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Funky Fresh Kitchen – The “Do You Really Need It?” Challenge

September 6, 2011 by Laura 140 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

What is all that stuffed crammed in the back of your utensil drawer? When’s the last time you used that fancy Blitzamachoppit that promised to make your life easier? And how many used twist-ties and drinking straws does it take to change a light bulb?

Oh wait. I think I just mixed two unrelated questions.

But still – I do believe it is time for some of us to take control of what is lurking in our kitchen drawers and cabinets. If you took advantage of the Do the Funky Kitchen ebook sale, you may have already started plucking unused items out of your kitchen and worked at finding them a better home (like in someone else’s kitchen – mwoohaha!!). If not, let me suggest to you that your kitchen will be a lot more fun and a lot more functional (funky!) if you get rid of items you are not using.

Here is a check-list of questions to ask yourself as you clean out cabinets and drawers in your kitchen (taken from the Do the Funky Kitchen ebook):

  1. Do I use it often?
  2. How many do I have?
  3. How many do I need?
  4. Did someone special give it to me?
  5. Does it work?

If you don’t use it, get rid of it. If you have too many, the extras need to go. If it doesn’t work, what is it still doing there anyway? And if you don’t even know what it is, you won’t miss it after you say goodbye. Keep only items that you use or items that are special to you.

If you are having a hard time deciding if you should get rid of something, do this:  Put the item in a potential “Garage Sale” box for a few weeks, but don’t get rid of it yet. Next Tuesday, if you’re preparing some food and suddenly remember the reason you had the Ultimate Onion Slicer (with built in tissues for inevitable tears, batteries not included) then by all means, go get it out of your box and put it back into your kitchen for future onion slicing and tear wiping needs. But if in fact you see that gadget in your “Garage Sale” box three months later and have to stand on your head while holding a flashlight so that you can try and figure out what in the world it is, I’m pretty sure you never needed it anyway and you can feel free to give it away or try to sell it.

Your Funky Fresh Kitchen Challenge today is to clean out at least ONE cabinet or drawer. Get rid of all items that are not useful to you. You’ll feel so much better, I promise!!

Leave a comment on this post letting us know one thing you can throw out or give away that will lessen any kitchen clutter you may have. Your comment will serve as your entry in the giveaway for one of five $10 gift certificates to our Heavenly Homemakers Shop.

 

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Filed Under: In the Kitchen Tagged With: cleaning, kitchen, organized

Comments

  1. Randi @ www.ExpressionsOfPerceptions.com says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Today I threw away my blender base…
    because it quit working and emitted a big cloud of smoke.

    Reply
  2. Holly T. says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:35 am

    I need to clean out the junk drawer below our phone in the kitchen, which houses old receipts, phone chargers, loose change, and an array of chip clips and other miscellaneous items. We’ve only lived in our house for three months and already this drawer is a mess! On the bright side, I got rid of a TON of kitchen gadgets and items when we moved so our kitchen, aside from the junk drawer, is in pretty good shape.

    Reply
  3. Sarah says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:37 am

    I am working on this today! I am going to get rid of some of the various plastic containers I have accumulated. I don’t really need all of them, and I could use the cabinet space for other things.

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:38 am

    My husband and I recently remodeled our kitchen, and in the process, got rid of a lot of junk!

    One thing that we got rid of recently was some old plastic food storage containers that didn’t even have matching covers. We got them for our wedding! Anyway, I got rid of a lot, and am so thankful for the new organization I now have!

    Thanks for these helpful and encouraging posts!

    Reply
  5. Machele says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:39 am

    some of the many cups we have!

    Reply
  6. Stephanie says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:45 am

    I have a small fewer of things that I have no idea what they are for or where they came from it’s time for that drawer to go

    Reply
  7. jennifer says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:46 am

    I got rid of 20 foot phone cord….how did that get in there?

    Reply
  8. Christy says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:56 am

    I was early on this challenge! Just a few weeks ago I had to rearrange my kitchen drawers because my oldest (just turned 2) could suddenly reach the knife drawer. Yikes! I didn’t get rid of anything major — in only 3 years of marriage, I haven’t accumulated too many weird things yet — but I did empty out crumbs, dust thoroughly, and organize. :)

    Reply
    • Donna Thomas says

      September 6, 2011 at 11:39 am

      From Christy’s Mom– I noticed you rearranged her kitchen drawers to keep sharp objects out of her two year old’s reach. Looks good! :) (ok, is this wierd we are posting on the same blog?)

      I love cleaning out junk drawers and cabinets. But my husband gets annoyed when I do because he expects the junk to be piled up in a drawer. Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Sue says

        September 6, 2011 at 11:45 am

        I suggest you empty the junk drawer and fill it with kitchen towels. Then move the junk to a drawer in one of his spaces….like a drawer in the garage!

        Reply
  9. Erin Owens says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I donated a few utensils that haven’t been used in forever.

    Reply
  10. Jennifer H says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:05 am

    We moved from Tennessee to Florida 8 months ago. When we were packing for the move, I got rid of everything that was not a necessity in my kitchen. I didn’t want to pay to move it if it was of no use to us. So now I use everything in my kitchen. A few things are not used as often as everything else, but are used every once in awhile.

    Reply
  11. Laura says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:06 am

    i got rid of an extra set of knives i hadn’t used in months, since my hubby got me a brand new set last christmas!! :)

    Reply
  12. Rebecca says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:10 am

    Our toaster!

    Reply
  13. Ann R says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:10 am

    We just did this with all but ONE of our kitchen drawers. I will try to get that last drawer done this week. It is also the week of changing closets from summer to winter clothes =) Ahhhh the joys of 4 seasons.

    Reply
  14. shelly foster says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:13 am

    I have been sorting utensils in two drawers top being frequently used bottom not so much. Begin of every month clearing out and goes to charity, also doing same with bigger appliances around house — I put a sticky dot when I use something. Every 3 months I evaluate what is getting used and what isnt and re-home the never used items!

    Reply
  15. Cathy B. says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:23 am

    I’m getting rid of some plastic storage containers and a gadget to help you slice a pineapple (easier to just use a knife!).

    Reply
  16. KimL says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:25 am

    I’m getting rid of the deep fryer that takes up way too much space and has been used once, doesn’t help me make anything healthy and is just generally not safe! I feel better already :-)

    Reply
  17. Kristy V. says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:25 am

    This post is like you read my mind! I was just about to bake some yummy cornbread muffins and realized that I had way too many useless kitchen gadgets in the drawer with my precious whisk (that I was having trouble locating because of the junk on top of junk situation that was going on!) Well, thanks to your oh-so-timely suggestion, my whisk has a clean and neat home, with no useless junk covering it up! Off to bake my muffins! Thank you!

    Reply
  18. lyss says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:27 am

    I am going to try to sell my pampered chef cookie press that was a wedding gift 6 yrs. ago and I have never used!

    Reply
  19. JenniferStuart says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:31 am

    I cleaned mine last weekend! I have a whole bag of stuff for
    out church garage sale this weekend. It feels good!

    Reply
  20. Shannen says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:34 am

    random plastic lids that go to nothing!

    Reply
  21. Jenn says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:34 am

    I did the whole kitchen at the beginning of the summer. Out went the toaster, blender, half the bamboo spoons and rubber scrapers and whisks, the dish drainer, and on and on it goes. Using the kitchen is so much nicer now.

    Reply
  22. Kathy says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:35 am

    While I am transitioning to glass jars for all my storage (thanks to you Laura, and to my mom who grew up in the depression and saved all glass jars) I am cleaning out that dreaded plastic container cabinet. I save margarine containers, etc., to send leftovers home with others, but the overflow is ginormous!

    Reply
  23. Sue says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:41 am

    I threw away or recycled all the “freebie” plastic cups from various restaurants while hearing your “mwoohaha” sound effect in my head! :)

    Reply
  24. Suanna says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:42 am

    I have some not user friendly kids spoons that I absolutely dislike. Thanks for giving me permission to get rid of them.

    Reply
  25. Rebecca C says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:44 am

    I finally did it! I have been wanting to clean out my utensil drawers for a year now but always put it off. Thank you for the encouragement!
    Rebecca C

    Reply
  26. Tahlor says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:45 am

    I just cleaned out a few cupboards the other day but I will do a few more this week!!!

    Reply
  27. Stacy Makes Cents says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:46 am

    We’re doing this right now! We’re getting ready to have a yard sale. De-cluttering is so FREEING!

    Reply
  28. Heather says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:49 am

    I’ve been getting my drawers ‘organized’ by my one year old. She is obsessed with the three drawers she can open and reach into. So far, she has made me really consider passing on some placemats we never use anymore and I’ve had to redo my plastic bag stash. I’ll be getting rid of many odds and ends plastic birthday things (from store bought cupcakes that my MIL got for my husband…when he was a small child) that have no real business being my kitchen and are old and weird anyway!

    Thanks,
    Heather

    Reply
  29. Julie says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Too funny.

    Reply
  30. Yemi Brown says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:55 am

    We are moving and this challenge is perfectly timed. I just gave half of my pots and pans to my SIL (didn’t realize I had so many of the same size). You might have to do this challenge once a year since I tend to be a pack rat. I also have 3 boxes of garage sale items.

    Reply
  31. Katie Nix says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:55 am

    I have been meaning to do this. Yeay. Now I have a challenge to do it more. I know one really big pot I don’t need anymore, so I’ll be giving it to a refugee family that is coming Thursday. This is so timely.

    Reply
  32. Susan Robinson says

    September 6, 2011 at 11:58 am

    Why oh why do I keep every plastic storage container that makes it’s way into my house? Is it a crime to throw away an empty cottage cheese container? I finally saw the light and went to glass and got rid of all my plastic. I’m FREE!

    Reply
    • Sue says

      September 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

      I’m jealous…

      Reply
  33. ann k says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    Threw away a wafflemaker that had stopped working years ago. :)

    Reply
  34. Alisha says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    I got rid of some knives and spatulas! Less to wash and more likely to keep them clean instead of pulling a new one out! lol

    Reply
  35. Kelly says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    I got rid of all our old plastic containers!

    Reply
  36. Elaine Dieball says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Definitely the tangle of food storage containers!

    Reply
  37. Holly says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    I cleaned out the utensil drawer… Lots of plastic Wendy’s forks and twisty straws in there!

    Reply
  38. meredith says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    I have eight egg whisks. Probably should think about thinning those out ;)

    Reply
  39. Lee Ann L. says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    When I moved here I did some heavy cleaning and donated a bunch of cookbooks. Recently, I decided that I did not need a huge iron basket that my Mother gave me (used to hold fruit) and I Goodwilled it.

    Reply
  40. Jen says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    The “many used twist-ties” comment spoke to me! :)

    I can finally give away or throw away the many, many, many plastic and cheap metal utensils that I never use anymore. I finally have a decent stainless steel supply of utensils built up. This could potentially free up a whole drawer for me!

    Reply
  41. Anna says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Threw out a broken cake tester….toothpick works fine and there’s no cleaning!

    Reply
  42. Julie says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I had just said to my husband that I needed to clean out a cupboard because every time I open the door, things fall out!!!

    Reply
  43. Meghan V. says

    September 6, 2011 at 12:57 pm

    I got rid of a couple of veggie peelers that were no longer sharp. I was able to combine two drawers into one by getting rid of a lot of special gadgets.

    Reply
  44. Abbie Long says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I can think of a few things without even looking. It should be easier to open and shut “the drawer” now! One thing in particular that is going is a noodle cutter…doesn’t work that great…i will just stick to the pizza cutter for that task…

    Reply
  45. susan says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    i did that not too long ago. moved all the rarely used utensils into a rarely used drawer. but they’re ones i need for once in a blue moon like when the family is here and i need 10 serving spoons (okay not 10 but you know what i mean)….i did get rid of alot of stuff when my mom in love gave me her old kitchen hutch. i re-arranged and took the time to share those extra cookie cutters with good will since i don’t need 5 circles in the same size and 3 santa clauses and i’ve never used that moose in 5 years so it was time for him to go too…

    Reply
  46. Susan says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    I cleaned out my pantry today!! A huge undertaking, but I’m working at it. Next….the cabinet under the stove…or the junk drawer…or the top of the fridge…

    Ok I am feeling a little less proud of myself!, LOL!!!

    Reply
  47. Amber says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    We just suffered massive flooding here in Vermont. My house is fine, but many neighbors lost everything. This prompted me to go through the kitchen (and closets) and find useful stuff to donate.

    Reply
  48. kelly says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Just did this a couple of months ago and we ended up freecycling a TON of stuff. You are right, you do feel better. =0)

    Reply
  49. Christy says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I just got rid of a radar detector my dad got me as a teenager. I’m now in my thirties. And, yes, it was in my kitchen drawer.

    Reply
  50. Lena Courbron says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:47 pm

    Just cleaned out my drawers! Got rid of quite a bit of junk! about to clean out my pots and pans, I know I have some in there I have not touched in years. It feels so good to declutter my cabinets! Tomorrow I will tackle the plastic storage containers and organize and clean the glass ware. Then maybe the spice cabinet. This is motivating!

    Reply
  51. Kasondra Morin says

    September 6, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    I have a toaster oven that just sits on top of my fridge…we thought we needed one so a friend gave hers to us. I’ve used it once. It only fits on top of the counter and it’s a hazard for my adventurous 2 year old. I need to just buy a toaster and get rid of the big oven.

    Reply
  52. Colean says

    September 6, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    I am probably guilty of this because I have every kitchen gadget known to man. The sad thing is though, I seem to use almost all of them >.<

    Reply
  53. Renee says

    September 6, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    How many unsharpened pencils does one need in their kitchen drawer when you don’t ever use pencils? I guess I thought the answer was 12. Thanks for changing my mind!

    Reply
  54. Angela Kahney says

    September 6, 2011 at 2:52 pm

    Thanks for the challenge! There is a lot of stuff in my kitchen that can go. I tend to hold on to everything because I might need it someday but then get stressed by all the clutter. I have been getting better about this but there is still a lot to do. I find it is easier for me to get rid of a little at a time instead of all at once.

    Reply
  55. Karis says

    September 6, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    my husband is military, so we move alot. the nice part is that you’re forced to go through your things every 1-2 years and prioritize what you really need. we just moved again last month, so i’m counting that one since i really don’t think i can find more stuff to get rid of right now – i got rid of an extra strainer i never used, some baking pans, and whisks. i’m sure i’ll find more next year when we move again haha!

    Reply
  56. Priscilla F. says

    September 6, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Does it count if I say I went through my drawers about 2 weeks ago, and got rid of lots? However, I still need to go through the spice cupboard, and give it a major facelift, ie: make it funky. Now that I buy spices in bulk, and make my own spice combos, that cupboard needs help adjusting to the change!

    Reply
  57. Kathy McConnell says

    September 6, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    I’m getting rid of my onion blossom slicer. It never worked right for me. That takes almost the whole shelf. I’m also throwing away the blade for my electric pizza slicer. lol, yes electric. My husband got me a bread machine (long since dead) and the pizza slicer died too. Don’t know why I hung onto the blade. Thanks for the challenge! Have a great evening! God Bless : )

    Reply
  58. Brighid says

    September 6, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Baby spoons. My baby is nearly 16. Tossing into the box soon!

    Reply
  59. Alecia says

    September 6, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Gonna throw away all the parts to an old food processor that has long since been thrown out. Kept the blades and attachments “just in case”. Also old beaters to old mixers.

    Reply
  60. Gwyn says

    September 6, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Cleaning out I found two beat up rubber spatulas that I don’t use anymore. I have newer ones so why keep them?

    Reply
  61. Sarah H. says

    September 6, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I was just noticing today how full my utensil holder thing is so I’m going to be purging some of those spoons!

    Reply
  62. Mayira says

    September 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    I really don’t need two waffle makers, so one of them will have to go. And my breadmaker just stopped working the other day, and is still sitting on my counter. So that will go, too.

    Reply
  63. Alissa says

    September 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    Usually I feel conviction when I read your blog, but today I am sitting with a smile on my face because I use every kitchen utensil I own. When we moved overseas, we started with 0 things for the kitchen. We have had to buy everything or go without (and I am a frugal girl, so we just go without hahaha). I do know that my mom has about 4 ice cream scoopers at her house, maybe I should share this article with her.

    Reply
  64. Claudia K says

    September 6, 2011 at 5:21 pm

    I open and close this drawer 20 times a day and finally today I am throwing out the tool used to crack open crab legs. The funny thing is, I don’t even eat sea food. I won’t miss this one!

    Reply
  65. Karen O'Dell says

    September 6, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I tried using my melon baller again tonight on the honey do melon – didn’t work. But, it worked great yesterday when I was filling the mini muffin pans making the DONUT MUFFIN recipe. So, now it’s a “mini-muffin-filler-thingy”. No need to pitch!

    Reply
  66. Amy T says

    September 6, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I cleaned out my pots and pans cupboard and put my old griddle pan in the garage sale pile. It was teflon and we have since switched over to cast iron.

    Reply
  67. becky lynn says

    September 6, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    What a fun challenge……so I went through my baking pan drawer. Bye nye heart shaped cake pan with a wholeput filling, bye bye to one of four 9×13 pans, and bye bye to one of three 8×8 pans. Oh boy how refreshing. Oh and the condiments that my family thinks are necessary to keep from eating establishments they are going going gone also:o)

    Reply
  68. Kellie says

    September 6, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    I have this thing that is supposed to hold an onion and allow you to slice it evenly. I can never seem to get it to stay closed, so I never use it – it is being tossed!

    Reply
  69. Janey L. says

    September 6, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    I got rid of a waffle maker and 4 bags of plastics that I don’t use anymore!

    Reply
  70. Danielle B says

    September 6, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Hmmm how about 3 sets of measuring spoons! I don’t even use ONE set.

    Reply
  71. crystal says

    September 6, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    I just did this two weeks ago. I got rid of so much stuff. Pots and pans, gadgets. It looks good now.

    Reply
  72. Elizabeth says

    September 6, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    Thanks to an incredibly generous bridal shower from pampered chef about three years ago, I have one of everything known to man. The bad news is I don’t know how to cook or how to use most of them. I have subscribed to this blog in the hopes of learning how to cook for my growing family. So far I have found two extra can openers, two potato peelers, three soup lattels, and lots of extra wooden spoons that I am cleaning out. My drawer is even closing easier now. Thanks!!

    Reply
  73. Jami says

    September 6, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    TOO many kids cups!!! Ahhhh!!! I got rid of extra cups and coffee mugs. I don’t really need that many! LOVE the way it looks and things are tipping over when I open my cabinet door! Yahoo!

    Reply
  74. Morgan says

    September 6, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    I have an old frying pan, cheap non-stick kind, that I don’t use because the coating has started to peel off. I keep it in the cabinet for who knows why.

    My kids like it but it really is just taking up space.

    Reply
  75. Emily says

    September 6, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    My friend gave me her used bread machine when she moved. When I tried to make whole wheat bread with it I think I killed it. I so need to just get rid of it – thanks for the nudge!

    Reply
  76. Lisa says

    September 6, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    I just cleaned out my utensil drawer… i have a melon baller that never gets used… so I am taking your advice and putting it in my giveaway box that is scheduled to go out the door by next Sunday… not huge… but it’s a start…

    Reply
  77. Denise says

    September 6, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    I got rid of extra mugs!

    Reply
  78. Tracy says

    September 6, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    I got rid of my old stoneware holder that’s been sitting on top of my refrigerator for years (unused). Don’t ask about the dust. :0). I also cleaned out a plastic ladle that was replaced this week with a better one, and a bamboo spoon that I wasn’t happy with. Thanks for the challenge!!

    Reply
  79. Kelly says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:13 pm

    I can get rid of a tap-n-chop for one…. definitely a few other things, though I have given a bunch away last year through Freecycle.org to people who needed them.

    Reply
  80. Carrie says

    September 6, 2011 at 10:37 pm

    I got rid of my broken can opener collection ;)

    Reply
  81. Diane Sikora says

    September 7, 2011 at 3:18 am

    I have been doing a lot of decluttering in my home lately. My favorite kitchen spoon has seen better days but I just can’t seem to part with it.

    Reply
  82. Joanna S says

    September 7, 2011 at 5:33 am

    Yikes! Didn’t realize I had so many baby spoons left in my silverware drawer! My baby is 5 1/2 and has safely outgrown them. I did keep one for those times you just need a tiny bit of something. :)

    Reply
  83. DorthyM says

    September 7, 2011 at 7:08 am

    I’ve already been thru the gadget drawer and although I have a bag of knives and wine bottle openers (given to us by someone cleaning out her kitchen, we don’t drink) that is going out today, the only gadget i’d like to get out of my kitchen these days is my husband’s computer. It needs a home other than my table. But until I can find a home for it, there it sits.

    Reply
  84. april says

    September 7, 2011 at 7:42 am

    I tossed about 6 sippy cup lids(no idea where the cups are) and 3 bottle nipples(the baby is 4 1/2 now)

    Reply
  85. Holly White says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:04 am

    I’m tossing some old plastic bowls and glass bottles. I’ve always breastfed and never needed the bottles, just got them as a baby shower gift.

    Reply
  86. Denise says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:07 am

    I just went through the drawer with the lids to my plastic containers. It is always surprising to find that I have more lids than containers. I can now find what I am looking for because my drawer is not filled with stuff I don’t need!

    Reply
  87. Andrea says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:29 am

    i am in the challenge. i have been on an organization kick the last few days. it just seems like a never ending project, there is so much to do. i will conquer the clutter.

    Reply
  88. Rhoda says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Recently moved so a few things went then. Sure I could find more without too much trouble. The big thing I unloaded with the move–mugs. Let go about 20 of them and still have quite a few left. (Hazard of being a teacher!) Also all the store pie pans I was hanging on for who knows what reason. Only kept the good glass ones.

    Reply
  89. Janeen says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:58 am

    I try to regularly get rid of things in my cupboards I don’t need. My brother recently moved into his own apartment and I “donated” some extra stuff to him. :)

    Reply
  90. Heather says

    September 7, 2011 at 9:05 am

    I am donating all my mismatched glasses and dishes that we rarely use!

    Reply
  91. Kristi says

    September 7, 2011 at 9:39 am

    We put away some unmatched utensils . . . don’t need them anymore :)

    Reply
  92. Kristy says

    September 7, 2011 at 9:55 am

    I have oodles of cups for my kiddos. Really? I don’t think my kids could EVER need this many cups! I’m going to purge them today.

    Reply
  93. blair says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:09 am

    2 rolling pins, an extra spatula, a quesadilla maker (?), a rusty cast iron pan (i dont know how to care for these :( ) also some forks and spoons. 10 sippy cups. we still have 4 sippys for 2 kids, some plastic jugs that were replaced with glass jars, some lids to sippy cups that i know are gone. some mismatched leftover bowls… margarine tubs, wow i havent used margarine in… 3 years… lol. a nasty cookie sheet, lots of paper cluttering the counter. broken crayons that have been replaced. cleaners that have 1/4 of liquid left in the bottom.. almost empty “comet” cans.. wow.. i needed this THANK YOU!

    Reply
  94. blair says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:11 am

    also 2 bags of clothes i got from sorting and organizing all the clothes i have in storage that are for when my daughter grows into them, or that one son has outgrown but wont fit my other son yet…

    Reply
  95. Lisa says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:14 am

    I too find baby items in my kitchen. My kids are 7 and 10 years old…

    Reply
  96. Blima says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Some clothes I gave away

    Reply
  97. shellie deckard says

    September 7, 2011 at 10:47 am

    This is such a timely post!!! No kidding! I spent all of yesterday cleaning out and re-organizing my pantry. I came across several items that went in to a ‘get rid of it’ pile like the ‘extra’ plastic cereal type bowls I’ve been hanging on to forever. Some were even food related. As I’m working to shift over to a whole foods way of cooking I found tea’s and sugar-free drink mixes to get toss out.

    And of course I found I had far more gallon jars than I realized so all my newer dry goods went in those! Their so pretty all lined up on the clean shelves right above the shelf of full 5 gallon buckets stocked with brown rice, hard white wheat, and dried beans!

    My daughter and I discussed the utensil drawers being next just yesterday too! (Shamefully, I have two of them, and a bucket on the counter!!) There will be lots of Blizamachoppits going from those! :)

    Reply
  98. cher says

    September 7, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Ever so often I put things I think I can get rid of in a box in my spare room. If I don’t go get it out in a month or so, the box goes to our nearest Goodwill. Just put an extra super large spoon and a food processor in a box. Great challenge.

    Reply
  99. Katie says

    September 7, 2011 at 11:49 am

    Does it count if I move the item into the drawer my children have taken over? A plastic pasta measurer, horrible plastic squeezy icing decorator… I did find some of my missing utensils in their drawer as a bonus though.

    Reply
  100. Melissa says

    September 7, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Just did this yesterday! Flung we had some doubles of things, so my 2 year old is now enjoying the small pizza cutter for his playdough, and found a can opener that my sister in law was wanting

    Reply
  101. Beth @ Turn 2 the Simple says

    September 7, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I do this regularly…so not much to get rid of except my new tortilla press — I just got it for my birthday and I’m not happy with how it works, the tortillas are too thick, bummer! Will have to send it back to Amazon!

    Reply
    • april says

      September 8, 2011 at 1:06 am

      which tortilla press? I’m going to be in the market for one at some point and I’d like to avoid some unwanted clutter!

      Reply
      • Beth @ Turn 2 the Simple says

        September 8, 2011 at 8:56 am

        This is the one I ordered from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Imusa-VICTORIA-85008-Victoria-Tortilla-8-Inch/dp/B00164T384/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315495781&sr=8-1

        Anyone have any advice about a tortilla press that actually works!?

        Reply
        • Rebekah says

          September 11, 2011 at 6:34 pm

          I made my own, made one for a friend too. Just do a search for tortilla press tutorial and find one that looks like it will work. You adjust the thickness when you screw in the hinges. I’ve actually still been doing mine by hand since my wood was slightly warped and pulled the glue out. I need my hubby to screw it in for me.

          Reply
  102. Carmen says

    September 7, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I just did this recently as we had a garage sale last weekend. I got rid of several knives (sticking with my Cutco) along with a few spatulas and spoons. Sometimes it’s nice to have duplicates, but we had too many. Oh, and got rid of a fondue pot we never used.

    Reply
  103. Angel says

    September 7, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    I am afraid I went a wee bit overboard. I cleaned out every cabinet in my kitchen AND my bathroom! I threw away expired spices, medicines, and things that we have used in ten years like hand scrub!? I can be a pack rat. Today, I cleaned out all used and too small clothes for the local residents. We are in the middle of wildfires here in Texas and one broke out real close to us Sunday. Anyhoo, kitchen-wise I got rid of all my bad plastic stuff. Unfortunately, that included my 4 year old’s Star Wars cup and plate. And, I cleaned out all our processed foods.

    Reply
  104. Bhriana says

    September 7, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    I regularly get rid of things that haven’t been used in a while. Best feeling ever!

    Reply
  105. Cara C says

    September 7, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    I haven’t accumulated too much extra in my kitchen yet, only been married six months. But my recipes are a disaster, random cut-outs, cards, and slips of paper stuffed in between cookbooks. AAAACK!!! I’m terrible at organizing, so I keep putting it off.

    Reply
  106. Rose says

    September 7, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    I have been de-cluttering my kitchen after I purchased your “Funky Kitchen” ebook (I LOVE THE EBOOK). I have thrown away several things and will be selling all my aluminum baking pans, since they are not healthy to use.

    Reply
  107. Talia B says

    September 7, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    I did this after I had my baby. There was just too many dishes to wash so I got rid of everything except the bare essentials or things that were special. It has helped so very much.

    Reply
  108. Maura says

    September 7, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I got rid of a chopping gadget that looks like it came from a TV info-mercial. The thing never worked!

    Reply
  109. Maura says

    September 7, 2011 at 3:19 pm

    My electric carving knife got donated to the Goodwill as well.

    Reply
  110. Carla says

    September 7, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I threw out sharpie markers that no longer worked. Not sure why they were still in the drawer.

    Reply
  111. april says

    September 8, 2011 at 1:04 am

    Dumped a few old pairing knives lurking in there — Cutco on the counter covers my needs. Great challenge!

    Reply
  112. Sarah says

    September 8, 2011 at 10:34 am

    Thanks for adding the sentimental side into your list. I’m so fond of the gadgets in my kitchen that were my grandma’s. They all work, so no need to toss them, but I think all too often folks are content to get rid of the old for the new. I say the older, the better (as long as it works and is safe). :)

    Reply
  113. Christa says

    September 8, 2011 at 10:53 am

    Have you been snooping in my utensil drawer? OK, I admit I probably don’t need that moose cookie cutter I got attached to some gift that I used only once. But really, what if the kids are studying moose some day and we need a good moose cookie cutter for our project? OH THE HORROR!!!

    Reply
  114. Jessica says

    September 8, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    I cleaned out 4 of my kitchen drawers today and found 18 Pampered Chef scrapers. Pretty sure I don’t need that many. I’ll be getting rid of most of those, plus excess pot holders and kitchen towels. I also tossed a lot of half used birthday candles.

    Reply
  115. Bethany says

    September 8, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    We need to try this recipe. Sounds so yummy!! Thank you!

    Nothing like taking a nitrite dog and sticking it in a gob of Bisquick from a tube. Pleck!!! :P

    Reply
  116. Bethany says

    September 8, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    Woops, the post above was supposed to go on the other recent post about pigs in a blanket. Ah well, lol!

    Reply
  117. Susan Alexander says

    September 10, 2011 at 10:50 am

    I just did this – we moved into a house with significantly less cabinet space than before. I had to make some hard choices on what to put away for the next year. I didn’t get rid of anything because it’s only one year, but I figure next time we move, I’ll have to go through it and get rid of some things that we just aren’t using.

    Reply
  118. Stacey M. says

    September 10, 2011 at 11:01 am

    I have a lefse griddle that was my gramma’s. She’s 93 and was diagnosed with breast cancer last February. She now lives in assisted living, can’t see or hear very well. Tried making lefse with the griddle last year and it just burnt the lefse. Won’t regulate the temp. :o((( So sad for me, as this was the ONE thing of hers that I wanted. I’m holding on to it for sentimental reasons, but know I should just toss it. I do have her window shade turning stick, though. :o)

    Reply
  119. Tiffani says

    September 10, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    I had probably 10 serving spoons. I got rid of 5. :) I’d get rid of more, but I’m often cooking multiple things at a time.

    Reply
  120. Cheri says

    September 10, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    I got rid of a bunch of useless utensils cluttering my drawers. I can actually see everything now!

    Reply
  121. ELENA MARSHALL says

    September 10, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I do try to declutter regularly. I also try to rotate my kitchen gadgets based on the season so they’re available when I need them, but not in the way.

    Reply
  122. Julie says

    September 10, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Did the out with the old, in with the new season and size of clothes for all the kiddos today. Big job, but satisfying.

    Reply
  123. Kristine A says

    September 10, 2011 at 9:17 pm

    We are in the process of going through our whole house and getting rid of TONS of stuff. I’m tired of too much stuff. I want everything to have a place and everything in it’s place…so out goes anything we haven’t used in a year along a bunch of other stuff. It feels good to ‘clean house’.

    Reply
  124. Jocelyn Skelly says

    September 10, 2011 at 11:48 pm

    I have three utensil drawers – daily use, weekly use and the once a year, need it for that one special holiday use…I should really do some cleansing :)

    Reply
  125. Jane says

    September 11, 2011 at 5:25 am

    We just moved & a few things I purposely left in a box – if I don’t have to go find it – I can pitch it

    Reply
  126. Julie says

    September 11, 2011 at 10:01 am

    I think I can get rid of an entire drawerfull! YIPPEE!

    Reply
  127. Shelley says

    September 11, 2011 at 10:33 am

    I regularly give away or throw out things we haven’t used in a while…seems like the changing of seasons always makes me want to simplify more and declutter again. :)

    Reply
  128. Valerie says

    September 11, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Well, I cleaned out my lid and towel drawer. I was surprised to find how many old and unneeded lids and other miscellaneous items I had lurking in this drawer. Thanks for this challenge!

    Reply
  129. Stacy says

    September 11, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I did just do this when I had to wash every last dish and untensil in my drawers and cabinets thanks to a mouse who had a hey-day in them! I did, however, find a few more things to get rid of. One being the egg seperator I got from Tupperware. Who needs a gadget to seperate eggs? Apparently I thought that I did :-)

    Reply
  130. judy says

    September 11, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    I am at the point I hate to open some cupboards will get to work on this

    Reply
  131. Elizabeth Ginter says

    September 11, 2011 at 3:15 pm

    I’m cleaning out my plastic containers, throwing out any that aren’t complete and working on replacing with glass!!

    Reply
  132. Rebekah says

    September 11, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    It’s amazing what you can get rid of when you move. We’ll be needing to move again in less than 6 months and I’m living out of boxes right now. I love picking up hand-powered items at garage sales and thrift stores, but I need to come up with a system for pitching something when I get something and having a creative way to display it so I can use it. I find some of tools in the kids’ closets where they’ve borrowed it to pretend cook. :-)

    Reply
  133. Jean says

    September 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    I got rid of some old non-stick skillets that I no longer use and they were just taking up space.

    Reply
  134. Tosha Kelly says

    December 31, 2017 at 11:02 am

    VASES!!! My sweet husband loves giving me flowers but I’m overloaded with vases. Time to send them on their merry way! I love this challenge!!

    Reply

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