Pure Organization Project #7: Declutter the Kitchen

Somehow things just accumulate in my kitchen.  We have a little tray that's supposed to be for wallets & cell phones & sunglasses, but it ends up overflowing with coupons and batteries & lightbulbs & screws &chargers and other random annoyances.  Things just come into our house & if we don't stay on top of them, they build up, particularly in the kitchen...  cards, coupons, new (old) purchases, candles, etc...   Sometimes it's just stuff that needs to be put away in another room but remains in the kitchen for weeks.  argggg...  Now my junk drawer is clean, but the rest of the kitchen is starting to feel like a giant junk drawer.  eeek!  

So,  I put every single item that needs to find a home or leave the kitchen on my kitchen island.  Here it is, my junk:


And today there's no "after" because it's still sitting on my island where I'm typing right now. 

So Project #7 is to Declutter the kitchen of everything that doesn't belong.  Find spots for the things that do need to stay and ditch the rest.  (Preferably to a good home in another room instead of making more clutter in another room as I'm tempted to do!)

Good luck & I'll be back on later today to add Mr.Linky!  (I am so strapped for time right now & didn't get a chance to look at all of last week's links but promise I will!!)

The Better Homes & Gardens crew arrives today and will be here all week-long for our Christmas shoot!!  The tree's up & we're getting ready to go.  I'll be posting to let you know how it's going & how it works.  (I'm so curious!!!)

xoxo,
lauren

45 comments:

Red Door Home said...

I have a friend who had a Christmas photo shoot done at her house awhile ago about this time of year. I remember her telling me how hard it was to find fresh wreaths, paperwhites, etc. because everyone is already thinking spring. Good luck with the shoot. Can't wait to see the competed photos.

lizziefitz said...

I can't even imagine trying to decorate for Christmas right now! Best of luck!

Mary Frances said...

I totally identify with the "Pile Up" as we call our stack of stuff by the phone! Sometimes we just put it in a bag when guests are imminent, thinking we will sort it later...yeah...I have a couple of those waiting for me...my sweetheart of a husband never gets around to that little chore, bless his lazy, but much loved heart! I am so happy for the great exposure the BHG photo shoot will bring your wonderful talents! Congratulations!!

Unknown said...

Oh, I completely relate! With our home gong on the market I'm in the middle of this situation as we speak. I cannot wait to see your end results. Your blog is so enjoyable-I'm delighted to have found it.

Take care and enjoy your Monday!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Well even you junk looks kind of pretty! Good luck with the shoot! Janell

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

oh I have so many thing in the kitchen that don't belong...! and it's not a big kitchen, imagine.
Cant wait to see your result

Emily A. Clark said...

Wish I had time to participate in this kitchen decluttering today. . . Can't wait to hear about the shoot. Merry Christmas! :)

MFAMB said...

how is it so near spring to be re-living christmas??

and srsly...your island is not bad. ...have you watched hoarders? that is some shit to behold. i believe yours is just living.

pve design said...

Keep, file, donate or toss is my daily mantra.
I live with the warden of no-clutter, otherwise it would be gray gardens round here!!
joy to your world and your home.
BHG is in for a treat!!
pve

~Chandelier No. 4~ said...

Lauren ~ SO excited for you and you BHG shoot! Can't wait to hear the details. Your home looks amazing!

~ Joanna

elisabeth (bovagoods) said...

the never ending kitchen stash! my "piles" as my husband calls them. better go deal with them...

good luck this week with the shoot. i would be freaking out if bhg was going to be knocking on my door! it's going to be awesome...can't wait to hear all the nitty gritty!!!!

shi(f)t said...

is that really all the clutter you have? i'm jealous! (ps--love the bed bath and beyond coupons. i have a stash of those too!)

Greet Lefèvre said...

Lauren,
Good luck with the shoot! I think it would be rather difficult to find Christmas decorations right now! I am curious!
xx
Greet

Jennifer said...

I did the same thing last week. my table a more stuff on it though!

good luck with the shoot! can't wait to hear all about it.

meezo said...

i love this project...it's been fun seeing the 'afters'. good luck with the photo shoot. how cool!! i'd be pinching myself :)

Kathysue said...

Lauren bless you heart you have so much going on right now just put it all in a basket and get back to it later. You will re-group and get it all organized later. You need to catch your breath. I can not imagine having a camera crew in my house Tomorrow!! How exciting how fun but with little ones around it has to be such a legistic nightmare. Hang in there, try to enjoy this very special moment in your lives. Can't wait to hear all about it, My thoughts are with you,Kathysue

Melissa said...

Good luck with the shoot!!!!!

Fargerike Dagny said...

My kitchen counter looks exactly the same! Hate it! Am excited to see what your readers come up with, definitely need some inspiration! :D

Fargerike Dagny said...

And good luck with the shoot!!! Wohoo!!!

Caroline said...

Oh my goodness - I have the same problem! Containers that are only supposed to be filled with a few things end up overflowing with tons of clutter in the kitchen. Way to take charge of that clutter!!!

Hamptontoes said...

You have two little babies in your home (one has colic), a husband, a design business and a major photo shoot happening...a little clutter is to be expected and accepted...you're to be commended for juggling it all with such grace! Good luck with the shoot...so very exciting! You are like me, it seems you never still for a second!

Mrs. Blandings said...

Luck! Not that you need it.

Chic Coles said...

What fun. I am so sure they are going to be amazed with all your talent. Good luck with your shoot.

Back Home Cottage said...

I can relate.... But don't you feel sooooo goooood when you accomplish a room?

traci zeller designs said...

I can't wait to hear all about the photo shoot - what they bring with them, change, whatever! Regardless, they are in for a treat!

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Hi Lauren,
No luck needed I know! But have a ton of fun with this hard earned adventure!!!

Tina said...

Eeeek, Better Homes & Gardens!! So exciting! Enjoy the whole experience Lauren, your home is divine:) Thanks for Project #7, it is perfect! This is something I have been needing to do for ages, but just needed that kickstart!! Enjoy your wonderful week ~ Tina xx

Marthe said...

My kitchen also accumulates a lot of random stuff! Might be because I have no hallway though..

Mausumi

DecRenew Interiors said...

Enjoy the moment, tree and all!

Ruthie

simply seleta said...

Love that teapot! You call that little pile clutter? Come over here to see the real deal. Ha ha haaa... Can't wait to see the details on your shoot!!!!

Carrie Garvin said...

Thanks for the inspiration to start of bit of de-cluttering myself! Very nice blog.

LindsB said...

I need to do this all over my house- it seems so big to start. Ok, I just need to bite the bullet :)

Hill Country House Girl said...

I love that you shared your kitchen table. I took a picture of my husband's piles on our kitchen table and almost posted them one day - but I really wanted sympathy! Your mess is small, believe me! I guess it is all relative. I am looking at a pile of shoes belonging to my 15 year old daughter right now. I have piled them at the bottom of the stairs after gathering them from around the house, and I am not sure one can even get to the stairs at this point. Maybe, just maybe, she will get the idea tonight and carry a few up. Have a great time with the shoot - it will be so much fun for you next fall to see the magazine!

Kathysue said...

Hi Lauren I just wanted you to know I gave you a shout-out on my blog in tomorrows post on my pantry re-do. I know you will be busy with your photo shoot ( I am so excited for you) but I wanted to be sure and let you know,Have fun tomorrow!!!

Anonymous said...

Amazing how "stuff" accumulates. I have a brother who believes there should be no flat surfaces in the house. :) A bit drastic, but see where he's coming from. Hope you have fun with your photo shoot.
marcie

Anna White said...

Oh weee so excited for you!! and thanks for giving me the kick my big fat butt needed to get things in order in my kitchen :)

Jules said...

Have fun with the cameras!

Linda in AZ * said...

* Can't wait to see our lil' "BLONDE BLOGGER STAR" shine even BRIGHTER!!! Think you'll have a ball~ such an experience!!!!

(BTW, the only thing that DOESN'T belong in MY kitchen is... MOI!!!!!!

E*N*J*O*Y every minute, Sweetie!

XOXO,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

debra @ 5th and state said...

enjoy the process lauren. will be AMAZING and can't wait to see the results. remember eddie doing halloween mid-summer?

love your de-clutter series which speaks to my entire being....clutter queen...follows me everywhere! HELP!
xo
debra

Splendid Willow said...

Enjoy the moment, the day, the week! Wish I could be a tiny fly in that room and see your beautiful house being transformed into the "The Most Wonderful Home for the Holidays - and All Year Around"! An issue worth waiting for! xx Monika

http://www.splendidwillow.com

Kelle Dame said...

I feel your clutter pain! It's like the stuff just comes out of nowhere while your back is turned. I swear there are little clutter elves living in my kitchen!

Riviera Boardwalk said...

I always thought the pics were taken right after Xmas or a month or two before but did not realize they would wait until you had taken down the tree and would have to do it all over again. It will definately be worth it! I am so proud for you.
love you,
nancy

LYNDA QUINTERO-DAVIDS said...

LOVE home organizing... it's therapeutic... Love your blog! Thanx for sharing...

Just posted today "Home Decor Organization" tips for all that decor 'stuff' when it's NOT in use.

:D Lynda
http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/

kristi.w. said...

Even though there's no McLinky yet, I posted my kitchen organization project here:

http://chateauwhitman.blogspot.com/2010/02/organized-kitchen.html

Ness Lockyer said...

Even your junk looks stylish! I havent had much time to do your projects, but this is one I willbe doing. I so know what you are talking about.
Looks like you are having a ball at the moment.
Ness xx