If you have a kitchen, chances are you’ll know how quickly it can become a catch-all for gadgets and tools that seemed like a good idea at the time but actually just end up gathering dust. If your kitchen feels cluttered, it might be time for a cleanout.
So, let’s take a look at a few common kitchen items you can ditch to reclaim your counters and cabinets.
Single-Use Gadgets
That avocado slicer or strawberry huller might have seemed handy when you first bought it, but how often do you actually use it now? These single-use tools are notorious for taking up space while rarely earning their keep. Sure, some people get a lot of use out of them, but a sharp knife can handle most of these tasks just as well.
Duplicate Utensils
How many spatulas does one person really need? Over the years, it’s common for people to find themselves with duplicates of tools like ladles, whisks, or peelers, and these can quickly clutter your drawers. Stick to your favorites and donate or recycle the extras to free up space.
Chipped or Cracked Dishes
If you’ve had a dish for a long time, it can be hard to say goodbye, even if it’s chipped or cracked. But the thing is, holding onto these broken dishes can be both dangerous and unnecessary. They’re less pleasant to use, and they can also harbor a lot more bacteria.
Worn-Out Plastic Containers
Similarly, all of those mismatched lids and stained plastic containers aren’t doing you any favors. These old containers can warp, retain odors, and take up far too much room. You’re better off switching to a smaller set of glass or BPA-free plastic containers that’ll free up some space and keep your storage tidy.
Unused Coffee Mugs
It’s easy to pick up a new eye-catching coffee mug without thinking about the huge stack of ones you already own. But while it can be hard to let go of any, they often just become sentimental clutter. If you have far more mugs than you ever use, it’s time to pare down by keeping your faves and donating the rest.
Expired Spices
You might think that spices should last forever, but they really don’t. Over time, they lose flavor and effectiveness, leaving you with bland dishes. So, now is the perfect time to go through your spice rack, toss anything expired, and replace the essentials.
Novelty Appliances
Sure, ice cream makers, waffle irons, and popcorn machines might seem like fun ideas, but how often are they truly used? If an appliance like this has been collecting dust for years, it’s time to let it go. If you feel bad about getting rid of it, you can always donate or sell to someone who will actually enjoy it.
Old Dish Towels
As you may have noticed, worn, stained, or threadbare dish towels can pile up quickly. Sure, they might still technically work, but they’re not exactly the nicest things to have around.
If you’re ready to say goodbye, replace old towels with a smaller collection of high-quality ones and repurpose the old ones for cleaning or donate them to animal shelters.
Unused Baking Pans
Those novelty-shaped baking pans or extra cookie sheets may have seemed handy years ago, but if they haven’t been used since you bought them, they’re just taking up space. Keep the essentials, like a muffin tin and a couple of reliable baking sheets, and pass the rest along.
Dull or Broken Knives
Contrary to what most people think, a dull or broken knife isn’t just inconvenient—it’s also dangerous to use. So instead of keeping it around, replace worn-out knives with a quality set that meets your needs. A sharp chef’s knife and a paring knife are often all you really need for most tasks.
Mismatched Measuring Cups and Spoons
Anyone who’s experienced this issue will know that having incomplete or mismatched sets of measuring tools can make cooking more frustrating than it needs to be. Get rid of the extras and invest in a durable, complete set that will keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Old Nonstick Cookware
There’s no denying that nonstick pans were an incredible invention, but that doesn’t mean we need to keep them around forever. Those with scratches or peeling coatings aren’t just an eyesore—they can also release harmful chemicals when heated.
It’s time to toss out worn down cookware and replace it with high-quality, long-lasting alternatives.
Decorative Plates You Never Use
Those fancy glasses or plates you save for “special occasions” often just end up sitting around waiting to actually be used. If you haven’t touched them in years, it’s probably time to part ways. You can donate them to someone who will enjoy them at the same time as freeing space for things you actually use.
Oversized Serving Platters
Sure, large serving platters are useful for big gatherings in theory, but if they’re rarely used, they can hog valuable cabinet space. For this reason, we recommend keeping one or two versatile options and letting go of the rest, especially if you find them hard to store or clean.
Recipe Books You Don’t Use
Cookbooks can be inspiring and hard to let go of, especially if you feel guilty for never trying out any of its recipes. But the thing is, it’s easy to accumulate ones you never actually cook from, which means they’ll only take up space.
You don’t have to feel guilty either, as you can simply pass them along to someone who will appreciate them.
Unloved Small Appliances
If your blender, juicer, or stand mixer hasn’t seen the light of day in months (or even years), it’s definitely time to reconsider whether you want to keep it around. It’s best to donate or sell appliances that aren’t part of your regular routine to give your counter and cabinet space the breathing room they need.
Outdated Gadgets or Tools
That garlic press you never figured out, or the egg separator you never use are perfect examples of gadgets that don’t need a spot in your kitchen anymore. Simplifying your tools is one of the best ways to make cooking more enjoyable and keep your drawers clutter-free.