The Tidiest Kitchen in the Land
Expired food items, overflowing spice racks, and far too many mugs—these problems and many others haunt the common kitchen. Don't worry, you're not alone! What seems like a touch of everyday clutter can soon turn into a Godzilla-size monster of knick-knacks and gifted items you never use, which is why we've narrowed down a few ways you can finally get rid of the mess.
Clear Off Counters
Our counters are usually kept clean, but they're also a dumping ground for house keys or purses. It's easy to think you'll clear those bills off the marble, but the next thing you know, you don't have one place to put your cutting board. To make matters worse, cluttered countertops are often the first thing ignored, left until they're the new normal. Not anymore! Anything from unused appliances to outdated spice racks can get the boot, not to mention any paperwork.
Donate or Sell Items
People in need benefit from items you don’t. Heaven knows our kitchens overflow with duplicate cookware or unopened appliances, all of which can go to someone who truly needs them. Of course, if you aren't comfortable donating used items, you could always flip them for profit on popular platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
Chuck Ancient Spices
Our poor spice rack is a commonly neglected area. Though some people have their spices neatly stored in glass jars, the rest of us work straight out of the bag, making a mess of our work stations! To make matters worse, spices last a long time, and we don't always pitch them when we should. Take a peek at your spice rack—and make sure you have a garbage bag handy.
Reconsider Rarely Used Appliances
We all tell ourselves we’ll use that waffle iron…but we never do. And those unused appliances are exactly the kind of item that deserve a new home. Trust us, hefty appliances are the last "what if" item you want in your home. Donate them, sell them, or officially call TOD and leave them at the curb. However you choose to part ways, just know you've made the right call!
Get Rid of Gifted Items
Though kitschy items are cute, you don’t need a Nessie ladle or garlic mincers shaped like Dracula. We’re hesitant to pitch gifted items, but those are often the biggest clutter culprits. Unless something has legitimate sentimental value, it’s okay to get rid of it. (If you never even opened it, you can also regift it to someone you know would actually get some use out of it.)
Refresh the Refrigerator
Takeout menus, children’s art, and funky magnets plague refrigerator doors—give those stainless steel doors the TLC they deserve! While you don’t want to scrap everything entirely, you do want to toss anything you don’t need. Those expired Subway coupons from last year? Get rid of ‘em.
Examine Cleaning Products
Ironically enough, cleaning products can take up far too much space. You really only need a few items, especially when it comes to the kitchen, so go through those cabinets and ditch the empty Lysol bottles. It's also a perfect opportunity for you to throw out old sponges or filthy dish rags. Come to think of it, those rubber gloves have seen better days, too!
Go Through Cookbooks
You haven’t even cracked the spine of Gordon Ramsay’s book, have you? That’s okay! Now’s the perfect time to peruse your cookbook stash and donate ones you haven’t touched. It's not always easy to get rid of books you swear you'll use, but be honest with yourself about which ones you actually want. If you haven't made one meal from that book, it belongs in another kitchen.
