1. Refresh your fridge and freezer
Start by completely emptying your refrigerator and freezer. Every condiment, leftover, and package. With everything out, wipe down all of the shelves, drawers, and doors. Sort through each item and toss anything expired, old condiments, or freezer-burned foods. As you put things back, wipe down the containers themselves (yes, even the sticky ketchup bottle and the drippy milk jug).
Create a donation spot on the counter for unused but still good items and set them aside for your local food pantry. Once the inside is sparkling clean, move to the exterior. Wipe away fingerprints and smudges, then sort through any artwork, school papers, or notes stuck to the fridge. Decide what to keep and what to recycle. For special keepsakes, services like Artkive or Plum Print can turn your child’s artwork into a custom book.
2. Organize your pantry
Next, tackle the pantry. Check expiration dates and toss anything outdated. Group similar items together, like snacks, baking supplies, and canned goods to make everything easy to find during holiday cooking. Clear bins or containers can help keep things visible and organized. Organize your spices and herbs and make sure you toss the old ones. Wipe up or vacuum any spilled food as well. Add any unopened items you won’t use to your donation box.
3. De-clutter your cabinets
Go through your cabinets and remove items you rarely use or duplicates you don’t need. Donate extra bake-ware, pots and pans, serving dishes, or small appliances that are collecting dust. Rearrange items by category and frequency of use so holiday cooking feels easier and more enjoyable. This will save you time later when you are searching for all the parts to your food-processor attachments.
4. Clear and clean your counters
A clean, uncluttered counter makes holiday meal prep less stressful and leaves more space for entertaining. Keep your counters functional and welcoming by removing appliances and items you don’t use daily. Wipe down surfaces, tidy up any small decor, and create designated zones for essential prep tools. The goal is to have counters that are ready for anything, from weekday dinners to holiday cookie-baking marathons. Everyone has a different design aesthetic, but clean, clutter free counters go with every kitchen.
5. Sort mail, papers, and school forms
Kitchens often double as the household command center, so take a moment to deal with any piles of mail, school forms, or receipts. Recycle what you don’t need, file anything important, and create a dedicated spot for items that require action. Clearing this visual clutter keeps counters open and prevents paper from spreading across the kitchen.
Just a little prep now, and your kitchen will feel calmer, cleaner, and ready for all the holiday magic later. These simple resets are perfect and if you start now, you can enjoy a stress-free kitchen all season long.
