Prepping for Passover Without Losing Your Mind: Time-Saving Tips for a Chill, Joyful Pesach

Let’s be honest—Passover prep can feel like the Olympics of Jewish holidays. The cleaning, the cooking, the kashering, the Seder planning… all while keeping up with work deadlines, kids’ schedules, and maybe even squeezing in a workout or two (hey, we can dream).

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to sacrifice your sanity—or your sense of humor—to make it all happen. With the right mindset and a few smart strategies, you can actually enjoy the process. Here’s how to keep your Pesach prep efficient, meaningful, and yes… even fun.

1. Clean Strategically, Not Religiously (Pun Intended)

You’re not spring cleaning for HGTV. Focus on areas that actually need to be chametz-free (kitchen, dining areas, car), and don’t waste energy scrubbing the ceiling unless your challah has learned how to levitate.

Pro tip: Set a timer (20–30 minutes) for each zone and race the clock. Or better yet…

Outsource what you can. Upping cleaning help the week before Pesach might be the best money you spend all year. Your time is worth something too.

We’ve done Pesach programs some years and stayed home others, and by far, our favorite as a family is being home—with a large investment in cleaning help. Going to sleep in your own bed, not needing to wash every last dish, and staying in your PJs while drinking coffee—yet still having your salad prepped and floors swept—is our absolute ideal.

2. Use a Prep Calendar, Not Just a To-Do List

Break your prep into small, time-boxed tasks spread out over a week or two. A visual calendar makes it easier to pace yourself and gives you built-in wins as you check things off.

Try:

• Monday: Pantry purge

• Tuesday: Clean the fridge + shop for non-perishables

• Friday: Make one freezer-friendly dish

• Sunday: Cook with a playlist and wine

And don’t forget—store-bought is kosher for your sanity. Prepped, frozen, or catered meals? Yes, please. It’s still your Pesach, just with less stress and fewer dirty dishes. My favorite is a mix of the two. We love our traditional recipes and family favorites while picking up some grilled chicken, stuffed cabbage etc... to add a little fun.  

3. Block Time for Work AND Family

Don’t try to multitask your way through the week. It doesn’t work, and you know it. Instead, time-block like a boss:

• Mornings: Focused work sprints

• Afternoons: Pesach prep/errands

• Evenings: Chill time or family cooking

Keep it flexible but intentional. You’ll get more done—and feel less frazzled.

4. Delegate Like You Mean It

You are not the only one who can scrub, chop, or hide the afikomen. Get your family involved. Give them ownership. Even the little ones can “clean” a cabinet or set up the Seder table.

Bonus: Turn chores into bonding moments—blast music or create a mini ‘Pesach Olympics’ challenge.

5. Lower the Bar on Meals (Seriously)

You do not need to be serving gourmet, 10-course masterpieces three times a day. We’re basically eating nonstop over the holiday—no one wants (or needs) another elaborate meal.  We all feel better physically when we eat a little less, a little healthier, and bonus it saves a ton of time :)

Permit yourself to:

• Serve matzah pizza, eggs, or salad for dinner.

• Reheat something delicious someone else made.

• Put out a board with cheese, fruit, and dips, and call it a vibe.

Less pressure, more pleasure.

6. Build in Breaks + Fun

You're not a robot. Plan little resets:

• A solo coffee run

• A walk around the block

• 20 minutes of reading something not related to recipes or halacha

• A Seder playlist can totally change the atmosphere of the house.  

You deserve joy before the holiday too. (P.S. this run was during the Pesach season last year, what a joy). 

Final Thought

Pesach is about freedom, right? That includes freedom from perfectionism, overwhelm, and pressure. Embrace the mess a little. Laugh a lot. Do what you can, skip what you can’t, and let the rest go.

Wishing you a calm, grounded, and joyful Passover!