Everyday Home Edit
Small Kitchen Counter Checklist
Print this and work through it in one evening, then keep it on the fridge.
Clear and measure
- Take everything off the counter
- Wipe the counter and backsplash
- Measure the gap under the upper cabinets
- Mark a 24 to 36 inch prep strip
- Note landing spots by fridge, stove and sink
What goes back
- Appliances used most days
- Oils, salt and a utensil crock by the stove
- Dish soap, sponge and brush by the sink
- Coffee or tea supplies in one corner
- Nothing on the prep strip
Move off the counter
- Knives to a wall strip
- Paper towels under the cabinet
- Weekly appliances to a lower cabinet
- Rarely used appliances to a high shelf
- Mail and keys to a spot by the door
- Dish rack over the sink or a compact one
Daily reset
- Return stray items to their station
- Empty the dish rack
- Wipe the prep strip
- Check nothing is parked by the stove
- Leave the counter ready for morning