Be honest… when’s the last time you checked the expiration date on that jar of cumin? Or realized you had three nearly identical bottles of paprika? You’re not alone — spice cabinets are sneaky clutter zones in even the most organized kitchens.
If your spice collection is looking more chaotic than curated, it might be time to give it a little love. 🌶️
Here’s your step-by-step guide to decluttering your spices — and making your kitchen feel fresh, functional, and full of flavor.
🧂 Why Declutter Your Spices?
Save Money: Stop buying duplicates of what you already have.
Cook Faster: Find the exact spice you need without the cabinet avalanche.
Maximize Flavor: Fresh spices = better-tasting food. (Yes, spices lose potency over time!)
✅ Step-by-Step: Declutter Your Spices Like a Pro
1. Take Everything OutEmpty the cabinet, drawer, or rack. Seeing the full spread is eye-opening — and motivating.
2. Check Expiration DatesSpices don’t spoil, but they do lose their flavor.General rule:
Ground spices: 2–3 years
Whole spices: 3–4 years
Dried herbs: 1–3 years
If it smells like dust, it’s time to toss it.
3. Toss or Consolidate DuplicatesDo you really need three jars of oregano? Probably not. Combine when possible and ditch excess packaging.
4. Wipe & Clean the SpaceBefore putting anything back, give the area a good wipe down. Spices = sneaky spillers.
5. Organize by Type or FrequencyGroup spices in a way that makes sense for you. Some ideas:
Everyday essentials front and center
Baking spices grouped together
Labels facing forward for quick grabs
Bonus Tip: Use tiered racks, turntables (lazy Susans), or drawer inserts to keep everything visible.
I encourage you to start and continue your decluttering journey by checking out our podcast The Declutter Queen, designed to give you tips and tricks on how to declutter your life, physically and emotionally! With our helpful information you can be living clutter free in no time!
Don’t forget to check out The Declutter Queen podcast! Link to the podcast here
Paid subscriber? You are entitled to a free 15 minute session each month with me - a time to discuss and check in on your decluttering progress! Simply email me at [email protected] to book your exclusive decluttering session!
Not a paid subscriber to our newsletter yet? Consider signing up to receive exclusive decluttering tips and tricks and a more personalized touch with me, your host, Avery Cundill! Visit averycundill.substack.com
