Essential Kitchen Items to Declutter Before the Holiday Season. Week One

A Tidy Kitchen for a Calm Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the excitement of festive gatherings, delicious meals, and the joy of giving. But before you dive into the holiday spirit, take a moment to declutter your kitchen. An organized kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable and creates a welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. In this post, we will explore essential kitchen items to declutter before Christmas, helping you create a space ready for all the holiday festivities.

Items to Get Rid of Before Christmas

1. Expired Spices and Condiments

Start with your spice cabinet. Check expiration dates on your spices, sauces, and condiments. For instance, many spices lose their flavor after six months to a year. Toss anything that's expired or looks questionable. Not only does this free up space, but it also ensures your holiday dishes are full of flavor. Restock with fresh spices to enhance your culinary creations.

2. Reusable Water Bottles

   

   
   

Take stock of your reusable water bottles; for most households, one or two per person suffices. Consider donating or recycling the extras to declutter your cupboards.

3. Old Cookware and Bakeware

Cookware ages over time, which can lead to uneven cooking. Look for signs of wear, such as scratches, warping, or peeling non-stick surfaces. For example, if your non-stick pan is showing signs of flaking, it may be time to replace it. Investing in high-quality cookware can significantly impact your holiday cooking experience, allowing you to prepare meals more easily and effectively.

4. Unwanted Appliances

Many of us have rarely used appliances, like bread makers or juicers. If you haven't used a particular appliance in the past year, it might be cluttering your space. A survey found that 25% of people store appliances they rarely use. Donate or sell these items to create more counter space for appliances that you use daily.

5. Mismatched Dishware

Stacks of assorted dishware awaiting decluttering and organization on white shelves.

The holiday season calls for entertaining, making cohesive dishware important. If you have mismatched plates or glasses, consider decluttering them. Keep only items that complement each other and that you truly love. A more polished table setting invites guests and enhances the dining experience.

6. Old Kitchen Linens

Kitchen linens can become stained and worn. Assess towels, oven mitts, and tablecloths. Items that are frayed or no longer match your decor should be discarded. For example, investing in festive dish towels can bring a touch of holiday spirit to your kitchen and dining area.

7. Unused Cookbooks

Cookbooks can inspire creativity, but if you have ones you never look at, it might be time to clean house. A study shows that 70% of people have cookbooks they never use. Keep only those you refer to regularly or that hold sentimental value. Donate the rest to a local library or charity, where they can inspire others during the holiday season.

8. Excessive Plastic Containers

Plastic storage containers can accumulate quickly. Go through your collection and eliminate any containers that are missing lids or are no longer useful. Old plastic can absorb odours and flavours, potentially affecting your food and drinks. If replacing then a nice alternative is glassware.

9. Outdated or Unused Food Items

Look through your pantry and refrigerator for outdated or unnecessary food items, such as canned goods, dry grains, and frozen items that might have been forgotten. Toss anything expired or that no longer seems safe to eat. By doing this, you not only make more space but also ensure you have fresh ingredients on hand for holiday cooking.

10. Seasonal Items

As the holidays approach, assessing your seasonal kitchen items is wise. If you have holiday-themed dishware or decorations that you don’t use, consider letting them go. Keep only the items that bring you joy and that you intend to use this year. This helps create a more organized and festive kitchen atmosphere.

Time to declutter those charming yet unused Christmas decorations

Tips for Effective Decluttering

A clean and organized kitchen counter ready for holiday cooking

Now that you know what to declutter, here are some tips to make the process smoother:

Set a Time Limit

Decluttering can feel overwhelming. Set a specific time limit for each kitchen area. This keeps you focused and motivated to finish the job.

Create a Sorting System

As you declutter, establish a sorting system using three categories: keep, donate/sell, and toss. This tactic makes it easier to decide what to do with each item moving forward.

Involve the Family

Get your family involved in the decluttering process. This can be a fun activity that encourages everyone to take care of the kitchen space together. It may also help you identify items other family members want to keep.

Clean as You Go

Use decluttering as an opportunity to clean surfaces hidden behind clutter. Wipe down shelves and appliances to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere.

Celebrate Your Progress

Once you finish decluttering, take a moment to enjoy your newly organized kitchen. Celebrate the sense of accomplishment that comes with transforming your space.

Ready for Festivities

Decluttering your kitchen before the holiday season is an important step in preparing for festive gatherings and delicious meals. By removing expired items, duplicates, and unused gadgets, you can create a more functional and inviting space.

As you gear up for the holidays, remember that an organized kitchen enhances your cooking experience and creates opportunities for memorable moments with family and friends. So get started on your decluttering journey, and make this holiday season the best one yet!