As we make our way into a shiny, new year we often look for fresh ways to declutter and enliven our homes. The experts tell us the best organization methods fit naturally into our everyday habits and routines, making the upkeep of our tidy ways more sustainable. Here’s a quick guide to help you combat the peskiest kitchen clutter all year long.
The classic three-pile method is a well-known tool for a reason (thank you, Marie Kondou). Start by making a pile for things to keep, donate, and trash. Then, be ruthless in your tidying, pulling all rogue items into one of the three piles. You’ll find that with all the donations and disposable items you eliminate, you’ll have an easier time finding a place for the things in your “keep” pile.
Tackling one area of your kitchen at a time will help you thoughtfully work through any areas in need of organization, bit-by-bit. Let’s dig in!
1. Food Pantry
First things first: finding storage containers that suit your space will save the shelf life of dry goods and help you keep track of what you have. These don’t need to be the latest and greatest; Mason jars come in a variety of sizes from tiny to surprisingly large, and can be swapped out for smaller jars when a pantry staple is running low. Find something that works well for you, and run with that!
2. Refrigerator & Freezer
This is a great time to toss the random condiments that have accumulated in the back, front, and side-doors of your fridge. Tidying perk: this makes room for all of those tasty, local hot sauces you’ve been eyeing at the farmer’s market. It’s a win!
Remove everything from your freezer and re-organize by food type and purchase date. This will help you decide what to use now versus later and give you a better view of what you have available when it’s time for weekly meal planning.
3. Mugs & Water Bottles
How many water bottles and mugs does one household need? This must be a commonly debated topic in households across the country. There are favorite mugs, sentimental mugs, gifted mugs we feel we “should” keep, and so on. Here’s something to try: Take all of the mugs out of the cabinet and set them on the countertop. Re-stock your mugs starting with your favorites, then second favorites, and when you’ve made your way through two tiers of mugs you love, those left on the counter might be ready for a new home.
Water bottles are tricky as well. We accumulate them at events and while traveling, and before we know it there are a dozen hydration vessels stacked in the cupboard, waiting to be taken to the gym. Try the mug method here, or maybe set a limit for two water bottles per member of the household to keep it simple and objective.
4. Food Storage Containers “Tupperware”
Apply the above tactics with this additional tip: if it doesn’t have a matching lid, it will undoubtedly cause you grief. Also, if you can commit to one type of food storage brand and style and ditch the rest, you might find life gets a bit easier in a subtle but impactful way each time you reach for something to store the leftover pot roast in.
Our most beloved spaces are often the most “lived in” and the kitchen is said to be the heart of the home. It is a space many of us spend a lot of time in and is the most lingered area for our guests. Taking the time to refresh the nooks of your kitchen will ease the stress of everyday cooking and dining, making room for a bit more joy.