When I first set up my kitchen years ago, I made what felt like the most logical choice: keep everything within reach.
Spices, bread, fruit, knife block, the blender — they all had a cozy little place right there on the countertop. I thought it made sense. After all, the more visible something is, the more I’d use it, right?
Well… not quite.
Over time, what started as “convenience” turned into chaos. My once tidy kitchen became visually noisy and — to my surprise — less hygienic. Even worse, I realized I was actually ruining some of my food.
If you’re someone who’s considered a kitchen remodel near me or even thought about kitchen cabinet painting near me to refresh your space, don’t miss this: clutter is often the real issue, and you don’t need a full remodel to fix it. Sometimes it’s about what you don’t leave out.
Let me walk you through the 10 items I learned don’t belong on your countertop — and why removing them might just change your kitchen experience for good.
1. Bread
Let’s start with a staple: bread.
It seems harmless to leave a loaf sitting on the counter, but bread is surprisingly sensitive to air, moisture, and temperature. In warm, humid weather, it molds fast. In cooler, dry climates, it dries out and gets stale.
Solution: Keep it in a bread box with ventilation, or store it in the refrigerator if you’re not eating it within a few days.
2. Knife Block
Ah yes, the trusty knife block.
At first, I loved how it looked — solid wood, sleek design, and all my knives standing tall like little soldiers. But here’s the problem: those tiny slots collect crumbs, grease, and dust, especially if they’re near the stove.
Over time, it became a sanitation concern and a space hog.
Better option? A magnetic knife strip on the wall or a flat drawer insert. Clean, safe, and visually clear.
3. Small Appliances You Rarely Use
If you’re like me, you own more appliances than you use.
I had a waffle maker, a smoothie blender, an air fryer, and a sandwich press — all proudly displayed. But the truth? I only used one or two regularly.
Instead of cluttering your counters, store rarely used appliances in a cabinet or pantry. Keep daily-use ones like your coffee maker out, but give everything else a designated spot away from sight.
The result? Your kitchen instantly looks more polished — no kitchen remodel near me needed.
4. Fruits and Veggies That Spoil Fast
You might think that colorful pile of avocados and tomatoes looks Pinterest-perfect, but many fruits and veggies are highly sensitive to light and temperature.
Avocados ripen too fast. Potatoes sprout. Tomatoes lose flavor. Onions rot near potatoes. The list goes on.
Stick to displaying bananas or apples. Store the rest in a cool pantry or the fridge, depending on what it is.
5. Spices
I used to proudly keep my spice rack near the stove — ready for action. But I later learned that heat and light degrade the flavor of spices.
That dried basil? Tasteless. That cinnamon? Weak.
Best practice: Keep spices in a drawer or cabinet away from the stove. It not only preserves flavor but gives your counter a cleaner look.
6. Paperwork and Mail
Raise your hand if your kitchen counter becomes the catch-all for bills, coupons, doctor’s notes, and grocery lists.
(I’m guilty too.)
The issue isn’t just clutter — it’s stress. Piles of paper make your kitchen look messy and make important papers easier to lose.
Create a command center somewhere else — a drawer, wall basket, or small office corner. Your kitchen should feel warm and welcoming, not like a mini post office.
7. Cutting Boards
Stacked cutting boards in the corner might feel practical, but they often slide around, attract crumbs, and add visual noise.
Try storing them vertically in a cabinet using a file-sorter-style rack or a simple divider. It looks neater and keeps your boards clean.
8. Pet Food and Bowls
This one surprised me — but it makes sense.
Leaving pet food or treats on the counter might feel convenient, especially if your pets are part of the family. But open kibble bags or containers attract pests and leave a smell behind.
Fix: Use an airtight container and store it in a pantry or drawer. Keep bowls on a mat in a dedicated floor space — ideally not near food prep areas.
9. Coffee Pods or Beans in Glass Jars
I’ll admit — glass jars full of beans and coffee pods look great… until your coffee starts tasting stale.
Light, air, and moisture break down coffee beans quickly. If you enjoy rich flavor (and who doesn’t?), store your beans in an opaque, airtight container.
Coffee pods are best kept in a drawer or a container with a lid. Keep the visual appeal, just protect the taste.
10. Cookbooks
Cookbooks are beautiful — until they’re splattered with oil or soaked by a wet dishcloth.
Even if you use them often, cookbooks don’t belong on the countertop. They take up valuable real estate and risk damage.
Instead, store them on a shelf nearby or tuck them into a drawer. For regular recipes, take a photo or use a tablet on a stand.
Small Changes = Big Results
Removing just a few of these items from your counter can make your kitchen feel:
- Cleaner
- Bigger
- More relaxing
- Easier to clean
And the best part? It costs nothing — you don’t need a fancy kitchen cabinet painting near me quote or thousands for a full remodel. Sometimes, simplicity is the best design upgrade.
When My Sister Stole My Husband While I Was Pregnant, I Was Shattered — But Life Had the Last Word
There are betrayals so deep they shatter not just trust, but your entire sense of…
Slow Cooker Apple Kielbasa Bites: A Sweet and Savory Comfort Dish That Warms the Soul
There’s a kind of magic in the aroma of something slow-cooked to perfection — something…
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp: An Elegant, Effortless Delight
When life gets busy — and it always does — it’s easy to fall into…
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Rice Pudding: A Timeless Treat That Practically Cooks Itself
There are few things in life more comforting than a bowl of warm, creamy rice…
Slow Cooker Italian Drunken Noodle: A Rich, Rustic Comfort Dish Worth the Wait
Some recipes just have a way of wrapping you in warmth — like a soft…
The Ultimate Layered Pasta Salad: A Showstopping Dish for Every Gathering
Some recipes come and go with the seasons, but this Layered Pasta Salad is a…
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions: The Side Dish That Steals the Show
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a humble onion into something elegant and unforgettable,…
Pecan Pie Bark: A Crispy, Caramelly Twist on a Southern Classic
If you love pecan pie — that gooey, nutty, caramel-sweet treat that graces tables every…
Chicken Bubble Biscuit Bake Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families
When life gets hectic and your to-do list is longer than your arm, there’s something…
Say Goodbye to Dull Skin and Wrinkles—With This One Ingredient From Your Kitchen
Wrinkles sneaking in where your smooth skin used to be? Dark spots that seem to…
From the Streets to the Altar: A Story of Betrayal, Truth, and Redemption
The summer sun scorched the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue in New York. Beneath the harsh…
The Power of Baking Soda: A Natural and Effective Pest Control Solution
In the world of pest control, many people instinctively turn to store-bought sprays and toxic…