Think you’re organized? You may be guilty of keeping these kitchen items around for too long. Here’s what you should get rid of.
Kitchen items you shouldn’t keep
With so many things to keep track of in one of the busiest rooms in the house, it is no wonder kitchen organization is a struggle. You can’t find your best spatula. The cabinet is overflowing with coffee mugs. The spice drawer is a nightmare of expiration dates. And countertops are storage spots because shelves are crammed with unused things.
As an expert organizer, I see this scenario every day with clients—I even wrote the book Keep This, Toss That: The Practical Guide to Tidying Up to answer the most difficult decluttering decision: what to hold onto and what to let go of. Because even the most helpful pantry-organization ideas and clever spice-storage ideas require a tidy start. That’s why my best decluttering and tidying advice is to begin by making a big impact quickly. Start with low-effort, easy-decision items like expired, damaged and unused stuff. Here are the easiest things to toss, relocate or donate ASAP.
Nearly expired pantry staples
If you’ve had your flour, nuts, sugar and cooking oils hanging around for a year or so, it’s time to swap them out for new ones. Check boxes, cans, bottles and jars for expiration dates and toss what’s necessary (or donate anything you won’t use by the expiration date to a local food bank). Keep in mind that spices lose their potency over time, so even if you can’t find an expiration date on the jar, just pinch the herb or spice between your fingers to figure out if it’s still good or not—no distinctive scent means it’s time to toss it.
When you add new pantry staples, keep a permanent marker handy to date purchases and help track their shelf life. Rotate your stock by placing the newest in the back, and be sure to turn the containers so labels face forward.
Damaged utensils
Cracks and crevices in your aged utensils make them harder to clean. Plus, those spots are known to harbor bacteria. Search the drawers and recycle anything that is melted, peeling, warped, permanently stained, rusty, chipped or cracked. Stock a countertop crock with the utensils you reach for most often, but remember that overcrowding makes your kitchen appear messier. Store the less frequently used gadgets (think: grilling skewers, fish turners and potato mashers) in a drawer. And consider installing dividers, one of the most helpful kitchen-drawer organization ideas.
Expired condiments
You may be quick to throw out moldy strawberries in the fridge, but what about the condiments taking up space on the door? It’s easy to overlook things when they get lost in the refrigerator. Refresh your condiment collection (and update your fridge organization) today by checking the used-by date on the marinades, tartar sauces and ketchup you forgot about. If it is expired or you will not finish it, dump the contents before recycling the containers.
Mismatched plastic storage containers
One of the most frustrating sources of clutter in kitchen cabinets: food storage containers. Where’s the matching lid? Wondering why you can’t keep the cabinet with plastic containers organized, no matter how hard you try? The answer is that you are simply saving too many.
Sort them by size, and then start to toss. There is no use holding onto those that don’t match up, won’t seal tightly or are hopelessly stained, scratched or bubbling. If you’d like to repurpose items, smaller or lidless containers can be used as drawer organizers, while larger sizes are perfect for containing craft and workshop clutter.
Excess dishes
Too many dishes should be the title of my next book. Everyone always keeps way too many plates, bowls and mugs, and that’s no way to maximize your kitchen space. To determine what to toss, first check for chipped dishware, which is unsafe because it can cut you and is difficult to disinfect properly.
Leave only enough dishes for the number of place settings you need on a regular basis. Store these in the most convenient cabinet or deep drawer. For dishes that are used less often or for dinner-party guests, choose a less convenient storage spot. Repurpose souvenir glasses and sentimental mugs as bud vases, pencil holders and dresser-top organizers.
Damaged pots, pans and bakeware
When the nonstick surface is scratched or peeling on pans or bakeware, they are no longer safe to use. Pans with wobbly handles that cannot be tightened are also unsafe and should be recycled. And that Bundt pan you used one time can go as well.
Consider sharing the pans that are in good condition with the local fire department, where they cook meals while on shift. And ask your local librarian about bakeware, as many public libraries actually lend out things like baking pans. For anything you’re keeping, make sure you’re organizing your pots and pans in a way that makes the most functional sense for your space. Explore which healthy pots and pans to use will ensure your family’s safety and create delicious food in any cooking scenario
Worn-out cutting boards
Much like kitchen appliances, your cutting board has a limited shelf life. All that chopping of veggies and fruits has probably given your cutting board plenty of scratches, and bacteria has likely found a home in those deep grooves. Even if you are cleaning your cutting board regularly, you probably need to replace it more often, so consider tossing it.
Unused cookbooks
Donating unused books clears up a ton of room, especially in a kitchen short on usable space. And let’s be honest—many of your favorite recipes can be saved online, in an app or a physical binder. When helping a client decide which ones to donate, I suggest looking for ones that have never been opened, have laborious directions, do not include pictures or are no longer relevant. Free up valuable storage space by flipping through them and snapping photos of any recipes you want to keep.
Frostbitten food
Freezer does not equal forever; frozen food expires too. While the low temps can keep your winter soup good for a few months, if your items look like they got stuck in a snowstorm, you can bet they’re not going to taste as good as they should. There are plenty of things in your freezer you should toss, including forgotten freezer meals and anything freezer-burned. And don’t forget that balled-up bit of foil with an unidentified leftover in the back—that can head to the garbage as well.
Old kitchen linens
Stacked on a shelf or stuffed in a drawer, the stash of kitchen linens can quickly get out of control. Check for any dishtowels that are non-absorbent, have a persistent odor or hardened texture despite washing, and any with signs of wear and tear, such as fraying edges, holes or ripped seams. Also let go of unused aprons and (for safety reasons) potholders that no longer protect your hands from heat.
But what can you do with those lower-quality linens that are only good for cleaning? Give them to the volunteers at your local pet shelter! Most times, they will be thrilled to get a bag from you.
Redundant countertop appliances
Over time, kitchen cabinets become filled with small appliances and tools we have acquired. While some are time-savers, others are simply collecting dust. Take an honest look at your assortment, and decide which ones can go. (Cake-pop maker, we see you.) Look for any that are broken, too difficult to operate or clean, take up too much space or can do the same job as another appliance you use more often. If they are in working order, most can be donated. Don’t forget to dig out any accessories and the instruction booklet to include with the item.
Takeout containers, cutlery and condiments
A handful of sauce packets, disposable cutlery and straws from takeout orders add up to a drawerful. Whether the restaurant gives you more than you need or you grab a few extra, it’s not necessary to keep them tucked away and taking up space forever. Most food banks accept wrapped disposable cutlery, so there’s no need to toss those items in the garbage, which should make you feel a lot better! Use up condiments by packing them with lunches, and keep clutter at bay by opting out of these freebies the next time you place your order for a burger and fries.
Shopping bags
Forgetting your reusable shopping bags means bringing home even up more bags at checkout—bags you ultimately stuff in drawers, under the sink and alongside the trash bin to use someday. The trouble is that we end up with far more than we need. Put them to good use by designating one for donation, then add at least one item a day to give away. Remember, reusable bags are only helpful if you have them with you. So, free up valuable storage space by keeping them where you need them—in the car. Recycle or give away ones you don’t need and maximize your kitchen space.