The holidays are just around the corner, which means family gatherings, big meals, and plenty of cooking. Before the hustle and bustle begins, now is the perfect time to declutter your kitchen. A clean, organized kitchen not only makes cooking more enjoyable but also helps you find everything you need quickly. Here are 7 tips to help you clear out the clutter and get ready for the holiday season.
1. Purge Unnecessary Items
The first step to decluttering is getting rid of things you don’t need. Open your cabinets, drawers, and pantry and assess what you haven't used in months (or even years!). Donate or toss out old gadgets, expired spices, and kitchen tools that are just collecting dust. The more you simplify, the more space you’ll have for holiday prep!
Quick Tip: Use Starpack’s eco-friendly kitchen tools that are multifunctional, so you need fewer items taking up space.
2. Organize Your Pantry
Take some time to sort through your pantry. Throw away expired items and group similar things together (canned goods, baking supplies, snacks, etc.). Using clear storage containers for dry goods like pasta, rice, and cereal not only makes everything look tidy but also keeps your food fresher for longer.
Quick Tip: Label containers for easy access and restocking.
3. Make Room for Holiday Leftovers
The holidays mean leftovers! Before the season kicks off, clear out your fridge and freezer to make room. Get rid of old condiments, freezer-burned food, and anything that’s been sitting there for months. Organize your shelves so that everything is easy to grab and stack.
Quick Tip: Use Starpack’s freezer-safe silicone containers to store leftovers efficiently. Their stackable design will save you space while keeping food fresh.
4. Declutter Your Countertops
Clear counters make a big difference in how spacious and organized your kitchen feels. Remove any appliances, tools, or decorations that you don’t use regularly. Keep only the essentials, like your coffee maker or stand mixer, on display. Store away items like blenders, toasters, and baking gadgets to free up space for meal prepping during the holidays.
Quick Tip: Use trays or baskets to organize small items like spices or utensils neatly on the countertop.
5. Tidy Your Cabinets
Holiday cooking often means digging out those specialty pots, pans, and serving dishes. Before the festivities begin, take stock of what’s in your cabinets. Rearrange them so that the items you’ll need, like roasting pans or baking sheets, are easy to access. Stack pans and use cabinet organizers to make the most of your space.
Quick Tip: Add shelf risers to double the space in your cabinets for plates and bowls.
6. Clean Your Oven
With all the holiday cooking, a clean oven is a must! You don’t want old grease and grime affecting your holiday meals. An easy, eco-friendly way to clean your oven is by using baking soda and vinegar. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, spread it inside the oven, let it sit overnight, then wipe it clean. Spray with vinegar for the final touch.
Quick Tip: After a good cleaning, use oven liners to catch drips during your holiday feasts and make cleanup even easier.
7. Create a Cooking Zone
Make your kitchen holiday-ready by creating a dedicated cooking zone. Gather all your most-used utensils, pots, pans, and ingredients in one spot. This keeps you from running back and forth across the kitchen while you’re preparing holiday meals. Store items like your cutting board, mixing bowls, and knives in easily accessible spots.
Quick Tip: Starpack’s kids' knives are a great addition for little helpers in the kitchen! Let them safely assist you in food prep while staying organized.
Decluttering your kitchen before the holidays not only reduces stress but also ensures that you’ll have plenty of space for cooking, entertaining, and storing leftovers. By following these 7 tips, you can create a functional, tidy space that’s ready for all your holiday cooking needs.
