5 Signs Clutter Is Taking Over Your Kitchen—And How to Tackle It

A cluttered kitchen is a common problem, especially since the kitchen is often the central hub of the home. Between family meals, homework sessions, dinner parties, and rushed breakfasts before school, it’s easy for the kitchen to become overwhelmed. However, when the kitchen starts resembling an obstacle course filled with mismatched storage containers and unused appliances, it’s time to assess the situation.

Recognizing clutter is the first step toward eliminating it—and the process is simpler and more satisfying than most might think. Below are five signs that clutter is taking over your kitchen, along with some expert advice on how to tackle it and restore order.

1. Your Junk Drawer Has Become Junk Drawers
   Most kitchens have a single junk drawer, which is normal. But when that drawer expands into two or more—or worse, an entire junk cabinet—it’s time to take action. “Having multiple junk drawers or cabinets is a sign that clutter has taken over,” says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizer. Small household essentials like batteries, tape, and measuring tools end up in a catch-all space, making it difficult to find important items. This disorganization often leads to frustration, wasted time, and the repurchasing of lost items. The solution? Set up designated storage areas for each item and clear out those overflow drawers.
2. You Can’t Find a Spare Spot to Meal Prep
   Available counter space is essential for meal preparation. If the countertops are constantly covered with small appliances, mail, dishes, and random items, it’s a clear sign of a cluttered kitchen. “If there’s no clear space for meal prep, it means cabinets and drawers are likely too full or disorganized,” says Jenna Haefelin, a professional organizer. To fix this, evaluate what is taking up counter space and reorganize cabinets and drawers to create a designated meal prep area.
3. You Avoid Unloading the Dishwasher
   A clean dishwasher should be a source of joy, but if unloading it feels like a dreaded chore, there may be a deeper issue. “When kitchen items don’t have a designated home, it disrupts the natural workflow,” says Rosenthal. This disorganization can lead to inefficiency and frustration, even with basic tasks like unloading the dishwasher. To resolve this, ensure each item has a specific spot in the kitchen and create a flow that makes putting things away easy and intuitive.
4. You Often Leave Out Items “Just for Now”
   Leaving items out “just for now” is a sign that your kitchen lacks proper storage solutions. “If clients struggle to put things away or frequently leave items out, it means they don’t have true designated storage spots,” Haefelin explains. Items like blenders or kitchen gadgets should have easy-to-access storage areas that encourage putting them away. To prevent clutter from accumulating, start by decluttering first, then assess what is needed and where it should go for optimal kitchen flow.
5. You Have Chaos Waiting Behind Your Drawers and Doors
   It’s easy to close a drawer or cabinet door and forget about the clutter inside, but eventually, that mess catches up with you. “When drawers are crammed with random items and lack organization, it’s a red flag,” says Rosenthal. Searching for something specific in a drawer full of forgotten items wastes time and leads to duplicate purchases. To combat this, regularly organize your drawers and cabinets, ensuring everything has a proper spot and is easy to access when needed.

By recognizing these five signs of clutter and following these simple solutions, the kitchen can be transformed into an organized, efficient space that works for the whole family. Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about creating a system that works for you!