Conquer Counter Clutter: Simple Strategies for a Tidy Home

Lexy Ward

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. That photo above? It might look extreme, but it’s a real “before” shot. The truth is, even those of us who consider ourselves organized can fall victim to the dreaded counter clutter. Life gets busy, things pile up, and suddenly a month has gone by without a single attempt to tame the chaos in our workspaces, kitchens, or bathrooms.

But fear not! I’m here to share my journey from cluttered chaos to organized bliss, and to provide you with practical, easy-to-implement tips to help you achieve a neater and more functional home. Say goodbye to overwhelming messes and hello to a sense of calm and control. Let’s dive in!

Lexy Ward

What a transformation, right? I dedicated an afternoon to decluttering every countertop in my house, and the results were astounding. It’s amazing how much more spacious and inviting a room feels when surfaces are clear and organized. Now, I’m excited to share the secrets to my success!

Lexy Ward

Tip #1: Maximize Your Drawer Space

Drawers can quickly become black holes for all sorts of miscellaneous items. Makeup, brushes, skincare products, and countless other things were scattered haphazardly in my drawers. There was absolutely no organization or logic to it. The key to conquering this chaos is to implement a system of organization within your drawers.

Investing in accessory trays is a game-changer. By placing several trays in your drawers, you can create designated spaces for different categories of items. This allows you to see everything at a glance, making it much easier to find what you need and keep things tidy. Suddenly, everything has a place, and everything is in plain sight.

Lexy Ward

Another great drawer organization hack is to use items that suit your specific needs. For example, I wear contact lenses and always struggled to find a matching pair in the morning. A “grip grass” holder is the perfect solution for keeping my lenses organized and easily accessible. It’s a simple yet effective way to streamline your morning routine.

Lexy Ward

Tip #2: Wipe Down Surfaces Daily

This might sound like a small step, but it can make a huge difference in the overall cleanliness of your space. Make it a habit to wipe down your bathroom counter and mirror every morning after you finish getting ready. This simple act of cleaning helps prevent buildup of hairspray, toothpaste splatters, makeup dust, and stray hairs.

By wiping down surfaces daily, you’re forcing yourself to address any clutter that may have accumulated. It’s a proactive way to maintain a tidy space and prevent messes from becoming overwhelming. Keep a towel or wet wipes handy for quick and easy cleaning.

Lexy Ward

While I don’t mind having a few decorative jars on my bathroom counter, I love keeping my drawers neatly organized. Even the cotton balls have their designated place! It’s all about creating a system that works for you and makes it easy to maintain order.

Lexy Ward

Tip #3: Sort Your Mail Daily

This might seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to let mail pile up. Make it a daily habit to open your mail and sort it immediately. Designate folders or folios for different categories, such as bills, coupons, and other mailings that you plan to save.

At the end of each week, take some time to go through each folder and toss anything you no longer need. As a general rule, monthly bills (utilities, cable, energy, etc.) can be discarded at the end of the month. However, be sure to hold onto any important tax documents or medical bills.

Tip #4: Use a Small Bowl for Odds and Ends

We all have those small items that tend to accumulate on countertops: spare change, keys, and other miscellaneous objects. Instead of letting them scatter, designate a cute little bowl to hold these odds and ends. This helps contain the clutter and adds a touch of style to your space.

Tip #5: Clean as You Go

This is especially important in the kitchen. When cooking or baking, make a conscious effort to put things back immediately after using them. Need just a half-teaspoon of salt? Great! Put the salt back in its place after you’ve measured it. By cleaning as you go, you’ll significantly reduce the amount of cleanup required after dinner.

Lexy Ward

Tip #6: Less is More

As a DIY blogger, I’ve accumulated a vast collection of crafting supplies over the years. Glue guns, decorative paper, glitter – you name it! It all tended to pile up on my desk, creating a chaotic and uninspiring workspace.

I realized that I needed to prioritize creating a beautiful and functional space that would inspire me daily. So, I chose a few of my favorite items to keep on display, while storing the rest of my supplies away in boxes and drawers until I needed them. This simple change made a huge difference in the overall feel of my workspace.

Stackable letter trays are also a great way to maximize limited counter space. Choose colors that complement your decor, or keep it classic with white trays.

Lexy Ward

Give your pens a little personality by wrapping them with decorative washi tape. These personalized pens add a touch of whimsy to your workspace and make you happy to keep them on display year-round.

Lexy Ward

Tip #7: Give Everything a Place

This is perhaps the most fundamental principle of organization. If you’re going to use it, find a place for it! Even seemingly insignificant items, like business cards, deserve a designated spot. A “grip grass” holder is perfect for organizing business cards and keeping them within easy reach.

Lexy Ward

Tip #8: Create Vertical Storage

Vertical storage is a fantastic way to maximize limited counter space. If you have items that come in tall containers, such as glitter vials or art supplies, consider using a tall glass apothecary jar to hold them. This not only saves space but also adds a pop of color and visual interest to your workspace.

Lexy Ward

This entire process has transformed my workspace into a place that I actually enjoy working in! There’s even a designated spot for my laptop, which means no more long nights spent working on the couch!

Lexy Ward

Tip #9: Store Toys in Accessible Boxes

If you have young children, you know the struggle of keeping toys contained. I have a toddler whose favorite game is to pull out every toy and play with it for a few minutes before moving onto the next. The result? Toys scattered everywhere! To combat this, I toss all the toys into a fabric box each night after she goes to bed. The box is easily accessible and ready to be emptied the next day.

Lexy Ward

The lid helps keep things sealed tight, preventing toys from spilling out. It’s a simple and effective solution for managing toy clutter.

One more look at the organized space…

Lexy Ward

I’m committed to maintaining this level of organization moving forward. I’ll be sure to provide an update next month to let you know how I’m doing!

Now it’s your turn! Do you struggle with counter clutter like I do? What are some of your favorite tips for staying organized? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!