Want a clutter free kitchen? Today I'm sharing 7 mistakes older people make that clutters up their kitchen. #declutteringandorganizing #decluttering #minimalism Click here for a clean & tidy home: / @tarynmaria_ Join my mailing list for emails that will make your life easier: eepurl.com/iB2aE2 Items mentioned: Blueland: Get your first purchase from Blueland for 15% off by clicking my link www.blueland.com/tarynmaria Decluttering playlist: • My Decluttering Journey...A Frank Con... Time saving cleaning hacks playlist: • 12 *LIFE CHANGING* Cleaning Hacks Eve... Cleaning Routines playlist: • The *ONLY* Weekly Cleaning Routine Yo...
Wait…you literally touched on pretty much every group of items I struggle with NOT parting with…especially dishes/cookware and decor passed down by family members; multiple sets of the same items; cleaning products (including gadgets/vacuums); appliances that I don’t use often; and, not wasting items from a takeout order, including paper napkins, straws, ketchup/mustard packets, and containers. In case you are wondering, yes, I am a senior 🤷♀️ and also a crafter, and have been doing this for years. My husband and I had to downsize to a house half the size, so I was forced to deal with all the accumulation. It took a lot of time to sort into throw away, donate, or take to the new house, but I got through it. Do yourself a big favor and tackle this before you get older, as it is harder physically to do it when you are in your 70’s and 80’s!!! Great advice in your video for us all…thank you 🙏
I was just noticing some things today that belonged to my uncle or my grandmother that I don’t use. I think I’ll get everything out that I don’t use, gather it on a table, and go from there.
My husband and I will be downsizing next year so I’ve been on a decluttering journey too. The kitchen is a difficult room as we’ve collected for several decades. At the same time my son and his wife will be moving into their own home. I offer things to them and what they don’t want I will donate. As I have an autoimmune disease where I have daily pain and little energy I’m going at a snail’s pace but at least I have a goal. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one in this position. I urge people to start younger before their age and health may be an issue.
@@Debbiesdilemmas I’m right there with you, super slow for similar reasons. I do find that I enjoy even small improvements which make daily life easier, too. Just have to fight frustration and discouragement!
I put 2 plastic bins in the bottom of the kitchen sink for cleaning products. If you have a leak, need to replace the disposal etc, all you have to do is remove TWO bins and not twenty five products.
I did this exact same thing. Left side is frequently used items. Right side is less frequently. I also made use of the vertical space by adding hooks for a few things. And, attached a box of Swiffer duster refills higher up on the inside wall with Velcro. I can easily reach in the box to grab one. When I buy a new box - I just transfer them to hanging box. The duster frame hangs on the door. Easiest cabinet to keep decluttered and clean.
I line the bottom of the sinks with old vinyl tablecloths or shower curtains. If you have a leak it protects the wood. I also use old plastic dish racks under the sinks to put cleaning products in.
My mom always saved every cool whip container, butter, & cottage cheese container!! I switched to the glass containers with the snap on lids & got rid of all the plastic !! Great desion!!🥰
Growing up, my mother saved every country crock container. It used to be the joke in our house that we never knew what was in that container, and it was always going to be the surprise! And by the way, it was rarely country crock. 😂😂😂
@@suekpp Oh those Country Crock containers! Back in high school, I was a lab assistant. The large lab storage room started to smell really weird, not too surprising for the biology dept. 🧫 🐛🐠🕷🔎🧪🧬⚗🔬 However, one day I was cleaning out and found one of those CC containers....🤔 on a shelf...🧐 with a "specimen"...😳 a very old and deteriorating beef heart "specimen" inside of it. 🤢 I never saw CC in the same way again, and never purchased it in my adult life either! LOL😆
My mom has a stack of Becel containers in various sizes that's probably 2 feet tall. It's a bit of a running joke in our family but I don't mind taking some leftovers in them and then transferring to glass containers when we get home!
I'm a happily single gal who doesn't use a dish washer because i just don't make enough dirty dishes for it to feel necessary. It finally occurred to me, it's an amazing space to store awkward things, like cutting boards and cookie sheets. It's been a great way to maximize space in my small kitchen.
I have duplicate measuring cups and spoons because when I'm cooking I don't want to stop and wash them. Same for mixing bowls, spatulas and some other tools.
There is actually a good reason to store medicine in the kitchen (or at least not in the bathroom). Medicine is sensitive to humidity. The room where you shower is the last place you should store it. Of course medication is also temperature sensitive, so don’t keep near your oven.
YES! Also, the top cupboard shelf is the high up place I can just about reach, so kiddo can't. I deliberately MADE space for them there, so parted with other stuff I didn't need as often.
Great ideas as always--thank you! I'm nearly 60, and so glad I realized how cluttered my house is before I got older. It's probably going to take several years to get things in shape, but I'm thankful I don't have mobility problems right now. And I know to be careful about what I buy.
I had a HUGE kitchen and when we downsized to a house with an incredibly small kitchen. It was AMAZING how many cutting boards and non kitchen items that I got rid of. My kitchen is now perfectly organized with just the essentials.
Once you go to a thrift store and see 40 of the item you are holding onto for $1 its easy to let it go...cause if you ever need one again you can just go grab one.
This is eye-opening and gives me a better understanding of why I grew up in such a cluttered kitchen. My stepmom is a very nostalgic person. If something was Tubleware, she was going to buy and save it, and it was going to take up space. She also would get new appliances every year, and there would be less counter space than before. Thank you for these ideas and perspectives! As a young adult, I want to learn from those around me as I take ideas about moving out into my own home and growing older
Our small town doesn’t have recycling. I use plastic containers to put smelly stuff and grease in trash to keep odor down. You can use trash bags until full instead of changing often because of the smell.
Words of wisdom Taryn...you have highlighted so many 'imposters' lurking in my kitchen taking up valuable space. Two are a large electric food-fryer and electric veg steamer that have been hogging an entire undercounter cupboard almost completely unused for over 10yrs! Until you spoke it's as if these items were wearing camouflage...trying not to be noticed :) But I'm hauling them out, and they're going!
I decided to get rid of things I didn’t use, need or want. Getting rid of things came in stages. What I was ready to part with at first left things I was ready to part with later. It came in waves of readiness/need. Now I’m in my 70’s and accumulated so much stuff, gadgets galore! I donated tons of stuff and I feel so much better for it. I didn’t want to leave all this stuff for someone else to sort through should anything happen to me. I truly did downsize and it was freeing and my storage is now neat and spacious. I also reduced pantry items and not stocking up on so much food items. I threw away over $100 worth of expired food. That’s wasteful. Yes I turned a page in my living and it extended throughout the whole house. It’s worth it.
When I was rehoming items, before I gave them away to a thrift shop, or other people who could use them, I would take a photo of the item/s, so I still had a record of it - that was the nostalgia part of it -
Two days ago my 13 yo son told me: "Mum, do you know what I love more in our kitchen? That there is not only kitchen stuff in it!" 😂 Everyone has its own organization, but I love your advices!
I have a very small kitchen with very little counter space. I do have some duplicates that I don't part with, like two sets of mixing bowls that were wedding gifts in 1967. One drawer is for some basic tools like screw driver, pliers, scissors, and a tiny brass hammer that my grandfather made. The larger items that I use infrequently are stored in a pantry in the basement. There are definitely things that I almost never use that should go, but the thought is maybe I will need that some time, so I hang on to it. I had both a hand mixer and one on a stand. Last month the hand mixer broke. I thought about replacing it but didn't. I realized that the only time I used it was to make mashed potatoes. I have a hand masher and I when I looked at the stand mixer I found that the mixer part detaches to be used by hand. It is very heavy so it is unlikely that I will use it that way, but I can.
It took me a year, but I decluttered my entire house. I had 16 spatulas! Who needs 16 spatulas? Now I have 2- a big one and a small one. I don't have anything except paper towels and a knife set on my island and my counters are clear. It's so much easier to clean when the flat surfaces aren't cluttered! Anytime people come to my house, even if it's not that clean, they remark how nice it looks because it's not cluttered! I love that!
I'm 75 and I don't have an nostalgia kitchen things. I've declutter quite a bit, everytime I've moved. I have a friend that has 5 sets of china (service for 12). And she never has anyone over to eat because she has so much clutter that there really isn't room for company! She doesn't has room in her cupboards for food because of all these dishes. She loves her dishes, but they aren't out where she can see them. She refuses to get rid of lots of dishes that are taking up valuable real estate in her kitchen!!
I have a stick blender from Argos (UK) with attachments (whisk, chopper/processor, blender) which is plenty for the things I cook, instead of having lots of big, separate appliances! My 2 seasonal roasting pans act as pull-out drawers for my utensils the rest of the year: they earn their keep 😂 I zoned my cupboards in my tiny kitchenette (no pantry) which helps too! Uppers are: daily canned foods&plates, baking&meds, drinks&spreads (above the kettle and toaster) Lowers: cleaning&laundry, carbs&breakfast, storage&utensils, bakeware&spices. On top of the upper cabinets are baskets for crisps(chips) &snacks, packed lunch items, water filter cartridges&manuals (I have to keep them because we rent), and my husband's protein powders etc.
I plan on giving my kids my Mom’s stainless pots and pans. They are so much better quality than what is sold today. I keep my medication in the kitchen because that’s where I take it. A pharmacist told me to never store medication in a bathroom.
Recently, after more than 3 decades, eventually moved our medications (which are not stored in the fridge) to the pantry. Finding this by far more practical than where they previously had been in the bath- or bedroom. Our supplements are also kept in the kitchen, since they're mostly taken with meals. Mugs without ears can be re-purposed in many ways as attractive, sturdy open containers - just as they are - without adding anything to them. In our home had been using them for many years already in the bathroom, bedroom, crafts corner, kitchen and study. Plastic containers with lids serve well to visibly store different sizes nails, screws, and other hardware items - keeping them dust-free - in pantry and garage. They also come in handy to store buttons and other items used for crafting/mending/sewing.
Thank you for this. Great tips. I have a kitchen drawer that I really struggle with. It has a spatula etc that my Mum used to use. She didn’t really cook from scratch & mainly used the microwave. My Mum died very suddenly nearly 25 years & I thought that as Clutterbug’s 30 day challenge I’d be able to get rid of it but I just couldn’t do it. I got really emotional when I looked at it. Maybe I should put it in a memory box or a time-to-tell container that Dawn from The Minimalist Mum (Mom) suggests.
Aww I'm sorry to hear about your mom. You know what you could do? Maybe you could display the spatula somewhere as decor (hanging in a corner of the kitchen?) and that way you can enjoy it!
Under my kitchen sink I have a long plastic container (low cut) and inside of it a couple more containers to organize stuff. That way if my sink leaks, the shelf/floor doesn’t get wet. We’ve had plumbing issues and it took me a long time ti finally figure it out.
I am happy for you that you know how you want your kitchen. Congrats. I keep two of those aluminum banquet containers to hold my dish soap and cleaners. If we have a leak, it catches it. Isn’t it great that women whether older or younger can decide what they want in their kitchen. They can display plates if they want or have nothing on display. Most of us know which cleaners we want. At 77, I have a green all purpose cleaner and a green dish detergent. I dilute it in a pretty glass dispenser as a hand soap. This works for me. Other women may decide differently. I am not old enough yet to suggest to another woman they should do as I do. . 😅
Just yesterday I got rid of 2 huge bags full of old pots pans ect. That hasn’t been used in YEARS. Now I only have stuff we actually use. 😂 What a thought lol 🎉
I recently replaced all my kitchen doors and drawer fronts. All the cupboards and drawers were emptied and cleaned first, then the cull began. About 25% of it all went to charity shops, making a ton more room. I personally could easily have made it 50%, but my other half, who does most of the cooking, bless him, rebelled!
Great vlog! When i separated from my ex, i packed away 50% of our kitchen for him, especially all his old stuff.. 10 boxes. Then i bought myself new white glass tableware and boxed our old tableware because my kids want it. Now split in 2 boxes for kids in attic. I do keep post in my kitchen, my "command center".. I have no space in entrance hall which goes into dining-living room. I only have 1 set of real Tupperware, kids school breakfast boxes, equipment stainless steel and glass storage jars and IKEA glass storage containers. All cooking spoons etc in 1 pot next to stove. 2 of everything due to dishwasher on only 1x day. Love my clean counter tops with minimal stuff on it. Nope.. never bought into cleaning products.. I have dish-soap, vinegar, soda. I only buy dishwasher soap, washing machine powder and toilet cleaner.
Oh I'm well aware of the hoard I'll inherit one day 🤦🏻♀️ I'm my mum's carer the past couple of years, so have been decluttering tiny spaces with her as the area comes up. Eg. She wanted to sew on a button, and I had to tip out the leather sewing bags contents so she could find a needle and thread! She realised if she parted with all the ribbons, buttons etc she didn't need, then stuff she does need would be easier to find. Now her sewing bag is half the size&weight, and functional... The same went for all the shoe polish and hiking boots sprays that she no longer uses / were rock solid as they were so old. Quick wins only, keeping what she says to with no arguments. I hope this helps anyone in a similar situation. It also means I get to hear the stories behind items now, before it's too late.
My better half has a drawer in the kitchen with tools. I understand wanting to have a few tools in the house, so you don't always have to go to the garage, but... Why he can't store them in one of the 4 larger drawers in the adjacent family room, is beyond my comprehension. ... accept the things you cannot change. 😊
If you really can't part with that pan but can't use it either because of the scratched surface, there are ways and services to restore the teflon layer.
4 cleaning products for my kitchen now: spray foam dish detergent which I use for washing dishes and almost everything else including countertops, glass cleaner, and a powder cleanser with bleach because I have a white porcelain sink. I do admit that I have pop up cleaning wipes that I got addicted to using during COVID.
I don't save plastic containers but I am partial to tins. It takes everything in me to gift cookies or anything to someone using one of my tins. They mostly aren't fancy, cutie tins, just normal cookie ones from the store. I try to reuse them in my pantry for like items such as crackers etc. You gave me a bread recipe which I hope to try tomorrow. Wish me luck. lol Love your videos btw.
Bundt pans are a pain to store, because they are not conducive to stacking. If you want to keep yours, but you can no longer bake in it, may I suggest using it as a planter for non-edible plants? That way, everybody is safe and healthy. 😉 Measuring spoons: keep them on the ring. That way, it’s virtually impossible to lose one. I have a tiny kitchen/laundry room combo, and a pantry like a walk-in closet. That’s the only storage I have for food, cleaning supplies, etc.. Nothing goes on my counter unless it’s functional and gets used more than once a week: coffeemaker, toaster oven, electric kettle, microwave. No chachkies (sp) allowed. No used plastic containers (like butter, Cool-Whip, etc.) allowed. Only designated food storage (sold for that purpose) is allowed. I have one all-purpose cleaner, one glass cleaner (both homemade) and one can of furniture polish. When that runs out, I’m going to make my own for that, as well. Fewer chemicals, much less expense.
Ha ha I had that exact same gold/yellow bundt pan for years and finally decluttered it! My older next door neighbor had given it to me for my bridal shower decades ago and I was holding onto it for sentimental reasons. I took a good look at it one day and thought, when was the last time you used this? Twenty years ago? Why don't you use it? Oh yes, the cake sticks and I can't get it out! OK it has to go! I rushed it to the thrift shop before I could change my mind. :-)
Perhaps it should have been thrown away since the cake sticks to the pan. Why would you want to pass this item to someone else so when they bake a cake, it ends up sticking?
I knew somebody was going to say that! :-) It's an 'official' bundt pan, thick and good quality. That's part of the reason I cherished it. I'm sure the pan works if you use it properly and know the little tricks to keep it from sticking. I figured there were expert bakers out there who knew how to use this type of pan, or novice bakers who wouldn't mind doing a little research and experimentation to make a very beautiful cake. My patience in this department was limited. :-)
I usually agree but I think “older” people aren’t the collectors. I think younger people buy more than they need and don’t use it. I don’t have “nostalgia” items in my kitchen. Sentimental maybe more but not nostalgic.
Thanks for sharing, Nancy! I so agree about younger people buying too much - I see it with my own kids and have to remind them that they don't need as much as they think they do!
We keep our medicine in the kitchen because experts say not to keep it in the bathroom where it can get charged by moisture. So where are you keeping your medicines, if not in the kitchen or the bathroom? We just hired a cleaning service. They use a bottle of ammonia and bottle of vinegar. I don’t know if they are diluted or not, but that’s all they use.
You take your vitamins in the kitchen but not your medication? So where do you take and store your medicine? I take vitamins and medicine at the same time. So I keep them both in the kitchen.
That is a Capital letter PYREX, that is an original formula of glass now they sold the right to the name and the lower case pyrex is not the same. I would keep that pie dish!
Stainless steel cleaner is worth its weight in gold. Iceill never get rid of it. Everything else on the market like Windex, foam cleaners streak the crap out of steel refrigerators.
it's not the kitchen clutter. People have been using the same pots and pans to cook for centuries. It is that now houses are built with not enough cabinets, drawers or closets. Building companies are too cheap to give people what has been normal for hundreds of years.
Let me save you all the trouble, your kids really don't need/want your stuff. I would ask if there's a special item they may want. But, as you heard from Taryn it's not safe and probably won't function very well as things get modernized. They don't want to hurt your feelings so they will most likely take that item to clutter their own kitchen. It's really not fair to them to be obligated or feel you will never forgive them if they don't want your unusable stuff. Let it go for them and you.
This is so true. I have just done a huge purge of our things. My kids don’t want anything. I’ve heard this from so many people as well. Don’t save all this stuff for your kids so they feel guilty and also have to get rid of it themselves. themselves.
I don't have marble counters, but when doing the dishes, I just use the dish water to clean the counters & cooktop. No extra products (or time) needed.
As an older person (I'm 75), I am offended by your assumption that older people are accumulating things. My cupboards are a lot less cluttered than yours.
@tarynmaria_ I am an older person who is not offended and who also does not feel that you were making assumptions about anyone. However, I do understand that each of us has our own perspective. I find your videos warm and kindhearted. That's something we need more of these days. So, what did you do with the teflon pan? I hold on to harmful things because I don't know how to get rid of them without spreading the harm. So any solution would be appreciated.
Want a clutter free kitchen? Today I'm sharing 7 mistakes older people make that clutters up their kitchen. #declutteringandorganizing #decluttering #minimalism
Click here for a clean & tidy home: / @tarynmaria_
Join my mailing list for emails that will make your life easier: eepurl.com/iB2aE2
Items mentioned:
Blueland: Get your first purchase from Blueland for 15% off by clicking my link www.blueland.com/tarynmaria
Decluttering playlist: • My Decluttering Journey...A Frank Con...
Time saving cleaning hacks playlist: • 12 *LIFE CHANGING* Cleaning Hacks Eve...
Cleaning Routines playlist: • The *ONLY* Weekly Cleaning Routine Yo...
Wait…you literally touched on pretty much every group of items I struggle with NOT parting with…especially dishes/cookware and decor passed down by family members; multiple sets of the same items; cleaning products (including gadgets/vacuums); appliances that I don’t use often; and, not wasting items from a takeout order, including paper napkins, straws, ketchup/mustard packets, and containers. In case you are wondering, yes, I am a senior 🤷♀️ and also a crafter, and have been doing this for years. My husband and I had to downsize to a house half the size, so I was forced to deal with all the accumulation. It took a lot of time to sort into throw away, donate, or take to the new house, but I got through it. Do yourself a big favor and tackle this before you get older, as it is harder physically to do it when you are in your 70’s and 80’s!!! Great advice in your video for us all…thank you 🙏
You are so welcome! Thank you for sharing ☺
I was just noticing some things today that belonged to my uncle or my grandmother that I don’t use. I think I’ll get everything out that I don’t use, gather it on a table, and go from there.
My husband and I will be downsizing next year so I’ve been on a decluttering journey too. The kitchen is a difficult room as we’ve collected for several decades. At the same time my son and his wife will be moving into their own home. I offer things to them and what they don’t want I will donate. As I have an autoimmune disease where I have daily pain and little energy I’m going at a snail’s pace but at least I have a goal. It’s nice to see I’m not the only one in this position. I urge people to start younger before their age and health may be an issue.
@@Debbiesdilemmas I’m right there with you, super slow for similar reasons. I do find that I enjoy even small improvements which make daily life easier, too. Just have to fight frustration and discouragement!
@@Debbiesdilemmas Amen…best wishes and prayers for you
I put 2 plastic bins in the bottom of the kitchen sink for cleaning products. If you have a leak, need to replace the disposal etc, all you have to do is remove TWO bins and not twenty five products.
Great idea!
I do the same. Bonus: If you have a leak under the sink the bin holds the water. 😊
I did this exact same thing. Left side is frequently used items. Right side is less frequently. I also made use of the vertical space by adding hooks for a few things. And, attached a box of Swiffer duster refills higher up on the inside wall with Velcro. I can easily reach in the box to grab one. When I buy a new box - I just transfer them to hanging box. The duster frame hangs on the door. Easiest cabinet to keep decluttered and clean.
I deliberately have a tub of dishcloths that soak up water, right underneath the pipe in case that happens AND so I can get to them when I need them.
I line the bottom of the sinks with old vinyl tablecloths or shower curtains. If you have a leak it protects the wood. I also use old plastic dish racks under the sinks to put cleaning products in.
My mom always saved every cool whip container, butter, & cottage cheese container!! I switched to the glass containers with the snap on lids & got rid of all the plastic !! Great desion!!🥰
Thank you for sharing, Ann!! ❤
I did, too, as much as I hated to spend money. Lol
Growing up, my mother saved every country crock container. It used to be the joke in our house that we never knew what was in that container, and it was always going to be the surprise! And by the way, it was rarely country crock. 😂😂😂
@@suekpp Oh those Country Crock containers!
Back in high school, I was a lab assistant. The large lab storage room started to smell really weird, not too surprising for the biology dept.
🧫 🐛🐠🕷🔎🧪🧬⚗🔬
However, one day I was cleaning out and found one of those CC containers....🤔
on a shelf...🧐
with a "specimen"...😳
a very old and deteriorating beef heart "specimen" inside of it. 🤢
I never saw CC in the same way again, and never purchased it in my adult life either! LOL😆
My mom has a stack of Becel containers in various sizes that's probably 2 feet tall. It's a bit of a running joke in our family but I don't mind taking some leftovers in them and then transferring to glass containers when we get home!
I'm a happily single gal who doesn't use a dish washer because i just don't make enough dirty dishes for it to feel necessary. It finally occurred to me, it's an amazing space to store awkward things, like cutting boards and cookie sheets. It's been a great way to maximize space in my small kitchen.
Love it, thank you for sharing!
I have duplicate measuring cups and spoons because when I'm cooking I don't want to stop and wash them. Same for mixing bowls, spatulas and some other tools.
There is actually a good reason to store medicine in the kitchen (or at least not in the bathroom). Medicine is sensitive to humidity. The room where you shower is the last place you should store it. Of course medication is also temperature sensitive, so don’t keep near your oven.
Thank you for sharing!
YES! Also, the top cupboard shelf is the high up place I can just about reach, so kiddo can't. I deliberately MADE space for them there, so parted with other stuff I didn't need as often.
Good point - you need water to take most pills. And they are often taken with meals. Which is why my meds are in the kitchen.
Great ideas as always--thank you! I'm nearly 60, and so glad I realized how cluttered my house is before I got older. It's probably going to take several years to get things in shape, but I'm thankful I don't have mobility problems right now. And I know to be careful about what I buy.
Thank you! 😊 ❤️
I had a HUGE kitchen and when we downsized to a house with an incredibly small kitchen. It was AMAZING how many cutting boards and non kitchen items that I got rid of. My kitchen is now perfectly organized with just the essentials.
That is awesome!👏
Once you go to a thrift store and see 40 of the item you are holding onto for $1 its easy to let it go...cause if you ever need one again you can just go grab one.
Perfect response
That is a good point!
This for measuring cups, spoons, and flower vases! !
This is eye-opening and gives me a better understanding of why I grew up in such a cluttered kitchen. My stepmom is a very nostalgic person. If something was Tubleware, she was going to buy and save it, and it was going to take up space. She also would get new appliances every year, and there would be less counter space than before.
Thank you for these ideas and perspectives! As a young adult, I want to learn from those around me as I take ideas about moving out into my own home and growing older
Thank you so much!! ☺
Our small town doesn’t have recycling. I use plastic containers to put smelly stuff and grease in trash to keep odor down. You can use trash bags until full instead of changing often because of the smell.
Thank you for sharing!
Words of wisdom Taryn...you have highlighted so many 'imposters' lurking in my kitchen taking up valuable space. Two are a large electric food-fryer and electric veg steamer that have been hogging an entire undercounter cupboard almost completely unused for over 10yrs! Until you spoke it's as if these items were wearing camouflage...trying not to be noticed :) But I'm hauling them out, and they're going!
Awesome! Great job!
I decided to get rid of things I didn’t use, need or want. Getting rid of things came in stages. What I was ready to part with at first left things I was ready to part with later. It came in waves of readiness/need. Now I’m in my 70’s and accumulated so much stuff, gadgets galore! I donated tons of stuff and I feel so much better for it. I didn’t want to leave all this stuff for someone else to sort through should anything happen to me. I truly did downsize and it was freeing and my storage is now neat and spacious. I also reduced pantry items and not stocking up on so much food items. I threw away over $100 worth of expired food. That’s wasteful. Yes I turned a page in my living and it extended throughout the whole house. It’s worth it.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Just went through Moms kitchen. She had 25 steak knives. She lives alone. Been working in hers but need to get more done in mine. Great tips❤😊
Thank you so much! ❤️
When I was rehoming items, before I gave them away to a thrift shop, or other people who could use them, I would take a photo of the item/s, so I still had a record of it - that was the nostalgia part of it -
Love that!
Two days ago my 13 yo son told me: "Mum, do you know what I love more in our kitchen? That there is not only kitchen stuff in it!" 😂 Everyone has its own organization, but I love your advices!
Love it, thank you! :)
I have a very small kitchen with very little counter space. I do have some duplicates that I don't part with, like two sets of mixing bowls that were wedding gifts in 1967. One drawer is for some basic tools like screw driver, pliers, scissors, and a tiny brass hammer that my grandfather made. The larger items that I use infrequently are stored in a pantry in the basement. There are definitely things that I almost never use that should go, but the thought is maybe I will need that some time, so I hang on to it. I had both a hand mixer and one on a stand. Last month the hand mixer broke. I thought about replacing it but didn't. I realized that the only time I used it was to make mashed potatoes. I have a hand masher and I when I looked at the stand mixer I found that the mixer part detaches to be used by hand. It is very heavy so it is unlikely that I will use it that way, but I can.
Thank you for sharing!
It took me a year, but I decluttered my entire house. I had 16 spatulas! Who needs 16 spatulas? Now I have 2- a big one and a small one. I don't have anything except paper towels and a knife set on my island and my counters are clear. It's so much easier to clean when the flat surfaces aren't cluttered! Anytime people come to my house, even if it's not that clean, they remark how nice it looks because it's not cluttered! I love that!
That is awesome!!
I'm 75 and I don't have an nostalgia kitchen things. I've declutter quite a bit, everytime I've moved. I have a friend that has 5 sets of china (service for 12). And she never has anyone over to eat because she has so much clutter that there really isn't room for company! She doesn't has room in her cupboards for food because of all these dishes. She loves her dishes, but they aren't out where she can see them. She refuses to get rid of lots of dishes that are taking up valuable real estate in her kitchen!!
Thank you for watching and for sharing! 😊
Best thing you say “valuable real estate” ….that was a game changer for me. I moved many items out of the kitchen.
It’s so helpful when you do that!
Thanks Taryn. My fifty plastic curry boxes are now in the recycling! :)
Ha! Too funny!
I have a stick blender from Argos (UK) with attachments (whisk, chopper/processor, blender) which is plenty for the things I cook, instead of having lots of big, separate appliances!
My 2 seasonal roasting pans act as pull-out drawers for my utensils the rest of the year: they earn their keep 😂
I zoned my cupboards in my tiny kitchenette (no pantry) which helps too!
Uppers are: daily canned foods&plates, baking&meds, drinks&spreads (above the kettle and toaster)
Lowers: cleaning&laundry, carbs&breakfast, storage&utensils, bakeware&spices.
On top of the upper cabinets are baskets for crisps(chips) &snacks, packed lunch items, water filter cartridges&manuals (I have to keep them because we rent), and my husband's protein powders etc.
Awesome, thank you for sharing!
I plan on giving my kids my Mom’s stainless pots and pans. They are so much better quality than what is sold today. I keep my medication in the kitchen because that’s where I take it. A pharmacist told me to never store medication in a bathroom.
Thank you for sharing. - the pots and pans sound great!
Yup. All of this, all of what you said is true! Thank you for this!
You are so welcome!
Recently, after more than 3 decades, eventually moved our medications (which are not stored in the fridge) to the pantry. Finding this by far more practical than where they previously had been in the bath- or bedroom. Our supplements are also kept in the kitchen, since they're mostly taken with meals.
Mugs without ears can be re-purposed in many ways as attractive, sturdy open containers - just as they are - without adding anything to them. In our home had been using them for many years already in the bathroom, bedroom, crafts corner, kitchen and study. Plastic containers with lids serve well to visibly store different sizes nails, screws, and other hardware items - keeping them dust-free - in pantry and garage. They also come in handy to store buttons and other items used for crafting/mending/sewing.
awesome, thank you for sharing!
💡: could keep holiday cookie cutters in the holiday decoration bin and out of the kitchen
For sure! :)
This is what we do!
Watching the person cut the red pepper gave me heartburn, kept waiting for a finger getting sliced open
Thank you for this. Great tips.
I have a kitchen drawer that I really struggle with. It has a spatula etc that my Mum used to use.
She didn’t really cook from scratch & mainly used the microwave.
My Mum died very suddenly nearly 25 years & I thought that as Clutterbug’s 30 day challenge I’d be able to get rid of it but I just couldn’t do it. I got really emotional when I looked at it.
Maybe I should put it in a memory box or a time-to-tell container that Dawn from The Minimalist Mum (Mom) suggests.
Aww I'm sorry to hear about your mom. You know what you could do? Maybe you could display the spatula somewhere as decor (hanging in a corner of the kitchen?) and that way you can enjoy it!
Under my kitchen sink I have a long plastic container (low cut) and inside of it a couple more containers to organize stuff. That way if my sink leaks, the shelf/floor doesn’t get wet. We’ve had plumbing issues and it took me a long time ti finally figure it out.
Thank you for sharing!!
I am happy for you that you know how you want your kitchen. Congrats. I keep two of those aluminum banquet containers to hold my dish soap and cleaners. If we have a leak, it catches it. Isn’t it great that women whether older or younger can decide what they want in their kitchen. They can display plates if they want or have nothing on display. Most of us know which cleaners we want. At 77, I have a green all purpose cleaner and a green dish detergent. I dilute it in a pretty glass dispenser as a hand soap. This works for me. Other women may decide differently. I am not old enough yet to suggest to another woman they should do as I do. . 😅
Thanks for sharing Taryn, you've inspired me to finally get rid of a my plastic pots 😊
You are so welcome!! 😊❤️
Just yesterday I got rid of 2 huge bags full of old pots pans ect. That hasn’t been used in YEARS. Now I only have stuff we actually use. 😂 What a thought lol 🎉
Great job!
I recently replaced all my kitchen doors and drawer fronts. All the cupboards and drawers were emptied and cleaned first, then the cull began. About 25% of it all went to charity shops, making a ton more room. I personally could easily have made it 50%, but my other half, who does most of the cooking, bless him, rebelled!
Awesome - 25% is still a great amount!
Just went to an estate sale today! , wanted to go home and throw stuff away !
I know what you mean!!
I'm having this problem. I'm glad you touched on this subject. I enjoyed this video. 😊❤
I'm so glad, Joann! 😊❤️
“Clutter-blind”😂
Great vlog!
When i separated from my ex, i packed away 50% of our kitchen for him, especially all his old stuff.. 10 boxes. Then i bought myself new white glass tableware and boxed our old tableware because my kids want it. Now split in 2 boxes for kids in attic. I do keep post in my kitchen, my "command center".. I have no space in entrance hall which goes into dining-living room.
I only have 1 set of real Tupperware, kids school breakfast boxes, equipment stainless steel and glass storage jars and IKEA glass storage containers. All cooking spoons etc in 1 pot next to stove. 2 of everything due to dishwasher on only 1x day.
Love my clean counter tops with minimal stuff on it.
Nope.. never bought into cleaning products.. I have dish-soap, vinegar, soda. I only buy dishwasher soap, washing machine powder and toilet cleaner.
Thank you so much, Rebecca! ☺
Beware, you young whippersnappers... you're not immune to these clutter traps unless you're careful not to inherit them!
Oh I'm well aware of the hoard I'll inherit one day 🤦🏻♀️ I'm my mum's carer the past couple of years, so have been decluttering tiny spaces with her as the area comes up.
Eg. She wanted to sew on a button, and I had to tip out the leather sewing bags contents so she could find a needle and thread! She realised if she parted with all the ribbons, buttons etc she didn't need, then stuff she does need would be easier to find. Now her sewing bag is half the size&weight, and functional... The same went for all the shoe polish and hiking boots sprays that she no longer uses / were rock solid as they were so old.
Quick wins only, keeping what she says to with no arguments. I hope this helps anyone in a similar situation. It also means I get to hear the stories behind items now, before it's too late.
You are totally right on in this one!!!! 👍
Thank you! 😊
I actually use those square plastic tubs for everything.
I needed this! I am 81 and guilty of everything you said! Thank you a!!!!
Awesome! You’re so welcome!!
Lots to think about thank you
Thank you!
Excellent points 2 ponder! 👏👏👏👍💞
Thank you so much! ☺❤
Love the video - good tips 👍🏻 Thank you!
Thank you so much!!
My better half has a drawer in the kitchen with tools. I understand wanting to have a few tools in the house, so you don't always have to go to the garage, but... Why he can't store them in one of the 4 larger drawers in the adjacent family room, is beyond my comprehension.
... accept the things you cannot change. 😊
Good advice! We used to do the same until we made an area in our laundry room for tools!
If you really can't part with that pan but can't use it either because of the scratched surface, there are ways and services to restore the teflon layer.
4 cleaning products for my kitchen now: spray foam dish detergent which I use for washing dishes and almost everything else including countertops, glass cleaner, and a powder cleanser with bleach because I have a white porcelain sink. I do admit that I have pop up cleaning wipes that I got addicted to using during COVID.
Thank you for sharing!
Medicine should not be stored in the bathroom because of the humidity. Unless you have a hall closet, the kitchen is a better place for storage.
Thanks for sharing!
I don't save plastic containers but I am partial to tins. It takes everything in me to gift cookies or anything to someone using one of my tins. They mostly aren't fancy, cutie tins, just normal cookie ones from the store. I try to reuse them in my pantry for like items such as crackers etc. You gave me a bread recipe which I hope to try tomorrow. Wish me luck. lol Love your videos btw.
Yay let me know how the bread turns out! I also save tins - they are perfect for home made cookies!
I have the same problem with fancy tea tins. I use one pretty one to collect dead batteries for recycling, but have a hard time throwing out the rest.
A good idea is to use face wash as handwash (or body wash) to use it up.
Love that!
Bundt pans are a pain to store, because they are not conducive to stacking.
If you want to keep yours, but you can no longer bake in it, may I suggest using it as a planter for non-edible plants? That way, everybody is safe and healthy. 😉
Measuring spoons: keep them on the ring. That way, it’s virtually impossible to lose one.
I have a tiny kitchen/laundry room combo, and a pantry like a walk-in closet. That’s the only storage I have for food, cleaning supplies, etc.. Nothing goes on my counter unless it’s functional and gets used more than once a week: coffeemaker, toaster oven, electric kettle, microwave. No chachkies (sp) allowed.
No used plastic containers (like butter, Cool-Whip, etc.) allowed. Only designated food storage (sold for that purpose) is allowed.
I have one all-purpose cleaner, one glass cleaner (both homemade) and one can of furniture polish. When that runs out, I’m going to make my own for that, as well. Fewer chemicals, much less expense.
Great idea, thank you so much for sharing!
Ha ha I had that exact same gold/yellow bundt pan for years and finally decluttered it! My older next door neighbor had given it to me for my bridal shower decades ago and I was holding onto it for sentimental reasons. I took a good look at it one day and thought, when was the last time you used this? Twenty years ago? Why don't you use it? Oh yes, the cake sticks and I can't get it out! OK it has to go! I rushed it to the thrift shop before I could change my mind. :-)
Perhaps it should have been thrown away since the cake sticks to the pan. Why would you want to pass this item to someone else so when they bake a cake, it ends up sticking?
@@rickgonzalez1218exactly what I was going to say. 😊
Too funny! And you are so right - the cake DOES stick! I used to have to scrape it out so my pan had a bunch of scratches!
I knew somebody was going to say that! :-) It's an 'official' bundt pan, thick and good quality. That's part of the reason I cherished it. I'm sure the pan works if you use it properly and know the little tricks to keep it from sticking. I figured there were expert bakers out there who knew how to use this type of pan, or novice bakers who wouldn't mind doing a little research and experimentation to make a very beautiful cake. My patience in this department was limited. :-)
I usually agree but I think “older” people aren’t the collectors. I think younger people buy more than they need and don’t use it. I don’t have “nostalgia” items in my kitchen. Sentimental maybe more but not nostalgic.
Thanks for sharing, Nancy! I so agree about younger people buying too much - I see it with my own kids and have to remind them that they don't need as much as they think they do!
We keep our medicine in the kitchen because experts say not to keep it in the bathroom where it can get charged by moisture. So where are you keeping your medicines, if not in the kitchen or the bathroom?
We just hired a cleaning service. They use a bottle of ammonia and bottle of vinegar. I don’t know if they are diluted or not, but that’s all they use.
you could use the pan as a flower pot by drilling a few holes for drainage.
Good idea! 😊
You take your vitamins in the kitchen but not your medication? So where do you take and store your medicine?
I take vitamins and medicine at the same time. So I keep them both in the kitchen.
Yeah that makes sense! I take medication in my bedroom so I keep it there - things like Advil or Benadryl!
That is a Capital letter PYREX, that is an original formula of glass now they sold the right to the name and the lower case pyrex is not the same. I would keep that pie dish!
Stainless steel cleaner is worth its weight in gold. Iceill never get rid of it. Everything else on the market like Windex, foam cleaners streak the crap out of steel refrigerators.
Thank you!
Try E Cloths for stainless. Absolutely the best. Just wet & wipe with one then polish with the dry cloth. No product needed. Last 100 washes.
it's not the kitchen clutter. People have been using the same pots and pans to cook for centuries. It is that now houses are built with not enough cabinets, drawers or closets. Building companies are too cheap to give people what has been normal for hundreds of years.
That could be!
Let me save you all the trouble, your kids really don't need/want your stuff. I would ask if there's a special item they may want. But, as you heard from Taryn it's not safe and probably won't function very well as things get modernized. They don't want to hurt your feelings so they will most likely take that item to clutter their own kitchen. It's really not fair to them to be obligated or feel you will never forgive them if they don't want your unusable stuff. Let it go for them and you.
My daughter has taken 50% of our kitchen stuff when she moved. That was great.
This is so true. I have just done a huge purge of our things. My kids don’t want anything. I’ve heard this from so many people as well. Don’t save all this stuff for your kids so they feel guilty and also have to get rid of it themselves. themselves.
Thank you for sharing! 😊
Marble shouldn't be cleaned with vinegar. Not sure what else is bad or good for it.
Yes! I think some soap and water would work perfectly :)
I don't have marble counters, but when doing the dishes, I just use the dish water to clean the counters & cooktop. No extra products (or time) needed.
GREAT IDEAS‼️‼️‼️‼️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you!!! ☺☺
Not all older people. People are people no matter their age.
As an older person (I'm 75), I am offended by your assumption that older people are accumulating things. My cupboards are a lot less cluttered than yours.
I consider myself in the older category and the more time I’m around, the more stuff makes its way to me and accumulation happens.
@tarynmaria_ I am an older person who is not offended and who also does not feel that you were making assumptions about anyone. However, I do understand that each of us has our own perspective. I find your videos warm and kindhearted. That's something we need more of these days.
So, what did you do with the teflon pan? I hold on to harmful things because I don't know how to get rid of them without spreading the harm. So any solution would be appreciated.
Good ideas but you same the same thing over and over