Single-Use Kitchen Gadgets

Walk into almost any kitchen and you'll find drawers crammed with gadgets designed for just one purpose. Think about avocado slicers, banana cutters, or egg separators.

While these tools promise convenience, most people rarely use them more than a few times before they get buried at the back of a drawer. In a recent survey, over 60% of respondents admitted to owning at least three kitchen gadgets they never touch.

A sharp knife and a cutting board can do nearly everything these gadgets claim to do. Letting go of these single-use items can free up space, reduce clutter, and make your kitchen easier to clean.

Plus, you'll probably find you don't miss them at all.

Extra Sets of Bed Sheets

You might have been told to keep three sets of sheets for every bed, but modern laundry routines make this unnecessary. Statistics show that most people wash their bedding once a week—meaning you really only need one set in use and maybe one backup.

Storing more than two sets per bed just eats up valuable closet space. By donating extra sheets, you can make room for things you actually use.

Many people find it refreshing to simplify their linen closet and stick to their favorites.

Specialty Cleaning Products

The cleaning aisle can be overwhelming, with bottles promising to clean everything from stovetops to stainless steel. However, studies reveal that most households rely on just a few basic cleaners for almost all tasks—like all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and vinegar.

Specialty products often contain harsh chemicals and can be expensive. By switching to multi-use products, you’ll not only save money but also reduce exposure to unnecessary chemicals.

Households that make this switch often report less clutter under their sinks and in their laundry rooms.

Formal Dinnerware

Fancy china and crystal glasses may look beautiful, but how often do you really use them? According to a 2024 poll, over 70% of people with formal dinnerware use it less than once a year.

These fragile items take up space and are stressful to clean and store. Most families and guests are perfectly happy with modern, durable dishes.

Giving up formal dinnerware can open up a cabinet or two for everyday items you actually reach for, making your kitchen feel more functional.

DVDs and CDs

Physical media collections once filled shelves in living rooms everywhere, but streaming services have changed everything. In 2024, less than 10% of households regularly watch DVDs or listen to CDs.

Digital access makes it easier to find what you want without hunting through stacks of cases. By letting go of these outdated discs, you can free up space and reduce visual clutter.

Many libraries and charities accept donations, so your old favorites can find a new home.

Decorative Towels

Many bathrooms and kitchens feature towels that are “for show only.” These decorative towels are rarely used and often require special care. A recent study found that 80% of people with decorative towels avoid using them, worried about stains or wear.

This creates unnecessary laundry and clutter. Switching to a smaller selection of practical towels makes daily life simpler and keeps your spaces less fussy.

You might even find your guests appreciate towels they can actually use.

Duplicate Kitchen Utensils

It’s easy to accumulate multiple spatulas, ladles, or whisks, especially if you cook often. But most people reach for the same few utensils every time.

Kitchen studies show that home cooks typically use only 20% of their utensils 80% of the time. The rest just crowd your drawers and make finding what you need harder.

Paring down to just your favorites can turn a chaotic drawer into an organized, efficient space.

Old Electronics and Cables

Many households have a box of tangled cords, outdated chargers, and gadgets that haven’t worked in years. According to recent electronic waste reports, the average home contains over five pounds of unused tech clutter.

Not only do these items take up space, but they can also be a fire hazard. Most electronics recyclers will accept these items for free.

By clearing them out, you make room for things you actually use and reduce your environmental footprint.

Unused Exercise Equipment

That treadmill or stationary bike seemed like a great idea at the time, but if it’s gathering dust, it’s just taking up space. Fitness studies reveal that over 60% of home exercise equipment ends up unused after the first few months.

These items can be sold or donated, and you can reclaim a whole corner or even an entire room. If you’re not using it, you’re not likely to start—so why not let it go?

Novelty Mugs

It’s easy to end up with a collection of mugs from trips, gifts, or work events. The average American household owns over 10 mugs, but most people use only one or two regularly.

Extra mugs fill up cabinets and make it harder to find the ones you actually like. By keeping just your favorites, you make mornings simpler and your kitchen more organized.

The rest can be donated or given away to friends and family.

Vases and Decorative Jars

Gifts and flowers often come with a vase, and it’s easy to accumulate far more than you’ll ever use. Most people have more vases than they’ll ever fill, and many sit empty gathering dust for years.

A recent organizational study showed that most households only use two or three vases regularly, regardless of how many they own. By keeping just a couple in different sizes, you’ll save space and keep your home feeling less cluttered.

Books You’ll Never Read Again

Books can feel sentimental, but they also take up space—especially if you’re not planning to read them again. Statistics show that most people reread less than 10% of the books they own.

Libraries, friends, and donation centers would love to give these stories new life. Keeping only your favorites or reference books can make your shelves feel curated and meaningful rather than overwhelming.

Desktop Calendars and Paper Planners

With smartphones and digital calendars, paper planners are becoming less necessary. A 2024 survey found that only 15% of adults regularly use physical planners, and most prefer digital reminders for their convenience and portability.

By letting go of extra planners and calendars, you reduce paper waste and free up desk space. Plus, you’ll never forget an appointment thanks to automatic alerts.

Unused Cookbooks

Cookbooks look beautiful, but with recipes just a click away, most people don’t reach for them anymore. Surveys show that the average home cook uses just three favorite cookbooks, while the rest gather dust.

By donating the books you don’t use, you’ll make space for the ones you love and maybe even rediscover forgotten favorites.

Extra Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles are great for the environment, but they tend to multiply. The average household owns seven bottles, but most people use just one or two.

The rest clutter cabinets and get lost in the shuffle. Keeping only the bottles you actually use makes it easier to stay hydrated and organized.

Plastic Storage Containers With No Lids

Every kitchen seems to have a drawer full of orphaned plastic containers and mismatched lids. Studies have found that up to 30% of food storage containers in the average home are missing their partners.

These take up space and cause frustration. By recycling the mismatched pieces and keeping only complete sets, you’ll streamline your food storage and reduce frustration.

Old Magazines and Newspapers

Stacks of magazines and newspapers can pile up quickly, but most people never read them twice. The average American home contains dozens of unread or outdated periodicals.

Digital subscriptions and online archives make it easier than ever to access articles without the clutter. Recycling old issues frees up space and keeps your home looking tidy.

Unused Small Appliances

Ice cream makers, popcorn machines, or bread makers might sound fun, but if you’re not using them regularly, they’re just taking up precious counter or cabinet space. Research from 2024 found that over half of small kitchen appliances are used less than once a month.

Selling or donating these gadgets can give you more room for the items you actually use, making your kitchen work better for your daily life.

Tablecloths and Cloth Napkins for Special Occasions

Elegant tablecloths and special napkins are often reserved for holidays or rare family gatherings. Most people only use them once or twice a year, if that.

A 2025 home organization survey found that these items usually take up a whole drawer or shelf. Keeping just one set for truly special occasions and letting go of the rest makes entertaining less stressful and your linen closet much simpler.

Unused Picture Frames

It’s easy to collect picture frames—gifts, souvenirs, or just ones you bought but never used. Many people store far more frames than they have photos to fill.

Surveys indicate that the typical household has at least five empty frames tucked away. By donating or repurposing these, you clear out storage and make room for things that matter to you.