Decluttering Chronicles: The Refrigerator & Pantry Edition (aka: A Fresh Start—Literally)

 

Well, friends, the great decluttering journey marches on! After conquering closets, drawers, and the mysterious black hole under the bathroom sink, I have now stormed the gates of my refrigerator and pantry. Let me tell you, it’s been quite the adventure.

I took a long, hard look at what was lurking in there and made a new rule: if the ingredient list reads like a chemistry exam or the item contributes nothing nutritionally, out it goes. After several rounds of tossing and donating, I realized… there’s hardly anything left. I’m starting from scratch!

This feels oddly familiar—because the last time I decluttered to this level of severity was in 2010, when we moved from Arizona to Tennessee. I still remember parting (finally!) with a jar of beets that I had lovingly—and irrationally—held onto for decades. That jar came from the very first grocery shopping trip Jerry and I made together as newlyweds, back in 1978 at Churchill’s in Toledo, OH. Yes, folks. I kept a jar of beets for over thirty years. If that doesn’t define sentimental snacking, I don’t know what does.

And let’s talk about that pantry: it’s no longer a graveyard of forgotten boxes and bags. Now, it’s a sight to behold—rows of labeled Ball jars filled with wholesome goodness: flours, sugars, grains, dried fruits, beans, seeds. Everything tidy, visible, and ready for healthy, intentional cooking. Opening that pantry feels like stepping into my own little general store, and I love it.

Now, with a fridge and pantry wiped clean of mystery items and ancient memories, I’m embracing the fresh life. And when I say fresh, I mean everything—sauces, dressings, snacks. It’s like I’ve gone from “convenience queen” to “farmhouse chic” overnight (minus the chickens).

Enter: the Snackle Boxes. (Walmart, $9.99) (because the only thing I’m hoarding now is nutrition.) One lives in the fridge, one in the pantry. They’re filled with high-nutrition, no-regret snacks that I rotate out weekly. If it’s not in the snackle box, it doesn’t get snacked on. These little boxes have been an absolute game changer, keeping me honest and my fingers out of the proverbial cookie jar.

And let’s talk refrigerators: can we all agree they weren’t designed with healthy eating in mind? All those drawers and hidey-holes are perfect for concealing ancient condiments, forgotten leftovers, and (apparently) jars of historic beets. But not anymore. I’ve reclaimed that space, and now it’s bursting with color, whole foods, and a fresh sense of purpose.

Here's to decluttering, not just our homes, but our habits. To starting fresh, one snackle box (and Ball Jar at a time, and to creating spaces that nourish us inside and out.  And to that jar of beets- thank you for the memories.