These small kitchen gadgets are amazing, so they’ll take over your counters and cabinets! You’ve certainly been there, trying to juggle your blender, air fryer, toaster, and slow cooker in one place. If your devices feel like more of a burden than a blessing, let’s tackle this together. I’ll walk you through the steps to declutter and organize your small kitchen items so you can reclaim your tables and your sanity.
When I first set out to organize my kitchen, I realized that getting a handle on my small appliances made a big difference. It cleared up a lot of visual and physical space! If you’re ready to keep the momentum going after organizing your appliances, check out my article on How to Organize Kitchen Drawers Like a Pro. Organizing both areas will make your kitchen a joy to work in.
A step-by-step guide to arranging and organizing small kitchen appliances
1. Take stock
Start by pulling out all the small appliances you own and placing them all on the counter or table. Trust me, seeing them all together might be a bit shocking – but very rewarding!
2. Ask the big questions
For each device, ask yourself:
Do I use this regularly? If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Is it still working? Donate or recycle anything broken or unreliable. Do I have duplicates? One waffle maker is enough, let’s not overdo it!
3. Get rid of things you don’t need
Donate appliances that are in good condition and that you no longer use. Broken pieces can be recycled at your local waste facility.
4. Organize according to frequency of use
Keep everyday appliances, such as a toaster or coffee maker, easily accessible on the counter or in lower cabinets. Store less frequently used appliances, such as a slow cooker or blender, in higher or harder-to-reach cabinets. (Our blender is on the bottom rack because we don’t use it often and it’s very heavy.)
5. Maximize storage space
Use stackable bins or rolling carts to make the most of your closet space. If your kitchen is cramped for storage, consider adding a freestanding shelf or storage unit, like we did in our old house.
6. Maintain your new system
Check every few months to see if your system is still working. Have you stopped using the device? Did a new one sneak in? Is the location you’ve chosen to store your small appliances the right location for how you use your kitchen? Adjust as needed to keep your space functional.
For example, we originally had our small appliance in the corner cabinet next to the stove. But after several months, we found it very difficult to get the oddly shaped and sometimes heavy appliances out of that cabinet. So we put the pots and pans in there instead and moved the small appliances to a cabinet that is more accessible and works better!
Frequently asked questions
Use vertical space with stackable boxes or shelves. Store everyday items in easy-to-reach areas and less-used places at the top.
If an appliance has sentimental value but you never use it, consider keeping only one meaningful item and leaving the rest.
It’s okay to keep a few items “just in case,” but limit it to one or two. Store them out of the way, such as in a basement or utility closet, to free up your kitchen space.
More kitchen organization ideas
Organizing and organizing small kitchen items can seem like a big task, but it’s worth it. You’ll love the extra space and how easy it is to work in your kitchen. Plus, once you see those counters clear, you’ll feel a little lighter every time you walk into the room!
How do you store and organize your small appliances? Do you have some things you need to break up with? Let’s chat in the comments!
