How to Create an ADHD-Friendly Mini Grocery Store in Your Kitchen

 

Hey there! If you often find yourself battling a cluttered pantry and forgetting what food or appliances you have, you’re not alone. Many of us with ADHD experience these challenges, but there’s a simple solution:

turning your kitchen into a mini grocery store. Let’s explore how to set this up in a way that works for you!

 

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Why Consider a Mini "Grocery Store"?

Transforming your kitchen into a mini grocery store gives it the same organized feel as your favorite supermarkets, making it easy to find what you need.

This is especially true for places like Target, Walmart, and HEB, which also sell kitchen appliances and a variety of household items.

 

Grocery stores are arranged into sections, like produce, dairy, and snacks, allowing for a smooth shopping experience. By categorizing your pantry and fridge in a similar way, you can quickly locate items and avoid duplicate purchases. 

 

This approach not only keeps your kitchen looking nice but also transforms your cooking and shopping into a more efficient, enjoyable process.

 

Example 1: In this case, I needed more storage in my kitchen. Using two ($30 each) Walmart bookshelves, I created a zone where I store specific items. 

However, I would honestly spend a little extra on something more sturdier, like IKEA bookshelves or this one from Amazon. The one you see from Walmart is very low quality and makes me question if it'll one day collapse. It's been a year and it's holding up so far...lol. 

 

 

 

Top Shelf Organizing

 

When using non-transparent baskets for storage, like wicker or seagrass, I keep the items inside to a minimum. This way, I can clearly remember what’s supposed to be there and stick to that organization rule. 

Using transparent storage is ideal for keeping items visible, but if that’s not an option, it’s perfectly fine to use non-transparent baskets; as long as you limit them to a maximum of two to four items.

This prevents overcrowding and can help you remember what’s inside, maintaining the organization and purpose of that designated zone.

 

 At the top of the shelf on the left side, I store aluminum foil boxes in bulk and garbage bags. These items are small but essential, and keeping them up high helps free up space below for food and other products.

 

Example 2:

 

On the right side, I have a basket that holds extra serving bowls. This ensures I have them handy whenever I'm hosting, while still keeping everything organized and easy to find.

 

Example 3:

 

Using transparent storage is ideal for keeping items visible, but if that’s not an option, it’s perfectly fine to use non-transparent baskets; as long as you limit them to a maximum of two to four items.

This prevents overcrowding and can help you remember what’s inside, maintaining the organization and purpose of that designated zone.

 

 

Appliance Zone

Start with one side of your zone. This is where all your appliances can live. Instead of packing them away in cabinets, keep them categorized together out in the open.

This way, you’ll remember to use your blender, toaster, or any other gadgets instead of forgetting they exist. It makes cooking a lot easier when you can see what you have!  You can use baskets to store smaller appliances, like a handheld mixer.

The trick to maintaining this zone is to always put everything back in it's spot after every use. 

 

 

 

 

Food Organization

Now, let’s talk about the other side. Here’s where you can store your food products. Clear containers, baskets, and bins work wonders—they let you see what you have without digging around.

Having your perishable food visible, like apples, potatoes, onions, garlic, tangerines, other fruit, will help you keep track of what’s in there, reducing the urge to buy things you already own...or unintentionally letting them spoil. 

 

Example 4: I use one natural basket to store bread and I use a different one to store chips and extra cereal boxes. That way the items are easier to detect.

 

 

Benefits of This Setup

Organizing your kitchen this way not only helps keep clutter at bay, but it also gives you a sense of control. You’ll know exactly what you have, making meal prep feel less overwhelming.

Plus, reaching for a snack becomes a little more enjoyable when everything is tidy and easily accessible. Kind of like reaching for your favorite food item at a grocery store. 😉

 

 

Wrapping It Up

Creating a mini grocery store in your kitchen can make a big difference if you have ADHD. It’s a simple change that can streamline your cooking and shopping experience.

So, clear a space, pull out those appliances, and organize your food in a way that suits you. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it can be to manage your kitchen!

Happy organizing!