"Kitchen drawers and cabinets have a way of filling up without intention or encouragement, and clutter breeds more clutter. An extra whisk from a wedding registry seems to lead into a half-melted spatula you swore you'd replace, adding to the chaotic nest of lidless containers you keep out of habit. Over time, these items crowd out the tools you actually use and make what should be a space of utility feel overwhelming and discombobulated."
"'Best' makes you consider quality. Do you really need three sheet pans, or do you reach for the one that heats evenly and never warps? That's the keeper. 'Favorite,' on the other hand, is about joy. Maybe you own sturdier, matching mugs, but the slightly chipped, vintage McDonald's collectable cup you reach for every morning deserves a permanent spot. 'Necessary' is in regard to practicality."
Kitchen drawers and cabinets accumulate unused items that crowd out regularly used tools and make the space overwhelming. A three-word filter—best, favorite, necessary—offers a fast decision rule for daily purging. 'Best' prioritizes quality and reliable performance; 'favorite' preserves items that spark joy or daily comfort; 'necessary' keeps pragmatic tools that save time. The approach permits sentimental choices and resists rigid minimalism while enabling immediate, drawer-by-drawer application during cooking. Applying the filter clarifies redundant pieces and highlights neglected corners like dull knife blocks, improving functionality and the cooking experience. Results feel noticeably calmer and more efficient.
Read at Tasting Table
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