There is no underestimating the power of a fully organized, decluttered kitchen. However, when you’re juggling other commitments, or guests are on the way, sometimes we just need a quick temporary fix to make a kitchen look organized, even when it’s not.

Professionals have several tricks up their sleeves for organizing a kitchen to make it look a little more put-together


Having a fully organized, decluttered kitchen can be powerful, but sometimes we need a quick fix to make it look organized in a pinch. Professionals have tricks for making a kitchen look put-together temporarily.

Here are five quick tricks to fake a clean and organized kitchen:

How to make a kitchen look organized, even when it’s not

Experts advise that these tricks should not replace a complete kitchen organization process. While useful for a quick tidy-up, they may not enhance the overall cooking experience.

Here’s how to create the illusion of order in a kitchen:

1. Keep the counters as clear as possible

(Image credit: Divine Savages)

Organizing kitchen countertops is key to making a kitchen look more organized instantly.

Diane Quintana, a certified professional home organizer, suggests keeping only essential items on the counters. She recommends using a small tray or basket for mail and a lazy susan for condiments to keep them organized.

2. Focus on items you can declutter quickly

(Image credit: Margot Tsim Interiors)

After decluttering countertops, quickly look for other items to declutter. Barbara Brock suggests removing small trash items or lingering utensils. She advises using clear trash bags for items to keep and dark bags for items to throw away.

3. Clear the front of your fridge

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Address the exterior of your fridge to make it look better. Kimberly Corey suggests evaluating what needs to be displayed on the fridge and keeping it clutter-free. She also advises against storing items on top of the fridge for safety and organization.

4. Clean as you go

(Image credit: Venjhamin Reyes)

If you’re too busy to clean but want an organized kitchen, clean as you go while preparing meals. Wash, dry, and put away items as you finish using them.

To prevent clutter from accumulating on countertops and creating a disorganized look, consider using a spacious dish drying rack like the best-selling option available on Amazon. This will make it easier to hand wash dishes as small piles accumulate, eliminating the need to wait for a full dishwasher load every time.

Additionally, decorative storage baskets are a great way to hide clutter in the kitchen. Interior designer Nitya Seth suggests placing less frequently used items in these baskets and storing them on shelves or above kitchen cabinets. This creates order in the chaos while enhancing the overall appearance of the kitchen.

For a tidy and organized kitchen, consider using storage bins with lids, such as the Citylife Stackable Storage Bin with Bamboo Lids. These bins can be stacked to save space and keep clutter hidden, even when stored on a countertop.

These quick tidying tips are perfect for getting your kitchen ready for hosting, especially as we approach peak hosting season. For a more permanent solution to kitchen clutter, consider organizing the kitchen in preparation for entertaining. Could you please rephrase that?