What's the answer to keeping the kitchen counter clear?

www.hometalk.com/categories.organizing/kitchen/counters

I love this hack- using a simple curtain rod to give you added storage AND clean counters, check it out

Sounds like you need to pare down what you have in the kitchen. Store kitchen items in drawers, cabinets etc. if the items belong in another room, move them (i.e. Hang up coats, put shoes away from the entry, toss out newspapers and old mail, put recycling out). Sometimes just coming in and dropping something on the counter is too easy. A place for everything and everything in its place!

very good idea I would definately try that

Baskets. Easy to keep and stack and easy to move.

Similar idea to Hillela's suggestion that I think is really pretty! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/organize/kitchen/keeping-the-clutter-off-the-counter-765039

Well since you apparently don't live alone and probably can't throw anyone out,you may need to donate items that you really don't use like china. After 28yrs I gt rid of mine because I never used it so it can be done. That fresh up cabinet space as well as everything else you purge,then you can put things in cabinets. See,if you use baskets would you place them above cabinets to collect dust? Purge you'll feel great. But make sure you always put things where the belong otherwise this would be useless. Do you pick up after children or adult that should know better? Don't enable them they will never learn. Even old dogs can learn new tricks if you take it and put stuff in garbage bag. If they don't listen and are old enough to do things just keep telling them because this is a new system for them, but if adult then tell once and throw away. Make sure that you make it clear that you will be doing this. I did that and now have shoes where they belong. Good luck.

It's pretty easy. Just keep your pretty decor on the counters and everything else in its own place. Just keeping a daily habit of doing this. :)

Ha! I would like to have anyone who thinks it is easy to keep the counters neat and clean should try dealing with my husband! He isn't happy until he has stuff and clutter on everything. He is buying things we don't need, never puts food back in the cupboard, etc. I have tried every suggestion. So far what helps is picking up every time I walk by him. So does one divorce the slob? Just to have a neat and tidy home?