Let’s be honest: no kitchen ever really feels big enough. Whether it’s a compact layout or a full-on chef’s dream, the storage always gets maxed out. And we get it. The kitchen’s the heart of the home. It’s where everyone hangs out — and where everything tends to land. That’s why doing a quick declutter session every once in a while, is a total game-changer.
The Assignment:
Do a 20-minute decluttering sweep of the kitchen.
If you’ve been following the September Sweep, you know the drill by now: Set a timer, grab a basket, and go through your kitchen looking for things that are either out of place, or ready to be tossed and given a new home far away from yours.
And don’t stress — we’re not touching the fridge, freezer, or pantry today. Those food zones are getting their own spotlight next week.
Where to Look:
- inside cabinets and drawers
- on the counter
- on top of the fridge or upper cabinets
- any freestanding furniture, like a hutch or island
- the bar area or bar cart
- any spot you store cooking or serving supplies, even if it’s not technically “in” the kitchen
What to look for:
- Anything that belongs in another room
- Broken or chipped mugs, plates, or glassware
- Multiples you don’t need
- Kitchen tools you never use
- Duplicate kitchen tools or measuring cups
- Small appliances that collect dust
- Baking sheets, pans, pots, and cutting boards that sit untouched
- Holiday-themed items that didn’t get any love this past season
- Novelty accessories
- Extra wine openers (you only need one or two!)
- The fifth and sixth water bottles you never get to
- Crusty or old cleaning supplies
- Old, stained, or extra plastic containers
- Takeout condiments, plasticware, and stray menus
- Out-of-date invitations or event announcements
- Expired coupons
- Excessive collections of paper or plastic bags
- Expired medication
- Liquor bottles no one drinks
- Cookbooks that haven’t been cracked open in more than a year
Pro tip: A lot of this stuff can be donated or recycled, so don’t toss it unless you absolutely have to.
Wanna Visualize It?
Download the infographic to make your 20-minute kitchen declutter even easier: https://www.virtuance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fast-ways-to-declutter-your-kitchen.pdf
Selling your home soon?
Decluttering your kitchen isn’t just a feel-good win — it’s a smart real estate move. A clean, organized kitchen looks so much better in professional real estate photos and virtual tours. Potential buyers will notice the difference. Show off your decluttered kitchen in professional real estate images and in a 3D virtual tour. You can start by scheduling your shoot here!
Source: Taryn Williford | Apartment Therapy
FAQ
It’s a good idea to declutter your kitchen at least once a season.
A decluttered kitchen photographs better and feels more spacious to potential buyers. It allows your kitchen’s best features to shine in listing photos and virtual tours, increasing your chances of making a great first impression.
Set a timer for 20 minutes, grab a basket, and move quickly through each area — counters, drawers, cabinets. Focus on removing items you don’t use, duplicates, or anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen.
