An Organized, Decluttered Kitchen

With the exception of a couple things, my kitchen has officially been reorganized and decluttered!  It took me a couple days, but I am so happy it is done. I have a large laundry basket full of dishes and kitchen items to donate.  I went through a couple bags of junk that I simply threw away since it was in poor shape.

The best tip I heard in all my research about creating a simple, minimalistic kitchen was to clean off your counters of everything, including appliances. 

I set about to do just that.  First I had to go through every single door and drawer. I laughed at the fact that I had over sixty butter knives. I guess they are the one utensil that is never accidentally tossed. 

I had read about creating zones, and I attempted to do just that. My baking pans are together.  My cooking spices are with my oils. All plastics, from plastic plates to drink pitchers to Tupperware, is all housed in one cabinet. 

With nearly all of my appliances stored in the bottom of my grandma's old china cabinet, And my dishes stored on top, I set about to clean off the counters.  I probably have more on my counter-tops than would qualify as minimalist, but I only kept the things that I use daily and don't want to risk getting broken due to constant shuffling.  I kept my dish drying rack.  Many times we don't use the dishwasher if there aren't many dishes.  Plus, even when we do use the dishwasher, I prefer some of my dishes to be hand washed.  

I also kept my Grandmother's antique sugar jar on my counter.  It is a little heavy, and I really don't want it accidentally dropped by putting it in a cabinet over and over.  The sugar jar actually began as my great-grandmother's.  I want it used, not hidden away where it may be safer but not enjoyed.  

I also kept my coffee pot out.  In our home, the coffee pot gets a lot of use.  We use it a couple times a day.  It seemed like finding a storage place for it that was easily accessible was going to be challenging.  I decided to break the no small appliances on the counter suggestion just for the one item that seems to be used by multiple people with differing schedules.

My mother gave me a microwave cart last year.  I don't use it for a microwave because the place has one above the stove.  However, I do use it for storage. Bon top is my Grandma's bread box. I grew up seeing that breadbox on Grandma's counter, and I always liked it.  When she passed, I inherited it.  It reminds me of her.  I decided to keep what I love.

I also kept paper towels out so they are easily accessible for those spills. 

I love the results of organization and decluttering.  I don't feel as stressed when I am in a room of lots of junk. I am looking forward to continuing the rest of our journey.