TIPS: Taming the Kitchen Clutter

The kitchen isn’t just the gathering place for holiday get-togethers, often times it is the gathering place for clutter.

Whether it is a mound of mail, a cabinet full of souvenir cups or a drawer full of useless utensils, the kitchen is a drop zone.

“Over the years all that stuff really adds up,” says Tracy McCubbin, professional home organizer and founder of Los Angeles’ premiere organization company, dClutterfly.  “I recommend homeowners do a clean sweep of the kitchen once a year, right before the holidays is a great time to clear the cabinets.”

The name of the de-cluttering game is purge, purge, purge.  McCubbin suggests following the tips to get your kitchen in order for the holidays.

Purge the pantry

Go through your pantry and get rid of any expired items.  Dump out the cans and recycle them, or if the item is just past the ‘use by’ date, call a local food bank as some may accept donations that are just slightly expired. 

Next, remove the food you don’t eat or don’t like anymore.

“If those cream-based soups are no longer on your diet or if your taste buds didn’t care for that natural peanut butter the first time you tried it, it’s doubtful it’ll be a hit the second time around, so donate it and feel good about doing so,” says McCubbin.

Clear the cabinets

If you have a cabinet (or three) busting with plastic water bottles from the cruise you took five years ago, mismatched wine glasses and souvenir coffee mugs, it is time to purge.  Keep a few favorites then donate the rest.

And if your kitchen looks like an infomercial stock room, it is time to be honest about how much you use (or don’t use them) and let the one-hit-wonder kitchen trinkets go.

The ice cream maker, waffle machine or food dehydrator seemed like a good idea when you purchased it, but now, ten years and only a few uses later, they’re likely just taking up valuable real estate in your kitchen.   You may not have a use for the item, but someone else may so take it to a local donation center like the Habitat for Humanity Re-store.

Get organized

Now that the cabinets are clutter-free it is time to get organized. 

“Bamboo drawer organizers are my favorite for getting and keeping drawers tidy,” McCubbin says.  “I like the modular ones because you can pick what fits your needs the best.”

Next, pull out all the plastic storage containers and match up lids with bottoms.  You won't believe how many orphans you have!  Anything that doesn’t have a mate goes in to the recycling bin.

Consider replacing your plastic containers with glass ones.  These are better for you and the environment and also stack more easily that plastic ones.

Another great way to cut down on clutter is to stop using plastic baggies and switch sandwich sacks.  Not only are these adorable, but they’re also great for the environment. 

McCubbin says, “Getting organized isn’t a one day chore, it’s a lifestyle that takes time, patience and practice.”

If you don’t think it’s a lifestyle change you can make yourself, hire a pro to do it for you.

Tracy McCubbin is the founder of dClutterfly (www.dclutterfly.com) and award-winning home and office organization expert.  She is based in Los Angeles and travels across the country helping clients develop livable organization in their lives.