Kitchen clutter has a way of sneaking up on you. A few extra mugs here, some takeout containers there, and before long, your cabinets and drawers are packed with things you barely use.
Many of us hold onto kitchen items because we think they’ll come in handy someday. But if you keep reaching for the same few things while the rest sit untouched, it’s probably time to clear out some space.
Here are 11 common kitchen items you can sort through and decide whether they’re still worth keeping.
Excess Coffee Mugs
Most people have a few favorite mugs they reach for every morning, while the rest sit in the cabinet collecting dust. Keep the ones you enjoy using and let go of chipped mugs, unwanted promotional cups, and extras you rarely touch.
Takeout Sauce Packets
Soy sauce, ketchup, duck sauce, and other condiment packets can pile up quickly in kitchen drawers. Keep a small supply of the ones you actually use, but toss expired packets and extras that have been sitting around for months.
Storage Containers Without Matching Lids
A cabinet full of mismatched food containers can make storing leftovers more frustrating than it needs to be. Match each container with its lid, then recycle or discard pieces without a partner, following local recycling rules.
Expired Spices
Spices don’t stay fresh forever, and older ones can lose much of their smell and flavor. Check the dates and give them a quick sniff; if they smell weak or have been sitting in your cabinet for years, it’s probably time to replace them.
Small Appliances You Never Use
Bread makers, popcorn machines, yogurt makers, and other specialty appliances can take up plenty of cabinet and counter space. If you haven’t used one in a year or can’t remember the last time you needed it, consider selling or donating it while it’s still in good condition.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable bags are handy for grocery trips, but most households don’t need dozens. Keep a manageable stack in one spot and pass along the extras if they’re still clean and in good condition.
Plastic Utensils
Takeout orders often come with extra forks, spoons, and knives that end up forgotten in a drawer. Save a small handful for packed lunches or emergencies, then get rid of the rest so they stop taking up space.
Cookbooks You Never Open
Cookbooks can be lovely to keep, especially if they contain family recipes or dishes you still enjoy making. But if you haven’t opened certain books in years and usually look up recipes online, consider donating the ones you no longer need.
Baby Feeding Supplies You’ve Outgrown
Sippy cups, toddler plates, baby spoons, and feeding accessories can linger in kitchen drawers long after your children have outgrown them. Keep anything you’re saving for a younger child, but donate suitable items you no longer need and discard damaged or worn-out pieces.
Food You’ll Never Actually Eat
That specialty sauce, unusual ingredient, or healthy snack you bought with good intentions may still be sitting untouched in your pantry. Check expiration dates and donate unopened, unexpired food to a local food pantry if accepted, rather than letting it take up shelf space indefinitely.
Related: 12 Kitchen Items That Could Cause a Dangerous Explosion
Single-Purpose Kitchen Gadgets
Avocado slicers, egg separators, herb strippers, and garlic peelers can seem useful at the store but often go unused at home. If a regular knife, spoon, or another tool can do the same job, you probably don’t need a separate gadget taking up room in your drawer.
