Dear Reader,

It's official - Spring is here! 🌷🌸

The days are getting longer, temperatures are warming up, and there's pollen EVERYWHERE (achoo! 🤧). While my car may be coated in yellow dust, I can't help but feel excited about the seasonal shift. I'm particularly looking forward to growing a small vegetable garden this year. There's something magical about that first homegrown cucumber or cherry tomato that signals spring has truly arrived! 🌱

This seasonal shift doesn't just change what's growing outside — it transforms what we crave on our plates too. We're moving from hearty root vegetables to crisp fresh greens, from heavy soups and chili to lighter fare enjoyed on the patio.

But let's be real — spring often brings a busier schedule with sports practices, end-of-year school activities, and outdoor commitments competing for our time.

That's why this week's kitchen and pantry reset is all about making your food spaces work FOR your busy spring life, not against it!

This week in our Winter RESET: Making Space for Spring GROWTH series, we're transforming your kitchen from winter comfort zone to fresh spring meal headquarters!

As your meals shift from hearty to light, your kitchen space needs to evolve to support changing appetites and busier spring schedules.

Winter-to-Spring Kitchen Transition

Think about how differently your family eats in February versus May:

Heavy comfort foods → Lighter, fresher meals
Indoor dining → Al fresco possibilities
Slow cooker dominance → Quick-prep options
Root vegetables → Spring produce

Your kitchen setup should shift to match these changes! When we organize with the season in mind, meal prep becomes easier and more intuitive.

Your 30-Minute Countertop & Visible Space Reset

Step 1: Clear Everything (7 minutes)

Remove EVERYTHING from your countertops
Wipe all surfaces thoroughly
Step back and appreciate the blank slate (take a quick photo!)

Step 2: Evaluate Winter vs. Spring Tools (8 minutes)

Ask yourself these questions about each item:

Is this a winter-focused appliance (crockpot, soup pot)?
Will I use this regularly in the next 6 weeks?
Does this deserve prime kitchen real estate right now?

Step 3: Reset with Spring in Mind (15 minutes)

Bring back only what serves your spring cooking style:

✅ Salad spinner front and center

✅ Blender for smoothies with spring berries

✅ Outdoor dining items within easy reach

✅ Space for fresh produce to be visible (we eat what we see!)

I don't know about you, but it's amazing how putting away the big slow cooker and bringing out lighter pots and pans can change how you feel! It's like telling your brain that Spring is here! 🌱

The Quick Refrigerator Reset

Your refrigerator needs a seasonal refresh too! Try this 15-minute reset:

Clear out winter condiments past their prime
Wipe down shelves (especially that sticky spot in the back!)
Create a designated "eat this first" area to reduce waste
Make room for more fresh produce storage

Pro tip: Line your produce drawers with paper towels that you can easily change when wet — this extends the life of spring greens and berries! 🍓

Meal Planning for Seasonal Transition

As activities ramp up, having a flexible meal plan becomes even more important:

Create a list of 5-7 go-to spring meals your family loves
Stock ingredients for these reliable favorites
Plan for one "cook once, eat twice" meal each week
Keep a few super-quick backup meals on hand for unexpectedly busy days

If you don't have go-to meals, do a quick Google search "busy mom meal ideas in 15 minutes" and pick 5 your family will enjoy!

Want to follow along with our FREE Checklist?

💪 Your Quick-Win Challenge: 💪

Before our next email, I challenge you to:

Schedule your 30-minute kitchen counter reset
Tackle the refrigerator refresh
Create your spring meal list (even just 3-5 reliable options)
Take before and after photos to celebrate your progress
Share your progress! Tag @ndorganizing #MarchReset

Remember, this reset isn't about creating a magazine-worthy kitchen — it's about making your kitchen work better for your family's changing needs and schedule.

I'd love to hear what spring meals you're looking forward to or see your kitchen reset progress. Just hit reply to share!

Warm Wishes,

Sandy

P.S. Want to know my favorite spring meal shortcut?

Rotisserie Chicken! These ready-to-eat wonders typically cost less than raw chicken and can transform into so many quick meals. I keep one in my fridge almost all the time during busy spring evenings.

Shred it for quick wraps, toss it on a fresh spring salad, mix it into a pasta dish, or use it in a quick casserole. One chicken can stretch into 2-3 different meals, saving both money and precious time when you're rushing between spring activities! 🍗✨