6 Tips for Decluttering and Simplifying Your Kitchen for Spring

There’s something about spring that makes us want to hit reset—not just outdoors, but inside our homes too.  

And where better to start than the kitchen? It’s one of the most used (and most clutter-prone) spaces in the house. Spring cleaning your kitchen is about more than wiping down counters or reorganizing your junk drawer—it’s a chance to create a space that feels fresh, functional and easy to maintain. 

Whether you’re dealing with a cramped apartment kitchen or a larger family space that seems to attract clutter, these six tips will help you declutter, simplify and breathe a little easier every time you step inside. 

Hungry for more? Whether your spring-cleaning checklist consists of only a few items or you’re tackling the whole house, our collection of cleaning and organizing essentials will have your abode sparkling in no time. 

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Start With a Clean Slate 

Before you dive into organizing and sorting, give your kitchen a true reset.  

Clear off all the countertops. Empty drawers, shelves and cabinets. Remove what’s sitting on top of the fridge or lurking behind small appliances. This part might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s key to seeing the space clearly—and it makes the rest of the process much smoother. 

Once everything is cleared out, it’s time for a deep clean. Wipe down counters, scrub cabinet doors and handles and don’t forget about less obvious zones like the backsplash, the inside of drawers and the tops of shelves.  

And don’t underestimate the power of the right scrubber—something sturdy enough to handle tough spots but gentle on your surfaces can make the job a lot easier. It might take a little effort, but cleaning first gives you a clearer sense of what’s worth putting back. 

Sort and Categorize 

Decluttering isn’t about having less for the sake of it, it’s about keeping what’s useful, meaningful or frequently used.  

As you sort through your items, group them into clear categories: keep, donate, recycle or toss. You may find things you forgot you owned (hello, second immersion blender), items you haven’t touched in a year or tools that no longer work as well as they should. 

Be honest with yourself about duplicates and “just in case” items. If you haven’t used something in over a year, it probably doesn’t need to take up prime kitchen real estate. This is also a great time to assess your food storage containers—consider upgrading to glass or ceramic options if your current plastic ones are mismatched or stained. 

While you’re at it, take a look at your utensils and gadgets. Is that garlic press still working for you? Are your measuring cups missing half their set? Streamlining these tools can save space and reduce daily frustration. 

Optimize Storage 

Once you’ve narrowed down your essentials, it’s time to think about how they’re stored. Effective storage isn’t just about fitting everything in—it’s about making your space work better for you. 

Drawer dividers can help corral utensils and make them easier to find (no more rummaging for that one tiny whisk). Spice racks keep your seasonings visible and accessible, whether you’re cooking daily dinners or trying out a new baking project. Clear, stackable containers are great for dry goods and baking ingredients, helping you easily spot what you have (and avoid buying duplicates). 

You might also consider items like tiered shelf risers to create levels inside cabinets, or over-the-door racks that make use of vertical space. If your kitchen is small, these kinds of additions can make a big difference without a full remodel. 

And remember—organization can also be beautiful. Look for storage solutions that fit your style, whether that’s warm wood, minimalist white or sleek stainless steel. It’s much easier to keep a system going when you actually like the way it looks. 

Reassess Your Layout 

Even the most organized kitchen can feel chaotic if things aren’t stored in the right places.  

Reassess your layout and think about how you actually move through the space. Are your everyday mugs close to the coffee maker? Are your cooking oils within reach of the stove? Could your prep tools be more conveniently located near your cutting boards or sink? 

Set up zones based on how you cook and use your kitchen: a baking area, a coffee station, a prep zone, a kid-friendly snack drawer—whatever makes sense for your household. Keeping tools and ingredients close to where they’re used most can cut down on time, hassle and mess. 

Consider adding countertop accessories like a ceramic utensil holder for frequently used tools, or a covered butter dish and salt cellar for that old-school “chef’s pinch.” If your cabinets are deep or hard to reach, a pull-out insert or lazy Susan can help keep things visible and easy to grab. 

This step is all about small shifts that make your everyday routine feel a little smoother. 

Label Everything 

If you’ve ever found yourself peering into a mystery container or guessing which flour is which, you’ll understand the magic of good labels. And while labeling might sound like a chore, it’s actually one of the easiest ways to bring clarity and consistency to your kitchen. 

Use labels on everything from pantry staples to leftovers. Label jars, bins and baskets. Even drawer labels can be helpful in larger households or when guests are helping out in the kitchen. It sets clear expectations and makes it easier for everyone to put things back in their proper place. 

You don’t have to go full chalkboard-aesthetic (unless you want to). A simple label maker or a set of write-on tags gets the job done and keeps things looking cohesive. And if you’re a fan of decanting dry goods into clear containers, labels are especially important for keeping everything straight. 

Maintain A System 

The hardest part of spring cleaning isn’t the cleaning—it’s keeping it that way. But if you’ve taken the time to declutter thoughtfully and create systems that work for your life, maintaining it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Build in small habits that support the new flow of your kitchen. A five-minute tidy at the end of each day, a quick check of the fridge every Friday before shopping or a once-a-month pantry reset can help prevent clutter from creeping back in. 

As the seasons change, use it as a natural reminder to reassess what’s working and what isn’t. Maybe your summer gear (popsicle molds, grilling tools) needs to move to the forefront, or it’s time to rotate baking dishes into storage. Keep things flexible and adjust as your needs shift. 

And when you bring new items into your kitchen—whether it’s a new gadget or a fancy vinegar—try to follow a “one in, one out” policy to keep clutter at bay. 

Hungry for more? Whether your spring-cleaning checklist consists of only a few items or you’re tackling the whole house, our collection of cleaning and organizing essentials will have your abode sparkling in no time. 

Shop Our Cleaning & Storage Collections