This is the ultimate before picture… of me… before coffee.
I've been living in a muggy place lately. And no, it's not the weather – it's the middle of winter in Pennsylvania, after all. I'm talking about my kitchen cabinets. They were overflowing with mugs, a fact I didn't fully realize until a recent client visit.
While organizing her kitchen, I was struck by the sheer volume of mugs she owned – more than some tourist gift shops! Did she collect them? Not intentionally. Some were handmade by her children, others were gifts from loved ones' travels, and still others had simply accumulated over time. They were scattered everywhere: on the counters, in cabinets, and on a coffee cart.
She had nearly 60 mugs, but only used four regularly, and perhaps eight throughout the entire year. My math isn't perfect, but that means over 80% of her mugs were just taking up valuable real estate. With limited counter and storage space, she desperately needed to reclaim every inch of usable area.
We talked about how some mugs held sentimental value, like the ones her son had made. Others reminded her of relatives, and some were her favorites to drink from. But most were simply clutter. She had no idea where they even came from and never used them. She felt no attachment to them, yet had never considered getting rid of them. Ultimately, she decided to donate some, and we packed others away in her basement. Removing so many mugs freed up cabinet space, allowing her to store items that had been cluttering her counters. This created more food prep space, and now she can even eat dinner at her kitchen table!
Returning home, I took a critical look at my own mug cabinet. I realized my family also only uses four mugs regularly, yet I had over 20 crammed inside! Pulling them all out, I discovered a full set of matching mugs that came with my dishes, rarely used. I suppose I was keeping them "just in case" I ever hosted a coffee party for ten friends who all wanted matching cups? I also found mugs that are truly special to me, but not the most comfortable to drink from. They were hidden in the back, practically forgotten. It was time for a mug migration! Only the mugs we use regularly went back in the cabinet, including a favorite from my brother that perfectly captures my pre-coffee persona.
The special mugs that bring me joy now reside in an open cabinet where I can see them every day. Other mugs were donated, and the matching set? They're tucked away until I host that ten-person tea party.
Maybe it’s time to take a look in your cabinets. Are you living in a muggy place?