There are a few things that I have a complete weakness for when it comes to shopping. Home office stuff, cool toys for my daughter, and kitchen stuff. We’ll get to the first 2 items on that list another week, but today we’re talking about kitchens. When I see a cool new kitchen gadget I’m mesmerized. “Why don’t I have one of those awesome avocado slicers?” I don’t even like avocados!
Tupperware
These handy little containers are in just about every home from a college dorm room to a million dollar mansion. Are they useful? Yes! Do you 100 of them? Probably not. In most cases, we have WAY more tupperware than we need, and much of it is mismatched, missing lids, stained with tomato sauce, etc. Time to say goodbye old friends. Especially if you have a small kitchen, space is more valuable than having every size storage container known to man. So hang on to what you use on a regular basis and toss or donate (if they’re in good shape) the rest.
Cookware
Sure, that wok seemed like a great idea when you were registering for it, but now it just sits and collects dust and takes up a lot of space. When Mr. O and I first moved in together we each had our own sets of cookware. It ranged from decent quality to one clearance from Caldor quality (bonus points if you remember that place). For some reason we kept it all. And even though we bought the mega-set of high quality All-Clad cookware from William Sonoma with gift certificates from our wedding, we still packed up all the other pots and pan and brought them to our new home… 8 years ago. Sound familiar?
It’s time to say adios to the junky cookware that’s been boxed up in the attic for 8 years, and embrace the adultiness of out good stuff. What do you have hanging around your kitchen that you never use, have several of, or would just be embarrassed if people knew you cooked with it? You’re not going to hurt the pot’s feelings. Just let it go.
Utensils & Plates
Did you know the Dollar Tree sells utensils 4/$1? I did! You know how? We have a ton of it! As with the cookware, it’s time to put on our big girl pants and let go of the forks that bend when you try to cut chicken. And exactly how many pie-slicers does 1 family need?
The same goes for plates. If you wouldn’t serve your guests on a plate, don’t keep it around. It’s not worth it.
And let’s not forget about kid plates and utensils. My 6-year-old has long-since outgrown those tiny forks and spoons with rubber handles. See ya! And while she’s not ready for porcelain plates, I’m trying to get her away from using the kind that are sectioned off – it’s okay for food to touch, kid! – so I am getting rid of those, too.
Disclaimer: You guys know I’m all about being honest, so I have to let you in on a little secret. We’re not actually getting rid of our extra silverware, or even plates. We host Thanksgiving every 3 years and need enough serveware to feed 35+ people. But it will get put up in the attic and out of my kitchen.
Mugs
Where are my teacher pals at? You’ll totally get this. If I had a nickel for every mug I’ve gotten from my kids, or the administration, I wouldn’t need to teach anymore! And really, how many “World’s Best Teacher” mugs do you need? We get it. You’re awesome. Yay. Can we move on?
But mug hoarding isn’t exclusive to teachers. I know people who buy a mug every time they go on vacation. Others simply have more than they need. I mean, honestly, if you run the dishwasher every couple of days like we do, you only need a couple of mugs for each person in the house. And for those of you who need a reminder, like my husband, you can use the same mug more than once on a given day. Mind. Blown.
Where to donate kitchen items
Items that are in good shape can be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army and the ReStore (Habitat for Humanities thrift shop). Many local organizations hold annual tag sales and would gladly accept home items as a donation. And don’t forget your own family! If you have younger cousins, nieces and nephews, etc. who are just starting out, give some of your extra stuff to them. They’ll appreciate not having to pay for things they need, and you’ll appreciate the extra space.
