Last month, we talked about all the clutter that can accumulate so quickly in our homes. Where does it all come from?

We started at the front door, went through the entryway and hall closet, then looked throughout your house to see which room(s) needed the most work. Usually, it’s the family room and then the kitchen.

I’d like to start this blog with the kitchen. It’s the easiest room to get cluttered because we spend so much time there. But first, what is clutter?

Clutter isn’t born from big messes – it’s created by lots of tiny ones. A sock on the floor, a single dish in the sink, a stack of mail on the counter – each feels harmless until it starts to grow! So, we need to change our mindset. If a task only takes a few seconds to complete, like putting a plate in the dishwasher, then do it right away! By tackling small chores as soon as they pop up, you stop the mess before it ever has a chance to multiply into clutter.

If you want to do a large kitchen clean-up, I suggest you open all the cabinets so that you can see what needs work. For me, my Tupperware multiplies, and I have to continually organize that cabinet.

Are there too many mugs or dishes you don’t use anymore? Do the cabinets need to be wiped down inside? How about outside the cabinets for fingerprints?

Next, open your refrigerator and begin throwing out old food items, condiment bottles, and other expired items. Sometimes you may need to remove the shelves and bins entirely and give them a good cleaning.

Now go to your pantry and remove all expired foods. See if you need to buy storage jars for your flour, sugar, and other pantry staples. Are there any large items you don’t use often that you could store in another closet?

Also, whenever you need to organize, the best way is to use bins, shelves, or hooks. Does your kitchen need any of these? I have hooks for my aprons and a dusting brush. I have shelves for some of my decorative bowls, and I use bins in my pantry for holding items.

Another idea for organizing and getting rid of clutter; do one area a week! I don’t want you to get overwhelmed because once your home is in order, you will feel like a new person. So perhaps this week you will work in the kitchen and pantry.

Next week, bedrooms, closets, and home office.

The following week, bathrooms and linens.

Remember, in each area other than cleaning and organizing, ask yourself: “Does this room need a fresh coat of paint, or a new shower curtain and towels? Perhaps the bedrooms need fresh new bedspreads, duvets, and pillows?

Do your children’s rooms need more shelving for their hobbies and books?

Another week, tackle the mail, papers, tax papers, etc.

And even add the attic, basement, and garage to your list.

Many of these areas will need your family to help. It should be a team project since the whole team lives there!

Action Plan

Think daily of how you can do one thing quickly. It will become a habit as:

• Place the mail in the same spot every day and go through it that day.
• Hang up your jacket, purse, and keys as soon as you come home.
• Wipe up counters and clean pots as you cook. Make sure the kitchen is spotless when the meal is over, even sweeping or mopping the floor.
• Toss trash and recyclables immediately.
• Hang wet towels up in the bathroom and keep counters wiped.
• Discard newspapers and magazines once read and return books to their proper place. I even have one spot designated for all my magazines and books.
• Laundry can get so out of hand, so do at least one load a day and make sure you take the clothes out of the dryer before they winkle.
• Have one day a week when you know you can vacuum, dust, and clean. A routine will really help keep your home up to date and clutter-free.

Manna from Heaven

Remember where our source of strength comes from; the Lord! And God wants to bring order out of chaos, so work diligently on all that God has given to you. I Corinthians 14:33:

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

You will receive such peace when our lives are in order!