View Full Version : Kitchen - Day 3


AmyBoz
01-09-2005, 09:03 PM
*This is Monday mornings challenge*

Okay, today we are clearing off our countertops! We've already cleared the clutter on the inside of your kitchen, Now lets declutter the areas everyone can see. In fact, I'd bet that in at least one of your homes, some of the stuff you pulled from the cabinets or pantry made their way to your counter. Am I right?

Here's a little article I found at media-wiley.com to get us going!

Decluttering your countertops
First things first: Take a good hard look at your countertops. What’s on them?
Coffeemakers, blenders, food processors, stacks of bills, permission slips,
and grade school art projects? Counter space is the single most overlooked
item in many kitchens. The counter is where you set out and prepare food
(often on a cutting board), stack plates, put kitchen machines, and lose car
keys amid the clutter. A clean, clear counter space can inspire great meals. A
cluttered one is more likely to make you want to pick up the phone and order
a pizza. Try to keep your counters neat and clean. So many kitchen counters
are cluttered with paraphernalia that they become nearly useless.
The most important key for organizing your counter space is to keep it clear
of most stuff. Unless you use an appliance at least several times a week — the
coffee machine, toaster, and blender, for example — put it away. That’s precious
work space you’re filling up with all that stuff! Also remember that a
kitchen counter is not a magazine rack, plant holder, wine bin, or phone book
shelf, so try not to use it for these purposes if you actually want to cook!
In addition to keeping your countertops clutter free, take steps to care for
them. Use cutting boards for cutting and trivets for hot pots and pans, and
wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains. The nicer your counters look, the
more you’ll enjoy being in the kitchen.

Sara Noel
01-09-2005, 09:22 PM
My poor counters currently have Zachary's school stuff. He comes home with so much stuff in just a week. I have it stacked neatly, but I need to go through it. It's a lot like my mail. It's difficult for me to stay on top of it. One good thing is that I used to have a basket and I would toss stuff into it. I got rid of it and it forces me to put away the things I used to toss into it. :D I used to toss things like rubber bands, batteries, small toys, crayons, etc

AmyBoz
01-09-2005, 09:26 PM
Sara, I have a similar problem. Julia's school bag and lunch box, my lunch bag, Rob's lunch bag, and Patrick's diaper bag all go right on the counter when we get home. That way I pull out any school papers of Julia's, pull out the food containers to clean, etc. Most of the time, they don't make it back down to the foyer again.

My counters are such a problem area for me. It doesn't matter how often I clean them off, give it a day and they are cluttered again. I really need to work hard on this particular part of the challenge, and then I need to work on MAINTENANCE!

cmu
01-10-2005, 03:00 PM
lol, I just cleaned all but 1 of my kitchen counters on Saturday night :) The only counter left it the one that DH puts his wallet and pocket junk on...it seems to gather the most junk :)

QuilterMom
01-10-2005, 03:41 PM
We just did this yesterday. :)

daddys3chicks
01-10-2005, 05:26 PM
Ugh - can I have more than one day to do this one???

frugalmel
01-10-2005, 05:33 PM
A clean, clear counter space can inspire great meals. A
cluttered one is more likely to make you want to pick up the phone and order
a pizza.

Ok who wrote this and when were they in my kitchen??? lol

Makat2u
01-10-2005, 07:42 PM
That's the one area I don't have to work on because I have 2 small counters {one on each side of the sink} & the only time they get cluttered is when I'm cooking or doing dishes. Dishes are done & dinner is in the crockpot so no mess:D

baxjul
01-10-2005, 07:50 PM
Just got home from work and did it as soon as I walked in the door!:)

Mom23boys
01-10-2005, 08:17 PM
One counter is a clutter spot for me too. I usually drop the mail there.:toothy: I guess I will have to get up and do something about it.

gkp1031
01-10-2005, 11:43 PM
Done!

AmyBoz
01-11-2005, 07:08 AM
Great work, everyone!!!