Deck the Halls (Not Your Cabinets)

Your Holiday Decluttering Guide for a More Organized Kitchen 

The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re like most of us, then your kitchen is about to see a lot of action. Between family dinners, hosting friends, and holiday baking, you’ll need all the space you can get. That means it’s time to organize your cabinets and pantry! Here’s how to declutter your kitchen in just three easy steps (and just in time for the holidays!).

Step 1: Group Similar Items Together 

Start by pulling everything out of your cabinets and pantry (yes, everything!). Spread it out on the countertops to get a good look at what you have. You might be surprised by what’s hiding in the back! This step is key for sorting and figuring out what you need and what you don’t need anymore. 

As you go through the items, think about the different “categories” in your kitchen. For example, round up all your spices so you can see what’s doubled up, what you can combine, and what you don’t use anymore. You may even come across a few surprises, like realizing, this pumpkin is expired, or that cranberry sauce has seen better days! 

Pro Tip: For a manageable pace, set a 15-minute timer for each section of your kitchen — one cupboard or cabinet at a time! 

Step 2: Separate, Donate, Toss 

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to make some decisions. Create three piles: Keep, Donate, and Toss. This is where you can let go of items that don’t spark joy. And if it’s in good shape but not useful to you anymore, donate it! (Let someone else enjoy that ice cream maker you swore you’d use, but never touched!).

Be ruthless! If you don’t need it, don’t keep it. Keep the essentials, donate what you can, and toss the rest. You’ll be amazed at how much space you free up!

Food is the easiest place to start. Check all those expiration dates, and don’t be afraid to get rid of those notorious “non-perishables.” That can of anchovies you’ve been avoiding? It’s okay to toss it (trust me).

Now, before you get overwhelmed, remember: it’s okay if things are cluttered right now — it happens! Life changes, and it’s okay to live in your current season. Maybe before kids, you had time to do things like bake cookies from scratch every holiday season, but now you’re opting for the easy-bakes. That’s okay! You’re a busy person. So, don’t feel bad if you’re not keeping a spotless kitchen right now!

Some people even live in clutter for so long that they don’t even realize it’s there; they’ve learned to operate in the chaos. But if it feels like you’re running out of counter space in your kitchen, then that’s your sign that it’s time to declutter. 

Another Pro Tip: Save the Tupperware and kitchen gadgets for last; every lid and ladle needs a home, and it will be much easier to mix and match with all that clutter out of the way!

Step 3: Relocate Random Items 

If you come across things that belong elsewhere (like a toy or a book that somehow made itself a home on your kitchen island), move them back to their rightful places. Removing unnecessary clutter will make it so much easier to navigate the space when you’re whipping up that holiday feast. 

If there are items you’ve loved using in the past — like old pans or gadgets — but don’t have time or space for right now, consider relocating them to a different storage area. It’s okay to save them for later if your kitchen feels too crowded at the moment! The same goes for holiday-specific items; they can be stored away until they’re needed again.

Keep in Mind: While it might be tempting to reorganize every room as you go, resist the urge! Focus on one space at a time. You can always tackle the toy closet or the guest room later.

The Holiday Prep Payoff

Imagine the relief of opening your cabinets to find everything in its place, from neatly stacked Tupperware to perfectly organized spices. When the big day comes and you’re juggling multiple dishes, you’ll be thankful for the time you invested now.

Need a Holiday Miracle? Let Us Help! Decluttering can be a hassle, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll help you break free from the clutter and make your space yours again. Get in touch with us today for a personalized, no-judgment consultation, and enjoy a well organized kitchen this holiday season!