MAINTAINING THE CLUTTER

Maintaining the clutter

I was recently asked… how do you maintain a clean kitchen counter space? I kind of laughed to myself… yes, it can be a struggle, trust me I’m not crazy OCD about this, because with 4 kids I have to give myself and my kids grace. But I do love organized clear spaces and have some systems that have really helped our family. None of these ideas are brand new concepts… just ideas that came to me that work within our particular new space.

 

In our kitchen I have allotted a couple drawers for the kids art supplies…specifically the girls. My oh my, can they craft…. Craft and craft some more! I love that they love to draw and be creative, but we have to create some boundaries.

These 3 bottom drawers are given to them and the greatest part is they know how to help themselves and put things back.  Win-win!

WHAT ABOUT THE PAPERS?

The endless amounts of school papers that come home are daunting. Years back I purchased these craft boxes at Michaels Store and labeled each one for our kids. I’ve tucked these in our pantry, so they stay away from our counter space. The kids know to put their papers from their bags in their box. When the they get full, it’s their time to sort through what they want to keep and what they want to recycle. I tell them… keep the items that spark a good memory or hold value to you. Not the everyday math worksheet… but maybe their first narrative story, or really special art project. I want them to appreciate certain accomplishments, but also feel the joy in purging. Now that’s my favorite. HAHA.

DISPLAY KIDS WORK

Now I don’t shove everything in these boxes…. I love to see the color and hand crafted pieces of our kiddos. On our pin-board in the kitchen family space I pin up their special work or awards…. And switch out when new things arrive and place them back in the boxes to later sort through.

Photos by MySeattleFarmHouse

IMPORTANT PAPERS

What to do with important passcodes/documents/ box tops, etc…. I found this cute decorative picture/pin-board at Homegoods to mange these things. This stays next to our command desk center.

COINS

This simple “family fun jar” sits on our kitchen desk area and this is where the loose change goes. Simple and when it gets full we use that money to go on a family fun date. The only problem… it’s never full, haha, because we use for the kiddos and their popcorn Fridays at school.  I think we filled it one time in the last 5 years! 😊

BASKETS & TINS

I love using different non-storage related items to hold supplies. It makes the space interesting and adds texture and contrast. I have these wood milk crates that work great for art supply storage and I found this fun metal canister holder to put crayons and pens in.

Now, it's your turn 🙂

I hope you feel inspired to create systems in your kitchen to free the counter surfaces. Leave those spaces to be with loved ones and makes meals to share with your family. With our large family this is the only way it works… I NEED SYSTEMS and gives our kids purpose and order. 

Thanks for reading friends!

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Hi, I’m Stephanie!

Wife. Mother of 4. Designer. Sharing styling inspiration and home decor tips. Thank you for stopping by, and please say hi if you have any feedback! 

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