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Hey there, friend. Take a deep breath. I see you.
Your kitchen survived Thanksgiving—and honestly? So did you. That’s worth celebrating, even if your counters are still cluttered with random serving dishes you’re not sure where to put, your fridge is playing Tetris with containers, and you’re pretty sure there’s still cranberry sauce somewhere behind that casserole dish.
Here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to have it all figured out right now.
But here’s the thing—December is just getting started. There are more gatherings ahead, more cookies to bake, more meals to prep. And right now, your kitchen is exhausted from the holiday it just hosted.
So let’s give it (and you) a little love. Not a total overhaul. Not a Pinterest-perfect transformation. Just a gentle reset that makes the next few weeks actually manageable.
Because you deserve a kitchen that supports you through the holidays, not one that adds to your stress.
First: Give Yourself Some Grace
If your kitchen is still recovering from Thanksgiving, you’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re human.
Maybe you hosted this year, and you’re still finding dishes in random places. Maybe you traveled and came home to realize you forgot to clear out the fridge before you left. Maybe you’re staring at a sink full of dishes and feeling completely overwhelmed.
All of that? Completely normal. You are not alone.
The “perfect home organizer” content you see on social media doesn’t show the reality: real kitchens in real homes with real people living real lives get messy. Especially after hosting a major holiday.
So before we do anything else, I want you to release any guilt or shame about the current state of your kitchen. You’re here, you’re ready to tackle it, and that’s what matters.
The 15-Minute Kitchen Kindness Reset
You don’t need hours. You don’t need a whole day. You just need 15 minutes and a willingness to start.
Here’s your gentle reset:
Minute 1-3: Clear the decks
- Grab everything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen and put it in one basket or box
- Don’t sort it now, don’t put it away—just get it OUT of your kitchen space
- You’re creating breathing room
Minute 4-7: The fridge reality check
- Open that fridge and be honest: what’s actually going to get eaten?
- Toss anything that’s clearly past its prime (yes, even if you feel guilty)
- Consolidate containers—three half-full containers of mashed potatoes become one
- Stack, don’t scatter
Minute 8-11: Counter rescue
- Put away clean dishes (even if they’re not in their “perfect” spot—done is better than perfect)
- Load the dishwasher or fill the sink with soapy water for things that need hand washing
- Wipe down one counter—just one—so you have a clear work surface
Minute 12-15: Tomorrow’s win
- Set out your coffee maker or tea kettle for tomorrow morning
- Make sure you have a clean dish or two for breakfast
- Take one last look and acknowledge what you just accomplished
That’s it. You just reset your kitchen in 15 minutes.
But What About All Those Serving Dishes?
I know, I know. You’ve got serving platters you borrowed from your mom, dishes from your neighbor, and things you’re not even sure are yours sitting on every available surface.
Here’s your action plan:
Today:
- Wash everything that needs washing (or get it in the dishwasher)
- As items are clean, stack them in one designated spot—not scattered around
This weekend:
- Return borrowed items (take a photo of what belongs to whom if you need a reminder)
- Put your own serving pieces away—and take a second to notice which ones you actually used and loved
- Make a note of anything you wished you had but didn’t
Pro tip: If you can’t remember the last time you used a serving dish before this Thanksgiving, and you didn’t love using it this time… you might not need to keep it. Just saying.
The Fridge Situation: Let’s Talk About It
Your refrigerator right now probably looks like a game of Tetris designed by someone who’s had too much wine.
I get it. We’ve all been there.
The quick wins:
Deal with the leftovers decisively:
- If it’s going to be eaten in the next 2-3 days, keep it front and center
- If it’s “maybe” territory, be honest with yourself and let it go
- If you’re keeping it “just in case,” ask yourself: when, specifically, will I eat this?
Create zones that make sense:
- Front and center: This week’s meals and snacks
- Middle shelf: Ingredients for upcoming holiday baking
- Back: Condiments and staples that can wait
The container confession:
- If you have five containers with random amounts of the same thing, consolidate
- If a container is making you feel guilty every time you open the fridge, it’s okay to let it go
- Future you will thank present you for the fridge space
Prep for What’s Coming (Without Stressing About It)
Here’s the beautiful thing: a little bit of prep now makes the next few weeks so much easier.
Make a simple plan:
- What holiday baking do you actually want to do? (Not what Pinterest tells you—what do YOU want?)
- What gatherings are you hosting or attending?
- What would make those things easier?
Do one thing to set yourself up:
- Clear one cabinet or shelf for holiday baking supplies
- Make a list of groceries you’ll need (even if you don’t shop yet)
- Check your pantry—do you have the basics you’ll need?
Here’s what you DON’T need to do:
- Organize your entire pantry
- Buy matching storage containers
- Create an Instagram-worthy spice rack
- Have it all figured out
You just need enough organization to not feel like you’re drowning. That’s it. That’s the goal.
When It Feels Like Too Much
Look, I’m a professional organizer, and even I have moments where my kitchen feels overwhelming during the holidays.
If you’re reading this and thinking “15 minutes sounds nice, but I need 15 hours,” I hear you.
Sometimes the reset you need isn’t something you can do in one quick session. Sometimes your kitchen has been struggling for longer than just Thanksgiving. Sometimes you’re juggling work, kids, life, and the last thing you have energy for is organizing.
That’s when it’s okay to ask for help.
Whether it’s asking your family to pitch in, letting some things slide until January, or reaching out to a professional who can help you create systems that actually work for your life—getting support isn’t giving up. It’s being wise.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Here’s what I want you to remember:
Your kitchen doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to work for you.
If all you do today is clear one counter and make space in your fridge, that’s a win.
If you get your dishes done and call it good, that’s a win.
If you read this and feel a little less overwhelmed, that’s a win too.
The holidays are supposed to be about joy, connection, and celebration. Not about having a spotless kitchen that looks like a magazine spread.
So give yourself permission to do what you can, let go of what you can’t, and know that your kitchen—and you—are doing just fine.
Your Next Step
Pick ONE thing from this post—just one—and do it today.
Maybe it’s the 15-minute reset. Maybe it’s just dealing with the fridge. Maybe it’s asking your family to help with dishes tonight.
Whatever it is, start there. Build momentum. Be kind to yourself in the process.
You’ve got this. And your kitchen? It’s going to be ready for whatever December brings.
Need more support getting your kitchen (or any part of your home) organized for the holidays? We’re here for you. At Just Organized by Taya, we create systems that work for real life, not just for Instagram. Whether you need help with a post-holiday reset or you’re ready to tackle bigger organizing projects, we’d love to chat.
Book a consultation and let’s talk about how we can help you create a home that supports you through the holidays and beyond.
You deserve a space that feels peaceful, not stressful. Let’s make that happen together.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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