You’ve done it. You’ve survived Passover. Cue tearing open the cabinets and returning life to normal!
But wait! There’s more!
Sit down and write down everything you need to remember for Pesach 2016. Before you forget, before all the carbs make your brain fuzzy, before you throw away something you should keep for next year instead.
It’s tempting to rampage through the kitchen and put life back in order (I know because I started doing that!), but don’t act so fast.
- Clean your Pesach stuff before you put it away. This is the hardest part because you just want. it. gone. Be patient, grasshopper.
- Pack it in some kind of reasonable order that will at least keep things from breaking. It doesn’t need to be pretty or alphabetized. Make sure you mark the box “Pesach” so that non-Pesach things don’t accidentally get mixed in. I prefer a giant, clear plastic box with a locking lid.
- What will be left out to “become chametz” and be used from now on?
- Consider what might be reusable next year, even though you’d normally throw it away. (Maybe your counter covers?)
- What did you eat a lot of? What needed to be replenished or replaced over chol hamoed?
- Which recipes went well, and which were a flop?
- What did you run out of?
- What didn’t you touch at all?
- Did you accidentally discover some chametz over Pesach? Was there kitniyot that wasn’t put away (if that applies to you)? Make sure those places gets a better cleaning next year. This happens; don’t beat yourself up about it.
- Did you discover during Pesach that something is chametz or kitniyot that you didn’t realize beforehand? Note it down so you don’t forget next year. Again, this happens. It’ll be ok.
- Did you discover during Pesach that something wasn’t a problem and doesn’t need to be put away next year? Make a note.
- What was actively gross, disgusting, or disliked and shouldn’t be bought again?
- How did your preparations work? Maybe you need a stronger counter cover next year?
- What should you buy next year, and will you buy it now or later? Maybe the paring knives you bought are too short? Maybe a pizza cutter would be great to cut your matzah pizza?
- What do you want to upgrade next year? Maybe get a proper dishrack instead of the one from the Dollar Store?
- Do you want to use permanent pieces next year instead of plastic and paper goods? Watch for sales over the next year and put them away with your Pesach goods.
Remember that you’re not obligated to make these changes next year, especially if you note a lot of things you want to buy. It just exists to help you prioritize your preparations and spending next year. Those decisions don’t have to be made now. Brain dump and walk away.
Kosher on a Budget suggests doing this in a note on your Google Calendar (or other electronic calendar of choice) so that you’ll automatically be reminded of these notes. Personally, I’ve started keeping a Word (Pages, actually) document/timeline, and I made a reminder to check it in my to do application, which happens to be ToodleDo. What’s even better? Do both! Whatever works for your brain.
Your future self will thank you. Imagining the calm look on your face and the peace in your day next year can help motivate you to take action today for the benefit of tomorrow.
#1 rule in our home: Always removed any Passover pots, containers, etc. from the refrigerator and freezer before doing anything else, less they become chametz the minute you put a loaf of bread (or whatever) in there!
# Safety first: If you don't own a Passover ice cub tray, buy one, less someone suffer a minor burn without having any ice to put on it!