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Day 16: Kitchen Gadgets
I love to cook, and like having the right tool for each job. This means that over the last 16 years, I have acquired numerous kitchen gadgets! I have 2 full drawers, a canister on the counter, and countless other items tucked away on shelves and in cabinets. It is time for a major overhaul!
Step 1 – If its broken throw it out!
I was amazed to find that I had a broken hand mixer, and a cracked blender carafe that I had yet to get rid of. I had already purchased replacements ages ago, yet for some reason the broken items were still on the shelf. They were also the first to go.
Step 2 – If its a duplicate, decide if you need multiples or if you can get by with just 1. Donate or sell the extras.
Five wooden spoons – keep them. Five sifters, you can probably get by with one.
Step 3 – Do you even use it?
But what about that drawer of random kitchen utensils. That’s when its going to take more than 10 minutes. In fact, I want it to take you all of March!
Random Kitchen Gadgets
Find a box/bin and place it on your counter. Now place EVERY kitchen gadget in it. Your measuring spoons, measuring cups, spatulas, peelers, hand blenders, whisks … every single hand held kitchen tool goes into the box.
Now wipe out the drawer.
For the next month, every time you need to use a kitchen tool, you will take it out of the drawer. If its not in the drawer, take it out of the box. Once you are done with it, it gets washed and put back in the drawer. At the end of the month, only the items you use will be in the drawer, and everything else will still be in the box/bin on the counter.
Now, decide what you are going to do with those extra items. Dumping them back in the drawer is not an option. If they are a seasonal items, store it away for that season. If its broken, toss it. If its just something you don’t use, either donate it or sell it.
This is your longest assignment, but its worth it! I promise you, if you give it a full month you will be amazed by how much you don’t use, and you don’t need to hold on to.
Enjoy your weekend. Don’t forget to take Sunday as your day of rest and reflection.
We’re moving in a few months and I have a TON of redundant plates and bowls that I received for my wedding gift a year ago. Thanks for this sage advice; our kitchen could definitely use some decluttering in the meantime!