Did you know studies show a clean and tidy home makes people happier? It’s true! It can be overwhelming to tackle cleaning every room in your home at once. But spring cleaning your kitchen is always a good idea. As one of the most used rooms in your home, the kitchen holds everything from provisions to gadgets. Your cupboards and drawers likely have items you don’t use and really don’t need. Spring is the perfect time to conquer the kitchen! Here are three things to focus on:

Food

Set aside time to go through all the food in your fridge and pantry. Remove everything and clean your fridge and pantry cupboards. (You might be surprised at what you find!) Look at each item with a critical eye and determine if it’s too old to keep. Afterward, put back only what you need.

Food tip: Are you confused about “best before” and “expiry date”? A “best before” sticker appears on prepackaged foods that will be fresh for 90 days or less. This is a manufacturer’s guarantee to the consumer that the food meets their standards before the posted date. Foods that have a longer shelf life have an “expiry date.” This includes foods that have nutritional benefits like meal replacements.

What do you do if your food is past these dates? According to Health Canada, use your best judgment if food is beyond its “best before” date. However, if your food is beyond the “expiry date,” throw it out.

Utensils

Do you repeatedly try to close jammed drawers or over-stuff your countertop utensil holder? Purging your kitchen tools is a great way to free up some much-needed space and ultimately help you find the items you need regularly.

Utensil organizing tip: Take out all your utensils and go through them. Two can openers? A lemon squeezer you never use? Clean your drawer or holder and only put back what you use regularly.

For everything else, place them in a basket or box. Then, put the box out of sight for a couple of weeks. If you don’t miss anything in the box, donate the contents to charity.

Food Storage Containers

This can be a big clutter zone for many families- particularly if you pack lunches regularly. I suggest you empty the drawer or cupboard of all your storage containers and find their matching lids. Recycle ones that are missing partners, those you don’t use or have seen better days.

Safety tip: Because harmful chemicals from some plastics can enter your foods, avoid using single-use plastic containers to microwave food. Instead, shop for safe and stackable options, like glass containers, to store and reheat your leftovers.

With spring cleaning your kitchen and your food, utensils and storage containers sorted, you will be surprised at how much space you actually have. And, yes, I think you’ll be a little bit happier! For more relevant articles delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter. For hands-on help, contact us today.