The Important Question To Ask Yourself While Decluttering Mugs

Decluttering mugs (or really, anything in your home) isn't easy. Plain and simple, it's hard to part with things we've bought. You paid for them, so why would you want to get rid of any of them? The problem is, the more mugs you keep, the more space they take up. Plus, if you're honest with yourself, do you really use each one? No one's saying you should start randomly tossing out mugs. Instead, there's a hack to organize and declutter your coffee mugs that you can employ at any time. It boils down to asking yourself one simple question: Which cups do you actually like?

We know, we know, that's a tough question to answer! So let's break this method down more. When you reach into your cabinet for a mug to hold your morning coffee or afternoon tea, which cups does your hand naturally gravitate to? Be honest. Chances are, there are a few mugs you brush past or slide out of the way in order to reach your favorites. Maybe it's that oversized Mickey Mouse mug from that Disney trip you took a decade ago. Perhaps it's the customized mom-and-daughter mug your mom had made for your birthday last year. Paying attention to which ceramic vessel you choose is the key to decluttering your kitchen cabinets of seldom used cups.

If you can't fit another mug in your kitchen cabinet, it's probably time for a little decluttering. Begin by taking all of your mugs out of the cabinet and spreading them out on your kitchen counter or dining table. Then, ask yourself which mugs you actually like. Think about what makes you reach for one mug over others. This helps you separate the just-okay mugs from those you simply can't part with. Is it the sentimental value, the size, or the design? Sort your favorites into one pile, and take a step back. See if you notice a common theme. Maybe you prefer oversized mugs? Perhaps you're drawn to cups with a personal story? Do they all match your kitchen aesthetic? This can help you with later shopping and selection.

Once you've narrowed your collection, consider moving the mugs elsewhere in the kitchen, perhaps into a dedicated coffee mug cabinet with a transparent glass door. This works especially well if you have a larger collection, like holiday-themed or Disney mugs that could double as décor. If you're handy, you could craft a stylish mug display while decluttering your kitchen cabinets. Make it from pallet wood to keep costs low. Or, you could put your most prized mugs into storage to free up cabinet space without parting with them. Keep just your daily cup in the kitchen or rotate them out weekly or monthly. As for the rest, it's time to say goodbye. Donate them or pass them along to a friend or family member who just moved into their first apartment.