Let me start with a confession: the idea of decluttering my kitchen doesn’t exactly fill me with dread. Sure, I don’t cook much these days, but the thought of having an organized kitchen—ready for the occasional culinary adventure—feels like a gift to my future self. So yes, I think this month’s challenge might just be one of the easier ones in this year-long journey of reclaiming my space. And I’m genuinely looking forward to starting it!
But here’s the thing: even if you’re someone who can whip up a three-course meal while simultaneously helping with homework, having an organized, decluttered kitchen will make life so much easier. So, let’s dig into this month’s challenge, step-by-step, and get ready to transform that kitchen chaos into calm.
The unBURIED Challenge: The Kitchen
How the Kitchen Challenge Works
The beauty of The unBURIED Challenge is its simplicity. We’re not aiming for Pinterest perfection here (though that’s a nice bonus). This challenge is all about progress—making your kitchen work for you, not against you. Here’s the process, broken down into bite-sized steps:
Step 1: Reflect & Prepare (Week 1)
This is the thinking stage, and it’s more important than you might realize. Here’s what you’ll do:
Gather supplies. Trash bags, bins, sponges—you don’t need fancy tools, just the basics to get started.
Identify the clutter culprits. Why is your kitchen the way it is? Is it overcrowded cabinets? A junk drawer that’s too junky?
Pick your priority zones. Choose three or four areas where decluttering will make the biggest difference. (Hello, chaotic Tupperware shelf!)
The Challenge Kit
Be sure to download and print out your free challenge kit! You can grab it from Google Drive or our private Facebook Group—whichever works best for you. This kit is packed with tools and checklists to help you stay on track throughout the year.
Step 2: Purge & Clean (Week 2)
Here’s where we roll up our sleeves and get serious.
- Empty cabinets, drawers, shelves, and yes, the fridge.
- Discard expired food, broken items, and gadgets you haven’t used since the last presidential election.
- Clean every surface—think cabinet doors, shelves, and baseboards.
Pro tip: If letting go of certain items feels hard, remind yourself of the goal: a functional, peaceful kitchen.
Step 3: Organize & Maintain (Week 3)
Now for the fun part—putting it all back together.
- Sort by zones. Group items by use: baking supplies, spices, cookware, etc.
- Contain the chaos. Use baskets, bins, or drawer organizers to keep everything tidy.
- Create a maintenance plan. Jot down simple habits to keep your kitchen clutter-free, like wiping counters daily or rehoming strays.
Don’t Forget These Essentials
Before you dive in, make sure you:
- Download the challenge kit. It’s packed with tools like planners, journal pages, and supply lists.
- Sign up for the weekly newsletter. Get tips, motivation, and those all-important “ta-da” moments delivered right to your inbox.
- Remember your “why.” Whether it’s to simplify meal prep, create more space for family dinners, or just enjoy walking into your kitchen without sighing, keep your goal in mind.
Stay Inspired: Progress, Not Perfection
Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but remember—it’s not about getting everything done perfectly. Even small wins, like an organized spice drawer or a clean countertop, can make a huge difference.
If you hit a roadblock (hello, sentimental coffee mug collection), take a deep breath and remind yourself: the clutter didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t disappear that way either. Progress is the name of the game.
How to Join the Challenge
There’s no official sign-up required to join the challenge. Just follow these steps:
- Download the Challenge Kit: Print it out and start prepping with the checklists provided.
- Follow Along: For added accountability, JOIN HERE, then keep an eye out for weekly emails and monthly prompts on the blog.
- Share Your Journey: Post your progress on social media using the hashtag #unBURIEDchallenge, and tag me @thedesignervibe in your posts!
- Join the Facebook Group: Our private group is the perfect place to ask questions, share wins, and get inspired by others tackling the challenge.
- Follow on Social Media: Be sure to follow @the_designer_vibe on Instagram and Facebook for updates, tips, and encouragement.
Let’s Do This Together!
I’m genuinely excited to kick off this month’s challenge and finally give my kitchen the makeover it deserves. And I hope you are too!
By the end of these 30 days, we’ll have kitchens that feel lighter, brighter, and—most importantly—work for us. Here’s to creating an uncluttered home and a life we truly love, one step at a time.
Ready? Let’s get to it.
