Ditch Cluttered Countertops: IKEA Has An $8 Solution For An Organized Kitchen

Cluttered kitchen countertops are problematic for a number of reasons: they look bad and they can interfere with a smooth and enjoyable operation when cooking a meal. While some kinds of clutter — like piles of mail and knick-knacks — are entirely unhelpful to have on your counters, other items like cooking utensils and spices are readily called upon when preparing food. For those essential tools and ingredients that you need to access quickly, IKEA has an affordable countertop solution — the CHOKLADHAJ Kitchen countertop organizer — to keep your kitchen tidier.

Retailing for $7.99, the CHOKLADHAJ Kitchen countertop organizer is an affordable way to keep your counters clutter-free. It is made from solid pine, with a simple design that serves a number of storage purposes. A tall and narrow space at the back is divided into two compartments, ideal for storing cooking tools, such as a wooden cooking spoon and spatula, as well as smaller eating utensils. Meanwhile, a larger compartment in the front with lower sides can serve as a place to stow your go-to spice blends, and small bottles of olive oil and vinegar. Its measurements are 6 ¼ inches high by 7 ⅞ inches wide by 7 ⅛ inches deep, so it doesn't eat up too much of your precious counter room, either. At the time of writing, customers gave the CHOKLADHAJ a 4.9-star average from 30 reviews, praising its appearance, quality, and performance.

While the CHOKLADHAJ is sold in a natural pine state and is highly neutral, there are many ways you can personalize it to better reflect your personal taste and the decorative feel of your space. Firstly, you could paint it in a bright color to make it pop in the kitchen (it's smart to read up on how to paint any kind of wood first, though), or the solid pine could be stained for a higher-end aesthetic. If you're a fan of folksy-looking pieces, you might consider using a stencil to add some painted embellishments to the sides.

This clever organizer could be put to use in your pantry, clearing items that might otherwise be cluttering your kitchen counters. In the pantry, it can serve as a storage solution for packaged food. Cans or neatly stacked pouches of protein (like tuna or chicken) can be placed in the front, while beef or fruit jerky sticks can be slid into the narrow compartment at the back. If you commonly have a phone charging on your kitchen counter, the CHOKLADHAJ can also help curb the tech clutter by giving you a space to dock your phone (just be sure to situate it near an electrical outlet so cords aren't strewn across the counter).