Week Two: Organize Your Pantry & Fridge for the Holidays

[7 Weeks Before Christmas]

As the holiday season draws near, many of us find ourselves managing numerous tasks. From gift shopping to meal planning, it can be a whirlwind time. Among these tasks, cleaning out the fridge and pantry often falls to the bottom of our to-do lists. However, taking a little bit of time to declutter these spaces can save time and reduce stress later, particularly when you need room for leftovers and festive meals. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps to efficiently clean out your fridge and pantry, so you’ll be ready to enjoy the holiday season.

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Decluttering the Pantry

Now is not the time to do a full clean-out of the pantry (unless you have tons of time!) Go through the areas that are the most crowded, especially canned goods, spices, and baking supplies.

Check expiration dates. Sometimes they are hard to find, but all spices should have an expiration date. Most of them don't go bad, but they do lost their potency over time. Check expiration dates on baking supplies, like flour and sugar. Don't forget to do a quick check of your canned goods. I often find canned goods tend to pile up for many people. If you find anything expired, note it down. This allows you to replenish essentials in time for your holiday meal prep.

Think about your favorite holiday recipes—perhaps a classic snickerdoodles or a savory stuffing. Check your recipes, and make sure you have what you will need for these. You can buy a lot of the non-perishables early to make life easier later. Avoid buying duplicates at the store when you are in a rush and check your stock before adding to your holiday shopping list.

Organize Your Pantry for Efficiency

After you’ve checked expiration dates and created lists, you can do some light organizing. Put like items together: baking, snacks, cooking oils, condiment backstock, breakfast, meal starters, etc. Put the most used foods at eye level or lower. Use the top shelves for things that are not used often.

Cleaning Out the Fridge

When was the last time you checked in the nooks and crannies of your fridge? Dedicating a small amount of time now can prepare your fridge for all the holiday feasts ahead.

Check the expiration dates on condiments and sauces. You might find an old bottle of mustard lurking in the back! Throw out old leftovers and anything that you can't remember when you opened it.

Don't forget to check the freezer. Most food that has been frozen is good for 6-12 months. If it's covered in freezer burn, it's probably time to toss it.

Make a list of items that need to be replaced to ensure you have what you need on hand before the holiday cooking begins.

A Tidier Holiday Experience

Cleaning out your fridge and pantry may seem simple, but it can greatly improve your holiday preparations. In just a short time, by checking expiration dates, decluttering, and doing some light organizing, you will create a more efficient cooking space ready for all the meals ahead.

As you gear up for the holidays, remember that a little organization can make a big difference. So, grab a trash bag, a notepad, and begin to organize your pantry and fridge today!

And don't forget to subscribe to the email list for access to the printable checklist, so you can easily check off tasks as you go.

Next Up:

Week Three: Dining Room