A Pre-Christmas Kitchen Clear-Out: Why and How to Declutter Your Cupboards

As the festive season approaches, many of us turn our attention to stocking up on Christmas treats, party supplies, and ingredients for the holiday feast.

However, before you fill your kitchen with mince pies, chocolate tins, and bags of potatoes, it’s the perfect time to clear out your cupboards.

A good declutter not only creates space for all your festive goodies but also sets the stage for an organised and stress-free holiday season.

Here’s why you should make it a priority and how to do it effectively.

Why Clear Out Your Kitchen Before Christmas?

Make Room for Festive Supplies

Christmas cooking often requires extra storage for seasonal ingredients, snacks, and drinks. By decluttering, you can free up valuable space for everything from turkey trays to gingerbread tins.

Avoid Food Waste

Forgotten items lurking in the back of your cupboards can go stale or expire without you realising. Clearing out now allows you to use up these items before they go to waste. (Finding a forgotten jar of mince pie mix, for example?)

Save Money

Knowing what you already have prevents unnecessary purchases. You might find unopened baking supplies or canned goods that can feature in your holiday recipes.

Streamline Christmas Cooking

A tidy, well-organised kitchen makes cooking for a crowd far less stressful. You’ll spend less time hunting for ingredients and more time enjoying the festivities.

Start the New Year Fresh

Clearing out before Christmas gives you a head start on those New Year decluttering resolutions. It’s a win-win.

How to Tackle the Kitchen Clear-Out

Set Aside Time

Dedicate a couple of hours to focus on your kitchen cupboards. Put on some festive music to make the task more enjoyable.

Empty Everything Out

Take all items out of your cupboards. Seeing everything in one place gives you a better idea of what you have.

Check Expiry Dates

Sort through your food items and check expiry dates. Discard anything that’s expired, but also consider donating unopened, non-perishable items that are still in date but you’re unlikely to use.

Group Similar Items Together

Organise your items into categories, such as spices, baking supplies, canned goods, and snacks. This will help you see if you have duplicates or excess.

Clean the Shelves

Take the opportunity to wipe down cupboard shelves and remove any crumbs or spills. A clean slate feels satisfying and welcoming.

Plan Meals Around Forgotten Items

Create a meal plan to use up overlooked ingredients. That tin of chickpeas or jar of cranberry sauce could be turned into a festive dish.

Reorganise Thoughtfully

Place frequently used items at the front and seasonal items, like baking spices or cookie cutters, in an easy-to-reach spot. Invest in storage solutions like baskets or tiered organisers if needed.

Tips for Maintaining an Organised Kitchen

Adopt the “One In, One Out” Rule

For every new item you buy, try to use or discard an older one to prevent clutter from building up again.

Label Everything

Label jars, containers, and even shelves to make finding and storing items a breeze.

Keep a Running Inventory

Jot down what you have in stock to avoid doubling up when you shop for Christmas groceries.

The Festive Payoff

Clearing out your kitchen cupboards before Christmas offers more than just physical space—it provides mental clarity and a sense of readiness for the busy weeks ahead. With your cupboards decluttered and organised, you’ll feel more in control and better prepared to tackle the season’s culinary demands.

So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favourite Christmas jumper, and get to work! By the time you’re done, your kitchen will be a place of order and joy, ready to handle all the delicious chaos that the holiday season brings.