My Top Clutter Free Kitchen Tips for a Stress Free Christmas

It's time to declutter, you can do this in the lead up to Christmas, and I usually do it before I put up the decorations.

Things to throw out or donate to charity:

Broken utensils

Can openers – keep one that works well

Broken Tupperware lids

Tupperware with missing lids (or organise your pantry with them)

Broken pencils and pens that don’t work (life is too short)

Empty jars – unless you will be filling with preserves or relishes for Christmas gifts

Utensil double ups – just keep the ones you use unless it is spat-ooh-lah-lahs then you need at least ten!

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Chipped plates and glasses, mugs etc

Near-empty sauces – check the fridge and pantry

Old herbs & spices – check use-by dates as flavours go stale after a few months, so if use by date is past, chuck! (see video below for best spices practice, this method can apply to almost any dried spice or herb.)

Torn tea towels

Twist ties, rubber bands and bread tags – only keep a small supply

Old newsletters and shopping lists on the fridge

Serving bowls you never use (you know the ones)

Coasters – you only need one set

Cook books you never refer to (and they better not be mine!)

Cookware you have upgraded from but still keep because, well, you used to use them

Unrecognisable items buckled at the back of your drawers

A lot of items you seldom use, or only use seasonally can be stored in places other than the kitchen if space is tight.

Store these elsewhere;

Punch bowl – how many times a year do you use it? (But while you’re at it, clean to save time on Christmas Eve)

Fancy cookie cutters (I use these as decorations at Christmas, hang with a pretty ribbon and if you use them for actual baking, then there they are, just hanging around waiting to be put to good use!)

Cake decorating tools and sprinkles etc

Gravy boat

Pie weights (essential but occasional use)

Slow cooker

Tea/coffee/brew choc assortment (leave your favourites handy)

Fancy baking tins or forms

Outgrown kids’ dinnerware 

Large serving platters or boards

Tackle the Pantry:

The pantry: the black hole of the kitchen where snacks vanish into the abyss and expired sauces go to retire. And if you have a deep pantry, well, good luck—there’s probably a civilisation of canned beans and other unknowns living at the back. But don’t panic; let’s tackle the chaos together.

1. Pull Everything Out

Yes, everything. I know, it’s like asking you to willingly create a disaster zone, but trust me, it’s the only way to uncover what’s hiding in the shadows. While you’re at it, check expiration dates—if it’s older than your youngest child, it’s gotta go. Anything still good but not on your menu? Pop it aside for a food drive or donate it to a local pantry. Karma points, anyone?

2. Organise by Like-Items

Every pantry has the classics: flour, sugar, pasta, and that one spice jar you bought for a recipe five years ago. Group like with like—canned foods in one spot, snacks in another, and breakfast items front and center for those groggy mornings.

Not only will you be able to find your cereal without a search party, but you’ll also be amazed at the newfound space. Plus, when it’s time to plan your holiday feast, you can just glance in and know what to buy instead of accidentally ending up with five jars of cranberry sauce. Cheers to a stress-free, snack-filled season!

A clutter-free kitchen 

is the gift that keeps on giving, especially during the chaos of Christmas. By tackling those messy drawers, chaotic pantries, and overloaded benchtops now, you’re setting yourself up for a season of effortless entertaining and joyful cooking. Plus, think of all the time you’ll save when you’re not searching for the potato peeler in a drawer full of mystery gadgets. So, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner organising guru, and give yourself the best present of all: a stress-free Christmas in a clutter-free kitchen. Cheers to a holiday season that’s merry, bright, and gloriously organised!