Excellent progress on the bathroom. It truly took just 30 minutes a day — even with Banner and Balboa “helping.” All that’s left is to sweep out the bottom of the vanity and I can call Week 1 wrapped.
The Vanity Corner
- The Vanity Corner
Week 2: Kitchen & Pantry — The Real Test Begins
My decluttering adventure continues.
As you may recall, AARP claims you can declutter your entire home in 30 days. I’m testing that theory, one week at a time. Week 1 went surprisingly well — and yes, it really did take less than 30 minutes a day. It helped that I redecorated the bathroom a couple of years ago, so I wasn’t dealing with 20 years of fossilized lotions. Plus, I had Banner’s “help” with the medicine cabinet and Balboa’s supervision from the over‑the‑toilet storage shelves.
Somewhere in the middle of all this, my browser crashed. Not the computer — just the browser — but it slowed me down enough that I ended up “decluttering” my hard drive instead of my home. That saga deserves its own post.
But onward. Week 2 is Kitchen and Pantry, and the rules remain the same: no more than 30 minutes a day.
My tiny kitchen where culinary magic happens
AARP suggests tackling the junk drawer on a weekday and getting rid of duplicates. Cabinets are also weekday tasks, except for the “big ones.” In my tiny kitchen, I’m not entirely sure what qualifies as a big cabinet, but the bottom line is clear: declutter them all.
Not a junk drawer, mostly confused
This is where things get emotional.
The mugs.
The Mug Cabinet
I have souvenir mugs from trips, funny mugs, mugs with pictures, mugs that remind me of people, places, and moments. One of the tasks this week is to thin those out and make room on the shelf. The rule is simple: if you don’t use it, out it goes. The rule is also cruel.
At least I can say one cabinet is already in good shape. The under‑sink cabinet is practically a showpiece at this point — I’ve been cleaning it out for the past year. Can I count that as “one down”? I’m counting it.
Pots, pans and baking essentials
Of course, Banner and Balboa will be deeply involved in this week’s work. They love the under‑sink cabinet. They’ve both figured out how to open the door even though it’s on a spring. I always know when they’re in there because I hear the rhythmic thud… thud… thud of the door swinging shut behind them.
The spice cabinet
So here we go. The clock is ticking, the mugs are trembling, and Week 2 begins. Can we get the kitchen back to it’s former glory? Let’s find out.
Counter Clutter