Let’s be real, most of us have that one drawer (or two… or five) in the kitchen that’s basically a black hole. You know, the one stuffed with random gadgets, takeout sauce packets, and avocado slicers we used exactly once. If your kitchen feels more chaotic than cozy, it might be time for a good old-fashioned purge.
Here are some kitchen items you probably don’t need and will feel zero guilt tossing:
The Duplicate Utensils
Four can openers? Three whisks? Unless you’re running a cooking school from your home, one of each is enough. Cluttered drawers and cabinets make it harder to find what you actually need. So take a few minutes to sort through your kitchen tools. Choose the best quality and most-used can opener and whisk, the ones you reach for every day and let the extras go. You’ll save space, reduce stress, and make your kitchen more functional.
Novelty Appliances
Mini donut maker? Quesadilla press? If it’s only good for one job and hasn’t seen the light of day since 2020, it’s probably time to say goodbye. These single-use gadgets might seem fun at first, but they often end up taking up valuable cabinet space. Plus, you can easily make those treats with tools you already own with a simple pan or your trusty oven can handle it all. Free up that space for something you’ll actually use. Your kitchen (and your sanity) will thank you.
Excess Mugs and Tumblers
We all love a cute mug! Whether it’s a quirky design or a sweet gift that makes us smile. But if your shelf is bursting with “World’s Okayest Mom” mugs from 2013, it’s time for a little tough love. Those shelves (and your mornings) deserve better! Keep the ones that spark genuine joy, are your everyday go-tos, or hold real sentimental value. The rest? Donate them to someone else who could use a smile with their coffee. This way, you’ll free up space, simplify your kitchen, and give your mornings a little extra cheer.
Stretched-Out Tupperware and Orphaned Lids
You don’t need a bin full of mismatched plastic containers whose lids have seemingly vanished into the ether. If it’s warped, stained, or lonely (missing its partner), it’s just taking up precious space in your cabinets. Recycle those odd pieces. The lid-less ones can be a container for drawer clutter. The stained ones can be used to organize nuts, bolts and nails in the garage.
Duplicate Measuring Sets
How many sets of measuring cups and spoons does one person really need? Unless you’re hosting a bake-off every weekend, chances are one sturdy, complete set will get the job done. Keep the set you like best—the one with clear, readable measurements and no missing pieces, and let the others go. Those cups with faded print, missing handles, or incomplete sets just add clutter to your drawers and slow you down when you’re cooking. Simplify your kitchen tools by letting go of the extras, and you’ll save time, reduce clutter, and make meal prep a whole lot easier.
Old Spices and Grocery Items
Spices expire! If your paprika is older than your college kid (or even your high schooler), it’s definitely time to toss it. Spices lose their potency over time, meaning that chili powder, oregano, or cinnamon that’s been sitting there since your last apartment might not deliver the flavor you’re hoping for. Plus, they can collect dust, get clumpy, and take up valuable space in your pantry. Same goes for other ingredients at home. Give your spice rack, pantry and fridge an inspection and check those “best by” dates and tossing anything past its prime. A quick decluttering session means your cooking will taste better, food is safer, and your pantry will be a whole lot easier to navigate.
A streamlined kitchen isn’t just about aesthetics, it makes cooking, cleaning, and living easier. So this weekend, grab a box, put on some music, and do a mini kitchen detox. You’ll be amazed at how light and fresh your space feels afterward.
Which of these kitchen items do you still have lurking in your cabinets? Reply in the comments below!