The Santa-themed mug caught my attention. During my recent kitchen tidy-up, I discovered it hidden at the back of the cabinet, prompting me to notice that there’s still a considerable amount of infrequently used items lingering in my kitchen. Consider, for instance, how frequently you employ that crepe machine—my experience is that it’s a seasonal affair.
Here’s a handy tip: just as you swap out clothes in your wardrobe with the changing seasons, think about rotating your kitchen contents seasonally as well.
Certainly, your coffee pot and toaster are everyday essentials, but those specialty gadgets that see the light of day only occasionally, like the crepe maker, might be better suited for the top shelves of your cabinets or other storage spots in your home.
And unless you’re one of those who celebrates Christmas in July, you likely don’t need the Santa mug after the New Year has passed. Similarly, a pumpkin-shaped Dutch oven might as well take a break once winter rolls in.
Items like basting brushes, gravy boats, and oversized roasting pans are often only brought out for holiday feasts.
Once the weather turns cold and your outdoor barbecuing season comes to an end, it’s time to pack away your grill accessories and your melamine picnic ware.
Looking to reclaim some kitchen space? Here’s how to begin.
As you put away your holiday decorations, take the opportunity to sift through your kitchen drawers and cabinets. You might find that the Santa mug or holiday cake mold is a prime candidate for storage.
When it’s time to display your holiday treats, reserve a storage box for your non-holiday items to prevent your cabinets from becoming too cluttered. (Or, if you’re up for it, tackle some unnecessary clutter to free up space!)
Any dishes with chips or cracks might need mending or are perhaps ready for the trash. And it’s a no-brainer that everything should be spotless to avoid attracting pests.
For items I use on occasion, like the crepe maker, I store them in nearby kitchen spaces, such as an adjacent storage closet or a dining room buffet. However, for those items that are used only once a year or very seasonally, you might want to store them in a more remote location. Your holiday serving pieces can join your holiday decorations in storage, whether in a closet, basement, or attic.
If you’re using boxes or bins for seasonal kitchen items, be sure to label them so you can easily find what you need without rummaging through multiple containers.
