By Leslie Linsley

Author of “Nantucket Island Living” (Monicelli)

Winter puts me in a mind to declutter, repair, replace and reassess my home, starting with the kitchen since it’s the most used room in the house. When was the last time you emptied out the “junk” drawer? Eliminate and reassemble everything you want to keep into modular plastic containers. Take out every day mixing spoons and bowls, a whisk, spatula, carving and paring knives, cutting boards, colander, grater, garlic press, scrub brush. Do you own a small berry colander? I use this size more often than the big one. Take stock of things like the paper towel holder, garbage bins and anything you use daily. Check all expiration dates on spices and packaged food in your pantry and replace those that are outdated. Get rid of what you never use. Be ruthless. Commit to only one drawer at a time. In this way the project is doable and will give you immense satisfaction. Move on as time permits.

On a wall in the front room of the Housewares Department at Marine you’ll find mind-boggling, redesigned, upscale, utilitarian, and affordable items to make meal prep efficient and enjoyable. You’ll wonder how you lived without them. It’s the easiest way to spruce up your kitchen, especially when assembled into a new container on the counter. Replace potholders, dishtowels and drawer inserts for holding everything in a clean, new, tidy way. Line your drawers with new Contact paper (In the right far corner of what I call the “step up” room.) Such a satisfying project for a winter day. Replace sponges, scrub brush, paper towel holder, and garbage bins. Check out the new versions of small appliances. You’ll be surprised by the upgrades since you last bought these items. While not the most romantic gift, a set of new cannisters filled with small, gift-wrapped kitchen doodads is a creative Valentine’s Day present for the cook in the family. Add a new cookbook and some red roses!

More easy decluttering ideas to come in my March blog.