My Simple Thrifty Kitchen

This year, as in years past, I am focusing on keeping a simple and thrifty kitchen.  At the first of the year I went through all of the cupboards and drawers to declutter items I no longer need, want or use and to take an inventory of what I have left.  Taking an inventory allowed me to also make a mindful decision about my needs for 2026.

 

One of the items I knew I would need soon was a new set of potholders.  This time, rather than go to the store or hop online and purchase new potholders, I pulled leftover yarn I had in my craft room and crocheted myself a new set.  Not only did I save money by not purchasing something, but I used up something I already had on hand plus I had the added benefit of enjoying a crafty project while being resourceful too.

 

After going through the refrigerator and freezer, cleaning it out and reorganizing I had a good idea of what I had and what needed to be used up.  I also went through the pantry the same way.  With an inventory of what I had I focused on pulling items I knew needed to be used up and created my meals using those items so they did not go to waste.  Along with preventing food waste this tested my creativity to make some delicious meals and saved me from needing to spend more money at the grocery store to replace wasted items.

 

I cleaned the cabinet underneath the kitchen sink where I keep my trash bin and a plastic bin for storing my kitchen cleaning supplies and tools.  I refilled my dish soap dispenser as well as the hand soap dispenser using up the last bit of soap left in those refill containers.  I used a bit of water and a good shake to make sure I was able to utilize every drop prior to adding those containers to my recycle bin.  After restocking the cleaning supply bin I took an inventory of my stock I keep in the linen closet and came up with a mindful plan for purchasing cleaning supplies in 2026.

 

As I move forward this year I am focusing first on using the items I already have, including the appliances, and making sure I am no longer keeping and storing things I no longer need, use or want.  The same goes for food.  I am making sure I only purchase what I need, mainly to replace the items I am using to cook or bake with, so I maintain my inventory without over purchasing.  Meal prepping at least two main dishes at once allows me to simplify my cooking and clean up routine as I find I only need to cook about every five days.

 

Canning my own convenience items such as soup, meat, sauces, condiments, jams, jellies and syrups allows me to control the ingredients while maintaining a shelf stable food supply.  I also use a vacuum sealer to keep my frozen foods better protected so they last longer in the freezer.  Both practices also save me time and money over the long haul, especially as I am able to buy in bulk at a lower price per unit or weight.  I only buy in bulk items I use and consume on a regular basis, in particular meats and produce.

 

I keep my kitchen simple by eliminating clutter and making sure items are rotated in and out on a regular basis.  By keeping things uncluttered it makes it much easier to navigate and see what is inside my cupboards and drawers as well the refrigerator/freezer and the pantry.  It is also much easier to keep my kitchen clean and tidy too which makes cooking and baking so much easier and more enjoyable.  Saving money is important as well.  I love my simple thrifty kitchen.