5 Habits of People with Tidy Kitchens: Avoid Cluttering and Stay Organized

Maintaining a tidy kitchen can feel like an uphill struggle. In an instant, the sink fills with dishes, trash needs emptying, and crumbs seem to migrate everywhere.

Knowing how to organize is just the start; even organized kitchens require regular attention to remain clean.

Here are five things that individuals with tidy kitchens avoid doing to preserve order and functionality.

5 Habits of People with Tidy Kitchens

1. Leaving Dishes Overnight

A set of speckle glaze plates drying on a small metal dish drying rack, next to a set in kitchen sink with gold faucets. In front of a kitchen window set into a stone wall, with dried flowers in a vase. — Always tidy up your dishes, whether washing by hand or loading the dishwasher, by the end of the day.

Dishes are a major hassle in maintaining a tidy kitchen. It's tempting to defer washing them to the next day. However, this often leads to double the work later.

To keep your kitchen clutter-free, wash dishes right away or load them into the dishwasher after meals. Certified organizer Jennifer Truesdale suggests these effective strategies:

'If washing by hand, it takes just 15 minutes to clean up before bed, helping you sleep better knowing the task is done. Waking up to a clean kitchen is refreshing.'
'Loading the dishwasher before bed is energy-efficient as it uses power during non-peak hours.'

25 tablets

Ecover Zero, Automatic Dishwasher Tablets

These eco-friendly tablets effectively eliminate tough food residues without harsh chemicals.

Easy grip

Handled Dish Brush - Hearth & Hand™ With Magnolia

This long-handled scrubbing brush makes handwashing dishes easier and dries quickly to limit bacterial growth.

2. Leaving Unused Appliances on Counters

Rustic country kitchen with a freestanding wooden island — Store appliances in cabinets or pantries to keep countertops clutter-free.

Most people use only a handful of appliances daily. A crowded counter can appear messy and make cooking difficult. Individuals with tidy kitchens reserve counter space for frequently used gadgets.

“If you seldom use your toaster or blender, store them away. Only keep daily essentials on the counter,” suggests Jennifer.

Consider using a pantry for appliance storage, placing heavier items on lower shelves. If pantry space isn’t available, use a large plastic container, like the 103 qt. Weathertight Tote with Wheels, which is airtight and easy to transport.

3. Leaving Pots and Pans on the Stove

A grey kitchen with a tall cabinet full of glasswear beside a gas stove — Only keep essential items, like a kettle, on the stove.

Many people make the mistake of leaving pots and pans on the stovetop, thinking it’s practical. However, this can create a disorganized appearance, even in otherwise neat kitchens.

Jamie Hord states, 'Leaving cookware on the stove gives a cluttered impression. Everything should have a designated spot to maintain order.'

Kimberly Corey adds, 'Those with tidy kitchens complete the organization process by returning items to their designated places. It’s worth the extra effort for a more orderly space.'

If you prefer displaying your pots, consider a hanging pot rack like the Vdomus Hanging Pot Rack, which stores multiple items while saving space.

4. Ignoring Expired Food in the Fridge

Stainless steel American style fridge freezer in a wall of floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets. The aesthetic of the kitchen is white, clean and minimalist with wooden floors and large kitchen island with spot lighting — When stocking your fridge, place new items at the back for easy access to older ones.

Expired food can create unpleasant odors and mess. Organized kitchens routinely check and discard expired items, keeping open products at the front for easy use.

Millie Naor emphasizes, 'Regularly remove spoiled food to keep your fridge tidy and odor-free, making space for fresh groceries.'

To manage expiration dates, label items with a pen or adhesive labels, ensuring you know when to discard them. This habit applies to dry goods stored in cabinets, too.

Combining Sharpie Permanent Markers with Freezer Labels can help maintain a tidy system.

5. Allowing Small Messes to Pile Up

kitchen with taupe walls, large dark wood dresser, wooden table with chairs

Spills or crumbs may seem insignificant, but delaying cleanup can lead to overwhelming tasks. People with tidy kitchens address messes as they happen, ensuring a seamless kitchen experience.

Professional organizer Ben Soreff mentions, 'Clutter forms when we postpone tasks. Small cleaning efforts should be done immediately to prevent larger messes later.'

Utilizing the two-minute rule (if a task takes less than two minutes, just do it) helps prevent messes from accumulating.

Citron Scent

Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner

This plant-based cleaner tackles messes and is safe for everyday use.

Multipack

Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth

These cloths are perfect for quick cleanups and can be washed and reused.

Long handle

Great Value Lobby Broom and Dustpan Set

This long-handled broom and dustpan make cleaning up crumbs effortless, keeping your kitchen tidy and pest-free.

Expert Insights

Jennifer Truesdale, CPO®, has served on the Board of NAPO and is recognized for her expertise in organization.

Jamie Hord, a certified home organizer, specializes in decluttering and has been recognized in various prestigious publications.

a photo of professional organizer Ben Soreff sat on a white chair against a wooden background, wearing a light blue collared long sleeve shirt and black jeans

Ben Soreff has extensive experience with organizing and offers unique insights into decluttering.

Kim Corey, CPO®, has over 25 years of organizing experience, focusing on decluttering.

Millie Naor specializes in stress-free organizing and has been a professional organizer for over seven years.

By steering clear of these habits, you can ensure a consistently tidy kitchen. Pair these strategies with quick cleaning methods to create an efficient kitchen environment.