Friday, January 24, 2014

Decluttering Countertops - Before & After

~Before~
 
As I mentioned in a previous post, my theme for this year is simplicity.
So I figured the best place to start would be my kitchen countertops.

 
~Before~
 
The first thing I did was to remove everything off of the counters.
 
 
And then I filled the sinks with bleach & water
and wiped down the counters and let them soak.
 
 
While the counters were being disinfected by the bleach solution
I sorted through everything I had removed from the counters
and decided which I was keeping, which was going,
which was going to be put back on the counter,
and which was going to have to find another home.
My guideline for this was if I used it every day it could go on the counters.
Less than that and it would have to go in the cupboards.
And anything I couldn't remember using or was broken was
put aside to give away or throw away.

 
This old CD player was on my countertop but it isn't needed
as I listen to the radio or my music from my ipad.
It was boxed up to donate and will free up a lot of space on my counters.

 
I do use my little chopper quite a bit but not every day
so a spot was found in the cupboard for it.

 
The lid on this kettle was broken and I am tired of boring electric kettles.
This went to the garbage and a red kettle will hopefully soon grace my stovetop.

 
 
 
I actually wasn't sure if the can opener should be on the counter or in a cupboard.
I decided to put it in a cupboard but decided if I found myself constantly
pulling it out to use I would move it to the counter.
 
 
 
 
~Before~
 

 
~After~
 
What a difference - so much more counter space.
It makes working in the kitchen so much easier!
 
~After~
 
Of course, the whole time I was moving things back and forth
Coda decided he needed to lay in the middle of everything
and keep an eye on things! Lol


~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!

 
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12 comments:

  1. Absolutely impressive, Alana! You just caused me to re-evaluate my counter tops! The only thing I see that I need to move is a pottery tea pot. I do use it, but not every day. The only other thing on the counter that I use frequently in a week's time, but don't use every day is my mixer. It is a Kitchen Aid that is HEAVY...and I know in order for me to use it, it will have to remain on the counter! Thank you for the inventory check! :)

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    1. Thanks Dianna! My mom has one of those and I can remember having to haul it in and out of the cupboard each time I wanted to bake - hated it. In fact, so much so I vowed never to own one - lol. And so far I haven't, I just use a hand mixer. However, with arthritis beginning to bother me more and more in my hands this winter had me seriously considering one - and if I did get one it would definitely have a home on the countertop :)

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  2. This is something I need to do... thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. It's definitely worth it! I just love how much more space I suddenly have now - it almost feels like a new kitchen ;)

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  3. I need more counters.....sigh. Coda looks adorable!!! Have a great week!

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    1. Coda is a cutie - except when he lays right under my feet or right behind me - lol! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  4. Alana, I like doing this every now and then. I remove everything and wipe the counters down like you. I change often for seasonal décor so it's a nice time to clean. I put my toaster in a cupboard because we do not use it every day. Easy to pull out when we do. It's such a good feeling, isn't it? Looks great! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. It does feel great! Glad I could join the party. Thanks for stopping by.

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  5. That is something I really need to do!

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    1. I am so glad I did mine. It was worth the effort :)

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I enjoy reading each one so much and will try to get back to each one of you. Have an amazing day!