20 Things to Declutter from Your Kitchen Today

Does your kitchen feel chaotic and cluttered? A disorganized kitchen makes cooking less enjoyable and day-to-day tasks more stressful. The good news? You can reclaim your space by getting rid of unnecessary items—today. Whether you're a home organizer, a minimalist, or just a busy mom trying to make life easier, this list will help you streamline your kitchen and create a space you'll love.

1. Cookbooks

Hanging onto cookbooks you never use? Donate them! For those with only a recipe or two worth saving, jot them down and store them in a recipe box or binder. Have recipe magazines? Tear out the pages you want and recycle the rest.

2. Wooden Spoons and Cooking Utensils

Do you really need eight wooden spoons? Keep only what you use regularly and donate the extras.

3. Dish Towels

Sort through your dish towels and discard any that are too worn. Use the old ones as cleaning rags, and donate extras in good condition.

4. Baking Ware

Check out your stash of cookie sheets, pie pans, and muffin tins. If you have duplicates or rarely used items, donate them.

5. Cleaning Supplies

Consolidate half-empty bottles, toss expired ones, and organize what's left. Put the products closest to empty in the front so you can use them up first.

6. Mixing Bowls

How many mixing bowls do you really use? Keep only the ones you need and part ways with the rest.

7. Countertop Clutter

A cluttered countertop can make your kitchen feel chaotic, but it’s easy to fix! Start by moving small appliances you don’t use every day into cabinets or other storage spots. Get rid of extra decorative items, and gather up loose papers—they don’t belong on your counter! (If paper clutter is a struggle, check out my blog for some helpful tips.)

Everything on your counter should either be something you use or love, or it needs to find a better home. Not sure where to put something? Ask yourself, “Where would I naturally look for this?” That’s usually the best spot. Try grouping similar items together—like a space for small appliances, cleaning supplies, or baking tools. If there’s no room where you want to store it, take a few minutes to declutter that area and make space for what’s important.

With just a little effort, you can turn your kitchen into a clean, calming space—and it’s so worth it!

8. Oven Mitts and Hot Pads

Worn-out oven mitts? Time to toss. Keep just what you use regularly and replace anything that’s seen better days.

9. Spices

Say goodbye to spices you never use or those that aren’t as fragrant anymore. Stick to the basics you use most often, and buy small bulk amounts for niche recipes.

10. Corning Ware and Serving Dishes

Haven’t used that giant casserole dish or serving tray in years? Time to donate it to someone who will.

11. Pantry Items

Go through your pantry and toss expired items. Don’t think you’ll use that quinoa sitting in the back? Donate it to a local food bank.

12. Fridge and Freezer

Check your fridge for expired sauces, condiments, or leftovers and toss them. Look for freezer-burned items or anything you know you won’t eat and clear it out.

13. Tupperware or Food Storage Containers

Match all your lids and containers. Recycle or donate any mismatched pieces or extras you no longer need. Dive deeper into Organizing Tupperware: Unlock Your Kitchen Space Potential! here.

14. Cutlery

If you have way more forks, spoons, and knives than you need, set some aside to donate or for your next picnic!

15. Glasses and Coffee Mugs

Mismatched glasses and an overabundance of coffee mugs? Declutter! Keep your favorites and donate or recycle the rest.

16. Dishware

Evaluate your plates and bowls. Are there extras you don’t need or chipped pieces you’ve been holding onto? It’s time to part ways.

17. Kitchen Gadgets

Impulse buys like avocado slicers or herb strippers sound great but often never get used. Donate gadgets that can be replaced by something you already own or rarely use.

18. Small Kitchen Appliances

Do you still need that bread machine you never use? Or a juicer collecting dust? Sell or donate small appliances you don't use regularly.

19. Medicine and Vitamins

If you store medicine in your kitchen, check for expired products or ones that are no longer relevant. Make sure everything is safely and neatly tucked away.

20. Junk Drawer

That infamous junk drawer doesn't need to stay messy! Go through it and toss broken gadgets, old batteries, and outdated phone chargers. Keep only what’s practical and organized. Use drawer dividers to separate and contain your pens, batteries etc.

By decluttering these items, you can transform your kitchen into a clean, functional space perfect for cooking, hosting, and enjoying time with loved ones. No need to tackle it all at once—start with just one section from this list and go from there.

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