AmyBoz
01-03-2005, 07:13 AM
Today we are focusing on our pots and pans. Take them all out. (While the cabinet is empty, you may want to give it a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.) Now, look at each individual pot and pan. Think seriously about when the last time you used each individual item. If you use all of them on a regular basis, then stack them back up and pop them back inside. However, if you come across a pot or a pan that you cannot remember using in quite some time, seriously consider tossing it, giving it to someone else who may need an extra pot or pan, or putting it in a garage sale box.
I know how hard it may be to actually get rid of a pot or a pan. After all, they are expensive. But think about the personal cost to you to have extra pots and pans that you don’t use. They take up space. You need to move them to use the pots or pans that you really use on a regular basis. Could someone you know use them? If so, go put them in your car to take to that person. If you don’t think anyone you know could use them, go put them in your sale box. If they are in terrible shape, just go outside and stick them in the trash can. Don’t put them in a bag. Once you let them touch the trash can, I have a feeling you won’t be pulling them back out again if you change your mind.
Again, I realize the difficulty in this venture. But, lest you think I issue challenges and don’t partake myself, I actually threw away two frying pans a month ago. I never used them and I really was moving them around a ridiculous amount and they were just making noise and making life difficult for me. I saved two large frying pans and one small. I use one of them regularly and saved the other as a backup. I saved the small one in case I made single serve things, but I am tossing it today because I can make single serve stuff in the big pans just as easily, and the little one is in sad shape. I also just don’t have space for it. My pots, I use. All of them. So, the space they take up is worth keeping for me. You have to make that decision for yourselves.
With regards to the lids, do you have a divider that you could rest them against? I don’t, so I have a big boot shoebox that I have them sitting up in. This is so much easier for me than having them all stacked on top of each other, and it’s easier for me than resting them in the top of the stack of pots. Do you have a better system? If so, please share it with us! We could all benefit from each other’s advice.
Cookie trays and baking pans. If it’s rusted, just toss it, ladies. That’s not good for you to be cooking off of rusted trays, even if you cover the rust with tin foil. It’s just not a good idea. Organize your trays in whatever way works best for you. In our new kitchen, I have a divider thing that’s built into the cabinets. In the old house, I just had them piled on top of each other. It worked for me there, but wouldn’t work here. How about you?
Okay, now you’ve read, go deal with those pots and pans! Don’t be afraid to donate or toss these items. There’s no law that says you aren’t allowed to get rid of a pot or a pan! It’s okay to let go of something that isn’t working for you. And, at the end of the day, you’ll feel so much better for doing it!
I know how hard it may be to actually get rid of a pot or a pan. After all, they are expensive. But think about the personal cost to you to have extra pots and pans that you don’t use. They take up space. You need to move them to use the pots or pans that you really use on a regular basis. Could someone you know use them? If so, go put them in your car to take to that person. If you don’t think anyone you know could use them, go put them in your sale box. If they are in terrible shape, just go outside and stick them in the trash can. Don’t put them in a bag. Once you let them touch the trash can, I have a feeling you won’t be pulling them back out again if you change your mind.
Again, I realize the difficulty in this venture. But, lest you think I issue challenges and don’t partake myself, I actually threw away two frying pans a month ago. I never used them and I really was moving them around a ridiculous amount and they were just making noise and making life difficult for me. I saved two large frying pans and one small. I use one of them regularly and saved the other as a backup. I saved the small one in case I made single serve things, but I am tossing it today because I can make single serve stuff in the big pans just as easily, and the little one is in sad shape. I also just don’t have space for it. My pots, I use. All of them. So, the space they take up is worth keeping for me. You have to make that decision for yourselves.
With regards to the lids, do you have a divider that you could rest them against? I don’t, so I have a big boot shoebox that I have them sitting up in. This is so much easier for me than having them all stacked on top of each other, and it’s easier for me than resting them in the top of the stack of pots. Do you have a better system? If so, please share it with us! We could all benefit from each other’s advice.
Cookie trays and baking pans. If it’s rusted, just toss it, ladies. That’s not good for you to be cooking off of rusted trays, even if you cover the rust with tin foil. It’s just not a good idea. Organize your trays in whatever way works best for you. In our new kitchen, I have a divider thing that’s built into the cabinets. In the old house, I just had them piled on top of each other. It worked for me there, but wouldn’t work here. How about you?
Okay, now you’ve read, go deal with those pots and pans! Don’t be afraid to donate or toss these items. There’s no law that says you aren’t allowed to get rid of a pot or a pan! It’s okay to let go of something that isn’t working for you. And, at the end of the day, you’ll feel so much better for doing it!