It's Gumbo Season (stress-free edition)!

In Louisiana, gumbo isn’t just a meal, it’s a whole event.

Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner, a tailgate crowd, or the holidays, gumbo means people gathering, laughter in the kitchen, and second helpings all around. But for many busy Louisiana families, cooking gumbo in a cluttered kitchen can feel more stressful than joyful. That’s where a little organization goes a long way.

Here’s how to keep the gumbo tradition alive without the chaos:

1. Start with a Decluttered Kitchen

Before you even chop the trinity, clear your counters. Move mail, water bottles, and random “drop zone” items out of the way. Give yourself the space to spread out, because gumbo needs it!

Quick win: pull out a laundry basket, toss in everything that doesn’t belong in the kitchen, and set it aside. You’ll deal with it after dinner.

2. Prep Your Pantry + Fridge

Check your pantry for flour, oil, and broth before you start. No one wants to be mid-roux and realize the chicken stock is gone. Same with your fridge, clear out expired sauces or old takeout containers so there’s room for that big gumbo pot. 

3. Organize Your Tools

The right tools make gumbo night smoother:

• One sturdy gumbo pot (not three smaller ones).

• A long-handled spoon for stirring that roux without splattering yourself.

• A sharp knife for the trinity. 

4. Clean as You Go

This is the golden rule. A sink full of dishes makes gumbo feel like a chore. Wash knives and cutting boards after the trinity, rinse your roux spoon, and keep the dishwasher open for dirty plates as you cook. 

5. Enjoy the Gathering

At the end of the day, gumbo isn’t about perfection—it’s about people. When your kitchen is decluttered and organized, you can relax, stir the pot, and enjoy the company instead of stressing about the mess. 

An organized kitchen doesn’t just make cooking easier, it makes traditions like gumbo more fun and less overwhelming. And when you can cook, clean, and host without the stress, you’ll find yourself making those memories more often.

If your kitchen feels too cluttered or chaotic, I offer professional organizing services in Hammond and throughout Southeast Louisiana to help you get back to enjoying these special moments.

Complete the contact form to get started on your organizing project today!