What to Keep on Your Counter (and What to Put Away) for Easier Cooking After 60

Q: Does a clear kitchen really make cooking easier?

Yes. A clear space reduces effort, makes it easier to start cooking, and can feel less overwhelming.

Hi All!
So this post was inspired by a kitchen episode that made me really take a look at what was going on…

It’s quite simple! I was making dinner, and next thing, an entire canister of baking flour was all over the floor, all over myself, my shirt, jeans, my shoes, the oven door, and even managed to reach the fridge which is quite far away.

If you were (or are) a follower of Marie Kondo (KonMari the declutter expert) you’re probably having a laugh. Well, I wasn’t really, but after this, I figured it was time to take control.

Are you facing the following – Sometimes, it’s not the cooking that feels difficult… it’s the kitchen itself?

Too many items on the counter, things in the way, or having to constantly move things around can make even the simplest meal feel like a bigger task than it needs to be.

I’ve found that when the space feels calmer and easier to use, cooking becomes much more manageable.

The good news is: you don’t need a perfect kitchen – just a simpler, neater one. And, you don’t have to have a mega-cleanup. Sorting out a few small things every now and then, soon adds up to a whole new uncluttered kitchen.

Why Counter Clutter Makes Cooking Harder

When there’s too much on the counter, it can:

• make it harder to find what you need
• reduce your working space
• create more cleaning and tidying
• feel mentally overwhelming

Even small obstacles can make cooking feel more tiring than it should be.
A clear space often makes everything feel easier before you even begin.

🟢 What to Keep on Your Counter

The goal is to keep only what you use regularly – the things that make everyday cooking easier.

Helpful items to keep out:

• A kettle or coffee maker (if used daily)
• A toaster for quick meals
• A chopping board (ready to use)
• A small bottle of oil or basic seasoning
• A utensil holder with a few essentials

Keeping these within easy reach saves time and effort.

I’ve noticed that having just a few familiar items out makes the kitchen feel calmer and easier to work in.

🔴 What to Put Away

Anything you don’t use regularly can be moved off the counter.

Consider putting away:

• bulky appliances you rarely use
• duplicate tools
• decorative items that take up space
• anything that needs to be moved before you can start cooking (having a cleaning up marathon before you even start, uses up valuable energy and time).

The less you have to move around, the easier it is to begin.

Take a look at this great idea Credit @getneat_withlisa on Instagram. It helps to keep all those plastic containers and their lids together in one place. Because it’s mounted behind the cabinet door, it essentially uses up NO space at all!

Keep Your Workspace Clear

Try to leave one small area of your counter clear at all times.

This gives you:

• a ready-to-use space
• less preparation before cooking
• a more relaxed feeling overall
Even a small clear space can make a big difference.

Earlier on I mentioned KonMari! Read more about her tips to tidy a pantry here.

Make Cooking Feel Simpler (Mentally Too)

When your kitchen feels crowded, it can affect how you feel about cooking. Just the thought of stepping into the kitchen can make you feel irritated, tired, and upset.

A simpler setup can:

• reduce decision-making
• make tasks feel smaller
• help you feel more in control

Sometimes it’s not about doing less – it’s about removing what’s unnecessary.
If this is something you struggle with, you may also find this helpful: Kitchen Shortcuts for Seniors

💛 Remember!

You don’t need to change everything all at once.

Even removing a few items or creating one clear space can make cooking feel easier.
Some days will feel more manageable than others – and that’s completely normal.

A simpler kitchen helps support you on those lower-energy days.

A Simple Approach

• Keep only everyday essentials on the counter
• Store away anything rarely used
• Maintain one clear workspace
• Keep things simple and familiar
Small changes can make a big difference.

🔗 Helpful Next Steps

You may also find these helpful:
Stress-Free Cooking After 60
Kitchen Habits That Help Seniors Stay Independent
How to Make Your Kitchen Safe for the Elderly

Have any ideas to help others? You can message me on Facebook or send a mail to appliancegranny@gmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I decide what to keep on my kitchen counter?

Keep items you use daily and that make cooking easier. Everything else can be stored away to reduce clutter.

2. Does a clear kitchen really make cooking easier?

No. Small adjustments like reorganising items and simplifying your setup can make a big difference without major changes.

3. What should I remove first?

Start with items you rarely use or anything that gets in the way when preparing food. Take a look at appliances! Big and bulky appliances take up space, gather dust if not used for weeks, and clutter up the countertop.

4. How much space should I keep clear?

Even a small clear area is enough – just enough to prepare a simple meal comfortably.

5. What if I like having things out on display?

That’s perfectly fine – just try to balance it with having one practical, usable space for cooking. I love my ‘ornaments’! But, I try to put them on higher shelves where I can still see them, but they aren’t in the way.

Written by Appliance Granny – Madlyn is a tech-savvy senior with 30+ years of experience running an IT business. She combines her love of cooking and family with a mission to make kitchens safer, simpler, and more joyful for seniors.