Week 5's challenge was to "edit your spice" rack.
While my main spice drawer is beautifully organized (see below) my overstock was getting out of control.
Main Spice drawer:
Overstock (BEFORE)
What I Did:
✔️ Refilled my salt and pepper grinders
✔️ Topped off spices with the 'back stock'
✔️ Resolved to buy LESS when I purchase bulk bin spices
✔️ Evaluated what I actually use in the next year
✔️ Gifted what I 'rejected' 👇
Since I know someone will ask why I had oil LOL
Vegetable oil is an effective lubricant for squeaky hinges and can also remove adhesive residue, nourish wood furniture, and treat houseplant pests. I originally got it to treat a cast iron we inherited but have since donated that cast iron pan. I can attest it does work on wood!
What I have left:
My ultimate goal is to get everything in my spice drawer with no overflow (except for the pink salt rocks and peppercorns for my griders).
This means I need to "remove" a few more items in my spice drawer and I'm still deciding what ones I can eliminate (more on that below)
My most favorite way to get rid of anything:
Posting the items in my local "buy nothing" group. I bet your area has one, they're usually on Facebook.
I've seen people offload leftover birthday cake and all kinds of commercial goods (e.g. cereal, coffee, creamer, snack foods) they realized after a serving they didn't like.
ALL of my spices were opened and had mixed levels of 'fullness' and they were all gone by the end of the day! YAY for no waste
HOW TO EDIT/MINIMIZE YOUR SPICE RACK
Editing your spice rack is one of the easiest ways to simplify your kitchen and is instant proof that a little organization goes a long way.
Truly, this is one of the easiest changes you can make in your home that will have a big impact on your life/cooking/mental space.
MINDSET: You do not need to have every spice imaginable.
Keep what you use, what's fresh, and what actually makes your meals better.
Step 1: Take everything out for evaluation.
Step 2: Check expiration dates and sniff.
If it doesn’t smell like much, it won’t taste like much.
How Long Spices Actually Last
Ground spices: 1–2 years
Dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): 1–3 years
Whole spices (cumin seed, peppercorns): 3–4 years
Spice blends: 6 months–1 year (they fade fastest)
If you’ve had something since your last move—or two moves ago—it’s time to let it go.
The Best Spices to Have (A Minimal, Versatile List)
Black pepper
Granulated garlic powder
Granulated onion powder
Paprika or Smoked paprika
Ground cumin
Chili powder (or red pepper flakes)
Italian seasoning (or oregano)
Italian seasoning or oregano (not both)
Optional but useful:
Cinnamon
Curry Powder
Nutritional Yeast
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MINIMALIST MONDAYS 2026 INFO
Each week in 2026, we focus on minimizing one small thing.
No extreme decluttering. No aesthetic pressure.
Just small, thoughtful ways to clear space—for your time, energy, and peace of mind.
Tiny actions add up to big relief.
Here is the full year-long guide you can revisit every Monday.
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BTW if you missed the last few weeks that is OK! Start this week.
