Organize & Declutter My FARMHOUSE Kitchen With Me

[@mishaschwanebeck]

I have a large basket in my basement where I store my hosting items that I only reach for during the holidays. Maybe you can put your white plastic plates and your clear glass divided round server in a basket or tote along with other things you only reach for when you host. I am loving this decluttering series! You are doing so well.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

That’s a great suggestion. My husband actually did a big decluttering in the basement (I rubbed off on him!). I have a few Christmas decor items that I could keep with the plates and tray. I need to do this asap! Thanks! 😊

[@kathywills3244]

Could you hang your muffin pans on a wall in your kitchen or on the end of a cabinet? Doing a nice job which inspired me to get up and clean out my cabinets, thank you!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I wish I could! My wall space in the kitchen is so limited. The cabinets and windows take up all the space. 😊

[@karenburkhart474]

Great job Suzanne!! Your cupboards look wonderful 😊

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you!! 😊

[@osmadchlo]

For the toaster : find yourself a wicker basket to store the toaster and line the bottom with cardboard to catch the crumbs. 😉

[@ourwildflowerhaus]

absolutely genius, i am going to do this! thank you for your comment!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Love it, thank you! ❤️

[@dianaklien1560]

I would use a bin that catches the crumbs and is easy to clean (I would do the wicker basket w/cardboard if I didn’t have a bin and couldn’t get one, but did have the basket. :D)

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@ I looked at the thrift store yesterday, after all the suggestions for the toaster. There were a few trays, but I’m gonna hold out till I find one I really love! ❤️

[@sue758]

Hi Suzanne, ive been enjoying this series! Heres an idea..store the items youre not sure about in another area of your home. Speaking from experience, our lives and tastes are always changing and what you may not think you'll use today could prove to be invaluable to you tomorrow. While ive also done a bit of simplifing, I've learned to think twice before jumping in on the latest social media trend. PS. You are always cooking up something wonderful in the kitchen and will not regret keeping the 2 cup glass measure cup and the glass casserole dishes!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, you are right. As a home cook, it is just so helpful to have the things you want when you need them. That’s honestly what made this so difficult for me!

[@RichLittlePoorGirl-1124]

Hi Suzanne. I think you did a great job decluttering and organizing your cabinets. I personally might have kept the cookie tins, since they match the bread box, but I can sympathize with your letting them go, as well. I'm jealous of your little "ledge" for holding plates inside your cabinet. I have a platter in my cabinet being held up by my other dishes, and one of those ledges would definitely give me a little more peace of mind. Keep doing what you're doing. I think you're making great progress! ☺

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@robertaaOHIO]

You are many things, Suzanne, you are creative, so smart, caring, innovative, and the list could go on.I don't see an undermanaged home. You are an amazing homemaker, a pioneer for your domestic peers. I have learned so much from your videos, because they made me realize just how mismanaged my domain is😂. But I'm doing better now. Thanks!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Awwww 🥰 Thank you SO much Roberta (hugs!!!) ❤️❤️❤️

[@ScandinavianNana]

Hi Suzanne, The process of decluttering, purging and organizing is a lot of work, both emotionally and physically. You have accomplished so much! With my kitchen, I try to do an annual reevaluation when I do my spring cleaning. I was able to buy a few rolls of a gingham (red/cream) wallpaper at just $3 roll that I used to line my kitchen cupboards, (I used tacks to hold it down) so when they are open, it's quite attractive. Plus, I can wipe them down. Red is an accent color in my kitchen.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Hi Leslie, I love that idea! Is it weird that I like the distressed paint in my cupboards 😂😂. To me it shows the age and history of this home. I know it would look better if I painted it or papered it. There is just something about that old finish that makes me feel nostalgia.

[@ScandinavianNana]

@@thefarmerswifecanada Hi Suzanne, all of our spaces should bring us joy, if the inside of my cupboards was "real wood" I would probably keep them as they are, but they are some weird, pressed wood that is not pleasant to look at. My home was built in 1989, the cupboard boxes and doors are oak but not the inside.

[@hjburns]

Hello Suzanne! You are a busy woman who doesn't need to lament for messy full cupboards. Most people purchase items they don't need and feel guilty about it. Try putting some of your items in a "time will tell" box for 6 months, and if you don't use them then donate them. After watching last week's video, I have to tell you a short story - I decided to fill up my spice mason jars from my 'backstock' of spices, and nestled between the spices was a lost small remote control that I needed for my flameless candles. (I have no idea why it was there!) Thank you! Have a good week!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Oh that is wonderful! ❤️ So glad you found it. So funny how we find things in the weirdest spaces!! Love the suggestion of a “time will tell” box. Thank you! 😊

[@janiebea100]

You need to have more than one 9x12 baking dish. Put it downstairs for when you need it. You cook for a large number of people several times a year. Put that stuff downstairs!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Ugh, I know!! It is SO HARD!!! 😭

[@curtisnjodyderonde4814]

All your glass wear , classic , I’d keep it all , 🌸

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

😊 Thanks!

[@cherylleatherman5037]

I set my toaster in a glass casserole , like the one you're getting rid of. Catches crumbs and easy to clean. Your cupboards look superb! I wouldn't want you to look in mine! 😳

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I so wish I would have had this advice before getting rid of the casseroles. It’s ok, I will find a nice tray to put it on 😊

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Been doing this around my home, too.🤎

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Oh nice!! 😀 So glad you are taking time for yourself Sarah. The wheel of KZbin never stops spinning. You will come back feeling rejuvenated, and inspired! Of course, I am missing your videos, and I’ve watched a bunch of your old ones over winter break ❤️

[@Michele_6815]

I have really loved this series of videos. They have been inspiring and helpful, and you’ve done a great job with it. I was wondering, if perhaps you could keep the dehydrator in your basement and make a home for your toaster on the counter since you use it so often. We have a dehydrator and it lives in the basement. The other thing I did with my toaster was to keep a tray underneath it. Eventually, we got rid of our toaster and bought a toaster oven. It’s a larger one that we can actually cook in if we want to. There are only two of us now and in the summer it’s nice to not heat up the house. I am so glad you kept the tart and muffin tin, I think I would’ve been heartbroken. If you got rid of it. They are so beautiful. Is there a way that you could display them when they’re not in use? Again you’ve done a wonderful job with this! I can totally understand how difficult this process has been. Decision fatigue is a real thing! Something I’ve tried to remember is minimalism is a journey and it takes time. Usually it happens in stages. In layers. And lastly, one thing I try to do when Thrifting is when I bring things into the house then other things need to go in order to make room. It gives me clarity whilst thrifting on whether I should purchase something or not. I know my comments are kind of hodgepodge hopefully they make sense! 💗 PS-The music you chose for this video was so beautiful and relaxing. I love it!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank so much for all the thoughts! ❤️ I considered keeping the dehydrator somewhere else, but I use it often for yogurt making. It keeps a steady temperature for the fermentation. I have a whole work set-up downstairs for our microgreens business, so that takes up a huge amount of room down there. Maybe is I did some work down there, but it’s my “work zone” so I don’t like going down there unless I have to work 😌. I feel like it would be a mental block for my yogurt making. I am also definitely trying to not bring into many new things, which is so hard! The thrift store is somewhere I go to “get away” and relax. Definitely a good idea to swap and get rid of something if you bring something new in!

[@Michele_6815]

@@thefarmerswifecanada oh yes if you’re using it for your yogurt making it definitely deserves its spot! 😊

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@ yes, I think so too!! 😊

[@karenperri1360]

I am doing the same as you. I have quite a pile and honestly it feels great. I have several items going to goodwill. My problem area is Pyrex and bowls, but I am keeping my favorites which are mostly neutral colored. You are doing great and making wonderful choices! You will ultimately be happy that you tackled this hard job!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you! It is definitely hard. I am still questioning some of my decisions, like the ravioli maker. I suppose I will live with it for a while. If I don’t end up using it, I can always donate. 😊

[@karenperri1360]

@ I think you should use the ravioli maker! Then you will feel better about your decision to keep it or maybe decide to donate it. Make a video of the making of the ravioli! I know that myself and many others will be watching!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@karenperri1360 I want to use it, but if I don’t end up doing it, then I need to donate!!

[@lubkayoanidu7061]

Hi, i have watched the whole decluttering series so far. I want to say that i started doing this 4-5 years ago i am doing one in spring and one in autumn and it honestly made a ton of difference for my peace of mind. But what i wanted to say is if the thought of removing an item creates a strong sense of discomfort - you just keep it. You can always reconsider the next time you do this process. And also - in order to keep the results i found it was very important all my purchases to be very well thought out and really necessary, otherwise the clutter comes back very fast (this pertains especially to food/pantry items and clothes). Have a lovely day and all the best!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Such wise advice, thank you! I am thinking about that every time I am considering a purchase. I actually got rid of some “collections” of things. Even though I loved them, I realized that they were keeping me always on the lookout for more - to add to the collection. I needed to break the cycle! I kept the most important things that I love the absolute most. I love the idea of doing this every spring and fall. That would really help to stay on top of things ❤️

[@kimgreenthornton]

I would keep the cake breaker. Great video.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I kept it! Thank you ❤️

[@deltorres2100]

Yes, aesthetically looks lovely when you display things like that you made a great choice

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you! 😀

[@sherismith1882]

I use a cake pan to keep my toaster in, which makes it easy to take in and out of the cabinet.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you, I love this idea!

[@VillageofVolyn]

❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

❤️😊❤️

[@CharleneEvenson]

Put your toaster in the glass casserole dish you were going to get rid of, it will catch all the crumbs.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Unfortunately I already got rid of everything, but I am loving this advice! I need to find a beautiful tray to put it on 😊

[@CharleneEvenson]

@ Make sure whatever you put your toaster in is easy to remove from the cupboard and is heat resistant.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@CharleneEvenson oooh! Good suggestion with the heat. I wouldn’t have thought about that!

[@lemontree9019]

My conclusion from your video... even back then... they did produce useless items. That cake braker has most probably never used... and you won't as well... the only thing that is difficult about it, is the vintage part. Of course if tou are going to keep it, we can still can be friends!😊. On the other hand, someone that cooks, has to have bowls and plates... more than the average minimalist. When I see kitchens with very few items, I realize that they don't cook. Kisses... and thank for the video!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I did keep that cake breaker!! 😅 But you’re probably right about never getting used. Next time I have a cake , I will have to use it. ❤️

[@crazydoxylady7169]

I could care less what others "minimal" kitchens and spaces look like. Do I like to watch them declutter?! Sure but I'm not giving up anything! Especially special vintage pieces like that cake breaker. I have one, never used it, and ain't gettin rid of it. LOL. I think "the follower" syndrome on all these social platforms has made us too focused on being like everyone else. You should keep all your things or give them to family members. That Paula Deen (vintage now) cast iron dutch oven (I have the avocado green one) would cost about 100.00 these days. Offer it to one of your children. I have 5 glass batter bowls with lids from Pampered Chef ( like the one you call a measuring cup) and 5 of everything else. I just want you to know nobody is going to stop watching your videos just because you have a lot of stuff in your kitchen. I guess for content purposes it works for you. At our age we deserve to have items that bring us joy regardless whether we use it or not. Keep that in mind.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I do love having lots of stuff in my kitchen - to a point. I enjoy pretty platters, and all the cool vintage things. I just don’t have enough space for it to feel comfortable. I wish a had a big buffet/hutch or china cabinet to keep special pieces in. That is on my list! But I will never be a typical minimalist that you see online. My idea of minimalism is for my space to feel clean, organized and comfortable to live in, without major clutter everywhere. That is my goal!! 😊

[@pattymankowski5375]

Hi I totally get what your saying .I am doing my spices today.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Awesome, good job 👏🏻

[@terricheney1724]

Similar to Cherylleatherman, I use a small Nordic baking tray under my toaster to contain the crumbs. The pan is handy enough I can use it if I need the smaller size, but mostly I find I don't mind that it's in use elsewhere. A pretty vintage tray would work as well.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

That’s a great suggestion! Thank you, I honestly didn’t think about it. It’s so helpful to surround yourself with other women. So much knowledge to go around! ❤️

[@catladynj]

I did this in October. It took me a week. It was worth it.😊❤

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

So worth it!! It’s a small price to pay for a clean, organized space to cook in 😊

[@joanz2815]

Hi Suzanne. I understand how you feel once the cupboards and cleaned and organized. There are many things in life that we cannot control, but this is not one of the . I always did a periodic cleaning and sorting of my cupboards.you got rid of the glass cake pans, but what about you have a cake to make? Do you have metal cake pans? All in all, I think you did a great job of cleaning and prganizing.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Hi Joan, thank you! I kept my 2 metal cake pans. The clear ones were pie plates. I got rid of them because I had so many! 😊

[@greenQT]

Good job, Suzanne.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you! ❤️

[@embracingourlife191]

Oh how I wish I was closer to swap those charming tins fir some wicker baskets!! I have a bunch!! You can always display that cake slicer standing up in the cabinet or in your utensil crock

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, that would be so great to have people close to swap things with!! ❤️ I kept the cake breaker! Displaying it is a good idea 😊

[@sharonwilson6783]

Keep the breaker life is to short for regret. I bought a small tray to keep my toast on in my cupboard to catch the crumbs. Easier to keep clean.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I kept it! ❤️ I will be on the lookout for a tray, great idea!

[@robinduke6719]

Keep the cake breaker it's vintage and a bakelite handle! They don't make it anymore ! And it takes up such a small space and easy to store . I have a whole colection of bakelite utensils that I love! Put the bread box on the counter and put the cake plate with dome on top of frig and display the cake splitter one it!

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I decided to keep it! 😀 You’re right, it doesn’t take up much space, and it’s such a unique item. I just had that inner feeling to keep it, because some things are so unique and hard to find again.

[@lindamcconnell1653]

Loved your video. I'm careful about storing things in the basement, because the basement becomes cluttered with items that we are are unable to pull the trigger and get rid of.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

You’re so right, that is exactly why I am reluctant to store anything down there. I do have all my canning jars and equipment down there. But they are not “lost and forgotten”, as I use them every year, just not every day. Other than that, just a limited about of Christmas stuff.

[@jenniferblackorby3194]

I need to do this and I keep procrastinating, I have so much stuff and i have to sort through and start donating it...I know what your saying about keeping the mess hidden, my house looks clean just dont open the cupboards! lol

[@jenniferblackorby3194]

store your toaster on a tray so you can just wipe the tray out and the crumb are not getting everywhere, thats the only solution I can think of.. yeah just find a tray that fits in the bottom of that cabinet

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes!!! I am feeling so much less stress now. We always know what’s hiding behind those cupboards. It’s like we have X-ray vision 😂

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you, I’ll be on the lookout for a tray 😊

[@tashadrolet]

Can’t wait to start my spring cleaning now haha

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

It shouldn’t be too hard for you, considering you just moved!! ❤️

[@h.douglasnadeau4931]

It was very inspiring to watch your process of decluttering your kitchen. I found a small vintage white enamel tray at the thrift store to put my toaster on. Maybe you could find an unfinished wood one at a craft store & paint or stain it? I have seen people use a plastic storage basket from the dollar store. Not as attractive, but does the job. I agree with the previous poster who uses a "time will tell" box. I have found that very helpful when I can't decide at the moment. --Barbara

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Hi Barbara, thank you for this suggestion. I will be on the lookout for some sort of beautiful tray! ❤️

[@janiebea100]

Put the Dutch ovens that you don’t use but want to keep on a shelf in the basement.

[@deltorres2100]

Purge purge .. All this year I’ve been taking my time during section by section decluttering and get rid of things I am no longer using or I don’t use it all. I gotta go. I need that space for things that I use. I always ask my family members if they could use it if not, then I will even put it on the curve and put free items .. I was giving a lot to the local church except that they are no longer taking because they have so much they’re waiting for the weather to get better and then they will do a yard sale a community yard sale

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

It’s making such a huge difference for me. I still have more work to do, but working on the kitchen is making a huge impact on my every day life. My local thrift store is called “Churches” thrift store. It is run by all the churches in the community. There is regular staff, but members from local churches take turns coming in to volunteer every week. I donate everything to them!

[@lifeatthenutthouse]

I keep my toaster in a cheap dollar store container. I can wipe the crumbs out and it doesn’t get everywhere. ❤lifeatthenutthouse

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you, I love this suggestion! ❤️

[@ellenpeterson-t9w]

Love all your videos, do you wish you had double basin sinks, I bet it’s hard with one basin?

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, that was the hardest adjustment, for sure!!

[@deltorres2100]

The shelf where the mixing bowls are I think you can get your husband to put some mom. I would say like Little wood pieces so you can create another shelf cause the bowls look like they take a lot of there’s like a lot of wasted space so you can add another bracket to put another wooden shelf there and a couple of them like that you can do double duty.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

That’s a great idea, you are right about the wasted space. Thanks for the idea!

[@evansbowen6897]

Keep the cake breaker and make a specific plan to use it. How about a cake for Valentine’s Day for your family and use it. It can be used for any type of cake not just angel food. I just bought a pasta maker at an estate sale. I loved learning to use it and jumped right in the week I bought it. It is all part of my goal of 2025 - to learn to cook a new recipe every week.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

That is a great goal! I do need to push myself to use it (the pasta maker) , and the cake breaker too. I kept it! 😀

[@deltorres2100]

I just got rid of a lot of the cupcake tins not the muffin tins cause I do make a lot. I made muffins today and I use those giant muffins but the cupcakes no I don’t do them that small do muffins now we’re empty nest or so muffins is good. I have two trays to make is good for us.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I don’t use the small ones, but I thought of my mom when I bought them. Every Christmas she makes butter tarts for cookie trays. I thought it would be great for that. Unfortunately this past Christmas she had a back injury and couldn’t do any baking. However I have started making muffins more lately for my teens. 😀

[@kathrynbroome5966]

another cozey vlog with you im same hun i collect mugs cups and saucers teapots amoung other things and i had that much it was so bad so i decided before christmas to donate alot so going through them is realy hard to decide so i looked at an item and if it dint make me go aw wow i let it go lol and iv bin enjoying donating things as much as getting them iv had depression for along time and yep im one of them shopping makes you happy but in the end it doesnt so over half has gone and iv got couple of new tigns but im still letting things go and its easer now took meyears to do this im not a hoarder were every room is full my home is clean and tidy just to much stuff so feels good now but take the time to go through them ty again kathy derbyshire in the uk ps glad u didnt let the mushroom mug go i love mine xxxxx

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Hi Kathy, I agree with you about the shopping. I tend to have the same problem, it only makes you happy in the short term. Once you have the item, the happiness tends to wear off and you are back for more. I’ve definitely struggled with emotional shopping! ❤️❤️❤️

[@kathrynbroome5966]

@@thefarmerswifecanada well your not on your own there if i hadnt of stopped i prob would of bin one of them people who carnt get in the house but i was far from this and its only items i collected not rubbish so dont worry showing things you help many people to take care xxkathy x

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@ Thanks Kathy ❤️ Have a great day!

[@deltorres2100]

Please look into some really great wooden cutting boards and get rid of the plastic. The plastic is not good because you can get plastic flakes into your food.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, I totally agree. I did have some wooden ones before, they started to crack, so I got rid of them. Thank you for this suggestion ❤️

[@drumminghands6356]

Please reconsider the cake knife!❤

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I ended up keeping it!! I had a gut feeling about it.

[@mc2120]

I shake the toaster over the sink after using. Takes 3 seconds...no crumbs in cabinet.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Thank you! ❤️

[@FarmhouseWorthy]

The disorganization sneaks up on us doesn’t it? I’m in need of a tidy, since it is 4 degrees,a good time to fix it.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, absolutely! I knew it was bad, but you don’t truly know how bad it really is until you pull it all out!!! 😅

[@FarmhouseWorthy]

@@thefarmerswifecanada when things begin to fall out of the baking/spice cabinet it’s time, I’ll be cleaning that again today, it gets out of hand so quickly. I’m glad you kept that vintage cake cutter, such a pretty vintage box.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

@FarmhouseWorthy Yes, plus it’s so hard to find anything in that state. ❤️

[@FarmhouseWorthy]

Keep the cake breaker it’s thin and the box is pretty and vintage

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

Yes, I agree. I kept it!! ❤️

[@pattymankowski5375]

Keep.that cake cutter and make a cake🌻

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I kept it!! 😀

[@janiebea100]

Can’t you put those plates on display on shelves in your dining room.

[@janiebea100]

Are you going to dish up food on those chipped plates? If not, gettid oftbem.

[@thefarmerswifecanada]

I definitely plan on getting rid of them. It was such a disappointment because I had a set of 8, which is perfect for having company. I ended up getting a few white plates at the thrift store to replace them 😊