Let's talk about mugs and cups. Are your kitchen cupboards full of mismatching, chipped, faded, stained mugs and cups that have accumulated over the years that no longer bring you joy?
Most homes seem to have an interesting collection of mugs. Ones that have been brought as cheap souvenirs, accepted as gifts, promotional freebies, photo mugs, ones made by children, or the ones you brought from Starbucks because you thought it would make your coffee taste like theirs.
They tend to linger around your kitchen and multiply in the back of your cupboard because in some way you feel attached to them.
How many mugs and cups do you actually use? Most people tend to reach for their favourite tea or coffee mugs and the rest pile up in the corner only to be reached for when the washing up hasn't been done for days, or when you have a house full of guests.
This challenge is to let go of the old and un-used mugs and cups that are taking up valuable space in your home.
DECLUTTER + SIMPLIFY
On a clear surface, collect together ALL of the mugs and cups that you own and sort into categories of types and/or by person.
Coffee mugs, teacups, travel cups, kids cups etc so you can clearly see them all.
How many do you have? How many do you really need? Decide on a reasonable number to keep.
Let each family member choose a few of their favourites, then a few spares for when you have guests - again be reasonable. It's very unlikely that you're going to need to make more than 10 hot drinks for guests at any one time.
You should really only keep the mugs that you search for in the mornings. You know the ones that make you smile and somehow make your tea or coffee taste better.
Keep those ones - what's the point in keeping the others? If you don't use them and would be embarrassed to give to a guest. Why are you keeping them?
Put your 'KEEPS' to one side, and before putting them back in, give the cupboard a good clean whilst it's empty.
Sort the rest into RECYCLE or DONATE.
What to do with unwanted items.
Any that are still in good condition (but just never used) could be donated to a charity shop, sheltered accommodation, local group or offered on freecycle.
Recycle or repurpose any that chipped, cracked or heavily stained. Some local recycling centres will accept them in the hardcore/rubble bins, Or you could smash them and use them in the bottom of planters to improve drainage.
ORGANISE
Keep your mugs and cups as close as possible to your kettle (together with your teas, and coffee, sugar and some teaspoons).
STORE + CONTAIN
Mugs and cups take up so much space as they are generally not stackable, so my favourite storage product for your mugs and cups cupboard are shelf inserts - like these ones from Ikea.
You can also buy them from TK Maxx, HomeSense, B&M Bargains, or online at Amazon, Store | A Place for Everything, Lakeland, and The Holding Company.
Before buying any new storage, make sure you measure (height, width and length) and plan it out first.
MAINTAIN
So that your mugs and cups don't get out of control again set a one in, one out policy. Recycle any that become damaged beyond repair straight away.
