The Organized Kitchen: How to Streamline Groceries, Meal Planning, and Meal Prepping for a Successful New Year

As 2024 begins, many of us are searching for ways to start fresh and get organized. This is especially true when it comes to feeding ourselves and our families. Streamlining the process of groceries, meal planning, and meal prepping can make a significant difference in your daily routine. Therefore, saving you time, reducing stress, and ultimately, eating healthier. Read on for tips to help you achieve a streamlined routine that will set the stage for a successful year in the kitchen.

Take Inventory and Plan Ahead

Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. This step is beneficial in two ways. One it helps reduce food waste and two it gives you a clear idea of what essentials need restocking. Once you know what you have, plan your meals for the upcoming week taking into consideration what you want to use up quickly and what you have going on during the week.

Create a meal plan with overlapping ingredients to minimize waste and save money. For example, tacos on Tuesday could turn into a taco salad for lunches to use up the extra taco meat or a chicken quesadillas to use up the extra tortillas. Get creative and see what works for you.

In addition, keep your schedule in mind. If on Tuesdays and Thursdays you have a lot going on plan for leftovers, crock pot meals you can start in the morning, or meals you can throw together quickly. Save the new recipes and more elaborate meals for nights you have the time and energy.

Make a Detailed Grocery List

Based on the meal plan you just created, make a detailed grocery list that includes all the ingredients and essentials you need for the week. Or skip this step and just create a grocery order for pick up or delivery. I add items to my cart as I think of them or as members of my family add them to the magnetic dry erase board we have on our fridge (also great for letting everyone know what’s for dinner).

Disclaimer: Links that appear within this blog post are affiliate links. That means I get paid a small commission if you choose to purchase this item using one of these links at no extra cost to you.

If you are not sold on ordering your groceries then I recommend organizing your list by categories such as produce, dairy, pantry staples, etc. A well-organized list saves time at the store and ensures you don’t forget crucial items or have to run back and forth while doing groceries. If you are going the list route, then this grocery list notepad might be helpful.

Utilize Online Ordering and Delivery Services

As I just mentioned, consider ordering your groceries online and either picking them up curbside or opting for delivery services. Many grocery stores offer these options now, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home or car or whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you. I absolutely love that I can order my groceries while sitting in the car waiting for my daughter to get out of dance class. This can save time and reduce those pesky impulse purchases, helping you stick to your meal plan as well as your budget. Groceries add up so if you are looking to cut your grocery expenses, I highly recommend trying this option!

Prep Ingredients in Advance

Once your groceries are home, take some time to prep ingredients in advance. Wash and chop vegetables, prep lunches for the week, portion out snacks, and prepare complete dinners or components of your meals that can be made ahead of time. For example, cooking a large batch of chicken for a chicken stir fry one night for dinner. The extras can be added to salads or sandwiches for lunches. This will make cooking during the week more manageable and convenient. I don’t usually do my prep on the same day as my groceries however, I do set aside time for food prep each week. I will outline my entire process at the end for reference.

Invest in Proper Storage Containers

Having the right storage containers can make a world of difference when it comes to meal prepping. I like glass or any kind of see through container. I have a family of 5 and the fridge is always packed. It’s tough to find things easily if you can’t see what’s inside. This is the set I use. I’ve had them for years and they are used on a daily basis.

I also like these bento boxes for packing lunches. They aren’t clear like I just suggested but they stack nicely, don’t take up much space, and I only use them for my lunches usually so they are easy to spot.

I suggest investing in a variety of containers that are suitable for both storing ingredients and packing prepped meals. Look for containers that are stackable or nesting, microwave-safe, and dishwasher safe.

Set Aside Specific Time for Each Step of the Process

Meal planning and prepping is a lifesaver for my busy household.  Here is a glimpse into my weekly routine to guide you.

Tues/Wed:

• Plan my meals for the next week. 
• Ask everyone what they want/need.
• Make my grocery list.

Wed/Thurs:

• Shop/curbside pickup/ or delivery depending on my schedule that week. Lately it’s been delivery.
• Clear fridge of old items and stock with new.
• Wipe down any spills that happened during the week.
• This ensures I am keeping up with contents in the fridge. It also means I am well stocked for the weekend when everyone is home from school/work and that I have everything I need for my weekend meal prep.

Sat or Sun:

•  Set aside 1-2 hours to meal prep. Usually first thing in the morning when no one else is distracting me.
• Meal prep includes washing produce, cutting fruits and veggies so they are readily available, making hard boiled eggs for breakfast or to add to salads, prepping lunches, batch cooking a protein and/or doubling the meal for that night and freezing half for another time.

I don’t always do all of the above, but I consistently do most of these each week. It’s amazing how quickly fruits and veggies get eaten when they are ready to go. I also love serving raw veggies as an appetizer when the troupes are hangry. It buys me time to cook, and they get their veggies in before their bellies are full.

If you want more specific meal prepping ideas I wrote a blog about it in the fall. You can read it here.

By streamlining your routine, you can save valuable time and ensure that nutritious options are readily available for you and your family.  The more you follow this kind of routine, the less you have to think about it. Soon it becomes a natural part of your life.

Embrace Simplicity

While meal planning and prepping I aim for simple. Meals that are easy to put together, work well as leftovers, and can be customized to your preferences tend to work best. This approach will save you time which means you are more likely to be consistent with it.

By streamlining your grocery and meal prepping process, you will set yourself up for success this year. Begin incorporating these habits into your routine little by little. When consistent, these habits can lead to healthier eating, reduced stress, and more time to enjoy your family. Here’s to a well-organized kitchen and streamlined grocery routine in 2024. Enjoy the time you save and your delicious, healthy meals.

Need help getting started? Book a virtual 1 on 1 and I will help you create a customized grocery routine that will work for your unique needs!

Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,

Christine