6 Things Minimalists Always Do for a Clean and Organized Kitchen

It's time to take a "less is more" approach to your tidying routine.

Do you dream of having one of those pristine and perfectly organized kitchens ? Everything is decanted, sparkly clean dishes are stacked on open shelves, and you know exactly where everything is—from your air fryer to your cheese grater.

While your kitchen might currently be the opposite of this, having a Pinterest-perfect kitchen (or getting close to it) isn’t impossible. You just need to follow what minimalists do and take a "less is more" approach. So how do you even get started? One pro organizer shares six minimalist tips for a clean and organized kitchen.

Meet Our Expert

• Shantae Duckworth , professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space

Define What Minimalist Means

Minimalism can mean different things to different people, so it’s important to define what it means to you personally. “First, determine what your parameters are,” says Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. “Does that mean having a capsule wardrobe ? Only having a certain number of each item?”

Minimalism could mean having one set of dishes, or three sets. It could mean stocking up on months' worth of paper towels from your local warehouse store—or just keeping one extra roll at a time. It truly depends on the person and their lifestyle. So, figure out what level of minimalism makes the most sense to you.

Related: How to Shop at Costco if You're a Minimalist Like Me

Do a Major Declutter

If you are trying to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle, Duckworth advises beginning with a big purge of all the clutter. “Let go of items that are damaged, broken, unrepairable, old, and no longer serve a purpose in your home," Duckworth says. "Look at the things you have not used in the past year and be very honest with yourself; it may be challenging, but the reward of having a home filled with things you love will outweigh that.”

So, whether it’s those stained holiday dish towels or tabletop decor you haven’t used in five years, get rid of everything that isn’t truly necessary.

Get Rid of Multiples

If you only eat carrots once a year, you don’t need six carrot peelers. Not a soup person? Why do you need four ladles? This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have any kitchen tools, but try to eliminate duplicates and get down to one of each.

Take a Look at Your Shopping Habits

Can’t resist a sale? Do you stock up on food and let it expire before you eat it? Or do you buy things you think you might use and they sit on the shelf collecting dust?

Look at your shopping habits , advises Duckworth. "A lot of the things we buy tend to fill voids in our lives, and we need to assess them," she says. "We throw so much stuff out year after year, and the goal is to not throw out as much." She adds that with the perks of online shopping come the risks of certain items not working out. And according to her, most of us don’t return them, so those things end up taking up valuable space—and money.

Related: 20 Tips for Keeping Clutter Off Your Kitchen Countertops

Be Aware of What Comes Into Your Home

It might be hard to resist gifts, but things you don’t need end up taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen creating clutter, according to Duckworth. “Be aware of what you bring into your home—the goodie bags, stuff your mom gives you, and everything else in between take up so much space," she explains. "I always say, if there is no designated home for an item, then it has no place in your home!”

So while it might be a challenge, say no . If you are uncomfortable turning down a gift or freebie, immediately put the item in your donation pile .

Ask for Help

Keep in mind that simplifying your lifestyle is easier with a little bit of help, so don't be ashamed to enlist help from a pro organizer or friends. “An outside perspective helps to make decisions about anything you are on the fence about," says Duckworth. "A professional organizer will help map out your vision and give you fresh ideas for your space.”

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