Stop putting magnets on your fridge! Do this instead

For many families, the refrigerator is practically a community message board. It's part art gallery, part shopping list, and part calendar, and, theoretically, there's food inside. It's cute, but function takes a back seat, especially if you're trying to keep your kitchen clean.

A crowded refrigerator can change the entire look of your kitchen. Even with clean, polished countertops, your kitchen may look less sleek than you'd like.

If you hate leaving knickknacks on your counter or mementos around your house, it's time to ditch the magnets and papers from your fridge.

But how will you remember the date on that wedding invite or memorialize your kid's precious artwork from school? We have some alternatives to keep your home looking tidy.

Get a cleaner kitchen without cleaning

1. Create a chalkboard wall

If you're the least bit crafty, it's easy. Paint a rectangle on the wall, anywhere the family will see it.

For the less crafty, there are chalkboard decals. Once you have a chalkboard, kids can draw on it, and you can use it to track events, write your shopping list, and leave reminders for your spouse.

2. Post a magnetic board

Want a magnetic surface? This one will work. Put it up on a wall (preferably one outside the kitchen, to maintain that clean look). Stick on the magnets and papers that used to be on your refrigerator. Done and done.

3. Hang up a cork board

Yes, it's old-school, but that's no big deal. The challenge is remembering to take things down. On a friend's board, I noticed an invitation to a graduation that took place three years ago and a wedding announcement from a couple who have since welcomed their first child. (At least it wasn't on the fridge!)

4. Post a kitchen calendar

It's easy to lose track of what everyone in your family has going on each day. A magnetic wall calendar is a simple way to organize activities, responsibilities, and reminders. Plus, because it's magnetic, you can slap on all the magnets you stripped off your fridge.

Achieve zen

Once you move the papers, photos, notices, and magnets off your fridge, your kitchen will immediately look better organized. Someday, you might organize it. But for now, the clutter is in a better place. And so are you.