<p>Spent a little time today doing some kitchen counter maintenance. Became the proud owner of a new coffee maker and was trying to figure out where I wanted to put it. Would say that the stuff on my counters have been in the same position for years. </p>
<p>Was ready for some change! But, seems like so much of the stuff out is necessary! </p>
<p>Flour/Sugar 3-canister set. Toaster oven. Toaster. Fruit bowl. Blender. Utensil container. Coffee Maker! Husband’s corner for keys, wallet, etc. (untouchable!) Olive Oil Spout Container. Salt and Pepper. Yikes! Even more!!!</p>
<p>So how are your counters? Overflowing? Bare and shiny? Any tips for making more room?</p>
<p>When H is not around, our kitchen counter is bare and shinny. Reason - D2 and I do not cook if we could help it, and the housekeeper puts everything away. Of course, it means we can’t find anything either.</p>
<p>Clutter, clutter, clutter. I used to have open space above the cabinets where I could put large serving items/appliances, leaving cupboard space clear for other things. Now I don’t, so it’s all on the countertop, toaster, can opener, coffee maker, cannister, food processor, mixer. All of which is used on a regular basis.</p>
<p>We have a toaster oven - no toaster. Are they really BOTH necessary? Blender stays under counter and is pulled out when used. Canisters, TV, utensil container, coffee maker, hot shot are on the counters. Usually a candy bowl and a “drop zone” for keys, mail, etc. What if you put the flour/sugar canisters and the olive oil in the cupboard? If you really feel like there’s a space issue, I would try putting some of the things in cabinets as an experiment and see if it’s an inconvenience or not :)</p>
<p>I did do that with a couple of small things - put them in the cupboard for a trial period. </p>
<p>I have never used the toaster oven to make toast! Kids like the toaster. I actually have quite a few cupboards but there really isn’t room at the moment. Would love to have cupboards organized / equipped with space saving equipment but that’s not likely to happen.</p>
<p>Paper towel holder just broke this week so roll of them on the counter too. Was thinking about getting one of those smaller 2 tiered wire baskets - the top for fruit, the bottom for napkins (again, family likes the napkins super handy).</p>
<p>Just got new countertops and hoping to sell our house in the next year…so all clutter had to go. I have three white ceramic cannisters, a small stainless steel paper towel holder and a ceramic utensil holder on the counter. There is a little “bump up” shelf behind my kitchen sink. I have a small potted plant and a small pottery piece that holds our keys on it.</p>
<p>Oh, yes, I forgot! I also have a blender on my countertop. If I had storage space for it, I would put it away. I don’t use the blender all that often. I just have no place else to put it. I don’t have a toaster oven since my microwave also browns, and I can always use my oven. I do have a toaster and it is used quite a bit.</p>
<p>It used to be mail all over, in piles. Must have had at least 5 piles I never touched. Or touched and didn’t do anything with. Plus all my other clutter.</p>
<p>Now I cleaned up lots of mail piles, I put cleaned pots away, have a better system for fruits on a 3-tier display, and got a new toaster oven. Bread basket still out.</p>
<p>What I don’t display: cannisters. can opener (use the portable kind), soap dispenser (that’s installed on my sink), mixer/blender/food processor. Those get put away.</p>
<p>Right now I have coffee maker, coffee grinder, 3 knife blocks (H is really into knives), a meat slicer (comes and goes), toaster and overflow spices. Onthe other counter, I have a rice cooker and two crockpots that really should be put away. Add containers for rice, flour, sugar, brown sugar and quinoa. Wow! I really have no counter space.</p>
<p>Yep, also have soap dispenser on the sink corner. And little basket that holds small bottles of hand lotion, lip balm, ibuprofen, “itching” cream - everyone in the family goes to that basket!!! </p>
<p>And I haven’t even mentioned the stuff on the little “desk” counter. Charging station, matching box for important papers (at least they are not visable!), tape dispenser…I did get rid of the electric pencil sharpener a few weeks ago…</p>
True, we’re kind of lucky to have a large basement, where we keep extra pantry stuff, a full size freezer, and a second fridge. More stuff to clean!</p>
<p>My counters have a lot of kitchen stuff. But I do have a lot of counter space and a huge island, so it’s not a big deal. The clutter such as mail and paperwork goes in waves. </p>
<p>“I have never used the toaster oven to make toast” - That’s funny. Our toaster oven is mostly used to make toast (or waffles or english muffins). Occasionally I use it for other purposes, but not often.</p>
<p>coffee maker, ice tea maker, toaster, knife block (on butcher block) ,paper towels…have a drawer for office stuff -tape, pens,markers, and appliances in the pantry. used to be more cluttered…empty nest helped</p>