What Doesn’t Belong in Your Kitchen: 7 Things to Declutter Now

The kitchen is the heart of the home—but when it becomes a catch-all for clutter, chaos, and things that don’t belong, it quickly loses its magic. If you’ve ever wondered what doesn’t belong in your kitchen, the answer might surprise you. It’s not just about mess—it's about energy, intention, and creating a space that truly supports you.

Here are 7 things that simply don’t belong in the kitchen—and what to do instead.

1. Mail, Keys, and Paper Piles

That tempting corner of the counter? It becomes a magnet for dropped mail, school papers, keys, and random receipts.

Why remove it: Paper clutter symbolizes mental overwhelm and can block the flow of nourishing energy.

Instead: Create a command center by the entryway with labeled bins or a wall sorter. The kitchen should be for cooking, not catch-all chaos.

2. Medications and First Aid Supplies

They’re often stored in kitchen cabinets for convenience, but it’s not ideal.

Why remove it: Heat and moisture from cooking can degrade medications—and they bring in the energy of illness to a space meant for nourishment.

Instead: Move medications to a designated bathroom drawer or hallway linen closet using labeled bins.

3. Non-Kitchen Toys, Tools, or Crafts

The kitchen often becomes a free-for-all zone for puzzles, tools, or homework sprawl.

Why remove it: Mixing unrelated zones creates energetic confusion and overwhelms the senses.

Instead: Establish clear zones in your home—add a kids’ craft cart, garage bin, or mobile homework station that can be wheeled away when meals begin.

4. Appliances You Rarely Use

That ice cream maker or bread machine gathering dust? It’s taking up space and holding stale energy.

Why remove it: Unused appliances can create guilt, stagnation, and block valuable storage.

Instead: Store rarely used appliances in higher cabinets or donate if you haven’t used it in a year. Make room for what supports your daily life now.

5. Dead or Dying Plants & Empty Vases

We’ve all had that half-wilted bouquet or dusty succulent by the sink.

Why remove it: In Feng Shui, dying plants represent depleted energy and can bring down the vitality of your kitchen.

Instead: Choose healthy, low-maintenance herbs (like basil or mint) or rotate fresh flowers with intention.

6. Excess Plastic Bags and Containers

Drawers stuffed with takeout containers, mismatched lids, or plastic bags? It's time to let go.

Why remove it: Plastic clutter is chaotic, unsustainable, and adds invisible stress to your space.

Instead: Keep a few high-quality reusable containers and recycle the rest. Limit bags to what fits neatly in one dispenser.

7. Negative or Outdated Energy

That chipped mug from an ex, the cluttered fridge covered in random notes, or the junk drawer that’s more junk than useful?

Why remove it: Every item in your kitchen holds energy. If it doesn’t uplift, support, or serve you, it’s taking up emotional and energetic space.

Instead: Do a quick energy check. Ask: Does this item serve me? Does it feel good here? Let that guide your next round of decluttering.

Final Thoughts: Less Clutter, More Clarity

Decluttering what doesn’t belong in your kitchen is just as important as organizing what does. By removing energy drains and reclaiming the purpose of your space, you’ll create a kitchen that feels not only clean—but clear, calm, and deeply supportive.

Looking to elevate your kitchen storage without the guesswork? I’ve curated a list of my go-to organizing products—from sleek drawer dividers to space-saving pantry bins. These are the same tools I use in client homes to create clean, functional, and beautiful kitchens. 👉 Click here to shop my favorite organization products on Benable.

Want more tips on how to energize your space? Read my blog on Kitchen organization for stress-fee meal prep next.

With clarity and intention,

Nathalie xoxo