My favorite way to destress, clear my mind, and meditate is by decluttering. I’m a big believer that I cannot focus, start new projects, or be creative when my belongings are disorganized. But when it comes to my kitchen, as much as I want to clear it out and make it tidy, I have a much harder time letting things go.
I’ve expanded my cooking skills quite a bit over the years, so gadgets, extra spatulas, and specialty sauces purchased because one lone recipe called for it now take up precious space. But what if another recipe calls for the giant jar of spice I can’t even pronounce and of which I only used 1 teaspoon? And, as much as I love to declutter, I’m also incredibly sentimental, which means my cupboards are full of mugs from family vacations and souvenir cups from Broadway, sports, or other local events.
But recently, I finally realized that I can’t look at another Mets hat that doubles as an ice cream cup or another bottle of soy sauce tumble out of my pantry because it was squished tightly among an array of sauces and condiments I only used once. It was time to call in the experts and get their take on the kitchen items everyone needs to let go of — from impulse buys to hand-me-downs.
Orna Fathers, the founder, lead designer and home organization specialist of Grace This Space Interiors, gave me some advice she shares with all her clients that really resonated with me: “Your kitchen should serve your daily life, not a hypothetical version of it. We accumulate and collect items and gadgets thinking they will help us or make our lives easier or our meals better.”
8 Things You’re Keeping “Just in Case” That You Should Toss ASAP
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1. Mismatched Plastic Containers and Lids
You’re not going to find that missing lid. “And even if you do, if the plastic is warped, stained, or smells like last week’s tomato sauce, it’s time to let it go!” Fathers says. (But if you want to put them to good use before you recycle them, check out these tricks.)
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2. Duplicate Utensils and Gadgets
You do not need three can openers or two garlic presses. Choose your favorite and donate the rest. “A clutter-free drawer is more useful than a backup you never use,” Fathers says. “The excitement of trendy gadgets and appliances can wear off quickly, especially when they don’t end up fitting our lifestyle. Then they just sit there, taking up precious kitchen space and turning simple tasks into a hassle, as we dig past them to reach the tools we actually use.”
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3. Chipped Mugs or Sentimental (but Broken) Dishes
Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher, is blunt about getting rid of mugs — no matter what vacation it reminds you of or what memory it might hold — that aren’t usable. “That chipped mug isn’t charming. If you’re not using it, get rid of it,” she says. “You only have two hands, so keep a few favorite mugs and donate the rest for more cabinet space.” Fathers concurs: “I always ask clients ‘Would you ever serve a guest with this?’ If not, why is it taking up space in your cupboard?”
4. Takeout Condiment Packets and Menus
They multiply like crazy and seem to disappear into thin air. Unless it’s absolutely essential, get rid of them and clear out a drawer. Hise recommends keeping one small food storage container filled with the sauces you know you’ll use again or appreciate having in a pinch. And as for the menus? “Recycle the old menus, most are online now anyway!” Fathers says.
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5. Extra Travel Mugs
I love a good travel mug. Every morning, I fill one up with coffee to get me through morning drop-off and errands. But I’ve noticed that I use the same one almost every day. That hasn’t stopped me from amassing a large collection in my kitchen cabinets. Apparently, I’m not alone — Hise suggests keeping two (per person in your household) max and donating or giving away the rest.
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6. Bread Maker
Remember that sourdough starter and other bread-making supplies everyone was stocking up on during the beginning of the pandemic? Well, if a bread maker has a home in your cabinet and you’re not using it regularly (think: at least once a month), Hise says to consider selling it online or giving it to a friend who will use it.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe; Prop Styling: Tom Hoerup
7. Old Spices
“If that paprika or other spices are older than your kids, it’s not doing anything for you and [is] taking up space,” Hise says. Expired spices are a surefire way to make a tasty dish very bland. “Mark spices with the date you purchase them so you know when to replace them,” Hise suggests. Learn more here on how to know when to toss them.
Credit: Photo: Ghazalle Badiozamani; Food Styling: Jesse Szewczyk
8. Single-Use Appliances
Yes, that quesadilla maker or fondue pot seemed really fun when you bought it — but how often have you really used it (if ever)? “Any specialty appliance that takes up so much room and rarely earns their shelf space should be tossed!” Fathers says. “We’re talking about that fondue set or waffle maker you used once, the item a friend swore by but isn’t helpful for you. If you haven’t used it in a year, pass it on!” (I donated a few of these myself when I got rid of everything experts say you shouldn’t have after 50.)
And if you’re still on the fence about clearing out all those souvenir shot glasses or chipped (yet once loved) mugs, Fathers helped put things into perspective for me: “If it’s not serving you regularly and it’s not beautiful or meaningful, it’s probably just clutter,” she says. “Letting go of ‘just in case’ items makes space for what actually supports your daily rhythm. The truth is, most kitchens aren’t lacking storage; they’re just overwhelmed by indecision. A simple edit makes cooking more enjoyable!”
Are you tossing any of these items from your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!
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