If your kitchen is the heart of the home, then mine is the tiny, overworked, always-messy heartbeat of our daily life.
Let me paint you a picture.
Two boys running in and out, asking for snacks every ten minutes. A pot bubbling on the stove. Someone yelling “Where’s my water bottle?” and me, elbow-deep in dough or trying to clear a mountain of dishes. My kitchen is small—really small. We’re talking one-countertop, one-sink, play-Tetris-with-the-pots small.
And yet… somehow, we make it work.
I used to feel completely overwhelmed by the constant clutter. The dish drainer was always full, the bin always overflowing, and there never seemed to be space to actually cook.
But over time (and a lot of trial and error), I’ve found a few strategies that help keep the chaos under control—and let me cook from scratch most days without losing my mind.
Here’s how I do it:
1. Clear the Surfaces – Every Single Night
I used to leave things on the counter—spice jars, the chopping board, that half-full cup of tea. But I realised that even one or two extra things made the whole space feel chaotic.
Now, no matter how tired I am, I make it a rule: every night before bed, I clear and wipe the counters. It only takes five minutes, and it makes such a difference the next morning when I walk in and actually want to start cooking.
2. One Drawer = One Purpose
When space is tight, drawers can easily become junk traps. I’ve given each one a job:
- One for utensils
- One for food wraps and cloths
- One for baking bits
- One “overflow” drawer that I reset every Sunday
Even though I’d love more storage, having clear zones helps me put things back in their place without thinking too much—because let’s be honest, I don’t have time to think too much!
3. Daily Mini-Tidy (5 Minutes Max)
After lunch (when the kids are distracted or playing), I set a timer and do a 5-minute mini-reset:
- Rinse the dishes
- Load/unload the dishwasher or washing-up rack
- Wipe down the hob and table
- Fold the tea towel
It’s not a deep clean, but it keeps things manageable—and prevents that end-of-day overwhelm where everything hits you at once.
4. Make Use of Vertical Space
I don’t have much room, but I do have walls—so I started using them. I hung a small rail with hooks for tea towels and oven gloves. A mini shelf for herbs and spices. A magnetic knife strip. Even a basket above the door for things I rarely use (but still want to keep).
It’s amazing how a few clever tweaks can free up a drawer or counter.
🧡 Want more ideas like this? Check out my post: 5 Easy Eco-Friendly Swaps for Busy Mums
5. Keep Only What You Really Use
I know, I know—we all have that one waffle maker or smoothie gadget gathering dust.
A few months ago, I took everything out of the cupboards and asked myself:
Have I used this in the last month? If not, do I really need it taking up space?
I donated or packed away anything that didn’t earn its keep. Now, it’s easier to find the things I actually use—especially when I’m cooking in a rush.
6. Let Go of the “Perfect” Kitchen
Lastly—and maybe most importantly—I’ve learned to be OK with the fact that my kitchen isn’t Instagram-worthy. It’s not all white tiles and marble counters. It’s lived in. It’s busy. It’s where my family eats, laughs, spills, and shares time together.
And yes, it gets messy. But it also gets cleaned. Bit by bit. One corner at a time.
So if you’re standing in your kitchen feeling like it’s all too much—breathe. You’re doing great.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Peace
Keeping a small kitchen tidy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding rhythms and routines that work for your real life. And giving yourself grace on the days when it all falls apart (because it will—and that’s OK!).
You don’t need more space. Just a few good habits, a bit of creativity, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
From my tiny Transylvanian-style kitchen in the UK to yours—sending hugs, warm soup, and a wiped-down counter.
With love,
Krisztina 💛
[…] 💚 Also read: How I Keep My Small Kitchen Tidy Without Losing My Mind […]