New Year Kitchen Reset
I’d love a new kitchen, but we know that is not always possible. I have figured out that even if you can’t actually get a new kitchen, you can make yours feel brand new! If your kitchen is feeling a little overwhelming, rather than inspiring as it should be, it’s time to give it a refresh. Whether you have some canned goods hiding in the back of your pantry from 10 years ago or your utensils drawer is out of control, you need a new year kitchen reset!
Check out how I’m taking on my kitchen below!
Start in the pantry
Whenever I feel like my kitchen is a bit too overwhelming, I always start in the pantry. With four kids, our pantry holds tons of snacks that don’t like to stay organized. Grab some bins and start cleaning up your dry goods. Organizing can really help you reduce your food waste this year because it helps you to SEE everything you have, and know exactly what you need.! PS, don’t forget to check the expiration date on that one can of soup that’s been in the back of your pantry forever!
Check out the dishes & pans
After a long year of meals, our dishes and pans can take a beating. Take out all of the baking sheets, pots, pans, baking dishes, eating utensils, and anything else hiding in those cabinets! Use this time to see what needs to be replaced and what can withstand another year. This would also be a great time to give all of your dishes a good scrub to start fresh! BTW, I get cheap but well-made, well-branded pans from Homegoods when I am due for a refresh.
Scrub that oven!
I’ll be the first to admit that I definitely do not clean my oven as often as I should. It’s the easiest thing to forget. Using some baking soda and water, scrub a layer of the paste on and let it sit overnight if you can. Spray the oven with vinegar and wipe it down clean. Make sure your oven racks are given a good scrub, too!
Organize, organize, organize
Think back to the last year of cooking. What did you complain about most? Maybe the spices need to be closer to the stove or the silverware drawer needs to be reorganized. We tend to like routine, so we don’t think to change which cabinet our dishes are kept in! As this new year begins, use some downtime to think about how your kitchen is being used and optimize your setup.
Don’t forget the dishwasher
The dreaded dishwasher filter… No one likes to clean it, but it neeeeeds to be done! Use an old soft toothbrush to give it a good cleaning before locking it back into place. Next, run a vinegar cycle to make sure it’s fully clean. Your dishes will thank you! Truly, it’s SO gross and one of the things I am most astonished by!
Cold food time
Let’s hop over to the refrigerator and freezer. To start, jot down everything that’s in there. Once you’re more aware of everything you have, meals will be easier to plan out. This will be so helpful in reducing food waste, too! If anything in there isn’t smelling the best, clean it out and re-organize. I’m a visual person, so if food gets pushed to the back, I tend to forget it’s there. Make sure every item is visible and easy to grab! I get some clear bins from Target or Homegoods to organize my fridge and freezer into categories.
Try to reset different parts of your home throughout the year! Declutter, organize, and get your home back on track - starting with the kitchen. Let me know in the comments if you’re doing a home reset this year!