Create a cozy and clutter-free kitchen

Clutter can disrupt the flow of any home, causing unwanted stress and frustration, especially in the kitchen. As one of the busiest rooms, maintaining a clutter-free environment will create a happier and healthier space for your family. Here are a few tips to help you achieve and maintain a fully functional, chaos-free kitchen:

1. Look better, feel better. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just hanging out with family, hosting others at your house is fun, but can also be stressful. Even if it’s last night’s dinner dishes or wine glasses from your latest soirée, allowing clutter to pile up in the sink can negatively impact the look and feel of the entire kitchen.

Finding a great faucet can make cleaning easier, while meeting your cooking and entertaining needs. Try installing the Etch pulldown kitchen faucet from Moen Canada. Its transitional style creates an elegant focal point at the sink. The high-arc pulldown spout and multi-function spray improve performance and the Spot Resist stainless finish resists fingerprints and water spots. The Etch line also gives you the innovative Reflex system, a Moen feature that offers self-retraction of the wand, as well as an exceptional range of motion, generous reach and secure docking.

2. Organize chaos. Unused items, like the waffle maker that you desperately desired 10 years ago (but have yet to use), need to go. To make some space in your kitchen, use three boxes: one for garbage, one for donations and one for belongings you want to keep. While separating items, ask yourself when you last used it. With the exception of holiday-specific dishes and tools, if it’s been longer than a month, donate it or throw it away.

3. Get creative. Many kitchens suffer from countertop overload. This is where too many kitchen appliances and miscellaneous items, such as mail, phone chargers and car keys, seem to find a home. The solution to clearing this area is simple – get creative.

Dish towels are infamous for cluttering countertops. They don’t have a designated home and therefore, are carelessly strewn about. Establish a special spot for this kitchen necessity: mount hooks, towel rings or towel bars on the side of an upper cabinet or the end of the island.

4. De-stress your life. It happens to all of us: your significant other informs you at the last minute that you’re having guests for dinner, and the chores you need to complete before their arrival seem endless. It only takes 15 minutes each day to maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher, wipe down the countertops, sweep the floors, put away toys and tablets and file mail. Simply staying on top of these little tasks will make it easier to accommodate unexpected company and allow you to enjoy their visit.

It might be difficult at first to maintain the new routine, but there are reasons to be optimistic. According to a study by The University College London, it only takes 21 days to form a new habit. So stick to it and make this change to an organized kitchen a permanent one.

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