9. Non-kitchen items
Chances are, several items have made their way into your kitchen cabinets, despite the fact that they simply don’t belong in the kitchen. From their experience as professional organizers, experts we’ve talked to say far too many use the kitchen for non-kitchen objects—stuff like home office equipment, crafting supplies, or miscellaneous papers.
This may be understandable if you don’t have a dedicated home office, for instance, but the issue is when those things spill out into the kitchen and hinder you when you’re using that room for its designated purpose.
A pile of papers on the kitchen countertop will only attract more clutter, and it’s not a good home organizing system for dealing with the paper. It may work if there’s a dedicated area, such as a family command center, to corral the objects and if the papers stay organized and visible within it.
Otherwise, these items and other non-kitchen objects are things you shouldn’t store in kitchen cabinets. Just keep in mind that the kitchen must serve its main purpose as a functional place to prepare food.
10. Unnecessary clutter
Finally, stuff that you tend not to use day-to-day should be kept out of your way and stored elsewhere, not in your kitchen. This could be a baking tray that only comes out at Christmas or mugs and cups that are sentimental but don’t actually tend to be used for your morning coffee.
Professional organizers say these are things you shouldn’t store in kitchen cabinets to avoid losing track of what you have and to prevent objects from getting dusty and broken at the back of a cramped cabinet.
If you liked our article on things you shouldn’t store in kitchen cabinets, you may also want to read 6 Organizing Trends That You Should Leave Behind Right Now.
22 Responses
I like this postage about cleaning household
What a spot in article that makes so much sense for all of us. Straight to the point and no nonsense. It gave me some suggestions that I need to put into action real soon.
Are you from New Jersey? I knew a Ruthanne years ago, but never knew what happened to her!
Yep, postage is more ex0pnsive these days.
I don’t have kids. So I store cleaning products under the sink.
Extremely helpful
I like the ideas of what not to store in cabinets. Never thought of the scented air freshners or detergents that can possibly contaminate other food sources by the fumes they emit. As for plastic bags they will stay in my kitchen,because they ate useful for trash.
I am the perfect person for this article- older, habit of saving paper (former teacher) and not willing to throw out because I am going to read it soon – and if you believe that, you’ve misjudged me. So, where do I start????? Please !!!!!!!
I too am a paper pack rat! Just grab a handful, or stack, and go through it to make sure there’s nothing important in it… medical reports, greeting cards, etc. Then toss it in the trash! If you’re willpower is intact, do another handful. Or give yourself a gold star and pick it back up later. If the headlines are tempting you to keep things, turn the pile over. If there’s one article that you’d like to keep, start a scrapbook or 3-ring binder. Don’t be imprisoned by paper! Sort through mail as soon as it comes in the house and throw out junk mail. Unless you really do need a new roof or an insurance quote! Happy trashing!!
I feel that I need professional help – finally!
I called one once, $8000 for 3 days, minimum
That should give you incentive (it did me)
Thanks for this. I will start this layout tonight and let everyone in the house the new layout. Thank you for sharing.
All are things I already do; keep new ideS coming.
Last year I did have an organizer every Sunday for 2-3 hours for 6 weeks. She did a very good job, but could have done better if had just let her do what she wanted. Example: you only need one of these (applies to just about everything). With her fresh eye she found better places for things. Each time she came she removed stuff from the house to recycle or donate. That was very freeing.
Mine are so disorganized, I don’t know where to start
My cabinets have turntables, but so cluttered, I don’t know where to start.
This looks like it could help me.
It was helpful to learn about freezing my nuts!
I didn’t know this one.
Great! My top shelf is used solely for items like cake plates, large coffee pots, and baking tins.
Thanks for being quick and to the point. I am so tired of explanations that go on for pages and pages and ultimately say nothing.
great advice. Some i never thought about. I guess i better get started. Thanks for sharing!!
This all sounds normal to me. Pretty much common since I would think! But I know the younger generation thinks differently than us older ones do. So good way to teach them!
If you’re a disorganized slob then you should pay attention!! I’m Very Clean and Neat so this is not an issue with me..I couldn’t even imagine living any other way!