Kitchen Decluttering Checklist

The kitchen is clutter central, and it’s often where we stash “just in case” items that we never actually use. Decluttering it not only gives you more space, it makes cooking and cleanup way easier.

Here’s a checklist of what to declutter in your kitchen, broken down by area:

Drawers

• Duplicate or broken utensils (how many spatulas do you really need?)

• Takeout menus (go digital)

• Dull or unused knives

• Mismatched measuring spoons or cups

• Random tools you forgot you had (olive pitter, anyone?)

  
  

Cabinets

• Extra water bottles or travel mugs (keep your favorites, ditch the rest)

• Plastic containers with no lids (or lids with no containers!)

• Multiples of baking pans you never use

• Random coffee mugs you don’t love

  
  

Under the Sink

• Empty or expired cleaning supplies

• Old sponges or dish brushes

• Grocery bags overflowing the bag holder

• Duplicate items (how many rubber gloves do you need?)

  
  

Pantry

• Expired food or spices (YES, they have an expiration date for a reason!)

• Items you bought but never used (hello, random jar of tahini)

• Snacks no one in your house will eat

• Bulk items taking up space

  
  

Countertops

• Small appliances you rarely use (waffle maker, anyone?)

• Extra utensil holders or containers

• Duplicated cutting boards or knife blocks

• Decorative items collecting dust but not bringing you joy

  
  

Fridge & Freezer

• Expired condiments

• Leftovers turned science experiments

• Mystery frozen containers (if you don’t know what it is—toss it)

• Freezer-burned items

  
  

Specialty Zones

• Coffee or tea stations: expired pods, random teas, stained mugs

• Baking zone: sprinkles from 2012, rock-hard brown sugar

• Bar area: dusty mixers, empty "decorative" bottles

Bonus Tip for Kitchen Decluttering:

Set a timer for 15–20 minutes and tackle one area at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.