If your coffee cup cabinet is stuffed to the brim, you’re not alone. From souvenir mugs to holiday gifts, cute designs, and those “just because” impulse buys, mugs are one of the most commonly cluttered categories in the kitchen. That’s why Week 26 of the 52-Week Declutter Challenge is all about decluttering your coffee cups and mugs—one cabinet, one sip, and one joyful decision at a time.
I used to open my cabinet and be met with a chaotic collection of mismatched, chipped, and forgotten mugs. But once I decluttered and curated a collection I truly love, my mornings felt smoother and more intentional. Here’s how you can do the same.
Step 1: Pull Out Every Single Mug
Start by taking every single mug out of your cabinet or shelf. Don’t just eyeball the front row—dig into the back, above the fridge, and even your work bag (yes, that one probably still has a travel mug inside).
Why? Because clutter hides. Laying everything out in one place helps you truly see how much you’ve accumulated. It’s easy to underestimate the number when they’re all tucked away. You might be shocked to find duplicates, chipped mugs, or seasonal cups you haven’t used in years.
Step 2: Sort With a Purpose
As you assess each mug, divide them into Keep, Donate, or Toss piles. Be honest with yourself. Ask:
- Do I use this mug at least once a month?
- Is it free of chips, stains, or wear?
- Does it match my current style or kitchen aesthetic?
- Does it make me smile?
You don’t need 17 mugs for a family of 4. Most people only reach for their top 2–3 favorites anyway. I chose to keep the mugs that spark joy—like the one I drink my morning tea from daily and my Paris souvenir mug, which was a thoughtful gift that reminds me of a friend and a place I love. The rest? They were donated, repurposed, or let go with gratitude.
Step 3: Donate or Repurpose What You Don’t Need
If your mugs are still in good condition, consider donating them to a local women’s shelter, school teacher lounge, or community center. These places are often in need of kitchen basics.
For mugs that are chipped or sentimental but not functional, think outside the box. You can:
- Use them as cute mini planters for herbs or succulents
- Turn them into pen holders for your desk
- Display them as decorative keepsakes in a china cabinet or shelf
Toss anything that’s beyond repair or no longer useful.
Step 4: Organize Your Favorites for Everyday Joy
Once you’ve narrowed down your favorites, it’s time to put them away in a clean, efficient system. I highly recommend this mug shelf riser I found on Amazon. It doubles your cabinet space by creating a second tier—no more stacking mugs dangerously high or knocking one over just to grab your favorite.
Not only does it maximize your cabinet space, but it makes your mugs visible and easy to access. I love when organization meets beauty and function—and this little tool makes a big difference.
Step 5: Create a Coffee Station (Optional, But Fabulous)
If you’re a coffee or tea lover, this is the perfect opportunity to create a dedicated space for your favorite morning ritual. I have a small coffee station with my mugs, sweeteners, stirring spoons, and a rotating tray with syrups and tea bags. It brings a bit of hotel luxury into my daily routine—and keeps everything neat and ready to go.
Your coffee station doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a corner of your counter with a pretty tray, matching canisters, and your 3–5 favorite mugs can completely elevate your morning flow.
Decluttering your coffee cups may seem like a small task—but trust me, it sets the tone for your day. Imagine opening your cabinet and only seeing mugs you love, without chipped edges or awkward stacks. That small joy carries into your morning routine, your mood, and even your productivity.
Don’t wait for a big free weekend. You can tackle this project in 15–30 minutes and feel the results immediately.
☕️ Join the Challenge
This blog post is part of my 52-Week Declutter Challenge. If you’re just finding me, welcome! Each week we tackle one area of your home and life. You can catch up, start where you are, or follow along in real time.
As always, if you need help getting your home and life organized, register for my free “5 Days to an Organized Home & Life” email course. Each day you will receive strategies for keeping your home & life organized and having a “company ready” home at all time. You can register for the free course at www.decoratorsvoice.com/free5daycourse
For information about my Full Home & Life Organizational Strategies course, please visit www.decoratorsvoice.com/homestrategiescourse. In this course, you’ll receive tons of useful information, a one on one private consultation, access to my private Facebook group, and a physical Divine Life and Home Planner.
Thanks for stopping by. If you have any organizational or decorating questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I would love to hear from you. For information concerning our decorating services and products, please visit www.divineelementsofdesign.com.
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