).

In this post, I’m sharing 20 practical kitchen countertop organization ideas and tips that will help you keep your kitchen counters organized — and actually stay that way. 

Whether your kitchen is big or small, I’m sure these ideas will make a difference for you too!

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1. Follow the Essentials-Only Rule

Treat your countertop as a prep area, not a storage spot.

Stick to the essentials-only rule to keep things tidy.

Keep out items you use all the time during meal prep — like common spices (salt, pepper, etc.) and cooking oils.

Leave out one or two small appliances that you use daily.

Store everything else — from blenders to rarely used gadgets — in cabinets or drawers.

By keeping the countertops as clear as possible, it will stay more organized and clean.

2. Group Similar Items Together

Grouping similar items is a simple trick that keeps your countertops organized and makes things easier to find.

Create a coffee station by placing your coffee machine, coffee, sugar, mugs, and a small jar of spoons together. This way, everything you need for your morning coffee is in one place.

For cooking essentials, keep your spices and oils that you use often in the same spot.

Using a small tray or lazy Susan can help contain these groups, making your countertop look neater while still keeping important items within reach.

3. Go Vertical

Using your vertical space is a game-changer when it comes to keeping your countertops clear.

A tiered shelf can work wonders for stacking spices, jars, or even small dishes without taking up too much space. I once added one next to my stove, and it instantly freed up so much room — plus, everything I needed for cooking was still right at my fingertips.

For smaller kitchens, shelf risers inside cabinets can double your storage space, making it easier to keep less-used appliances or dishes off the counter.

Don’t forget your backsplash area — adding a simple rail with hooks can hold utensils, mugs, or even small baskets for items like garlic or onions.

By using vertical space wisely, you’ll create a kitchen that feels more open, less cluttered, and much easier to work in.

4. Give Your Appliances a Home

Small appliances that people usually store on the kitchen counter can take up a lot of space.

I highly recommend that you give each appliance a home.

The appliances you use all the time — like your toaster, coffee maker, or blender — can go in the nearest cabinet for easy access.

The appliances you use less frequently — like your waffle maker, slow cooker, or stand mixer — can go into the pantry or lower cabinets.

This way, your countertops stay clear and your kitchen looks much more organized.

5. Tidy Up the Cords

If you still have any electrical items on your countertops that have cords, they can make your kitchen feel messy, even if everything else is organized.

A simple fix is to invest in cord clips, which are easy to find and often cost less than $10.

These small clips stick to the back of your appliances or other surfaces and help hold the cords in place, keeping them neat and out of sight.

For example, if you keep a toaster, coffee maker, or blender on your countertop, securing the cords with clips can instantly make your space look tidier.

It’s such a quick fix, yet it makes a huge difference in making your countertops feel cleaner, calmer, and more organized.

6. Create an Organized Junk Drawer

An organized junk drawer can be a lifesaver for keeping your countertops clutter-free.

Designate one drawer as your catch-all spot for those random miscellaneous items that always seem to end up on the counter.

To keep it tidy, use drawer dividers to sort items like batteries, pens, notepads, and scissors.

Having a dedicated space for these odds and ends ensures they stay out of sight yet easy to find when you need them.

7. ‘One In, One Out’ Rule

The ‘One In, One Out’ rule is a simple but powerful way to keep your countertops organized.

Every time you decide to add something new — like a toaster, air fryer, or blender — make sure to remove one item that doesn’t need to be there.

If you’re adding a small appliance, consider putting away a decorative tray, vase, or even a fruit bowl if it’s not being used regularly.

This rule works great for keeping essentials within reach without letting clutter build up.

It’s especially helpful in busy kitchens where new gadgets and tools can pile up quickly. By following this rule, your countertops will stay clean, functional, and easy to maintain.

8. Declutter Regularly

Set aside time once a week or once a month to go through your kitchen and declutter.

Take a look at what’s on your countertops, in your cabinets, and inside your drawers.

Remove anything that’s unnecessary or rarely used — those items are just taking up space.

Consider donating extras or giving them to someone who might need them, like a close friend or sibling.

The fewer items you have, the more space you’ll free up in your cabinets and drawers — and the more organized your kitchen countertops will be.

9. One Touch Rule

The One Touch Rule is simple but incredibly effective.

The idea is to touch each item only once — meaning when you use something, finish the task and put it back in its place right away.

For example, if you grab a jar of spices, use it, then return it to the cabinet immediately — no setting it down on the counter to deal with later!

This habit prevents clutter from piling up and keeps your countertops clear and organized throughout the day.

It may take some practice, but once it becomes a habit, your kitchen will feel much tidier with very little effort.

10. Create Zones

Creating dedicated zones in your kitchen can make it much easier to stay organized.

For example, keep all your cleaning supplies in the area near the sink — this way, dish soap, sponges, and cleaning sprays are right where you need them.

Use this zone for tasks that often require cleaning afterward, like chopping, dough-making, or rinsing fruits and veggies.

By grouping similar items and tasks in one area, you’ll avoid clutter creeping across your countertops and keep your kitchen running smoothly and efficiently.

11. Limit Countertop Decor

To keep your kitchen countertops organized, limit decor to just a few carefully chosen pieces.

Stick to functional decor whenever possible. For example, a wooden cutting board leaning against the wall, a ceramic utensil holder, or a small tray with oils and spices can add style without clutter.

Avoid filling your counters with decorative items that don’t serve a purpose. The fewer items you have on display, the easier it becomes to keep your countertops clean, organized, and clutter-free.

12. Daily Evening Reset

A daily evening reset is a simple habit that helps keep your kitchen countertops organized.

Before heading to bed, take a few minutes to clear the counters, wipe down surfaces, and put everything back in its place.

This small effort each evening prevents clutter from piling up and makes starting the next day in a clean kitchen so much easier.

If you’re short on time, focus on the essentials — like putting away dishes, tossing out trash, and giving the counters a quick wipe.

13. Use Your Backsplash for Everyday Items

Your backsplash is valuable space that can help keep your countertops clear.

Install a rail with hooks to hang cooking utensils, measuring spoons, or oven mitts.

A magnetic knife strip is another great option — it keeps knives handy without taking up drawer or counter space.

For items like mugs or a paper towel holder, wall-mounted racks or shelves can work wonders.

Using your backsplash this way makes frequently used items easy to grab while giving you more room to prep and cook — keeping your countertops cleaner and more organized.

14. Make the Clutter Invisible

The items that must stay on the counter but tend to look like clutter can be made to blend in.

For example, switch mismatched spice jars with uniform glass jars that match your kitchen’s color scheme.

Oils can go in sleek glass bottles with simple labels to create a cleaner look.

For essentials like salt, pepper, or sugar, placing them in a tray or basket keeps them tidy and makes them easier to grab.

Even everyday items like dish soap can look better in a stylish dispenser that suits your kitchen’s theme.

These small changes can make your countertops feel more organized — without giving up the things you need.

15. Give Everything a Permanent Place

One of the easiest ways to keep your countertops organized is to make sure every item has a home.

Store frequently used appliances like the toaster or blender in a nearby cabinet for easy access.

Designate a specific drawer or shelf for things like baking supplies, meal prep tools, or coffee essentials so they don’t end up scattered.

Even smaller items like scissors, pens, or rubber bands should have a dedicated spot — a junk drawer with dividers works great for this.

When everything has a place, it’s easier to keep your countertops clear and clutter-free.

16. Turn the Sink Area into a Prep Zone

Your sink area can do more than just handle dishes — it’s a great spot for meal prep too!

Since it’s close to the cleaning area, you can chop veggies, rinse produce, and clean up spills without moving around too much.

This simple switch helps keep your main countertops clear and ready for other tasks like serving or plating.

To make it work, keep things like cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls close by.

Adding a neat tray with a soap dispenser, scrub brush, and cleaning cloths keeps the space tidy.

And if you want to save even more space, try a roll-up drying rack over the sink — it’s perfect for rinsing or drying without cluttering your counters.

With this setup, your kitchen will feel more organized, and cleanup will be a breeze!

17. Only Keep Appliances You Use At Least 3-4 Times a Week

As I mentioned earlier, small electrical appliances are best stored in cabinets to keep your countertops clutter-free.

But if you must keep a few out, choose the ones you use at least 3-4 times a week.

For example, your coffee maker if you’re a daily coffee drinker or your toaster if breakfast toast is a regular thing.

On the other hand, appliances like a slow cooker, blender, or waffle maker — unless they’re part of your routine — must go in a cabinet or pantry.

This way, your countertops stay organized without sacrificing convenience.

18. Make Ugly Essentials Pretty

Some kitchen essentials can’t be hidden, but you can still make them look good.

Swap plastic soap bottles for sleek dispensers that match your kitchen’s style.

Use uniform spice jars with labels to create a clean, organized look.

Choose cutting boards that double as décor — wooden ones can add warmth and charm.

Place oils, salt, and pepper in matching bottles on a stylish tray to keep things neat.

By upgrading these everyday items, you’ll turn your countertop into a space that’s both functional and beautiful.

19. Install a Quick Drop Basket

If your family is anything like mine, they probably drop things in the kitchen no matter how many reminders you give. Instead of battling the clutter, try giving them an easier option.

Place a quick drop basket near the kitchen entrance — a spot where keys, mail, and other small items can land.

It’s a perfect solution in any home! Your family will naturally start using it, and countertops have will stay much cleaner. 

Just be sure to empty the basket regularly so it doesn’t turn into its own little clutter pile.

20. Invest in Kitchen Countertop Organizers

I highly recommend investing in countertop organizers because these simple organizers can make a big difference.

The right tools can help you keep things tidy, make everyday items easier to find, and give your kitchen a more organized look.

Below are some must-have kitchen countertop organizers that I believe every organized person should own.

• Lazy Susan – Place it in a corner or inside a cabinet for oils, sauces, or frequently used spices. It spins, so you can quickly grab what you need without digging through clutter.
  
• Shelf Riser – Use this in cabinets to double your storage space or on your countertop to organize stacked plates, bowls, or mugs while keeping the area tidy.
  
• Utensil Crock – Position it near the stove so your go-to cooking tools are always within reach. For an organized look, choose a crock that matches your kitchen theme.
  
• Wall-Mounted Rails with Hooks – Install this on the backsplash to hang utensils, mugs, or small baskets. It’s perfect for freeing up counter space while still keeping essentials handy.
  
• Display Risers – These are great for neatly stacking cutting boards, trays, or decorative pieces without cluttering your countertops.
  
• Paper Towel Holder – Wall-mount it under a cabinet or place it near the sink for easy access without taking up valuable counter space.
  
• Countertop Drawer – Great for storing small essentials like tea bags, measuring spoons, or coffee pods. Place it near your prep area or coffee station for added convenience. Use dividers inside for even better organization.

A few thoughtful placements like these can instantly make your kitchen look cleaner and feel more organized.

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Keeping your kitchen countertops organized can make a huge difference in how your kitchen feels and functions. I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration and practical tips to create a cleaner, more organized space. Remember, a few small changes can have a big impact!

If you’re looking for more ways to keep your kitchen neat and tidy, be sure to check out my other kitchen organization ideas below: