Decluttering Strategies for Your Kitchen: From Cluttered to Functional for Airbnb

Hello everyone! I’m Katherine Lawrence, a professional organizer known for tackling cluttered spaces, whether for my clients or on TV’s Hoarders. Today, however, I want to share a personal story of transformation: how I turned my childhood home into a welcoming guest house, starting with the kitchen. 

The house, a 200-year-old farmhouse, was brimming with memories and belongings from three generations. My mother spent most of her life here, and after she passed, it fell to me to handle the daunting task of decluttering and revitalizing each room. I am taking you on this journey with me, demonstrating my decluttering strategies as I convert a cluttered kitchen into a functioning space for guests. 

Starting with the Kitchen

Why start with the kitchen? As a key hub in any home, the kitchen can often be the most cluttered, yet it’s a place where it’s easier to detach emotionally from items, such as expired food or mismatched containers. Additionally, as the home transformation process progresses, having a clean and functional kitchen to use is essential. Plus, by removing the outdated appliances, I was able to create more room to maneuver. 

With that said, let’s dive into my decluttering checklist that proved instrumental in converting this cluttered kitchen into a functioning one for Airbnb guests.

Downsizing a Cluttered Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step One: Start with Obvious Trash

Clear out easy-to-discard items like expired food. This “easy to hard” strategy maintains a sense of progress and helps to stay motivated. 

Step Two: Remove Bulky Items

This includes items such as old appliances and furniture occupying valuable floor space. By doing so, you free up a substantial area to work in.

Step Three: Work in Categories

Next, tackle collections like tins, baking supplies, or cookbooks. Try not to get bogged down with one-off items right away. Instead, focus on broader categories, making the decision-making process more streamlined and less overwhelming. Given that Airbnb guests likely won’t do much-complicated cooking, I donated or passed along less frequently used items, like specialized baking tools. 

Step Four: Identify Items that Fit Your Vision

Box up usable items you intend to keep and incorporate into your new space. This “treasure hunting” strategy helps prioritize what you truly need, preventing the retention of unnecessary items. Think of it as shopping in your own kitchen!

Step Five: Organize the Remaining Items

Once the decluttering process is complete, arrange items by category and put them away in a systematic manner. This step instills a sense of order and gives a visual representation of your new downsized kitchen. 

Airbnb House Organization Tips

Even after decluttering and downsizing, it’s normal to want to make further changes. For example, in my case, I plan to replace the vintage countertop and sink and consider painting the cabinets. The key is to prioritize functionality and ensure your kitchen is guest-ready, offering a smooth stay for your Airbnb visitors.

Through a methodical approach, it is possible to transform a cluttered kitchen into a clean and efficient workspace. This process not only kickstarts the journey of downsizing an entire house but also paves the way for a more organized and clutter-free living space.

Remember, whether you’re decluttering for an Airbnb or just for your own peace of mind, these strategies can help you streamline your space and make your kitchen a place of joy and efficiency. After all, a decluttered space is a decluttered mind.

Happy organizing!