We run into this because we like to pre-soak things. Then we get busy with something else, another meal happens, those dishes also need to soak, and pretty soon everything is blocked by everything else.

The alternatives we see are:

• Don't pre-soak: Maybe, but some things do kinda need it
• Only put things in that need soaked: Would be nice, but we also don't always agree on what needs it. Plus, counter space is also at a premium in our house
• Finish the damn dishes every meal!: Would be nice! But, we have a lot of ADHD in our house, and kids besides - we have a lot of "and then life happened"

Right now our main upgrade we're looking at one of those faucets that hangs over the sink, so it doesn't get blocked by dishes so easily. Then it can stack higher before it's a problem! :D

This is why I've considered a double sink to be mandatory in any place I get. At some point I'm going to just get a commercial style sink and use a tub or something in there to contain the dish water and soaking dishes, though most dishes go in the dishwasher.

Don't block access to a shared resource is a golden rule.

Here is the system as it exists in my kitchen.

The counter is a shared resource. Leaving dirty dishes there keeps people from using the counter for food prep, preparing leftovers, reaching items stored on the counter, or anything else.

The sink is also a shared resource. Leaving dirty dishes there also blocks people from using the sink for food prep, but only really washing produce or draining pasta. Crucially, dishes in the sink does not block them from washing hands, filling up a glass of water, or... doing the dishes. Dishes also can't be knocked onto the ground or get the counter dirty if they're in the sink instead.

Since the sink is less affected by being blocked than the counter, people in my household tend to put things needing to be washed in the sink...into the sink. Then, they're right where they need to be when it's time to hand-wash them, or it is time to clear and wash the sink for food prep.

One of my pet peeves is when people leave dirty items where they were eating on the kitchen table or haphazard on the counter next to the sink... I get that the dishwasher was clean and they were in a hurry, but it makes the whole kitchen feel dirty. If you don't have time, at least put them out of the way into the sink, which is coded as a "dirty" place by default, one that gets cleaned regularly and is meant to be cleaned often.

I would like to hear about your system too because I'm sure it makes equal sense to you.

We have three sinking our house and a dishwasher.

• if your dirty dish needs to be hand-washed, put it in the pantry sink.
• if your dirty dish is dishwasher safe, put it in the dishwasher
• if the dishwasher is full, turn it on and put your dish in the sink next to the dishwasher.
• if the dishwasher is clean, empty it, then refill it from the sink next to the dishwasher.

Because then there will be nothing in the sink to wash. Pro tip.

It takes up space, which decreases the utility of the sink and thereby increases friction to actually do the dishes. That's why I avoid doing it anyhow. Also it hides stabby things like knives, which is real dangerous, and if you're gonna get got by a knife its better that it not happen in a breeding ground for bacteria