Kitchen Decluttering Guide: 20 Items to Toss or Donate First
Apartment Therapy's free two-week Decluttering Cure program suggests tackling the kitchen one spot at a time, using a timer and a temporary bin. The article lists common items to remove, such as broken tools, unused small appliances, and duplicates. It advises sorting collected items into toss, recycle, donate, or relocate categories after each session.
The Decluttering Cure program operates on a structured schedule, running three times annually in January, April, and September. Participants receive 14 assignments delivered by email, with the kitchen task representing Day 4 of the sequence. The program emphasizes manageable sessions of 15 to 60 minutes rather than marathon cleaning efforts.
The kitchen checklist targets common problem areas including broken utensils, duplicate tools, unused small appliances, and excess storage containers. The program also addresses food-related clutter in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry, flagging expired items and unwanted condiments. Participants are encouraged to sort collected items into four categories: toss, recycle, donate, or relocate.
This decluttering guidance may resonate with readers who feel overwhelmed by kitchen disorganization, offering a structured yet flexible approach that fits busy schedules. The program's emphasis on small, timed sessions could help reduce anxiety around home organization tasks. By promoting donation and recycling over simple disposal, the approach may also encourage more sustainable consumption habits. However, the effectiveness likely depends on individual commitment to completing all 14 assignments.