Cupboard Decluttering Tips: What to Keep, Toss, or Repurpose

There’s something satisfying about opening a freshly cleaned cupboard—no expired cans toppling out, no mystery cables tangled in a box you forgot existed. But getting there? That’s the real challenge.

If your cupboards are overflowing with “I might use this someday” items, it’s time for a realistic, no-guilt sort-out. Here are some tried-and-true cupboard decluttering tips to help you decide what to keep, what to let go, and what could be given a whole new purpose.

1. The Golden Rule: If You Forgot It Existed, You Probably Don’t Need It

Unless it’s a seasonal item (like Christmas lights or a turkey platter), anything you’ve completely forgotten about is usually non-essential.

Start by pulling everything out onto a surface and grouping it into:

• Definitely Keep

• Definitely Toss

• Not Sure (more on this in a moment)

2. What to Keep

Hold onto items that are:

• Used regularly

• Sentimental with a genuine purpose (e.g. family heirlooms you display)

• Hard to replace or expensive to re-buy

• In working order and not expired

Be honest. That fondue set used once at New Year’s 2017 might not need to stay.

3. What to Toss (or Recycle)

Out go:

• Expired food or medicine

• Duplicate items (you don’t need 4 garlic presses)

• Broken electronics or chargers for devices you no longer own

• Cracked or stained plastics, old beauty products, dried-out paint

Many items can be recycled—check your local council for options.

4. What to Repurpose

Get creative before you bin something:

• Old mugs = perfect for pens, makeup brushes, or growing herbs

• Shoeboxes = great for drawer organisers

• Glass jars = pantry storage, candle holders, even salad-to-go containers

5. Create a “Not Sure” Box—with a Timer

If you’re on the fence about certain items, put them in a sealed box with a date on it—say, three months from now. If you haven’t opened it by then, donate or toss the whole thing without reopening.

6. Don’t Try to Do It All in One Go

Decluttering is a process, not a sprint. Choose one cupboard per day or even one shelf at a time. You’ll still make progress—and it’ll be far less overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering your cupboards doesn’t mean getting rid of everything. It means making room for the things you actually use, love, and need. With a little patience and some thoughtful repurposing, you can reclaim space in your home—and maybe even enjoy opening your cupboards again.