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If your kitchen cupboards are bursting with tupperware lids that don’t match, or drawers stuffed with utensils you never use, you’re not alone.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. This week of the Great Aussie Clear Out is all about making space in your kitchen so it’s easier to cook, eat and live.

Here are seven small steps to help you clear out the kitchen clutter:

8. Tackle the Tupperware

It’s time for the great lid hunt! Pull out all your food containers and match lids with bases. Keep only what you use. Recycle or donate the rest. Pro tip: use lidless containers for storing odds and ends in drawers.

9. Sort Through Appliances

That bread maker you haven’t used since 2019? Or the blender gathering dust? Be honest about what you actually use. Pass on appliances in good nick to friends, family or sell them on the Garage Sale Trail. For things you love but need a quick fix, visit a Repair Cafe.  

10. Review Your Mug or Glass Collection

Keep your favourite mugs and everyday glasses. Sell or donate spare crockery and glasses to your local op shop, calling ahead to check what they accept.

11. Check Through Your Utensil Drawer for Double Ups

How many wooden spoons do you really need? Pare it back to the essentials and sell the rest. It will make finding what you need so much easier.

12. Declutter Cookbooks You Don’t Use

Cookbooks can take up a lot of space. If you haven’t opened it in years, set it free. Keep the ones you love and share the rest at your local op shop or garage sale.

13. Empty the Junk Drawer

Every kitchen has one. Pens, batteries, takeaway menus, random cords. Empty it out and keep only what’s useful.

Top tip: batteries should never be put in your recycling or waste bin. Rechargeable batteries and lithium-ion batteries are hazardous. This includes batteries in laptops, mobile phones, power tools and cameras. Place sticky tape around battery terminals to prevent fires and visit Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You for collection points.

14. Pick 5 Kitchen Items You Never Use and Add to the Sell/Donate Pile

As a final step, choose at least five things you don’t use and add them to your sell/donate pile.

Rehoming options:

• Host a garage sale on 8-9 or 15-16 November as part of Garage Sale Trail.

• Donate spare crockery and gadgets to op shops. Call your local store before visiting to check what they accept and visit in store hours.

• Share unopened and in date food with community pantries and food banks.

• Sell quality cookware or small appliances on an online marketplace.

• For items you can mend, visit a local Repair Cafe, checking your council’s website for services near you.

• Book a council collection for end-of-life and broken items, checking your local council’s website for the services available locally and booking ahead of time.

Expert tip:

“Start small! Even one drawer a day makes a difference.” - Edel Beattie, The Happy Organiser

Ready to keep going?

The Great Aussie Clear Out is a free 31-day decluttering challenge to help you clear space, reduce waste and get ready for Garage Sale Trail on 8–9 & 15–16 November.

Sign up now to get your daily prompts and free downloadable kit.