9 Most Cluttered Spots In Your Kitchen And How To Deal With Them - Tasting Table

A shrinking living space often signals excess random items, and decluttering can make the area feel fresher and more breathable. Decluttering can be difficult, but focusing on one kitchen area at a time reduces overwhelm. The process involves taking everything out, reviewing each item, and deciding whether to donate, sell, give away, or reorganize for better navigation. For spices, remove all items and discard anything past its best-by date. Dried herbs and spices typically last one to four years, after which potency and flavor decline. After removing expired items, clean jar labels and exteriors, then relabel jars so contents are easy to identify and use.

"If you feel like your living space is getting smaller and smaller, chances are that it's filled to the brim with random items. That means you're ready to declutter. Getting rid of items is no easy task, but it can often help you breathe fresh air into your space. Do you really need 14 mugs when you have exactly two that you reach for? What about that enormous pile of plastic takeout containers?"

"It may seem overwhelming, but it's important only to tackle one spot at a time. Don't attempt to do everything at once. Pick one of the following areas, take everything out, and really take a look at each item. Then see what you can donate, list on a secondhand app, give to a friend, or organize better to make the area easier to navigate."

"The first step is to take everything out and look at every single item. First, you can confidently throw away anything well beyond its best-by date. Generally, dried herbs and spices can last for around one to four years, depending on what they are. The main issue is that the potency and the flavor start to wane. So you might be adding that seven-year-old smoked paprika and wondering why it doesn't make your dish taste any better."

"After you go through your expired herbs, put everything back and clean the labels and the exteriors of the jars so you can see them clearly. Label the jars with a Sharpie or label maker to make them easier to identify."

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