Avoid cooking chaos by starting the holiday season with a clean, uncluttered and well-stocked kitchen. It’s not much trouble—simply start early, complete a step a day, and before you know it, you—and your kitchen—will be ready for action.

RING OUT THE OLD SO YOU CAN BRING IN THE NEW

Set aside an afternoon to clear out all old food items from your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Check expiration dates and discard any items past their prime. Should you find wholesome, non-perishable goods you would consider donating, place them in a bag and drop them off at the local food pantry. Be sure to clean and sanitize refrigerator and cupboard shelves as you organize. Once this task is complete, you’ll have room for all of the holiday foods you purchase.

SPICE IT UP

Great holiday cooking and baking depend on fresh herbs and spices. Most herbs and spices lose their potency after a year of storage. Sort through your spice rack, checking the containers’ ”best by” dates. When in doubt, discard those that don’t have an obvious aroma. Add items needing replacement to your shopping list—scan the item’s UPC code to add it to your Mobile App.

FRONT AND CENTER

For easy access, arrange your pantry and cupboards with holiday ingredients toward the front and non-holiday ingredients near the back. Peach pie filling? In the back. Pumpkin pie filling? Right up front.

BE SHARP

To make sure that slicing into that big, beautiful turkey is an effortless, picture-perfect event, you’ll need a sharp carving knife. Sharpen it yourself, if you have the tools, or make it easy by dropping the knife off at a sharpening shop. And while you’re at it, get your other knives sharpened, too. Having super-sharp blades will make your prep work quick and easy.

LEVERAGE LEFTOVERS

Be prepared for a bounty of leftovers by stocking up on stackable storage containers in every shape and size. 

BRING ON THE BASICS 

Stock up on essential items:

• Trash liners
• Plastic bags
• Foil and plastic wrap
• Dish soap and dishwasher detergent
• Coffee filters
• Batteries
• Kitchen string
• Stackable storage containers
• Hand washing soap
• Lotion

CHECK UNDER THE HOOD

To make sure that your oven is ready for its annual workout, purchase an inexpensive oven thermometer and use it to make sure that your oven is heating to the temperatures you set when baking and cooking. If the oven is extremely inaccurate, you’ll need a service person to calibrate the unit. If it is just off a few degrees in either direction, make a mental note and adjust your settings accordingly. 

TAKE INVENTORY

Inventory your pots and pans. Do you have a pan large enough for that double batch of mashed potatoes? Is your roaster large enough for the turkey? Check dishes, serving platters and flatware, making sure that you won’t find yourself in a pinch at the last minute.

CHILDPROOF

Empty nesters and childless couples awaiting the pitter-patter of little feet over the holidays have an important task—making sure those kids will be safe. Check your kitchen for hazards before small children arrive, making sure that cords are tucked away, toxic substances are locked up and electrical outlets are plugged in. Make note of any allergies small guests may have and place potential allergens out of reach.

GATHER RECIPES

Juggling cookbooks, computer printouts, recipe cards and tattered notes while cooking is a hassle. Instead, make copies of all the recipes you plan to use, slide them into plastic sleeves and pop them into a folder.

Also read Ten Ways to Cut Entertaining Costs