Less Is More: How I Keep My Kitchen (Relatively) Clean

Keeping a kitchen clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about sanity. For anyone managing daily meals, families, or even just personal routines, the kitchen can become a battleground. Over time, I’ve realized one simple truth: less is more. When it comes to maintaining a clean, functional kitchen, the fewer things you have, the easier life becomes.

🧂 Fewer Gadgets, More Space

You don’t need every gadget on the shelf. Specialty tools might look clever, but they usually end up eating counter space or collecting dust. Every time I find myself clearing the counter just to knead dough or prep meat, I think: Why do I own this many things?

And don’t even get me started on using the microwave as storage. I’ve opened it too many times just to warm up coffee and found myself pulling out a bowl or plate, only to put it right back in. It’s inefficient, annoying, and honestly? It feels like the kitchen is working against me.

🥘 Bulk Cooking ≠ Chaos

Bulk cooking can absolutely save time—but only if there’s space to store what you’ve cooked. If your fridge is overflowing, or the containers are mismatched and lid-less, you’re not saving time, you’re adding stress.

A game-changer for me was picking up a second freezer on Facebook Marketplace for a steal. It gave me the freedom to cook ahead without feeling buried in casseroles and frozen soup bags.

🥄 Cutlery, Cups & Chaos

Reduce. Simplify. Streamline.

You don’t need 15 mugs. Or kids’ cups in every cartoon character known to mankind. You don’t need that drawer of takeout forks, orphaned lids, and warped containers. Pick one storage system, stick to it, and donate or toss the rest.

With fewer dishes, you’ll clean more often—which sounds like a burden, but actually isn’t. You’ll stay ahead of the mess, not behind it. There’s freedom in limitation.

🧼 The Best Time to Clean? Right Now.

The best time to clean anything in the kitchen is immediately after use. It doesn’t have to be deep—just rinse off visible debris and either place it in the dishwasher or clean and dry it right then.

Letting stuff “soak” is often code for I’ll procrastinate and hate this later. If you tackle the mess now, it won’t become a larger obstacle tonight when all you want to do is relax or go to bed.

🗃️ Kill the Junk Drawer

Yes, I’m coming for the junk drawer.

If you can’t tell me what’s in it, why does it exist? Sure, we all have a screwdriver, some batteries, and maybe a spare charger in there—but the rest? Trash. That drawer is rarely useful and always cluttered.

Instead, repurpose it. Make it a functional utility space with dividers and intention. One less chaotic corner makes a big difference.

🥣 Pantry Discipline

Buying in bulk only makes sense if you have a plan. Six bags of oats might be a good deal, but they’ll just become part of the scenery if you don’t actually use them.

Make intentional meal plans. Oatmeal every morning? Add oats to yogurt in the afternoon? Great—now you’re clearing space and not letting food go stale. Don't let your pantry become a graveyard of good intentions.

🧽 Clear Counters, Clear Mind

The more “horizontal” surfaces you can keep clear, the less mental stress you’ll feel in the kitchen. This includes:

• Sink

• Countertops

• Stove area

A cluttered kitchen slows everything down and welcomes pests. Those tiny flying gnats or sneaky roaches? They love moisture, dishes in the sink, and forgotten crumbs in corners. Clean spaces are your first defense.

🧺 Storage (But Make It Smart)

Storage solutions are great—in moderation. Don’t go overboard and turn your kitchen into a Tetris nightmare of bins and baskets. Sometimes, “organization” tools just become more clutter. Be thoughtful and patient. I went through three different iterations before finding what worked for me.

🍳 Get Real Cookware

Forget flimsy pans. I’m shifting to cast iron skillets—they’re easy to clean, last forever, and go from stovetop to oven with ease. Plus, they're pretty affordable if you shop smart. Skip the nonstick stuff that flakes in six months. Invest in tools that support your lifestyle, not fight against it.

🧘 Final Thoughts: Keeping my kitchen clean is a Battle, But a Worthy One

Keeping a kitchen clean isn’t a one-time project. It’s an everyday battle—but one that gets easier with habit and intention. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy kitchen to feel in control. You just need systems, boundaries, and a refusal to let your environment work against your peace.

Start small. Build habits. Stay tenacious.

Your kitchen won’t be perfect—but it will feel like it’s finally working with you, not against you.