How to Set Up a Homestead Kitchen for Success
The kitchen is the heart of any homestead. It’s where we prepare nourishing meals, preserve our harvests, and create a sense of home. But if your kitchen is more chaotic than calm (we are all guilty at times!), it can quickly become a source of stress instead of joy. Whether you’re dealing with decision fatigue, disorganization, or just an overall feeling of overwhelm, this guide will help you transform your homestead kitchen into a functional, peaceful space that supports your homesteading goals.
Kitchen Podcast
Episodes You’ll Love!
Step 1: Reset Your Kitchen Daily
A clean and organized kitchen makes cooking from scratch easier and more enjoyable. The best way to maintain a functional kitchen is by incorporating a 10-minute reset into your daily routine.
- Choose a time that works for you—either in the morning or before bed.
- Do the dishes (even if it means just stacking them neatly until you can wash them).
- Clear and wipe down counters to keep food prep areas clutter-free.
- Put away anything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen (or at least move it to another room to sort later).
- Quickly wipe down high-touch areas like fridge handles and stovetops.
This simple habit will keep your kitchen feeling fresh and inviting every day.
Step 2: Identify & Fix One Annoying Problem
What’s the one thing that drives you crazy about your kitchen? A junk drawer that won’t close? A cluttered spice rack? A pantry that feels like a black hole?
Take 10 minutes today to tackle just one small annoyance. Simple adjustments—like moving frequently used tools to a more accessible spot or reorganizing a drawer—can make a huge difference in how smoothly your kitchen functions.
10 Small Kitchen Fridge Ideas for Better Function
Learn to fit everything you need to live a homestead life in your small fridge space.
Step 3: Establish a Weekly Kitchen Reset
In addition to daily maintenance, a weekly deeper-cleaning session will keep your homestead kitchen running efficiently. Choose one day (like Sunday) to spend just 20 extra minutes on a deeper clean. This could include:
- Wiping down the fridge shelves
- Cleaning under cabinets and appliances
- Washing kitchen towels and sponges
- Deep-cleaning the stove or coffee maker
- Sweeping and mopping the floors
This regular habit will prevent big messes from piling up and keep your kitchen feeling fresh.
Non-Toxic Cleaning 101: Ditching Harsh Chemicals Step-by-Step
Creating your own natural cleaning routine can be a fun and creative way to clean that kitchen!
Step 4: Get Your Pantry in Check
Your pantry is the foundation of your kitchen. A well-stocked and organized pantry will save you money, reduce waste, and make cooking easier. But stocking a homestead pantry isn’t about following someone else’s list of “must-haves.” Instead, it should be intentional and tailored to how you cook.
That’s why I created the FREE 5-Day Pantry Challenge to help you rethink and reorganize your pantry. It’s a private podcast series with five actionable episodes to guide you through the process. Start creating a kitchen that truly works for you!
Step 5: Meal Prep & Planning
One of the biggest stressors in a homestead kitchen is not knowing what to cook or realizing you don’t have the ingredients you need.
- Prep lunches for the week (even if you work from home, having grab-and-go options can be a game changer).
- Plan your meals loosely—you don’t need a strict schedule, but having a general idea of what you’ll cook helps avoid last-minute decisions.
- Defrost meat ahead of time so you’re not scrambling for dinner. I love pulling out all of the meat for the week on Sunday.
Free Meal Planning Template for Google Sheets
A free digital file with monthly and weekly Google Sheets Meal Planning Templates.
Step 6: Make Your Kitchen Work for YOU
Not every kitchen functions the same, and that’s okay! Some people prefer clear countertops, while others (like me) need to see certain items to use them. Find what works best for you and your household.
Grab your Free Routine
The 15 Minute Homestead Routine (for busy days).
Want a simple morning rhythm that keeps your home running, your garden growing, and your goals on track? Grab my free 15-Minute Morning Routine Worksheets—designed to help you build homestead habits that stick.
- If you use it daily, keep it accessible (toaster, coffee station, favorite spices).
- If it clutters your workspace, find a new home for it (seasonal appliances, extra mugs, duplicate utensils).
- Make sure your storage solutions fit your habits—if you’re not using something because it’s out of sight, reconsider where you store it.
Bringing It All Together
Your kitchen should be a space of nourishment and creativity, not stress. By implementing these simple habits—daily resets, small improvements, weekly deep-cleans, meal planning, and intentional pantry stocking—you can create a homestead kitchen that supports your lifestyle.
Homesteading is about progress, not perfection. Take small steps, find what works for you, and enjoy the process of building a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Want More Support?
Join our Facebook community to share your pantry progress, kitchen transformations, and meal prep successes! I’d love to see your before-and-after pictures and hear how these tips are helping you.
Let’s make our kitchens a place of abundance, love, and nourishment—one small step at a time!
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About the Author
Brittany Gibson is a modern suburban homesteader and the founder of The Homestead Challenge. She empowers women to adopt a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle, feeling confident to grow, create, and thrive on their own terms with joy and balance.
Read more about my transformation and join me in building our lives from scratch.
