Declutter Your Hutch: 9 Tabletop and Entertaining Pieces You Can Get Rid Of ASAP

Consider this your sign to finally let go of the dusty platters that are no longer serving you—or your guests!

Your hutch is a veritable wonderland full of serving supplies that help bring a hosted event to perfected completion, but all those supplies can start to pile up, leaving you with a cluttered cabinet that you want to avoid opening at all times.

Professional organizer Jane Stoller, founder of Organized Jane and author of Decluttering for Dummies, says that regular decluttering is crucial and we firmly agree! Not sure where to start? If you’ve got any of the following on hand, we’re giving you official permission to donate or toss ‘em.

Related: 5 Things You Can Declutter From Your Bedroom Without a Second Thought

Worn-Out Tablecloths

A beautiful tablecloth can make a spread feel sophisticated and polished, but when they’re stained, torn, or dingy they can detract from your table setting. Unless it’s a sentimental piece you plan to fix, it’s time to say goodbye.

“Tablecloths and placemats can be repurposed into rags for the kitchen or garage if they are stained, torn or worn out,” says professional organizer Jane Stoller, founder of Organized Jane and author of Decluttering for Dummies.

High Maintenance Items

If you never use your crystal glasses for fear of someone breaking them, or you never use your silver because you don’t want to have to polish it, then it’s OK to bid adieu to these items.

“Keeping them tucked away in a cabinet doesn’t honor their beauty, and probably ends up making you feel a little guilty,” says professional organizer Jamie Gibberman, co-owner of Get Organized RVA. “Pass them on to someone who will love and enjoy them, and keep them in the family if they are particularly sentimental.” Alternatively, consider selling them if they’re of high monetary value.

Gifts That No Longer Serve You

Parting with a gift someone gave you is notoriously difficult—even if it’s something you don’t like or never use. However, these items take up precious real estate. Give yourself permission to pass them on.

“A tip that I give my clients is to remember that you’re not obligated to keep a gift forever if it’s not something you use, want, need, love, or have room for,” says professional organizer Carly Adams, founder of Tidy Revival. “Letting go of what no longer serves you will make room for what does.

Damaged Vintage Dishes

Today’s bakeware, cookware, and serving ware are manufactured differently compared to the dishes of yesteryear. Gibberman says, “Some dishes contain lead and the damaged surface will allow the lead to leach into your food. Use them for decoration only or, if you really love the pattern, repurpose them by purposely breaking them to make an artistic mosaic.

Serving Dishes Past Their Prime

Stoller recommends reviewing your serving dishes on a quarterly basis. “Whether you always use them for serving or only for special occasions, check for any chips and cracks and if the dishes stand properly without wobbling,” she says. Also get rid of any items without proper lids unless the dish is usable without the lid.

Single-Purpose Items You Don’t Use

Maybe you bought a fondue set for a party you hosted in the 80s but haven't used it since. Or perhaps you wanted to start making charcuterie and purchased a ton of serving boards, only to decide they are too labor-intensive.

“There's no need to hold onto these items any longer,” Gibberman advises. “Feel free to donate those items that don’t fit your current lifestyle or hosting preferences.

Coffee Mugs

Mugs are one of the most popular gifts people give and buy for themselves, which can result in a stockpile that’s way too big. “When you get to a point of seeking additional areas to store your mugs, it is time to declutter,” says Briana Spruille, professional organizer and co-founder of Just Be LLC.

She says to get rid of anything with a chip or crack, and any mug that doesn’t feel special. From there, you can narrow down your collection to mugs you routinely reach for (everyone has a favorite or two!).

Dull or Damaged Knives

Unless it was a special purpose and can be re-sharpened, get rid of dull or damaged knives. Stoller says they’re no longer effective for cutting, and can even pose a hazard to you, your family, and to your guests. “This is one occasion where I recommend tossing, as you don’t want to donate these dull knives unless you have a very good knife sharpener,” Stoller notes.

Unused Appliances

Most households have extra appliances that are rarely used. Yet they can remain hidden away in a cabinet for months on end.

“Common appliances that I’ve decluttered with clients include extra crock pots or pressure cookers, toasters, ice cream makers, juicers, popcorn makers, and blenders,” Adams says. “Remember that not every appliance is right for every household, and if you’ve found that you’re not using it then it’s OK to let it go.”

Related: 8 Tips for Keeping Clutter Off Your Kitchen Countertops

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