In my twenties, making Pesach began to feel like anything but freedom.
It felt like slavery.
The pressure.
The exhaustion.
The feeling that no matter how much I did, it wasn’t enough.
Until one day, deeply dreading Pesach, I asked myself:
“Why does Pesach feel so overwhelming?”
I realized I was feeling overwhelmed because it wasn’t just about the workload—it was coming from something deeper.
Because Pesach itself isn’t meant to feel this way.
The real problem?
✔ The expectations we place on ourselves.
✔ The old emotions we’ve attached to it.
✔ The baggage we don’t even realize we’re carrying.
I know I’m not alone in this.
So many people associate Pesach with intensity—not just because of the workload, but because of the memories attached to it.
Maybe something significant happened to you around Pesach.
Maybe family dynamics around this time feel overwhelming.
Maybe Pesach brings up emotions you don’t know what to do with.
That’s why it’s so important to separate what Pesach actually is from what we associate with it.
Because Pesach, at its core, is about freedom.
And freedom doesn’t come from avoiding the things that trigger us.
It comes from learning how to experience them differently.
Why Do We Hold On to Things? (And How Pesach Helps Us Let Go)
Pesach is a time of cleaning, but it’s also a time of clearing—physically, emotionally and spiritually.
We don’t just hold on to physical clutter—we hold on to stories, emotions and beliefs that keep us stuck.
And just like we clean our homes for Pesach, we have an opportunity to clear out what’s inside us as well.
Because true freedom isn’t just about removing chametz from your home.
It’s about removing the weight—physical or emotional—that holds you back from stepping into who you’re meant to be.
How do we declutter?
Mindset Shift #1: Clutter Isn’t Just Physical—It’s Emotional
Ever notice how some things are so hard to let go of?
You might look at an old dish and think, I never use this, but my grandmother gave it to me.
Or you might look at a dress you haven’t worn in five years and think, But I spent so much money on this.
These aren’t just things—they’re attachments.
But here’s the truth:
✔ Your memories aren’t in the objects.
✔ They’re in you.
Holding on to something you don’t love doesn’t honor the person who gave it to you—it just adds weight to your home and your heart.
Mindset Shift #2: Fear of Letting Go Means Fear of Change
So many people struggle with decluttering because they think, What if I need this one day?
But how often does one day actually come?
The real fear behind letting go isn’t about the object—it’s about trusting yourself to move forward without it.
Pesach reminds us that freedom requires trust.
When the Jewish people left Mitzrayim, they didn’t hoard “just in case” items.
They didn’t overpack.
They took the bare essentials—and they stepped into the unknown, trusting Hashem completely.
So this Pesach, as you clean, ask yourself:
✔ Am I holding on to things out of fear or faith?
✔ Am I keeping a past version of myself that no longer aligns with who I am today?
✔ Am I making space for the person I am becoming?
Mindset Shift #3: Bitachon and Decluttering—Trusting That Hashem Will Provide
Letting go of things requires trust.
✔ Trust that if you ever truly need something again, Hashem will provide it.
✔ Trust that you don’t have to hold on to excess to feel secure.
✔ Trust that creating space in your home creates space in your life for something greater.
Because the truth is—clutter isn’t just about stuff.
It’s about holding on to something out of fear, instead of living with faith.
And Pesach is the time to shift that.
Pesach, Organizing and True Freedom
Pesach isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about clearing.
It’s about letting go—of what no longer serves us, of what weighs us down, of what keeps us stuck.
To trust enough to release.
To release enough to make space.
To make space enough to receive.
Because Pesach isn’t about exhaustion.
It’s about becoming.
And becoming is the most beautiful kind of freedom there is.
Streamline Pesach Prep Like a Pro
As a professional organizer, I need to tell you—cleaning for Pesach is not the same as decluttering and organizing your home. It’s only natural that once you start tackling surfaces, you’ll want to declutter and organize—I get it! The struggle is real. But Pesach cleaning has a different purpose, and right before yom tov is not the time for full-home organizing projects.
Remember the famous saying: Dust is not chametz, and your children are not the korban Pesach. In other words, don’t sacrifice your family’s wellbeing in the pressure for a “perfectly clean” Pesach.
As much as decluttering tips are my love language, I want to be true to the spirit of Pesach and give you strategies that will actually help you streamline your cleaning, prepping and setup.
First Things First: Prioritize Self-Care Before—and After—Pesach
Most people think they’ll schedule self-care after Pesach. Nope. You need it before.
Why? Pesach prep is physically and mentally demanding—you need strength, stamina and focus.
Try this: Build in small moments of self-care every day. A short walk, a coffee break, a massage, music or a shiur while you clean. It’s not indulgence—it’s fuel.
Mindset Shift: You’re not just preparing your home—you’re preparing yourself for yom tov. Take care of yourself so you can show up as the queen of your Seder—not the cleaning lady.
And after Pesach? Be kind to yourself. Yes, you’ll turn your kitchen back to chametz overnight, but transitioning back to your regular kitchen flow takes time. Don’t expect to feel instantly back to normal right after Pesach—it’s okay if it takes a few days to feel like yourself again.
No Pesach Kitchen? No Problem! Smart Setup Solutions That Work 1.
1. Ditch the Cabinet Chaos: Use Rolling Shelves for Pesach Essentials
Instead of emptying your entire kitchen, use rolling shelf units just for Pesach.
These make it easy to access your essentials without disrupting your year-round setup.
Bonus: At the end of Pesach, you fold them away and store them. No packing. No searching next year!
2. Organize Pesach Bins Like a Pro
Seder in One Place – I store everything I need for the Seder in one labeled bin. I use Our Box Collection from The Container Store. When it’s time to set up, I know exactly where everything is.
Cookware & Serving Bins – Instead of stuffing things into random boxes, categorize and label:
• Baking essentials
• Meat and dairy cookware (separate bins!)
• Serving pieces & tableware
Tip: Use clear bins so you can see inside instantly without opening everything.
3. Yes, I Have Organizing Containers for Pesach—And You Should Too
If you think organizing containers are just for year-round use—think again.
I use them nonstop over Pesach, and it’s one of the best investments I’ve made.
From airtight storage for baking ingredients to turntables for cabinets, having a functional system makes cooking so much easier.
High-Performance Kitchen Tools—High-Performance Pesach
Pesach may only be eight days, but let’s be real—it’s eight days of marathon cooking. The right tools make all the difference!
KitchenAid Mixer – I finally caved and bought one, and it was so worth it (and on sale from Costco right before Pesach!) A game-changer for Pesach cakes, whipping egg whites, and making prep effortless.
Tip: Know you need a certain appliance? Think Pesach year-round and buy it during Black Friday or clearance sales.
Razor-Sharp Peelers & Knives – Don’t waste time with dull tools—upgrade before Pesach!
Electric Peeler – Once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Perfect for bulk peeling potatoes, apples and more with zero effort.
Your Pesach Playbook: A System That Works
Keep a dedicated Pesach planning binder or digital doc with:
• Matzah and wine amounts (so you don’t overbuy every year!)
• Recipes that are keepers (so the best ones become family traditions!)
• Shopping lists from previous years (a huge time-saver!)
• Meal plans and cooking schedules (so you stay in control, not overwhelmed!)
Pro Tip: Print your menu, stick it to the fridge, and work off a master prep list for total clarity on what needs to get done and when.
Because when your Pesach setup is strategic and streamlined, yom tov feels like a joy—not a burden.
Adina Forouzan is the CEO and founder of Master My Space, Cleveland’s premier luxury home organizing company. Adina also created “Clutter: It’s Not You—It’s Me,” a transformational online course designed to help you break the cycle of clutter, let go of what’s holding you back and create a home that supports the life you’re meant to live. Join now at mastermyspace.com and get 50% OFF with promo code JEWISHACTION (expires April 30, 2025). Follow on Instagram: @mastermyspace.