What can I keep on a kitchen counter during showings?

Question

I know I need to remove clutter, but what can I keep on my kitchen counter?  Is the coffee maker, knives and spoon container ok?  Should I put out some decoration or is that clutter?

Chris Yochum · Accepted Answer

It would depend on the size of the kitchen. If the kitchen is smaller than recommended to have nothing on the kitchen counters.  If its a large kitchen, you can get away with minimal decorations.  If the coffee maker looks really nice, then that is fine.  The whole concept of decluttering is to allow the space to appear larger when less items are present.

Tammi Nicholas · Answer

Less is more no matter the size of your kitchen. Put away everything you can so your counter tops will seem to go on & on, which is a huge selling feature.

Anna Wiseman · Answer

As little as possible!  I usually tell my clients if they use it every single day it can stay. Otherwise put it away

Colleen Cotter · Answer

I always suggest to reduce the amount of clutter on your counters by about 50%.  Try to only keep the pretty things out, and tuck away the other appliances that you may use, like the toaster!  This will help your home to show best!

Jessica Burditt · Answer

The less the better! Anything smaller than a cantaloupe should be put away. I would hide the spoon and knives. Coffee maker is fine.

Nick Wenderlich · Answer

Little as possible makes for best pictures and makes kitchen look bigger on showings in person.

Peter Korthy · Answer

Hi Betsy, good question! Short answer, keep as little on the counter as possible. You want your space to feel clean, open, and fresh- anything on the counter takes away from that. If the coffee maker looks nice or the knives/spoon container look decorative, that is ok. If it is a small kitchen you want very minimal items on the counter, bigger kitchens you have some wiggle room.

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