10+ Outstanding Small Kitchen Countertop Organization Ideas for a Clutter-Free Kitchen!

This blog post is about small kitchen countertop organization ideas.

A small kitchen can feel cramped and cluttered, especially when your countertops are overflowing with appliances, utensils, and everyday essentials. 

It’s frustrating when you’re trying to cook, and there’s barely any space to prep your meals! 

But don’t worry—organizing a small kitchen countertop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

With a few simple strategies, clever storage solutions, and the right tools, you can create a tidy, functional, and beautiful space. 

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Check out the following small kitchen countertop organization ideas

Declutter first

The most important thing you can do to organize a small kitchen is to get rid of the things you don’t need. 

No matter how many organizers or shelves you add, if your countertops are packed with unnecessary items, they’ll still look messy.

For example, do you really need three coffee mugs sitting out when you only use one? 

Or that bulky bread maker that you use once a year? 

Clearing out the clutter will instantly make your kitchen feel more spacious.

• Remove duplicates – Keep only what you use daily.
• Clear out expired food – Check spice jars, oils, and snacks.
• Limit decor – A simple plant or stylish tray is enough.
• Minimize paper clutter – Store mail and notes in a drawer or organizer.

Once your countertops are clutter-free, it’ll be much easier to organize and create a functional space!

Reduce items to be stored on the countertop

Now that you’ve cleared out the unnecessary clutter, take a moment to rethink what truly belongs on your countertop. 

The more you can store elsewhere, the cleaner and more spacious your kitchen will feel.

Ask yourself!

Do I really need all these spice jars out, or just the few I use daily? 

Can the stack of plates find a home in a cabinet instead? 

Even appliances like blenders or toasters don’t have to live on the counter if they’re only used occasionally.

Use bins & trays

A simple way to make your countertops look tidier is by grouping similar items in bins or trays. 

Instead of having bottles, utensils, and small essentials scattered everywhere, placing them in a designated container instantly creates a more organized look.

For example, use a small tray for cooking essentials like olive oil, salt, and pepper, keeping them in one neat spot instead of spread out across the counter. 

A decorative bin can hold coffee supplies—sugar, pods, or tea bags—so your morning routine feels effortless. 

If you often leave small snacks or fruit on the counter, a woven basket or a divided bin keeps them from looking messy.

Store small appliances in the cabinets

Clearing your countertops starts with finding a proper place for small appliances. 

If you don’t use something daily, consider storing it in a cabinet to free up space and create a cleaner, more open kitchen.

Think about how often you use each appliance. 

Everyday essentials like a coffee maker can stay out, but items like a blender, toaster, or slow cooker can be neatly tucked away in a lower cabinet. 

If you have an open space above your cabinets, this can be the perfect spot for storing rarely used appliances like a waffle maker, food processor, or bread machine. 

And if your cabinets go all the way up to the ceiling, use the top shelves for items you don’t need often—this keeps them accessible but out of sight.

Use lazy susan

A Lazy Susan is a rotating tray that makes it easy to access items without digging through a cluttered space. 

It’s a simple but effective tool to keep your kitchen essentials organized while minimizing mess on your countertops.

For everyday use, a single-tier Lazy Susan is perfect for keeping cooking oils, vinegar, and frequently used condiments in one spot while making them easy to grab. 

If you need more storage without taking up extra space, a two- or three-tier Lazy Susan can be a game-changer for organizing spices, small jars, or baking essentials. 

Instead of spreading everything across the counter, this keeps items stacked neatly while still within reach.

Utilize floating shelves

When cabinet space is limited, floating shelves can be a stylish and practical way to store and display kitchen essentials. 

They help keep frequently used items within reach while freeing up valuable counter space.

For a functional setup, install floating shelves with hooks underneath to maximize storage. 

You can use the shelf for spice jars, small bowls, or decorative items, while the hooks below can hold mugs, cooking utensils, or even small pots and pans.

Use a jar for utensils

Not all kitchen utensils are designed to hang on hooks, and that’s okay! 

A beautiful jar or crock can be a perfect solution for storing your most-used cooking tools while adding a decorative touch to your kitchen.

Choose a stylish ceramic, glass, or wooden jar to keep spatulas, wooden spoons, and whisks neatly organized. 

Not only does this make them easy to grab while cooking, but it also adds warmth and personality to your countertop. 

If you want a clutter-free look, opt for a neutral-toned or textured jar that blends seamlessly with your kitchen decor.

Use Tiered Shelving

Tiered shelving is a great way to create more storage in a small space by stacking items vertically instead of spreading them across your countertop. 

These shelves come in different sizes and styles, making them a versatile solution for keeping your kitchen organized.

A two- or three-tier shelf is perfect for storing spices, condiments, or small jars in a neat and accessible way. 

Instead of piling everything on the counter, tiered shelves keep items visible and easy to grab while taking up minimal space. 

You can also use them for stacking dishware, coffee supplies, or even decorative pieces to make your kitchen look both functional and stylish.

Stackable drawers

If you’re not the type of person who likes to keep things out in the open, closed storage is the best way to keep your kitchen looking neat and organized. 

It hides the clutter, keeps everything in its place, and gives your countertops a cleaner, more polished appearance.

Stackable drawers are one of my favorite countertop organizers. 

They let you store a variety of small kitchen essentials—like tea bags, coffee pods, napkins, or extra utensils—while keeping everything tucked away. 

You can use the top surface for decor, a small plant, or even a frequently used item like a salt and pepper set.

Use glass jars for storing regular-use spices 

For the spices and ingredients you reach for daily—like salt, sugar, flour, or coffee—keeping them on the countertop makes cooking easier. 

But instead of having a mix of different containers creating visual clutter, switch to matching glass jars for a cleaner, more uniform look.

Glass jars not only keep ingredients fresh and easily accessible, but they also add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. 

Choose jars with airtight lids to keep everything sealed properly, and consider labeling them for convenience. 

Arranging these jars neatly on a tray or Lazy Susan can further enhance organization while making your countertop look intentional and stylish.

Set up a station for everything

If you need to keep certain items on your countertop, group them into dedicated stations to make your space feel more intentional and organized. 

Instead of having things scattered all over, a well-arranged station ensures everything has its place while keeping your kitchen visually tidy.

For example, a coffee station can include your coffee machine, mugs, sugar, coffee pods, and stirrers, all neatly placed on a tray or in a small basket. 

This makes it easy to grab what you need while keeping everything in one spot.

Other great station ideas include:

• Baking Station: Keep flour, sugar, measuring cups, and mixing tools in one area.
• Cooking Essentials Station: Arrange your most-used oils, spices, and utensils near the stove.
• Tea Station: Store tea bags, honey, a small teapot, and teaspoons together.

Invest in a small appliance garage

If you love a clutter-free countertop but still need easy access to your appliances, a small appliance garage is a fantastic solution. 

It’s a designated storage space—often a cabinet with a lift-up or roll-down door—that keeps appliances hidden but accessible when needed.

Instead of leaving your toaster, blender, coffee maker, or air fryer out in the open, an appliance garage allows you to tuck them away neatly while still keeping them within reach. 

If you don’t have built-in cabinetry for this, a simple freestanding appliance garage or a 5-tier shelf can work just as well. 

You can easily find a 5-tier appliance garage for around $50, making it an affordable way to organize your kitchen without a major renovation.

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Keeping a small kitchen countertop organized doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

With just a few smart solutions—like decluttering, using bins, adding tiered shelves, and setting up stations—you can create a space that feels both functional and beautiful. 

The key is to keep only what you truly need on the counter and find simple ways to store everything else.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to transform your kitchen into a more organized and clutter-free space!

Looking for more ways to make the most of your small kitchen? Check out these helpful small kitchen ideas below!