A big part of organizing any space is knowing what to store there and what not to store there. This is especially true for kitchen counters that tend to become cluttered and disorganized easily.

Below are the most common kitchen counter items and which category they fall into:

• Store on your countertops
• Maybe store on your countertops
• Don’t store on your countertops

What To Store on Your Counter

Your kitchen counter space should be reserved for items you use frequently. This is the space to store small appliances you use daily, as well as containers of kitchen staples (unless you store these in a pantry), and paper towels. The point is to keep items close by so you’re not running around while getting ready in the morning, making meals, or cleaning up after cooking.

• Canisters: Canisters (small and large) are a decorative way to store and contain small items. You can use them to contain grab-and-go snacks, napkins, and other small odds and ends to keep your counters from becoming cluttered.
• Coffee maker: If you make coffee every day, there is no better place to store it than where you use it: on your kitchen counter. The best option to set up a coffee zone. This means gathering everything that you use to make coffee and storing the items above and below the counter where your coffee maker sits. Include mugs, to-go cups (if you use them), coffee, and coffee filters.
• Dish rack: A dish rack on your counter is a must if you don’t have a dishwasher and a maybe if you do. “Maybe” because you may only run your dishwasher a few times a week and opt to do your daily dishes by hand.
• Mixer: There are very few drawers or cabinets that can store a large appliance like your mixer. Plus, the size and weight may even damage your cabinets. Keep your mixer on the counter.
• Paper towels: These need to be handy but not in the way. You want to be able to grab them when you need them, but it’s a pain to have to move a paper towel holder around. Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot near the sink.
• Cooking utensils (contained in a crock): The best location for frequently used utensils like spatulas, spoons, ladles, and tongs is next to your stove. It’s handy to have these right within 

easy reach when you’re cooking. You can buy a utensils crock or DIY one that fits your kitchen decor by using a vase, a large Mason jar, or even a planter.

• Salt and pepper shakers: Since you’re going to use these all the time, it makes sense to keep these handy.
• Veggie/fruit basket: Many fruits and vegetables can’t be refrigerated and you’re more likely to eat them if you can see them right there on the countertop. Plus, fruits and veggies look nice.

LACQUERED WOOD FURNITURE YOU WANT TO PAINT

• DO
• Try to remove the lacquer properly. For this, it is necessary to sand the surfaces first. Start with 150 grit sandpaper, continue with 220 grit sandpaper. Cracks and holes hardly absorb the paint, so apply paint / lacquer remover first and then sand again with very fine (No. 0) water sandpaper.

DON’T

• Do not paint over existing polish. Varnishes applied to wooden surfaces create a non-absorbent protective shield against scratches and impacts. Therefore, if you paint without removing the existing varnish on the surface, the paint will swell on the surface and quickly peel off.

• YOU WANT TO PAINT: BUILD KITCHEN CABINETS:
• Learn the materials of the cupboards. Wood and MDF can be painted materials. However, the difficult part of the job is to remove the stains that have formed over time. PVC cabinets can sometimes be painted, but usually not possible. A specialist can be helped before starting the painting process. Carefully label the disassembled parts such as “upper right cover”, “middle module lower drawer” in order to avoid difficulties while installing. Alkyd paints preferred by professional painters are mixed or latex based. It gives high durability to surfaces against impact and abrasion. It is also resistant to moisture and mold.

DON’T:

• Do not rush to clean. Often, oil and food stains occur. You can wipe them off with a phosphate-free, TSP type (domestic surface preparation cleaner for paint) or just degreasers. Don’t rush your paint renovation project. You will need at least two weeks for all preparation, cleaning and painting steps. Make the right planning and try not to go beyond the plan so that it turns out beautifully as you want.
• WHAT YOU WANT TO PAINT: MAKE A WOODEN FLOOR:
• Think twice if you plan to use oil paints. Cleaning of such non-nature-friendly paints is also very troublesome. However, if durability, coverage and grip are important for the floor, it cannot be compared to other options. If you are going to choose the latex paint option, check the ones specially produced for the floor. If your priority is resistance to abrasion, the most ideal is polyurethane-based ones.

DON’T:

• Do not sand wooden floors by hand. If you have the opportunity, buy a good sander to remove heavy and deep stains, or consider renting options at some DIY stores. However, the scraper process is very dusty, heavy and there is a possibility of damaging the floor.
• Do not use the ground you have sanded and painted immediately. Do not use the floor exposed to this process for at least 3 days. Be gentle and do not walk on them for the next 30 days.