Spring cleaning: kitchens

When I was packing to move out of my old apartment, I didn't realize how much kitchen stuff I had accummulated!  All those drawers and cabinets that helped me organize everything neatly also led me to believe it wasn't that much stuff.  Now that it's divided -- or added to -- two already-furnished households, the big purge kitchen clean really has to happen.

[my old kitchen]

I am hanging on to my old pots and pans and some extra plates, as well as any doubles between DC and me, as a "starter set" for my younger brother.  He's moving back home from college this summer and I will keep these essentials on hand for him so that when he moves out he won't have the added expense of buying all new.  It's agreed that I'll keep these things from nine to 12 months; if he's still living at home, they're going to be donated.

I found this blog post helpful when it comes to the basics.  But in terms of my own needs/desires/whatever, how do I know what or how much to throw away?  For example, Whatabout the silverware? I'd like to keep some handy for entertaining, so that what I'm cutting down on is disposables.  But are three full sets for 12 really necessary?

[new kitchen]

Don't worry, I'm not all worked up about it.  Things will work themselves out.  My task for the next week is just to clean out and re-line the cabinets (drawers already done!).  That's manageable, especially with DC coming to help!

Spring cleaning: times two

I tried to exercise foresight in packing, divvying my possessions between DC's place and my new place (already fully furnished).  But in the final days, in a frenzy to just get it all out of the apartment, things started going all over the place.

Now with spring in full swing, spring cleaning means tackling two households:  daunting.  But it's a good thing I like this kind of stuff.  There's no real rush, but to hasten the *exhale* of completion and carrying on with life more simple and with more focus on what's really important has my motor revved up and ready to get to it!

[packing - moving - unpacking]

I'll be checking in with Re-Nest's spring cleaning series, especially using things like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon for cleaning!  Since they just started it last week, I don't feel so behind!