If there’s one thing we professional organizers see over and over in kitchens, it’s stuff. Kitchens seem to attract clutter like magnets!
We've been in countless homes, working with amazing clients who swearthey use everything in their kitchen…until we start digging. And guess what? There’s always room to simplify.
Here’s a peek behind the scenes: 20 things we almost always end up tossing when we help clients tackle their kitchen clutter. Let’s see if any of these are lurking in your cabinets!
If you need more help, join our course “The Minimalist Makeover” or hire our team to do it all for you!
And of course, If you still don’t have the popular book “Frum Minimalism”, what are you waiting for? Go grab it now!😃
1. 🧂 Old Spices
The spice cabinet tells so many stories! We've seen dusty cinnamon from the early 2000s, paprika that’s more "papri-gray," and some mystery jars with no labels. If a spice has lost its color and scent, it’s time to let it go. Fresh spices make all the difference in flavor (and look way prettier in the cabinet).
2. 🥫 Expired Sauces and Condiments
Ever pulled out a bottle of hot sauce that was hiding in the back of the fridge, only to realize it expired…three years ago? You’re not alone! In one client’s home, we found a lineup of soy sauces—five bottles, all expired by SIX years!!! Now we do a “condiment check” in every fridge!
3. 🔄 Mismatched Tupperware
Ah, Tupperware! When we get to the drawer full of containers, there's always a stash of mismatched lids and warped containers. If it doesn’t have a lid, it doesn’t belong in your kitchen.
4. 🍳 Unused Small Appliances
That fancy bread maker you had to have? If it’s gathering dust, it’s taking up valuable space. One client had a collection of “as-seen-on-TV” gadgets that had never been used! Air fryers, yogurt makers, and mini waffle irons are all great if you use them, but if not, it's time to let go.
5. 🍴 Duplicate Utensils
Three can openers? Four vegetable peelers? Let’s simplify. We once found eightmeasuring spoon sets in a drawer, and the client didn’t even realize half of them were there. Keep one good set and ditch the rest!
6. 🍽️ Chipped or Cracked Dishes
Dishes are meant to last, but when they’re chipped, they’re unsafe and don’t stack well. A client once said her chipped dishes had “character,” but we suggested they had “trash potential” instead.
7. 📚 Cookbooks You Never Use
Cookbooks are beautiful, but if you never crack them open, they’re just taking up space. We’ve all been guilty of holding onto cookbooks for recipes we’ll “totally make someday.” Let’s pass those on to someone who will actually use them!
8. 🥡 Random Takeout Containers
Takeout containers! One client had an entire drawer just for takeout boxes. Unless you use them frequently, keep a few and recycle the rest.
9. ☕ Unloved Mugs
We all have a soft spot for mugs with cute sayings or sentimental value. But when you have 20+ mugs, and only 7 people living in your home, it’s time to narrow down the collection. Pick a few favorites and give the others a new home!
10. 🧤 Worn-Out Oven Mitts
When oven mitts get too thin, they’re no longer safe. We had one client who insisted on keeping an old mitt with a hole in it because it “still had a little life left.” Let’s avoid burns and get you a new pair instead.
11. 🗄️ Junk Drawer Items
Ah, the infamous junk drawer. You’ll find everything from old batteries to twist ties, loose screws, and expired coupons. Let’s sort and toss the unnecessary—it’s a quick win!
12. 🥖 Expired Pantry Foods
Pasta from 2015? Flour that expired two years ago? Yep, we see this often. Clearing out expired pantry items makes room for fresh ingredients you’ll actually use.
13. 🛠️ Broken Kitchen Gadgets
If it’s broken, it’s no longer useful. One client had a handheld mixer with a missing beater, saying she’d “find the part eventually.” Let’s toss the broken gadgets and free up space!
14. 💧 Excess Water Bottles
Water bottles are great, but do you really need 15? We’ve seen whole cabinets dedicated to bottles that haven’t been used in years. Pick a couple you love and donate the rest.
15. 🍞 Unused Baking Sheets and Pans
If you don’t bake, there’s no need for an entire collection of baking trays and muffin tins. Let’s clear out the extras so you have space for what you truly use.
16. 🧼 Old or Stained Dish Towels
Dish towels are hardworking, and they show it. Once they’re stained or torn, it’s time to let them go. (Pro tip: invest in neutral, color towels, it’ll make your kitchen look so much more calming and aesthetically pleasing!)
17. 🧲 Fridge Magnets and Clutter
The fridge is prime real estate for family photos and kid art, but too much can feel cluttered. Simplify the front of your fridge by keeping it clean and clear.
18. 🛍️ Plastic Grocery Bags
It’s amazing how quickly grocery bags can pile up. Keep a few for emergencies, but let’s recycle the rest to free up drawer space.
19. 🧴 Outdated Cleaning Products
Cleaning products don’t last forever. We often find half-used bottles of sprays that expired years ago. Keeping only the products you actually use makes it easier to keep things tidy!
20. 🤷♀️ The “Someday” Items
You know the ones—the gadgets, dishes, and tools you might use “someday.” If someday hasn’t come yet, it’s time to let them go.
Ready to Simplify Your Kitchen? 🗑️💪
We love helping clients transform their kitchens into spaces that feel calm, functional, and easy to navigate. Simplifying doesn’t mean getting rid of everything; it means keeping only what truly serves you. When you’re ready to reclaim your kitchen, start with a few of these small steps. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more functional your space can feel!
If you need more help, join our course “The Minimalist Makeover” or hire our team to do it all for you!
And of course, if you still don’t have the popular book “Frum Minimalism”, what are you waiting for? Go grab it now!😃
Love, Ellie
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