121 Things to Declutter In Your Kitchen: The Complete Guide

Is your kitchen countertop buried under gadgets you never use? Do your drawers refuse to close because they’re stuffed with duplicate utensils? You’re not alone. As a busy home organizer, I’ve seen many cluttered kitchens, and I’m here to help you tackle yours.

Why Kitchens Become Clutter Magnets

Your kitchen is the heart of your home – and that’s exactly why it collects so much stuff. Think about it: every holiday brings new cooking gadgets. Every grocery trip adds more food items. Gifts, impulse buys, and hand-me-downs pile up year after year.

Plus, the kitchen serves multiple purposes. It’s where you cook, eat, sort mail, do homework, and gather with family. Each activity brings its own set of items that often never leave.

Most importantly, we’re emotionally attached to our kitchen items. That bread maker you used once? It was a gift from Mom. Those extra measuring cups? You might need them someday. That broken coffee maker? You keep meaning to fix it.

Benefits of a Decluttered Kitchen

Imagine walking into your kitchen tomorrow morning. The counters are clear, every drawer opens smoothly, and you can find exactly what you need in seconds. This isn’t a dream—it’s what happens when you declutter.

A decluttered kitchen will:

How to Use This Guide

This guide lists specific items you can declutter today. I’ve organized them into clear categories so you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Start with one category at a time
2. Pull out everything in that category
3. Check each item against our list
4. Make three piles: keep, donate, trash
5. Only keep items you use regularly
6. Complete one category before moving to the next

Remember: You don’t have to declutter everything in one day. Even removing 5-10 items will make a difference. Work at your own pace, and celebrate small victories.

Ready to transform your kitchen? Let’s dive into the first category…

Expired and Old Food Items: The Hidden Kitchen Clutter

Let’s start with the easiest category to declutter: expired food. Why? Because there’s no emotional attachment, and the decision is simple – if it’s expired, it goes.

1. Spices and Seasonings

Old spices won’t make you sick, but they won’t make your food taste good either. Check the dates and smell test the spices. If there’s no aroma, it’s time to go. Most ground spices last 2-3 years.

2. Baking Ingredients

Those half-empty bags of flour and sugar in your pantry? They’re probably stale. Check for:

• Flour (lasts 6-8 months)
• Sugar (2 years)
• Baking powder (18 months)
• Baking soda (2 years)

3. Condiments and Sauces

That exotic sauce you bought for one recipe? Let it go if it’s been hiding in your pantry for over a year. Check dates on:

• BBQ sauces
• Hot sauces
• Specialty marinades
• Asian cooking sauces

4. Canned Goods

While canned foods last a long time, they don’t last forever. Toss if:

• The can is bulging or rusted
• It’s more than 2-3 years old
• You know you’ll never use it

5. Specialty Ingredients

We all have them – ingredients bought for one specific recipe that we never made again. If you haven’t used it in 6 months, you probably won’t.

6. Stale Snacks and Crackers

Those half-eaten boxes of crackers and chips? If they’re not crispy anymore, they need to go.

7. Half-Empty Cereal Boxes

Consolidate boxes or toss stale cereal. If it’s been open for over 3 months, it’s probably lost its crunch.

8. Old Tea and Coffee

Ground coffee loses flavor after 3-5 months. Tea bags last about a year. If you can’t remember when you bought it, replace it.

9. Expired Pasta and Grains

While they last a long time, they can attract pantry moths. Check for:

• Expired quinoa
• Old rice
• Stale pasta
• Ancient couscous

10. Dried Herbs

These lose flavor quickly. If they’ve lost their color or smell musty, it’s time to replace them.

11. Freezer-Burned Foods

If it’s covered in ice crystals or looks discolored, it’s freezer-burned. While safe to eat, it won’t taste good.

12. Old Leftovers

Follow this simple rule: toss it if you can’t remember when you made it. Most leftovers last 3-4 days maximum.

13. Wilted Produce

Be honest with yourself. Those vegetables in your crisper drawer aren’t magically going to become fresh again.

14. Expired Dairy Products

Check dates and trust your nose – if it smells off, it probably is.

15. Mystery Frozen Packages

Let it go if you can’t identify it or it has no date. Always label items before freezing!

16. Half-Empty Condiment Bottles

Combine duplicates and check dates on basics like ketchup and mustard.

17. Expired Beverages

Check those partial bottles of juice, sports drinks, and sodas.

18. Forgotten Dips and Spreads

They multiply in the back of the fridge. Most last only 1-2 weeks after opening.

19. Old Meal Prep Containers

If they’ve been lurking in the back of the fridge for over a week, it’s time to clean them out.

20. Refrigerated Medications

Check expiration dates on any medicines stored in your fridge.

Pro Tip: Keep a marker in your kitchen. When you open a condiment or leftover container, write the date on it. This eliminates guesswork later.

Kitchen Tools and Utensils: The Drawer Stuffers

Have you ever tried to open a kitchen drawer, and it got stuck? You probably have too many utensils. Let’s fix that

21. Warped Spatulas

If your plastic spatula looks like it fought a hot pan (and lost), it’s time to say goodbye. Melted plastic can leach into your food.

22. Extra Wooden Spoons

You really only need 2-3 wooden spoons. Those extras? They’re just taking up space.

23. Broken Can Openers

If you have to wrestle with your can opener, replace it. A good can opener should work smoothly.

24. Dull Vegetable Peelers

When you find yourself pressing harder to peel carrots, it’s time for a new peeler. Dull tools are dangerous tools.

25. Excess Measuring Cups

Count your measuring cups. If you have three 1-cup measures but only one ⅓ cup, it’s time to reorganize.

26. Duplicate Measuring Spoons

Like measuring cups, you only need one complete set. Unless you’re running a commercial kitchen!

27. Broken Food Thermometers

If your thermometer seems inaccurate or takes forever to read, replace it. Food safety isn’t worth the risk.

28. Multiple Bottle Openers

One good bottle opener is enough. Those promotional ones can go.

29. Rusty Graters

Rust on kitchen tools isn’t just unsightly – it can contaminate food. Time for a replacement.

30. Excess Cooking Utensils

Be honest about how many slotted spoons and rubber scrapers you actually use.

31. Broken Kitchen Scissors

If they’re dull or the handles are loose, they’re more dangerous than helpful.

32. Old Dish Brushes

If the bristles are splayed or discolored, they’re not cleaning effectively anymore.

33. Stained Cleaning Cloths

Those permanently stained, smelly dishcloths? They’re not doing you any favors.

34. Multiple Wine Openers

Keep your favorite one, and donate the rest.

35. Bent Tongs

They’ll only frustrate you if they don’t close properly or are warped.

36. Unused Garnishing Tools

That melon baller you used once in 2019? Is the vegetable spiralizer still in its box? If you haven’t used it in a year, let it go.

37. Broken Egg Separators

Your hands work just as well, if not better.

38. Old Zesting Tools

If they’re dull, they’re just mangling your citrus.

39. Duplicate Citrus Squeezers

One good squeezer is enough – you can’t use two at once!

40. Complex Gadgets

If you need to read the manual every time you use it, it’s too complicated.

41. Broken Food Scales

Inaccurate measurements lead to recipe disasters. Digital scales should give consistent readings.

42. Multiple Timers

Your phone has a timer. Your microwave has a timer. How many do you need?

43. Old Knife Sharpeners

If they’re not sharpening anymore, they’re damaging your knives.

44. Excess Strainers/Colanders

You probably only use your favorite one anyway.

45. Broken Manual Mixers

If the gears are stripped or handles loose, they’re just taking up space.

Pro Tip: For each category, take everything out and spread it on your counter. Only put back what you actually use. You’ll be amazed at what you’ve been storing “just in case.”

Cookware and Bakeware: The Cabinet Space Hogs

Open your cabinets. Are they crammed with pots, pans, and baking sheets? Most home cooks only regularly use about 25% of their cookware. Let’s sort through yours.

46. Warped Non-stick Pans

If your pan wobbles on a flat surface, it’s warped. This means:

• Uneven cooking
• Oil pooling on one side
• Frustrating cooking experience, and time to let it go.

47. Scratched Cookware

Those scratched non-stick pans aren’t just unsightly – they’re potentially dangerous. Toss them if:

• The non-stick coating is peeling
• You see deep scratches
• Metal is exposed

48. Duplicate-sized Pots

You don’t need three 2-quart saucepans. Keep your favorite and donate the others.

49. Mismatched Pot Lids

Playing “match the lid to the pot” isn’t fun. If you can’t find its partner, it’s time to say goodbye.

50. Rusty Sheet Pans

If rust won’t scrub off, the pan needs to go. Rusty pans can:

• Transfer rust to food
• Create uneven cooking surfaces
• Harbor bacteria

51. Damaged Cookie Sheets

Those dark, warped cookie sheets? They’re why your cookies burn on the edges and stay raw in the middle.

52. Never-used Specialty Pans

Are you still holding onto that paella pan from 2018? If you haven’t used it in a year, donate it to someone who will.

53. Old Roasting Pans

You probably don’t need multiple roasting pans unless you roast turkey monthly.

54. Dented Saucepans

Dents in the bottom of the pans cause uneven heating. They’re not worth keeping.

55. Warped Muffin Tins

If your muffin tin is warped, your muffins will bake unevenly. Signs it’s time to replace:

• Rust spots
• Bent edges
• Dark, sticky coating

56. Rusty Cake Pans

Rust and cake don’t mix. Check corners and edges where moisture collects.

57. Single-use Baking Molds

That heart-shaped pan for Valentine’s Day? The bunny-shaped one for Easter? Unless you use them regularly, they’re just taking up space.

58. Damaged Loaf Pans

Check your loaf pans for:

• Dents
• Peeling non-stick coating
• Rust spots

59. Excess Pie Plates

How many pies do you actually bake at once? One or two good pie plates are enough for most home bakers.

60. Broken Cooling Racks

If they’re:

• Bent
• Rusty
• Wobbly Replace them. Unstable cooling racks can lead to broken cookies and cakes.

Pro Tip: Before you store pots and pans, place paper towels between them. This prevents scratching and absorbs any moisture that could cause rust.

Small Appliances: The Counter Space Stealers

We all have them – those appliances we bought with grand culinary ambitions. Yet most of us only use a few appliances regularly. Let’s clear out the counter (and cabinet) clutter.

61. Broken Appliances

Be honest—will you fix that blender that’s been sitting in the cabinet for two years? If it’s broken and you haven’t fixed it within three months, it’s time to say goodbye.

62. Duplicate Coffee Makers

That old drip coffee maker you kept “just in case” your new one breaks? If it’s been collecting dust for a year, let it go. Common duplicates include:

• Different brewing methods
• Old models
• Hand-me-downs

63. Unused Specialty Gadgets

We’ve all fallen for these trendy appliances:

• Electric egg cookers
• Hot dog makers
• Slushie machines
• Single-serve smoothie makers: Donate it if you haven’t used it in 6 months.

64. Old Food Processors

If your food processor:

• Makes concerning noises
• Has a cracked bowl
• Missing attachments: It’s time to upgrade or let it go.

65. Broken Blenders

Check your blender for:

• Cracked pitcher
• Dull blades
• Leaking base
• Missing parts: One good blender is better than three broken ones.

66. Never-used Bread Makers

The dream of fresh bread is wonderful. But if you’ve only used it once, it’s taking up valuable space.

67. Damaged Rice Cookers

Rice cookers should make life easier, not harder. If yours has:

• A broken lid
• Scratched non-stick coating
• Inconsistent cooking: Consider upgrading or returning to stovetop cooking.

68. Old Toasters

If your toaster:

• Heats unevenly
• Has broken levers
• Requires jiggling to work It’s time for a replacement.

69. Unused Waffle Makers

Weekend waffle dreams are great, but be realistic about how often you make them. If it’s less than once a month, consider donating.

70. Specialty Drink Makers

Those one-purpose drink machines:

• Margarita makers
• Soda machines
• Frozen drink machines: Let them go if they’re not bringing joy (or drinks) regularly.

71. Broken Hand Mixers

Check for:

• Loose beaters
• Burning smell when running
• Inconsistent speeds: These are signs it’s time to replace.

72. Outdated Microwaves

If your spare microwave is:

• Yellowed with age
• Making strange noises
• Heating unevenly: It’s not worth keeping as a backup.

Pro Tip: Before deciding to keep an appliance, ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used it?
• Could I achieve the same result with something I already have?
• Does the joy of having it outweigh the space it takes up?

Kitchen Gadgets: The Drawer Dwellers

Those kitchen drawers that barely close? They’re probably full of gadgets you rarely use. Let’s sort through what’s essential and what’s just taking up space.

73. Mystery Attachments

Those pieces you can’t identify? If you haven’t missed them by now, you won’t.

74. Unnecessary Gadgets

Common culprits include:

• Avocado slicers
• Banana slicers
• Egg separators
• Specialty slicers: A good knife does most of these jobs.

75. Rusty Ice Cream Scoops

If they’re:

• Rusty
• Bent
• Mechanism is stuck Time for a replacement.

76. Dull Pizza Cutters

If it drags the toppings instead of cutting, it’s time for a new one.

77. Extra Whisks

Most kitchens need:

• One large whisk
• One small whisk. The rest are just taking up space.

78. Broken Mashers

Check for:

• Bent tines
• Loose handles
• Rust spots These affect performance and cleanliness.

79. Extra Drawer Organizers

Keep only what fits your current drawers. Those “maybe someday” organizers? Donate them.

80. Old Shelf Liners

If they’re:

• Curling at edges
• Stained
• Torn Replace them or go without.

81. Unused Hooks

Those adhesive hooks that lost their stick? Toss them.

82. Broken Cabinet Organizers

If they’re:

• Wobbly
• Cracked
• Missing pieces: They’re not organizing anything effectively.

83. Extra Drawer Dividers

Keep only what you’re actively using. Store solutions aren’t solutions if they’re in storage.

84. Old Spice Racks

If they’re:

• Too small for your bottles
• Unstable
• Collecting dust. Let them go.

85. Duplicate Knife Blocks

Choose one good storage solution for your knives. Multiple blocks waste space.

86. Excess Baskets

Those decorative baskets you never use? They’re just collecting dust.

87. Broken Containers

If the lid doesn’t fit or it’s cracked, it’s trash.

88. Old Cleaning Tools

Including:

• Worn scrub brushes
• Ratty sponge holders
• Broken soap dispensers Replace them regularly.

Pro Tip: Adopt the “one in, one out” rule. When you get a new kitchen tool, identify an old one to remove. This prevents drawer overflow.

Storage and Organization: The Cabinet Chaos

Have you ever opened a cabinet and had containers avalanche out? This section is your solution. We’ll tackle both food storage and kitchen organization items

89. Containers Without Lids

The ultimate kitchen frustration. If you’ve spent more than 2 minutes searching for a matching lid:

• Lay out all containers
• Match with lids
• Recycle orphaned pieces No exceptions!

90. Mismatched Containers

Those random takeout containers and butter tub “keepers”? They’re making your cabinets chaotic. Toss if:

• They stain easily
• Warp in microwave
• Look unpresentable

91. Stained Plastic Containers

If they’re:

• Orange from tomato sauce
• Cloudy from grease
• Permanently discolored, they’re past their prime. Tomato stains won’t come out.

92. Old Takeout Containers

Be honest—do you need 20 plastic containers from your favorite Chinese restaurant? Keep a few, and recycle the rest.

93. Warped Containers

If they:

• Don’t seal properly
• Stack unevenly
• Leak in your lunch bag. Say goodbye.

94. Excess Water Bottles

Count your household members and multiply by 2. That’s probably all the water bottles you need. The rest are just cluttering your cabinets.

95. Broken Food Storage Jars

Check for:

• Chipped rims
• Cracked lids
• Rusty metal bands can harbor bacteria.

96. Damaged Lunch Boxes

If they:

• Smell funny
• Are stained
• Have broken zippers. It’s time for an upgrade.

97. Excess Plastic Bags

You only need:

• A week’s worth of lunch bags
• Few grocery bags for trash
• Small stash for pet cleanup. The rest? Recycle.

98. Broken Storage Bins

Those cracked bins aren’t serving anyone. Check for:

• Broken handles
• Cracked corners
• Warped bottoms

Pro Tip: Before buying any new storage solution, measure your space twice. The best organizer is useless if it doesn’t fit your cabinet or drawer.

Paper: The Sneaky Clutter

It creeps into your kitchen one sheet at a time until suddenly, your counters are covered. Let’s clear it out.

99. Old Recipes

Those magazine tear-outs and printed recipes you’ve been “meaning to try”? Sort them into:

• Made it and loved it
• Want to try this month
• Realistically, never make. Recycle that last category immediately.

100. Takeout Menus

In today’s digital world, you don’t need paper menus. Let them go if:

• Restaurant has closed
• Menu prices are outdated
• You can order online. Save favorites on your phone instead.

101. Appliance Manuals

Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Organizing Important Documents at Home for a complete system to organize manuals and other important papers. For now:

• Keep current appliance manuals
• File warranty information
• Recycle the rest

102. Old Shopping Lists

Creating a new list? Great! But first:

• Toss all old lists
• Clear sticky notes
• Remove fridge magnets with old lists. Start fresh each week.

103. Expired Warranties

Sort through that warranty drawer. Toss if:

• The product is no longer owned
• Warranty has expired
• A receipt is faded beyond reading. Keep a digital copy of the current warranties instead.

104. Duplicate Recipes

Found three copies of the same chocolate chip cookie recipe? Keep your favorite version and recycle the rest.

105. Old Meal Planning Sheets

Last month’s meal plan won’t help you now. Create a system:

• Keep the current week visible
• Recycle past weeks
• Store favorite meal combinations digitally

106. Unused Recipe Books

Be honest about your cookbook collection:

• When was the last time you opened it?
• Are the recipes too complicated?
• Do you prefer online recipes? Keep only what you actually use.

Pro Tips:

• Create a “command center” for important current papers
• Use a bulletin board or magnetic strip for temporary items
• Take photos of favorite takeout menus
• Scan important warranties and manuals
• Create a digital recipe collection

Miscellaneous: The Random Kitchen Collectors

Items that don’t neatly fit into other categories often become the sneakiest clutter culprits. Let’s address them.

107. Expired Medications

Never keep old medicines in your kitchen. Check for:

• Expired pain relievers
• Old prescriptions
• Outdated cold medicines
• Vitamins past their prime: Take them to your pharmacy for proper disposal.

108. Old Cleaning Supplies

Check under your sink. Toss if:

• Products are expired
• Sprayers don’t work
• Solutions are discolored
• Bottles are crusty or leaking. Remember: Cleaning products don’t last forever!

109. Unused Decor Items

Those seasonal kitchen decorations you never display? Let them go:

• Dusty artificial plants
• Outdated wall hangings
• “Live, Laugh, Love” signs you no longer love
• Unused vases: Keep only what brings you joy.

110. Extra Kitchen Towels

You need:

• 1-2 towels per family member
• A few extras for guests
• Special ones for drying glasses. The rest? Donate or repurpose as cleaning rags.

111. Unused Table Linens

Be realistic about your entertaining style. Donate if:

• Haven’t used it in two years
• Don’t fit your table
• Permanently stained
• No longer match your style

112. Broken Refrigerator Magnets

They’re not holding anything up if they:

• Fall off regularly
• Have weak magnets
• Are broken or chipped
• Look shabby

Pro Tip: Store cleaning supplies in a caddy under the sink. This makes it easy to see what you have and what needs replacing.

Dishes and Serving Ware: The Cabinet Stuffers

This category often holds the most emotional attachments. But keeping damaged or excess dishes isn’t honoring those memories.

113. Chipped Plates/Bowls

No exceptions here. If it’s chipped:

• It can harbor bacteria
• Might break further
• Could cut someone Time to say goodbye.

114. Mismatched Mugs

Keep only what fits in your cabinet comfortably:

• One mug per person
• A few extras for guests
• Special ones you use daily Those promotional mugs from 2015? Donate them.

115. Excess Serving Platters

Most homes need:

• One large platter
• Two medium platters
• One small platter Unless you regularly host large gatherings, that’s plenty.

116. Special Occasion Dishes

Ask yourself:

• When was the last use?
• Will I use them this year?
• Do they match my style? If they’re just collecting dust, let someone else enjoy them.

117. Extra Wine Glasses

Unless you’re a sommelier, you probably need:

• 6-8 red wine glasses
• 6-8 white wine glasses
• A few champagne flutes. The rest are just taking up space.

118. Kids’ Dishes They’ve Outgrown

Time to pass these on if:

• Characters are “babyish”
• Kids prefer regular dishes
• They’re scratched or worn
• Plastic is cloudy or stained

119. Duplicate Serving Utensils

How many serving spoons do you really need?

• One large spoon
• One slotted spoon
• One serving fork
• One pie server. Duplicates just create drawer chaos.

120. Old Party Supplies

Toss if:

• Paper goods are dusty
• Plastic items are warped
• Serving pieces are broken
• Haven’t used it in two years

121. Damaged Silverware

Check for:

• Bent tines
• Warped spoons
• Knife blades separating from handles
• Tarnish that won’t clean

Pro Tips:

• Keep only what you use weekly
• Store special occasion items separately
• Consider donating nice items to:
  • Local shelters
  • Starting families
  • College students
  • Community centers

Maintaining Your Clutter-Free Kitchen

Congratulations on taking the first step toward an organized kitchen! For a complete home transformation, check out our Decluttering Checklist: Your Room-by-Room Guide to confidently tackle your entire house.

Are you struggling to let go of inherited china or family recipes? You’re not alone. Our guide on Decluttering Sentimental Items: How to Let Go offers gentle, practical strategies for sorting through emotionally charged items.

Remember: A clutter-free kitchen isn’t about perfection – it’s about creating a space that works for you. Start small, celebrate progress, and maintain your organized space with these habits:

Tips for Maintaining Your Organized Kitchen

1. Follow the One-In-One-Out Rule

When you bring in something new:

• Remove a similar item
• Don’t let duplicates sneak in
• Question if you really need the new item

2. Create Daily Habits

• Clean as you cook
• Return items to their homes
• Sort mail immediately
• Wipe down counters nightly
• Deal with dishes daily

3. Weekly Maintenance

• Check the fridge for old food
• Wipe down cabinet fronts
• Clean small appliances
• Sort through incoming papers
• Review upcoming needs

4. Monthly Check-Ins

Take 15 minutes to review:

• Expired foods
• Broken items
• Things you haven’t used
• Areas that are gathering clutter

Where to Donate Your Items

Don’t let guilt prevent you from decluttering your kitchen. Looking to donate or sell your items? Check out our guide on Where to Donate Your Decluttered Items for a complete list of local and online options.

Some quick suggestions for kitchen items:

• Local shelters need cookware and utensils
• Schools can use party supplies
• Churches often accept serving items
• Buy Nothing groups love small appliances
• Thrift stores welcome good-condition dishes

Remember: Your unwanted items could be exactly what someone else needs.

Action Steps Moving Forward

1. Create Zones

• Cooking zone
• Cleaning zone
• Food prep zone
• Storage zone: Keep items in their designated zones.

2. Set Up Systems

• Paper management
• Pantry Organization
• Cleaning supplies
• Daily-use items

3. Regular Evaluation Every 6 months, ask:

• Do I use this?
• Does this make my life easier?
• Would someone else benefit more from this?

Remember: An organized kitchen isn’t about perfection—it’s about function. Keep what serves you well and let go of what doesn’t. Your future self will thank you whenever you cook in your clutter-free space.