Unclutter in 10 Easy Steps – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

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Clutter, which is defined as things that lie about untidily, is often linked to creativity or laziness whichever family you come from.  So, just how much imagination will it take to tidy up your space?  To be exact, you can make it happen in 10 easy steps.

Step # 1: Set A Schedule – It can’t be next Year!

You are much more likely to stick to a routine, whatever it may be, if you work on a schedule.  In addition, this allows you to clean when you can minimize interruptions and maximize your time.

Step # 2: Set A Goal For Each Room – Love it or Dump it!

If you can visualize what you want, you will be better able to achieve it.  By setting goals for each room, you can note the things that need changing and work toward that goal one day at a time.  There are wonderful organizations little-used items such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill.  If you can’t remember the last time you used it, then it’s probably time to get rid of it.

Step # 3: Create A Timeline

When do you hope to have your home completely free of clutter?  One week, two weeks or even a month?  Depending on your schedule and the amount of clutter that you have, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you can kick back and relax again.

Step # 4: Start Small – It’s a Big Job, But Someone Has To do it!

The clutter in your home didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight either.  If you start small, you will be less likely to get frustrated and give up midway through your cleanup.

Step # 5: Categorize Your Clutter – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

When cleaning, it’s important to categorize your items into groups.  By separating the items that you want to keep, toss and donate, you will be able to move through your clutter quickly and efficiently.

Step # 6: Letting Go

A good rule of thumb for uncluttering your home is to get rid of anything that you haven’t used within the past year.  If it’s still useful, consider donating it to a good cause.  Otherwise, toss it.

Step # 7: Storing Your Seasonal Apparel

When storing seasonal clothing, purchase a sturdy plastic storage bin with a lid and roll your clothes instead of folding them in an effort to maximize storage capability.  When full, snap the lid on and slide the unit into your closet.

Step # 8: Closet Organization – Use Things that Are Sturdy for Storage

Did you know that your choice of clothes hangers can greatly impact the storage capacity of your closet?  Wire hangers take up less space and can save your shirts from getting that annoying shoulder bump that often arises from the use of plastic hangers. Check out the www.containerstore.com

Step # 9: Shoes Blues

When it comes to storing shoes, many homeowners are fighting a losing battle with clutter.  How many pairs of shoes do you own?  How neatly are they stored?  If your shoe storage has you down, try purchasing clear lidded shoe boxes.  These handy creations can house each pair of shoes and can be stacked neatly in your closet.  And best of all, you can see your shoe collection without having to sift through a sea of sandals.

Step # 10: Read The Labels

If you have medicine, food or anything else with an expiration date in the home, check to make sure that the items are still good.  If the expiration date has already come and gone, throw them away.

Do-It-Yourself Pest Control

Do-It-Yourself Pest Control Tips

A pest is not just a word that’s used to describe an annoyance; in fact, it’s also the term given to a destructive animal that destroys crops, food and even livestock.  Whether you have a garden that has become a hot spot for neighborhood pests or you simply want to keep them from entering your home, it’s important to keep in mind several do-it-yourself pest control tips.

Spruce Up Your Space

One of the most attractive places for a pest is that which is filled with food.  Ants love anything sweet, including sugar, so make sure that any spills are cleaned up completely.  It’s equally important to keep your food containers and bags sealed properly to avoid a problem.

Landscape Designs That Pests Hate

If you have weeds in your lawn, remove them to avoid attracting pests.  Additionally, pay close attention to the plants and/or flowers that you use in your landscaping as certain types tend to attract pests, while others repel them.  For specifics, ask a local gardening professional or a representative from your local home improvement gardening center.

The Buzz On Mosquito Control

Nobody likes mosquitoes, but they are still a part of life and it’s important to deal with them.  You may not be able to rid your entire yard of these nuisances, but you can make it a place where they are not welcome.  One way of doing this is to remove anything that could result in standing water, which attracts mosquitoes.  Remove old flower pots, tires or anything else that could be a place for water to gather.  Not only is this a health concern as mosquitoes often carry diseases, but it’s also a good way to clean up the yard.

Home Repair

If you know that pests are getting into your home, the next logical step is to find out how.  Once you locate the entry point, repair the area so that it no longer allows for outside intruders to enter your home.  If you notice cracks, holes or other needed repairs, make sure that they are corrected to prevent future pests from setting up shop in your space.

Pest Control Products

In some cases, homeowners are forced to deal with pests by using products designed specifically for the purpose of pest control.  These products, which are commonly available at any retail and/or home improvement store, should be used as directed in order to prevent harm to yourself, your family and your pets.  It’s important to keep all pest control products locked in a cabinet and out of reach of children.   Here’s some handy sites that you might want to check out. http://www.doityourselftermitecontrol.com/ Personally, I would hire this done because I don’t know everything about termites.  But if it saves you money and it is not dangerous, I would go for it. Spiders are another pest that really get you in the Spring and some are very dangerous.  http://doyourownpestcontrol.com/spiders.htm You can also go to your local Home Depot http://www.homedepot.com/or Lowe’s  store http://www.lowes.com and ask them what works best for your area.

Please bookmark this blog to receive more helpful hints.

Give Your Curb Appeal a Punch!

Whether you are looking to sell your home or just think it’s time for a new look to improve your curb appeal, here are a few simple ways to spruce up your front porch without taking a bite out of your wallet!

What to do with Concrete?

If your home has a simple concrete porch, there are a number of great ways to give it a more refined appearance that won’t involve replacing it.  One option is using concrete paint.  Available in many colors and textures, you can create the look of a more expensive stone porch at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.  Here’s a company that can do it for you.  http://concretecafe.com

Take a Picture?

Most homes have a front entry that includes a covered porch or front door entrance.    During the winter months, have your lights on a timer to give an additional welcoming touch at sun down.  Also, if your entry is “post card perfect” make a picture while the snow is on the ground.  These are great pictures for marketing and give people in the heat of summer another view of your house.

One of the easiest ways to dress up your exterior entry is to choose interesting and complementary final touches.  A new mailbox, a handmade or antique-looking street number sign, and a nice welcome mat can all make the space look more homey and finished.  If you have the space, also consider adding a few chairs and a small table, or add the nostalgia of a porch swing.

How to Negotiate the Best Car Deal

Do research online.  Decide on a fair price.  Look up Blue Book Values for the cars you are considering.  Be sure to compare apples to apples because it will make a difference in price.

For example if you want GPS or a DVD player in your car include those features in all searches.

Use other dealership offers to entice a salesman to drop the price even more. Be prepared to walk from a dealership if they won’t initially meet your price – but leave your contact information should they decide otherwise!  The prospect of a lost sale will make people more negotiable.

Facebook has many business pages for specific makes and models – email some of the owners to ask if they like their car.  Talk to local mechanics and ask what they would buy given the choice of (narrow it down to 3 different cars).

Tis the Season…Creating Memories

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Along with the Christmas festivities comes the desire to decorate your home with twinkling lights, wreaths, trees and even yard ornaments featuring the theme of the holidays.  If you want to make your next Christmas decorating venture a real holiday treat, consider the following ideas:

Homemade Wreath Decorations

Create your own lighted wreath by taking a short strand of mini-lights and wrapping them around a plain wreath.  You can use either multi-color or clear lights, and this approach can easily be used for both indoor wreaths and garland decorations.

Creating A Modern Centerpiece With Classic Holiday Style

Use a clear glass vase or bowl as a centerpiece and fill it with round glass ornaments.  For Christmas, the combination of silver and gold or red and green will be ideal.  When paired with the beauty of a simplistic glass holder, the ornaments will add a very modern twist to a very traditional color combination.

Holiday Decorating Scents

A nice bowl of fresh fruit, including oranges, tangerines and apples will give a nice welcoming holiday scent to your home.  For many, the smell of fresh fruit is reminiscent of the December season as fruit baskets are common gifts that are exchanged during Christmas.  You can place the bowl on your dining room table or in the family room, both of which will offer guests the ability to appreciate your style.

Display Your Christmas Cards

Take some felt or fabric and create a hanging decorative piece to show off all of the Christmas cards you receive.  You can use a small safety pin to attach the cards to the fabric, so that the beauty of the front of the card is seen.  This can be hung on a wall, or support post or beam or the railing leading up your stairs.

Turn Out The Lights

Turn out your normal overhead lighting each night, light up the tree and burn candles throughout the house for a peaceful and relaxing setting.  Watch your favorite Christmas movie, sing carols and just share good times together.

Homeowner Tip #3 – Painting

Don’t scrimp on tools.   Marine wool 1/2 nap roller covers, a good quality paint brush, “Shur-Line Edge Like a prom (TM)” can all make your painting task easier.   Masking tape, drop cloths, and high quality paint.  Shur-Line also makes a great extension pole if you want to balance on a step ladder.  You can also check with your local Home Depot, Lowes and other household stores to find the best deal.  But I can’t stress enough how important the quality of paint you choose is to your project.

Check out this great article by Home Depot, http://bit.ly/9TzqhO

What a difference a fresh coat of paint makes.  Another great article or video about how to choose paint, paint colors, etc. is great information, Creative Ideas : How To Choose Paint http://bit.ly/cWzXfE

If you would like a copy of my home decorating hints for the holidays, just send me an email and I’ll send it to you right away.    Feel free to subscribe for more really helpful and useful posts.

Don’t Wait to Go to Hospital if You are Having Any Symptoms of a Heart Attack or Stroke

Life has a way of getting things in perspective.  Last night, I was with a couple who are in the processing of downsizing.  In their 70′s, they are looking forward to moving into a home that is more manageable.

The husband did not seem quiet up to par when I got there but his wife explained that sometimes he experiences hypoglycemia.  She gave him an orange and his color returned and he didn’t seem as clammy.  His symptoms were dizziness, sweating, his head tingled and he felt funny in his chest.  His coloring improved and he said that he felt better but  I continued to recommend that they go to the hospital.  The wife said the hospital wouldn’t do anything and they would be there for hours.   They tested his blood pressure and didn’t seem to be too upset by the results. You could really tell that the husband did not want to go or bother with a trip to the hospital.  But something really bothered me about all of it.

As I was leaving, I looked at the husband directly and I said you know you can’t undo what a heart attack or stroke can do, please reconsider your decision not to go to the hospital (7:00 p.m.).

7:45 a.m. (Message on phone) Vicky, please hold up our paperwork.  NAME had a heart attach last night and is in intensive care.

So for all of you who put things off, don’t ignore what your body is telling you.  It is serious and the stroke or heart attack won’t wait.     If you have symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, please go to the hospital immediately.  Also, you don’t have to have all the symptoms on the list to be having a heart attack or stroke.

A heart attack and stroke can irrevocably change your life.   For a complete list of symptoms of a heart attack go to  http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Conditions_UCM_305346_SubHomePage.jsp

To my precious clients, I wish I could of made you go.  I hope this post saves someone’s life today.  Don’t wait if you are having any symptoms.  It can change your life.

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas – It’s Not Too Early To Start Planning

Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

Thanksgiving is an annual national holiday commemorating a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621.  This day, which is used to express gratitude, is observed in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November.  One of the greatest traditions of Thanksgiving is that of a family dinner, which means menu planning is a must.  Here are some Thanksgiving menu ideas that will fill your table and the appetite of your guests:

Main Course

The traditional main entrée for Thanksgiving is, of course, turkey.  If this isn’t quite your taste, you may want to consider serving ham instead.   This is a popular alternative and is a pleasing main course for your dinner guests.

Side Dishes

When it comes to serving a meal, the side dishes are almost as important as the entree.  Popular Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, dressing, green beans, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, rolls and cranberries served with cranberry sauce.  If you have a large family, it may be a good idea to prepare several side dishes so that everyone will be able to find something that they like.

Dessert

What meal would be complete without the perfect dessert?  Whether it’s a pumpkin pie, chocolate pie or other favorite flavor, this traditional treat is common at the conclusion of a Thanksgiving dinner.  If you are planning for a large gathering, consider serving several different pies in an effort to accommodate a variety of taste buds.

The Benefits Of A Homemade Meal

Believe it or not, some may choose to dine at a restaurant on Thanksgiving instead of preparing a homemade meal.  Although dining out may be easier, it cannot replace the taste and camaraderie of a family dinner at home.  Many may shy away from preparing a large Thanksgiving meal because it seems intimidating to cook for so many people.  However, with the right recipe, cookware and a little knowhow, your next holiday meal can be a breeze.  Check out tested Thanksgiving Menu Recipes at www.allrecipes.com.  What I personally like about this site is you can see feedback on different recipes.  That’s great.

Rounding Up The Perfect Recipes

If you know what to cook, but still need a little help with the details, consider looking for the perfect recipes to turn your meal into a masterpiece.  While many recipes are available online, many turn to cookbooks and/or women’s specialty magazines for popular recipe and preparation ideas.  As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, there is no shortage of publications containing ideas for creating the perfect meal.  Now that you have the perfect menu idea, it’s time to start putting your plan into motion.  By planning ahead, your Thanksgiving meal can be stress free and enjoyable for you as well as for everyone who joins you.  And don’t lose sight of the reason for your efforts – a time for family and friends to celebrate and give thanks.

 

Childproofing Your Home

When it comes to decorating your home, there’s a lot more to consider than simply coordinating your window treatments with your carpet.  This is especially true if you have children in the home, which presents a whole new concern for keeping them safe and sound.

Take A Look Around

When you take a quick glance throughout your home, what do you see?  Is the home decorated for an adult or a child?  If your little one is like most, he/she has a lot of energy and isn’t afraid to use it.  To prevent a hard spill, many families replace hardwood or tile flooring with plush carpet or rugs for a little extra padding.  If your child stumbles and falls, the extra cushioning will come in handy.

Do you have any furniture with glass inserts or sharp corners, or do you see a lot of breakables throughout the home?  If so, it’s time to remove them.  You should get rid of any furniture that could be hazardous to your youngster and this includes glass top tables and anything with protruding edges.

Lots Of Locks

When you have children in the home, it’s important that you keep all cleaning products locked away in a cabinet and/or out of reach of your little ones.  If possible, consider adding an alarm that will alert you if the cabinet is opened.

Most families have a medicine cabinet, which contains either over-the-counter or prescription medication.  This area is a serious concern for children and should be locked and out of their reach.  It’s also important that all medications feature a childproof lid for added protection.

If there is an area of your home or a specific room that your child is not permitted in, place a child gate in the doorway to prevent them from sneaking in while you’re not looking.  Children are fast, but this is one way to make sure that they are also safe.

Do Not Touch

Children are curious by nature, but there are some common household items that they simply must refrain from touching.  These include a fan, paper shredder, space heater, scissors and other sharp objects that could pose a serious risk for your little one.  Make sure that these items, along with anything similar, are kept out of reach.  All electrical appliances, including hairdryers, styling products and appliances must be stored away from water and out of your child’s reach to prevent injury.

Speaking of which, all electrical outlets should be covered with outlet covers and any small items, including marbles and coins, must be picked up and kept out of your child’s reach.  Because children love to see what they can fit into their mouths, it’s important that they not be left alone near these items.

Safety At Play

When your child is outside, make sure that the environment is a safe one.  This means that your yard should be completely fenced with a locked gate to prevent him/her from wandering out into the street.  It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your child, but it’s even better to make sure that he/she is safe if you happen to glance away for a second.

 

Homeowner Tip#1 – Photograph Everything of Value In Your House

Many of you have contacted me regarding my suggestions to help around the house…So in October, I will be posting different tips that I have picked up in my 14 years as a realtor.

HOMEOWNER TIP #1. Take your digital camera and spend a few
minutes photographing everything of value in your house. Go room
by room. Save these files OFF SITE so that if your home does burn
down or flood you have records for the insurance company. Scan
any receipts, important documents like wills, birth certificates
and marriage licenses, credit cards and anything else you keep in
your safety deposit box at home.

If you don’t want to wait for the posts, contact me and I’ll send all of them your way.