As my fellow small-space dwellers know, it’s important to be thoughtful about your purchases when your storage space is limited. After about five years in a New York City apartment, I’ve learned how to make my small kitchen work for me. A major part of that process was discovering which items were worth making room for, and which ones aren’t worth the space. Below, I share the kitchen items I stopped buying and what I’m using instead.
The kitchen has a way of attracting clutter, from those novelty drinking glasses you probably use once or twice a year to piles of mismatched cooking utensils. By replacing these things with more versatile items I’ll actually use regularly, I’ve cut down significantly on clutter. And in a small apartment, every inch of clutter I can get rid of is a win.
If you’re figuring out how to make a small apartment, tiny home, or even a dorm room with a kitchenette work for you, keep reading to find out the kitchen items you can get rid of. And if you’re looking for more small-space tips, read our collection of tiny home storage hacks designers swear by and design tricks to make any room feel bigger.
An Oversized Toaster
While I’ll usually have some type of toast for breakfast a few days a week, I’m not making anything elaborate enough to justify keeping a fancy, sizable toaster on my kitchen countertop. Plus, I live alone, so I don’t need a four-slice model, the way I might if I was prepping a meal for several people. Instead, a simple, slim toaster that takes up as little space as possible has become my new go-to. I barely even notice it!
What I use instead: Bella 2-Slice Slim Toaster
Novelty Drinking Glasses
I used to be all for purchasing cutesy drinking glasses with seasonal motifs, but I found that I quickly tire of these novelty designs after a while. On the other hand, elevated yet neutral glasses will never go out of style. I grabbed a simple set years ago and it has held up wonderfully. I use these glasses for everything from water to smoothies and always set them out when entertaining, too.
What I use instead: Bandesun Vintage Hobnail Drinking Glasses Set of 12
Generic Dish Soap
Unfortunately, I don’t have a dishwasher in my apartment, which means I’m cycling through bottles of dish soap quite often. For the most part, I’ve stopped buying generic brands and have started treating myself to Mrs. Meyer’s products instead. I love shopping their seasonal products, including the peony dish soap, which reminds me that spring is indeed on its way. When it comes to making chores more fun, it’s truly the little things!
What I use instead: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
Mismatched Silverware
I eat most of my at-home meals solo and don’t require a ton of silverware, but recently I realized that my utensils are all relatively mismatched. As someone who takes pride in maintaining an orderly home, I had to change this right away. I snagged a simple, affordable set of 20 forks, knives, and spoons from T.J. Maxx that I won’t be embarrassed to bring out during my next dinner party. Having a cohesive, matching set makes the table feel more put-together without taking up any extra space.
