A minimalist lifestyle or what I like to call it, Simple Living, can seem quite boring and restrictive. When I first heard about it, I focused on having to give away things I loved and not having enough of what I needed. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I really didn’t need as much as I thought and I gained a whole lot more time but getting rid of the “noise”.
The whole idea around a minimalist lifestyle is to be intentional with what you bring into your home instead of purchasing items you MAY need some day. From a former shopaholic, I cannot stress enough the peace that comes from being a minimalist. I really wish I had done it sooner.
The kitchen is usually the heart of the home because everyone gathers to talk about their day, finish up homework and try a new recipe. I used to fall into the trap of buying all the gadgets because the purpose of each and every one of them is to save you time. Ooooh, I’ll take an apple corer, a panini press and a milk frother because who couldn’t use more time in their day.
Look, no judgment if you own all the stuff and USE all the stuff. But for the folks who own all the stuff and can’t actually find the items you need, come with me. I have a secret for you. If you’re only going to make something a handful of times a year, then you probably don’t need a gadget for it. Ask yourself if you’re shopping based on a version of yourself that doesn’t exist.
I love the look of those beautiful icing flowers on wedding cakes so I did what any budding cake decorator would do. I purchased a set of piping tools from Amazon. They have been sitting in my drawer for over a year and I used them once. I didn’t even enjoy using it (insert forehead slapping emoji here). My point is my alter ego (Cake Boss) had every intention of creating beautiful buttercream rosettes but everyday me (aka Mommy) ain’t got time for that. If it were a true passion, Mommy would stand a chance but trying to project an image that doesn’t even align with my interests or passions is the thought process that needs to shift. Owning the right tools that support your actual lifestyle and passions is the goal.
So here’s my list of items that are used in our house on a weekly basis based on what we actually cook. We make a lot of curries, roast a ton of vegetables, drink smoothies and bake breads so my list will reflect that. I hope it’s helpful to you as you pare down to the essentials for your kitchen and ultimately, your lifestyle:
PRODUCTS
1. Silpat Baking Mat
4. Mason Jars
6. Colander
7. Rubbermaid Food Storage Containers
8. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
10. Lazy Susan
13. Lime Juicer
Of course I have other items I use but I wanted to focus on less talked about items that make a big difference in my everyday life. If you find this post helpful, please pin it or share it with your friends. Also, if there is anything you would like to see more of, leave it in the comments. Take care, friends!
I have a small kitchen so this is my vibe right now. Its all about importance for me. I love this post. Gave me good ideas and suggestions. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Vee, I am so glad you found it helpful. We all need more peace of mind these days!
I enjoyed this post! It brought to light some items I could actually use. I’ll make sure it’s the “Mommy Me” version and not the “Next Top Chef” version of me present when making purchasing decision! 😉
Yesss girl. Thank you. I am so glad to hear you found some useful tips. Shopping for reality always helps. I so want to be Martha though…
The cutting board is only $20?! *Clicks “add to shopping cart”* LOL Thanks for sharing these items – definitely planning to get a few! Another item that is a must-have for me is a utensil organizer…I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to have them all organized nice & neat in the drawer. We actually have one for silverware and then another for spatulas and large wooden mixing spoons, etc. #TeamNoClutter
Right???!!!!! I love IKEA. I can’t wait to hear your opinions on the items. I also have a great utensil drawer organizer that I love too. I was trying not to make the list too long. May have to do a part 2 later. Yes. Let’s get clear in 2021!!!
Love love love this! Sums up my kitchen right now..with the exception of a few items.
Allena, thank you. We must compare and see if there are any goodies I missed. Thanks for always supporting!
How helpful! Lol I really need to get my kitchen in order.
Yvonne. Start small and play music while you’re decluttering. Music helps everything!
I enjoyed your post!! I love kitchen gadgets and necessities!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
Thanks so much, Mary. So happy you enjoyed it!
In the silpat mat, what size do you have? Or do you have multiple sizes? Thank you for sharing this list!! We are moving into empty nest years, and I am definitely wanting to be more of a minimalist as far as what is in my cabinets, drawers, and on counters. Any ‘big family cooking specific gadgets can be stored elsewhere in my house until it is needed for cooking when everyone is home.
Marci, I have the cookie sheet liner which fits my half sheet oven tray perfectly. I only have the one. I’m good right not with seeing how much use I can get out of one. I love that minimalism could be a part of your next chapter. It’s such an amazing process and I’m super excited for you!
Your post is very timely! We renovated our kitchen last month and we threw out a lot of old gadgets and small appliances that we didn’t use. I have similar items to those you have listed including the roll up drying rack since I too hate to see the sight of dishes or a dishdryer on the countertop. For me, this drying rack was a game changer. Pernell is still getting us to it but he will adjust since it is going nowhere! Thanks for sharing!
Tanya, I love that we’re on the same page. How can such a small item makes such a difference, right? Do share if you have any items you can’t live without. Yes. Sometimes it takes Steve some time to get on board too but he always does. I know Pernell will do the same…lol!
I live for these blogs. You have no idea.
You are so sweet. I really just love being helpful and have a problem with oversharing. Hopefully, it’s a good combination for a blogger 😉
Ok. I NEED #2 and I literally just asked Marcos for #9 for our family Christmas gift (but before Thanksgiving lol). Thank you for this, loved it!
Why are we always on the same page? Lol. #2 can get overlooked but that extra space that can go away is a dream. I can’t wait until you get #9. You are going to love it!
This is a great list, and I agree with you, our drawers are overflowing with things we never use. Minimalism is definitely the way to go!
Thanks, Stephanie. I think a lot of people of realizing it’s a good option especially with the amount of time we’re all spending at home these days!
This is awesome ! I’m on a minimalistic journey myself !
Briana, so happy to have company. It’s been fun and enlightening so far. I love learning and this is another lesson that has been providing so much peace already!
I love this post because I have a very small kitchen. It’s good to have only what you need instead wasting money and space on things you might not even use
Not having to battle with clutter definitely makes my life easier. The wasting money part is interesting. The thing I am struggling with a little is finding a dud. I’m super hesitant to purchase items without reading a ton of reviews. Hoping to find a community of folks who can vouch for amazing products!
Love these. I hope to add them into my next kitchen in the next few weeks when we move
Congrats. Moving can be a pain but the clean slate is gold. You can not create a whole new vibe. I hope you have so much fun with it!
I need those storage containers. I’m looking to move soon and will be incorporating a simple living and these are a must for my kitchen.
Windy, they are amazing. Storing things like watermelon and larger leftovers takes up way less space now!
Loved the list. I probably have most of these items. I liked the Silpat baking mat. Hadn’t seen it yet. Would definitely love to check this out
I may be able to get some recommendations from you then. Yes. The silpat is quite amazing. Just makes baking cookies and pastries so much simpler and pizza heats up so nicely too!
Yep I need that roll up drying rack and lazy Susan in my life lol!
Bibi, they are so impactful in my everyday. Talk about getting back to basics!!!
Yep I need that roll up drying rack and lazy Susan in my life lol!
I have really been working on trying to live a more minimalistic lifestyle, and as soon as I get to organizing the pantry I am totally getting those clear organizers.
Lyssa, being able to see how much flour and sugar I have left makes grocery shopping easier. I added labels from the Brother P-touch and it just takes it up a notch. So excited for you to get them. You’ll love ’em!