The Secret To Keeping Your Kitchen Counter Clutterfree For Good 

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

Daily use appliances...my kettle and tea pot are in constant use...I would never consider putting it away! It’s a fine line between feeling like home and a rental house. ❤️ Home and it’s not cluttered, but it isn’t stark either. Balance in everything.

"Reset every night..." means a fresh start every morning! I like this.

To all those who are disagreeing - have you tried it? I started doing this before I even saw this video. My kitchen is small, so I don't have a lot of cabinet space; but I don't have a lot of counter space either. We have a coffee pot, tea kettle, and toaster that are used every morning. Putting these 3 items away after they are used has been life changing. When I get home and walk into the kitchen with my cleared counter, it's like a breath of fresh air. When I cook dinner every night, they are no longer in the way. Give it a try instead of saying "no thanks". If you don't like it, you can always go back to leaving them out on your counter.

I agree with most of the points, but when you live in a home with a smaller kitchen space you don’t always have cupboard space for all the things. My toaster just has to stay out. But that’s ok, because I don’t mind it. It works for me

I have 5 kids and they often use the kitchen counter as their catch all. I remind one time to remove it or it gets put into a basket and they have to buy it back with chores or donation to charity. It works! The counters stay clutter free. Excellent video!

Fancy electric appliances used to be a status symbol. So were "conveniently" left on display. Now they are an IN convenience.

When a person creates a place for everything in the kitchen it is perfectly fine to decide that the "home" for your toaster or coffeemaker is on the counter. Looking at a kitchen with everything in its place will be satisfying and comforting no matter where that designated "space" is even if it is in-your-face out on the counter.

Some daily appliances like my kitchen aid are too heavy to lift every single day. I’m 70. I use my coffee pot and toaster every day. Sorry. they’re out on my counter and my back is protected.

It truly does make such a difference in my mood in the morning when I come into a clutter free, clean kitchen.

I disagree with putting daily use appliances in a cabinet. It is just an extra effort daily to bring out the items, plug them in, then put them away again. I have a bad back. Bending isn’t good for me. Leaving daily use appliances on the counter makes more sense to me. I did put the toaster into the lazy Susan, but the coffee corner stays. I do better at keeping my condo uncluttered than my house. We babysit for our grandsons at our house so we have some toys and crafts laying around. Oh well.

I always reset my kitchen every night and makes it so much easier and nice to wake up with it clean.

Interesting video. Do you do much cooking and preparation in the kitchen? I feel there has to be a balance. Packing say the coffee machine away every single day and then taking it out for the sake of not one thing on the counter? I think minimalism can either strengthen existing OCD tendencies or encourage it. It's all about balance. The kitchen is a place of functionality.

Well I would store the coffee pot and the canisters and the knives but we moved in our retirement into 320 square feet to be near an elderly mother. My kitchen has 2 drawers and 4 cabinets and the canisters and knives have to be out. I put a piece of slate over two burners and the coffee pot lives permanently there. We downsized and decluttered for seven years or this move would never even be possible but we are very happy here.

There’s no way I’m putting away my coffee maker, toaster or microwave. First they do get used every day and secondly I don’t have the room to store them and third it doesn’t bother me in the least to have them out.

Yes to all of the points! About 4 years ago I removed everything from my kitchen counters except for my Vitamix & a corner 3 knife set. It’s amazing how it makes the whole apartment look less cluttered.

My kitchen doesn't have enough cabinets to store a coffee pot or toaster.

We are much better with keeping our kitchen counter cleaner. I leave our coffee maker out because we set up the coffee the night before. We also leave fruit out. Everything else is put away. I do feel like I clean our counters 10 times a day although I really don’t.... thank you for the video. It helped change my perspective

It’s ok to use the suggestions that work and ignore the ones that don’t work. I’m going to leave out my toaster and coffee pot. Time to find a home for the stand mixer that I don’t use daily.

Our reset is a nightly 10 minute sweep. I set the timer and we all go around and pick up/put away things that have been left out. When we fall out of this habit is when our house becomes unmanageable.

I always tidy the kitchen before bed at night.Wash and wipe up,put things away,wipe down surfaces etc. It is so nice to get up in the morning to a 'clean slate' instead of yesterdays mess!

We have recently removed decorative items from our counters, island and walls and it feels Amazing!! For fun I binge watch your videos while Im working and love my new cozy minimal lifestyle. Thanks for your ministry and for all the encouragement. God bless you and your family.

There are definitely things stored on my kitchen counters that can go somewhere else. Toaster and coffee maker will stay, but there are a lot of good suggestions here.

"Everything have a home." In my own home and my classroom, everything having a home is life changing and class changing. What peace we all have and we can find everything. Love it!

I see great value in your videos. Info on "resetting our rooms each evening" is only possible when we have kept up with things and don't have too much stuff. Love how you speak-calmly, at a pace the listener can gain helpful knowledge---you know what you want to say, say it clearly, simply---Thank you!

Truth: "Clutter collects in our home when we have too much stuff in too small of a place." This applies to every area of the home. Bedrooms (clothes), bathrooms (beauty products, cleaners), even the living area (magazines, books, knick knacks).

Joshua, you are so right! Clearing my kitchen counters every night before bed has worked wonders for me. Seeing a tidy kitchen first thing in the morning is very calming. Your videos have given me many helpful habits, thank you!

I do have fruit on the counter, but I got rid of the bowl, where things rotted in the bottom and changed it out for a glass raised cake plate. That way can see every piece of fruit and use it up in time. Thank you for your videos. I love to watch them and have achieved a clear counter for the first time in my life!

Hi Joshua love all the points except no.5. I use my toaster, kettle and nutribullet every single day... but the thought of moving the toaster each time and crumbs falling out of it... is 😑 I hate crumbs lol

I live in an efficiency apartment and when entering you walk directly into the kitchen area. My kitchen area often looks awful with all the things on it. I've been improving in keeping the counter uncluttered and this video gives me additional inspiration. I live alone and don't have enough to fill the dishwasher so I use the dishwasher as storage space. I'm resolved to not leave things in the drainer in the sink but to dry those things and put them away. Seeing the clutter is so depressing and I don't have to have and see that clutter.

If only 🙄☺️ my husband is one of those butterfly people who has to see everything and doesn’t even throw away his garbage when it’s two steps away 🤦🏽‍♀️ as I can’t declutter his stuff i can ‘organize’ it for now 🤷🏻‍♀️ since thrift stores reopened a few months ago I dropped off bag/box #46 yesterday and easily over a thousand items 🙏🏽 it’s daunting to know I still have a long journey ahead and the purge is getting more difficult as it’s less obvious

When I started putting away small appliances in cabinets, I accidentally added the habit of wiping them down before I store them, so they're cleaned more often now.

Do you remove your tv? Your couch? We use our coffemachine and toaster more often than those... Seriously, if a toaster and a coffeemachine is considered clutter in a kitchen...where does it end? Im all for downsizing and minimalism - but still! That seems..stressfull to me.

I agree with pretty much everything you stated (including the toaster) except the coffee maker. Lugging that thing out once/often twice a day would exhaust my patience with minimalism. Love your channel 🌷

I now can fold my laundry on my kitchen counter. Much better for my back than our bed! It’s wonderful to have space for different activities Also, because I donated easily 60% of the kitchen utensils and dish ware, plus old and unused pots and pans, I now have storage space for the small appliances!!

I listened to this advice when I first listened to your audiobook. It honestly changed my life. My family and friends think I am nuts! But I find the kitchen is easier to clean and my mind isn't distracted by all the stuff on display. I tidy up every evening and it makes the morning feel so relaxing. Thank you so much Joshua!

Great video. I agree, it makes a huge difference if my counters are clear. I decluttered my cabinets to make room. I'm still working on this. A clean uncluttered kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the house.

I stopped the video mid-way and went into my kitchen to make room in a cabinet to store my blender that I haven't used in months! Lol. For years, I have lived with the mindset that "everything has a place" and this has served me well. I can always find whatever I'm looking for because of this mindset. In addition, I use "readers" and each room has their own pair so I don't have to run around the house looking for them. When I leave the room, I set down the readers that belong to that room. It has saved a lot of frustration.

I use my coffee maker allll day. It stays on its designated counter. Absolutely shine the sink every night you can! :)

My kitchen counters were always clutterfree. I just don't like when there is a lot of stuff in the kitchen, because it makes it harder to clean. That's been said they are and never will be completely empty. I keep out few essentials that also have decorative function. Like my ceramic hand painted salt container. I love to look at it every morning.

Started resetting my kitchen while watching this! Thanks for all the encouragement! -Lindsay

I declutter my kitchen regularly. Now the counter top holds 2 vases, a small mirror, some books and note books, toaster, loudspeaker and coffee machine. Everything has its place and the area is clean and breezy. I just love it. I could probably take away more, but for now it is perfect. Inspiring video as always! 💚

Thank you for another well thought and articulated video . Your content and presentation is much appreciated !!!😊❤️😊

"Store daily use appliances out of sight" is short....sighted! and worse unsafe. Who is putting a hot toaster in a cabinet. Maybe if you lived alone.. but the idea of a keuring being put in and out of a cabinet 4 times a day isn't minimalist it's maximum effort to make a cup of coffee. Home economics still count.

Excellent, Joshua - common sense is so uncommon - uncluttered areas = mental rest. Great stuff --

We do a lot of cooking, and I like to think of the kitchen as a professional restaurant kitchen. Gradually replacing everything with stainless steel products. Our toaster oven and Kitchen Aid mixer are out--and we use them all the time. However, I also see things that need to go, such as oils that we have out on the counter and the coffee container. We make pour-over coffee, so that's small enough to store easily.

The house reset saves my sanity. I have three kids under four, and I put everything away once they’re in bed(they help with their own things). I didn’t do this on Monday evening because it took a very long time to get the baby down to sleep and I was tired but my whole Tuesday was rough as a result. Waking up to an untidy house put me in a bad mood and it seemed like I was playing catch-up all day.

The thing to remember about minimalism is, it's about balance in Your life. Some tips just won't work for you for whatever reason. I see my minimalism as a work in progress and trial and error; me figuring out what makes sense and what actually works for me. • All minimalist tips may not suit you. • Balance is key. 🙂

I see many others here have addressed things being too heavy to move. I also have that issue. I use my toaster oven multiple times a day. From toast in the morning, to baking pizza from scratch. There is also no room in my cabinets for that. Nor for my Kitchenaide. The same can be said for my cast iron skillet and cast iron Dutch oven. I use them more than once a day. But I also have a 'drainer' for my everyday dishes out on my island. And the glasses are next to it. You see, I'm in a wheelchair, and it's not feasible for me to put them into a cabinet that I can't reach. I'd have to wait for someone to get them for me. So, if I can't reach it with a grabber, it goes within reach. I have many things in my lower cabinets, but I have one slim cabinet for cookie sheets and cutting boards. A regular size lower cabinet with pots and pans. The only other low cabinet space that I have is in the bottom of my very small island. I also like to have a kitchen that looks homey and not sterile. The kitchen in this video is not appealing to me at all. It looks like an unstaged model home.

I am a cook, a baker and live in the kitchen. Appliances are my big down fall. ( and spices) . They are huge, used mostly every day. I can put away the coffee make, no problem,. But often have 2 iPos going, using the blender and my kitchen aid stand mixer (weighs a ton). I juice daily I dream of having a rolling cart to put them on and just roll it all away. There no room! Stumped, for sure.

I really do appreciate seeing your vids without wading through adverts! You rock!

We use our kitchen appliances constantly. We also bake a lot. I want my counters to be as uncluttered as possible. Yet, I have the flour and sugar canisters out next to the mixer because it’s so much easier to whip up biscuits and whatnot. I also keep my Keurig out. I shall have to ponder this advice some more. I truly respect Joshua’s opinions, but if you cook from scratch, the kitchen is going to have appliances in use and food being prepared off and on all day. I’m a retiree now, but when my kids were young, I spent most of my time either making a meal or cleaning up after making a meal. I kept the appliances out that I used daily. Still do.😊

Oh my gosh this is so helpful.

Always the best content

This is the room I left for last to declutter. My 1950s storage space isn’t conducive to today’s larger coffee pots and mixers. (Sigh) It’s a work in progress. I do love a clean counter. Makes cleanup so easy.

I saw a knifeblock in someone’s cabinet (it was near the stove and stored with cutting boards and mixing bowls next to it) it changed my whole perspective of kitchen storage tbh. Their kitchen was gorgeous.

Thanks for the much needed inspiration! I just minimalized my kitchen counters this morning, what a difference! I have butcher block counters and only had my toaster oven out, the only appliance in my small galley kitchen. I moved it to another place on the counter tops and also just bought one of those European looking wooden dish drying racks. Even though I have a dish washer, I had a tendency to wash things that can't go in the dish washer and let them pile up in front of the toaster oven. Now I hope to eliminate that pile that will look better on the rack til I put them away. Better looking than those plastic Rubbermaid or a metal dish drying rack. I have a couple of plants, too and have a beautiful artificial hanging ivy in front of my kitchen window. I love it , it looks real and I never have to water it. Best investment ever!

Joshua is such a good teacher! Love his presentation style.... Calming.

I recommended your channel to my student, she liked it.

I particularly like the point about recognising the INCONVENIENCE of clutter created by leaving items on the bench in the belief it’s more convenient. Brilliant !! Best wishes from Australia 🇦🇺

I live in a pretty nice RV with a small kitchen and I follow this. I cook, bake and serve and put everything away every evening. It's wonderful to see first thing in the morning. My place isn't "cold, sterile or hospital-like" either. If people want to leave out everything then good for them.

Great tips. I can’t stand clutter on my worktops. When my worktops are untidy I get really grumpy.

I love it! Thank you!! My kitchen is small and it is a mess everytime I cook. I started this and it is amazing and easy to clean ❤

Such a great video, I learned so much just by listening to your explanation. Thanks for taking the time to speak about this issue.

Such great points about the inconvenience of things being left out! Loved this video! I need to share it with my kids😂

He's not wrong, y'all! We started having a clutter-free counter about 6 months ago, and it's life-changing! Once you've had it cleared off, you'll notice anything that's not supposed to be there right away, and you'll want to take care of it immediately. Clutter on the counter begins to feel like rubbing a cat backwards. I cannot even describe the feeling of having cleared counters. It is wholly peaceful.

Good information. I also like how your videos are not long. I like quick information and then, get up and do something about it! I'm cleaning up in my kitchen right now.

I love your videos. I live with a packrat so I try to declutter but it is challenging.

I feel so much better when my counter tops are clutter free! I agree 100%.

I like this idea and have removed most items from countertop. We use our coffee pot and toaster everyday. What a hassle to get each out daily.

Great tips. I found this because it pops up as I have subscribed to you. Now to put things away in my kitchen!

Thank you I will share this with my family👍👏 HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Just the video a needed! Thank you Joshua.

Ah, number 4 sound great! Rethinking processes and reflecting habits can be an eye-opener. And I'm working on cleaning my counter each evening... Not withstanding having watched several simliar videos, I liked this video. I think I need to hear certain things about decluttering and organizing regularly as a constant reminder :D Love your videos! They are short, simple and to the point :)

This is my current battle. You make good points. I do clean my kitchen every night so the morning it's fresh & not overwhelming. It's depressing to look at a sink full of dishes.

I do something that is both environmentally friendly and cuts down on kitchen clutter. I put kitchen ware I’ve used in the fridge to be used again the next time without washing. For instance, I drink iced coffee every day. When finished, I put the covered travel flask in the fridge with any remaining ice, which is still frozen the next morning and ready to go. I’ll wash it every few days. Leftover food I cover and put in fridge as is rather than putting in a food container, creating one less to wash. Lastly I keep my dishpan top shelf in the fridge. Dishes can collect a couple of days away from pests. To some, all of this seems odd. To me, I feel good every day knowing I’m saving time and causing less waste for the environment from dish suds and excessive waste water.

So much to learn here.. thanks for the good solid tips on getting clutter free!

"Reset your kitchen every evening". This is so good in the mornings. When you wake up and start your day it is so good to have a nice cup of hot beverage in a tidy space.

Love the content. I would love to see a video on minimalism for the holiday decorations in terms of what you have and what is good to keep or what we should let go of . 🎄

Your videos are the most practical ones I've seen on decluttering.Within 2 days my kitchen has been decluttered with only a few snags. Like others, my storage space is limited. What suggestions do you have for expanding kitchen storage.

I like the daily reset concept.

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 three minutes versus twenty three and fifty seven seconds, never thought about that. Thank you.

You are totally right! I agree. Thank you

I loved this video! Thank you!

Thank you for this video! It's simple to do and it makes sense. It's humorous to me that people feel the need to argue with you over advice, why don't these people just not take the advice and move on to the next idea?

If you have an outlet in you pantry I would recommend an appliance shelf! I DO NOT have a big pantry and I sacrificed a lot of food storage but I have a small microwave, blender, & keurig. I use them every day multiple times a day. And I shut the door, clutter free counters and convenience of not having to pull it in and out of a cabinet!

YES! Love this!

So bizarre to think of the kitchen as a high traffic area. After 7+ years in Asia, the kitchen often feels like an after-thought stuck on the side of an apartment. I've never lived anywhere where the kitchen wasn't just a place to prepare meals. But I very much appreciate the thought of keeping counters clear and tidy.

Agree with all of this once purge and organize to your style that works for you keep all your surfaces clean of clutter and put items away each night and do a quick 5 minute clean job. After I have been doing this a while life is much easier and waking up to a clean place and going to bed with a clean place is a stressless mindset. A plus if you add up all the time you tidy in a week it is a very minimal time once all added up.

While I love a clean and uncluttered countertop, I don't love a bare one. I like a home to look like it is lived in and has personality, not like it is unoccupied. A kettle and a bowl of fruit are my ideal countertop occupants though my husband is not a minimalist so there is more clutter I just have to live with.

I use my toaster a few times a month. Totally makes sense to put it away. But my Keurig gets used 5+ times per day, for home ground coffee to hot water for tea & oatmeal. That makes sense to keep out! My large mixer gets used on weekends, but is heavy.

Thank you for sharing the cool vid.

Thank you, Joshua, for another great video!

You are so productive and encouraging. Thank you for sharing with us! I am going to try to put away my toaster. Lol!

Love your ideas and advice!!! Thanks so MUCH!!

So helpful! Thank you.

Thanks for this list. I am still struggling with the kitchen. I just made a list of weekend de-cluttering tasks, and the top of the list was the kitchen table in our eat-in kitchen. Your video has inspired me to do this right now!

I totally....agree with all of the above!!! 😊😁😀👍

Spot on!

Thanks I needed this!