Organizing
6 Items You Should Never Keep in Your Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets often become the default place for all kinds of household items. But not everything belongs there. Some things simply don’t fit the environment or cause clutter and safety issues. If you’re decluttering, start by identifying what you should never keep in kitchen cabinets.
These six items often cause unnecessary mess, stress, or waste when stored in the wrong spot.
1. Rarely Used Seasonal Items Take Up Valuable Space
Seasonal kitchen tools like turkey basters, cookie cutters, or special-occasion serveware shouldn’t live in your prime cabinet space.
Use upper shelves, storage bins, or a labeled container in the pantry. This keeps everyday areas efficient and clutter-free.
You’ll find your daily items faster and free up space for what you actually use. This simple shift makes life easier.
2. Bulk Pantry Staples Can Overcrowd Your Shelves
Buying in bulk saves money, but storing bulk-sized goods in your cabinets isn’t ideal.
Large bags of rice, flour, or cereal dominate valuable space and are hard to manage. Instead, store bulk items in labeled containers in a cool, dry area like the garage or pantry.
Refill smaller canisters in the kitchen when needed. This keeps your cabinets organized and visually clean.
3. Small Appliances You Rarely Use
Air fryers, waffle makers, or ice cream machines often live untouched in crowded cabinets. If it’s not used weekly, relocate it.
Move infrequently used appliances to a basement shelf, utility room, or another accessible but out-of-the-way spot.
Make your cabinets work for daily routines—not for gadgets that gather dust and block easier access.
4. Expired or Duplicate Spices
Spice cabinets are notorious clutter zones. You likely have several old, expired jars and even a few duplicates.
Spices lose flavor over time, and expired ones can ruin your recipes. Declutter your spice shelf twice a year.
Only keep what you use. Label jars clearly and store them on risers or tiered organizers for visibility and access.
5. Open Pet Food or Treats
Open bags of pet food or treats don’t belong in kitchen cabinets. They attract pests and can cause strong odors.
Use airtight containers and place them in a laundry room, mudroom, or closed pantry. This protects your food and your pets’ food too.
The kitchen should smell clean—not like kibble or biscuits. A simple storage switch fixes that quickly.
6. Batteries and Non-Food Supplies
It may be convenient, but batteries, candles, or cleaning products should never live beside your dishes or snacks.
Storing non-food items near your meals increases contamination risk. Plus, it clutters areas meant for food prep and dining.
Instead, place them in labeled bins in drawers, closets, or utility cabinets far from the kitchen’s core food zones.
Why It Matters: Use Cabinets Wisely
If you’re serious about home organization, remember that some items you should never keep in kitchen cabinets can easily find better homes. Strategic storage creates less visual stress and more space for what you truly need every day.