Small appliances and kitchen gadgets have a way of entering our hearts and emptying our wallets. Plus, they clutter up our counters and kitchen cabinets. How often do you use them? Where do you store them all?

My kitchen used to be filled with my best intentions. For example, I owned an espresso machine I hadn’t used in years and three different types of fondue pots. Most of my small appliances, gadgets and tools were bought or given to me as gifts before I started my frugal journey. Before I decluttered, my kitchen often felt small, and sometimes I got frustrated by the lack of counter and cabinet space. I didn’t need a kitchen remodel. I needed to take action and pare down, because some of my kitchenware no longer fit my lifestyle.

A few negative things can occur when your kitchen is cluttered.

– It can cost money. For example, you might spend more money on eating out because cooking is overwhelming or on replacing items you can’t find.

– You’re alone in your struggles because no one else in the household wants to even try to help. Let’s face it: They don’t know where to start.

– It makes you tired. You feel physically burdened, guilty, ashamed and unappreciated.

– You lose time looking for lost items. Inevitably, there’s less time available to do the things you really want to do.

– Every kitchen task takes more effort.

– You’re embarrassed to have guests.

If any of this hits home, make the time to thoroughly declutter your kitchen. You won’t regret it. Gather some boxes, and make decisions about what you want to keep, toss, store, sell and donate. Clutter isn’t just the broken items in your home. It’s often the stacks of papers or recipes we set aside to get to later, plastic containers and appliances we never use, and gifts we feel too guilty to get rid of. Getting rid of what you don’t need will cut stress like you wouldn’t believe.

Frugality often convinces us to stockpile items “just in case,” so deciding whether to save items or to simply rid yourself of clutter can be hard. The solution: Discover your comfort zone and recognize overabundance. If items are causing you unhappiness or stress, it’s time to let go. You don’t have to necessarily throw them away; you can donate them. If you want to save margarine containers, for example, save what you can use in the short term and either donate or toss the rest. If you have 50 margarine containers and space for only 10, the rest is clutter. There’s a difference between being environmentally aware and hoarding. Make decisions based on your needs, happiness and space. Frugality and simplicity are about prioritizing, and both lead you to spending and wanting less and knowing when you have enough.

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