Clutter-free Ways to Thank Your Household and Its Members

Your home is your shelter from the environment.  It is a haven for your family.  It is a place where friends gather and have fun over the holidays and all year long. 

So, have you said ‘thank-you’ to it lately?

Probably not, because it wouldn’t hear you anyway.  But here are some ideas to show your thanks to your home and family without spending much money or adding to the clutter in your home.   

FOR THE HOME

·    Control the Humidity—Too much moisture in the air can cause damage to furniture, fabrics, photographs, food, etc.  Too little moisture can cause damage to wood, your health, your plants, etc.  This may be in the living areas of your home, or most especially in basements and attics.  While household humidifiers and de-humidifiers help the living areas, they do not usually reach the attic, garage or crawl spaces in your home.  So pay special attention to what you store in those areas. 

·    Control Temperatures—Just as too much/little moisture in the air can cause damage, so can extreme temperatures.  Pipes can freeze in the winter if not insulated.  Ice can form on your A/C unit if air isn’t flowing properly.  Candles can melt in your attic in the summer, and snowglobes can crack in the winter.  Expansion/contraction can harm foundations and framing.  Keep temperatures as even as possible throughout your home throughout the year. 

·    Check Batteries—What good is a battery back-up for your sump pump, smoke detector, or computer if the batteries themselves are dead?  Check and change them regularly.  The extra time it takes to unscrew the cover of your smoke detector is worth the thousands of dollars in repairs and lost belongings in the case of a non-functioning alarm during a fire.

·    Clean Thoroughly—This may seem obvious to you, but we’re not talking about a casual dust and mop job.  We’re talking deep-down, nitty-gritty, get the grease off your stovetop and mold off your shower doors.  And it’s not just about being clean.  It’s about being healthy.  The longer you let dust and grit sit, the greater your chances for harboring viruses or other germs.

·    Make Repairs—Again, this may seem obvious, but we’ve all been there.  You know the screen needs repairing.  But you just don’t have the time to take the door down and bring it to the hardware store for repair.  So you let it sit.  Meanwhile, wasps find their way in, start building nests in your attic, and before you know it, their home is so big, the moisture starts dripping through your ceiling.  Now, you not only need the screen repaired, you also need an exterminator to kill the wasps and a handyman to repair your ceiling.  Was it worth it? 

·    Use Biodegradable Cleaners—Your house and your environment will thank you.  There are less harmful abrasives in biodegradable cleansers, and less pollutants running through your plumbing.  Be nice to your floors and countertops, as well as your sewer by using chemical-free cleaning products.

·    Purify Your Air—Perhaps it’s because we’ve grown accustomed to the ‘smell’ of our houses, that we don’t really realize they have an odor to them.  Whether it’s the pets, the cooking, the cleaning supplies or the human element, there are pollutants floating about the air in our homes. Running an air purifier will clean out these unwanted smells and germs, leaving behind a healthier, happier you.

·    Perform a Home Inspection—One of the best gifts you can give your home is an inspection. By identifying problem areas before they get too large, you may be preventing permanent damage to the home.  Yes, they cost a few hundred dollars, but isn’t it worth the investment of the inspection and the small repair rather than a major catastrophe in the home?  Inspectors are trained to see things you aren’t.  To you, your roof may look fine from the outside, but an inspector may find loose flashing, which is letting water seep into the attic, causing mold and mildew, which is making you sick. Be preventative rather than reactive.

FOR THE FAMILY 

·    Cook Healthy—The food you put into your system is the fuel that charges your body.  If you are loading up on sugars and fats, you are not giving it the proper nutrition it needs to get through the day.  And a lifetime of bad eating habits can take its toll later in life.  Start now by giving your family the gift of health.

·    Give Compliments—Giving someone a compliment does wonders for his/her self-esteem.  Praise your family often, even for the smallest efforts.  And always remember to say thank you for anything they do, no matter how menial.  They are happier knowing you appreciate their efforts, and will in turn help you more.

·    Offer Services—Not everyone in your family has the same resources you do.  Perhaps it’s an elderly parent who can’t get to the grocery store, or a handicapped cousin who can’t drive to the hair salon.  Find someone who will come to their home and provide these services for them if you can't.  There are even mobile pet grooming companies who will come to your house and wash the dog, which may be too much for an elderly person to do on their own.

·    Give the Gift of Tickets—Don’t clutter up your home or those of your extended family with little trinkets or more clothes.  Give gifts like tickets to a play, tickets to the museum, or gift cards for consumable items such as gasoline or food.  Giving them an item gives them one more thing to maintain or clean.  They will be more thankful for a gift that doesn’t require effort on their part—only enjoyment.

·    Give the Gift of Time—The best way to give thanks to family and friends is to give them more of your time.  Whether it’s a walk in the park, a trip to the zoo, or sitting and watching a movie together, time is too precious to take for granted.  These are the memories you want them to have.

·    Run Errands—Just as precious as time spent with people is time spent doing things for them.  Whether it’s picking up a prescription or dropping off the dry cleaning, those little tasks say ‘thank you’ like no card can.

 FOR YOURSELF

·    Schedule time for yourself—You are the backbone of your family.  You are what keeps them running and functioning.  Do you ever thank yourself for a job well done?  You can do that by scheduling time for yourself every day.  Even if it’s just a half hour at night to read, or an hour with a friend for coffee, you should thank the person who keeps you going—yourself.

·    Take an Artist’s Day—To borrow from Julia Cameron, take an Artist’s Day.  Spend time doing something fun and inspirational, whether it’s a trip to the art museum, a walk in the forest preserves, or browsing through journals and pens in the book store, spend some nurturing your creative side.

·    Begin an Exercise Program—Yes, the benefit will be weight loss, but you will also be more energetic and able to get through a long day if you exercise regularly.  You don’t have to join a health club and work out two hours a day.  Start simple with a walk around the block or sit-ups in the living room.  Your body will thank you in return.

·    Eat Healthy—Just as you should feed your family healthy meals, you should also eat healthy yourself.  You are no good to your family if you are not healthy or functioning well.  Give your body the fuel it needs to keep running.

·    Have Regular Check-ups—Part of a healthy lifestyle is seeing your physician on a regular basis for check-ups.  Like your home, finding a problem in the early stages can prevent serious illness down the road.  So see your doctor and get the tests recommended for your age group.

Saying thank-you to others makes them feel good.  Saying thank-you to others makes you feel good.  Saying thank-you to yourself is something you don’t always think about.  Don’t you think it’s time to start giving yourself a pat on the back and saying ‘well done!’ 
 

 

Autumn Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year, with the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows dominating the landscape. Early morning frost sparkles in the first light of dawn, and harvest moons shine overhead.  But autumn also means the harsh winter months are ahead.  And with that in mind, you should be preparing your home for the cold weather.  Here are some tasks you should be planning.

INSIDE THE HOME

·        Make an appointment to have furnace and humidifier inspected

·        Change the furnace filter

·        Drain your water heater to clear sediment from the bottom

·        Have chimney and fireplace inspected and cleaned if necessary

·        Call for delivery of firewood

·        Replace storm windows and doors; store screens after repairing

·        Seal leaks in windows with caulk or weather stripping

·        Replace worn door sweeps to stop drafts

·        Check insulation in attic and walls

·        Flip your mattresses

·        Store summer blankets and clothes, and pull out winter blankets and clothes

·        Have winter coats cleaned if you didn’t take them to the cleaners in the spring

·        Check boots for tears or leaks; make sure your children’s boots still fit them

·        Purchase extra mittens/hats/scarves to replace lost ones in a hurry, or to have on hand for guests

·        Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·        Collect emergency supplies (including food and water) in the event of a power outage

OUTSIDE THE HOME

·        Clean, drain and cover your pool

·        Cover and store your patio furniture

·        Pick up toys and bikes from the yard and store

·        Drain the gas and oil from your lawnmower

·        Clean downspouts after leaves are done falling

·        Check that gutters are securely attached to the house

·        Check roof for missing or broken shingles/tiles

·        Check flashing around chimney for leaks

·        Fill oil or propane tanks

·        Disconnect hoses from outdoor water faucets and drain before storing

·        Drain outdoor water valves

·        Insulate your septic system and other outdoor plumbing to prevent freeze-ups

·        Caulk around entry points for all pipes and ducts in exterior wall (repeat inside the home also)

·        Trim tree branches away from the house and power lines

·        Fertilize your lawn

·        Cover perennials as necessary (leaves work well for insulation)

·        Plant early spring flower bulbs

·        Bring potted perennials indoors

·        Harvest vegetables before the first freeze

·        Prepare your snow thrower for use

·        Check snow shovels—replace if necessary

·        Lay out mats at the front and back doors to trap snow and ice

·        Place a boot tray outside the back door for wet boots

·        Buy salt for icy stairs and walkways (be careful using around plants and pets)

Don’t wait until the first snow storm to take care of these matters.  You never know when the first snow will hit.  Sometimes it’s in the middle of the night, too late to run to the store, and you’ll find yourself in a dark house without batteries for your flashlight or gas for the snow thrower.  Be prepared. 

 

 

Showing Your House Through the Seasons

Moving on Monday

As summer turns into fall, your house is still on the market.  You’ve been taking care of it, mowing the lawn and watering the gardens.  But now that the weather is cooler and leaves are starting to fall, there are other matters you must attend to for it to show at its best.

The most important part of your house when selling is the outside.  It is the first impression potential buyers have when they drive by or come for a viewing.  Before they even step into your house, they will be assessing the condition of the driveway, the size of the trees and bushes, and the amount of clutter on the porch.  If they are just driving by, they may decide to cancel an appointment with a real estate agent.  If they already have an appointment, they will probably still come in, but their opinions will be affected by what they saw outside, no matter how nice the house is inside.

So if you are showing your house during this change of season, make sure you keep up with maintaining the exterior of your home.

Rake the leaves, sweep the walkway and porch, and clean out the gutters.  Have your asphalt driveway sealed if necessary, or the cracks in your concrete fixed.  With the upcoming snow and ice, potential buyers know that little cracks can turn into large problems.

Clean all the cobwebs from the front door and windows.  This is what buyers look at when they are waiting for the agent to unlock the door.  All dead plants should be removed from the front porch, and replaced with fall foliage.  If there are any nests in the lights (bird or wasp), get rid of them, and any mess they may have left.  If the wreath or decoration on your front door is seasonal, swap it out for a fall version.

It gets dark earlier now, so make sure all the light fixtures are working properly.  Put both interior and exterior lights on a timer so buyers driving by at night can see the house lit up even if you aren’t home. 

Make sure your address is visible from the street both night and day.  Use numbers in contrast with your house color.  That is, use black numbers on a white house, or brass numbers on a brown house.  Look at your address as you drive up from both directions, both day and night.  Brass or silver numbers reflect the sun, making them difficult to read.  If your house is set back off the street, have your address on a mailbox or post near the street.

Finally, cut down flowers and plants as they die for the season.  If you have extensive landscaping with mature perennials and you want buyers to see what you have planted, then leave photos on the counter of what your house looks like in the summer. 

Keeping your house showing its best will keep you a step up from the competition.

Doing It Yourself

Frugal Friday

We’ve all been there—the furnace goes out, a pipe bursts, a tree limb breaks in a storm.  So you call out the experts and have them take care of the situation.  Then they hand you the bill.  Often, it’s sticker shock.  And you think to yourself, “I could have done that myself for less.” 

But realistically you know that there are some repairs that are past your level of expertise.  There are, however, many things you can do yourself to keep repair bills down.

·         Maintain your equipment—furnace, hot water heater, car, etc.  If you take care of it and have it checked on a regular basis, odds are you will avoid major problems that cost large amounts of money to repair.

·         Learn how to make minor repairs yourself.  Anyone can change a washer in a leaky faucet or install a new belt in a vacuum cleaner.  Not only will you save money on repair bills, you won’t have to purchase a new item to replace one that is fixable.

·         Make your own cleaning solutions and supplies.  These will be natural, ecologically-friendly products, rather than harsh chemicals that will ruin pipes, countertops, etc.

·         Inspect your own house on a regular basis.  Look for signs of water seepage, cracks in the foundation, uneven floors, loose tiles, etc.  Handling these issues at the early stages will keep them from getting more serious.

Take care of your home and your home will take care of you.

Organizing Home Repairs

Tips for Tuesday

As a homeowner, you know the frustration of home repairs.  They seem endless.  As soon as one project is done, something else breaks.  Life is a constant stream of hammers and wrenches and wires.  So how do you keep track of everything that needs to be done on the house, and who will do the repairs? 

First, walk around your entire house, both inside and out.  Write down everything that needs to be done in each room/area.  This may be as simple as replacing a light bulb, or a major project like replacing the roof.  Then assess what to do first.  Prioritize the tasks, and assign responsibility to someone.  You can do some jobs yourself, and others you'll have to hire professionals. 

Determine what tools you will need to complete the tasks.  You may need a level and hooks for hanging pictures, or caulk for sealing your tub/shower.  Collect all your tools into one place.  Put tools into a toolbox, sort nails and screws into small containers, and put larger items like paint brushes and drills onto shelves in a designated work area. 

Some items you should always have on hand are:  a power drill, measuring tape, putty knife, adjustable pliers, screwdrivers, hammer, level, caulk, and glue. 

As you complete each task, cross it off your list.  Look at the next set of tasks to determine what preparation needs to be done.  You may need to prime walls, buy paint or get estimates from a plumber or contractor. 

Plan ahead and be prepared.  You won't avoid all surprises.  That's just how life is.  But being ready will make those disruptions easier to handle.

Green Cleaning—General Uses for Baking Soda

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using baking soda in the around the house.

·         Using a 2:1 ratio of baking soda to vinegar, use on aluminum shower door frames.

·         Sprinkle baking soda onto a cut lemon to use on brass.

·         Use baking soda on wet spills on the carpet.  After the baking soda absorbs the liquid, sweep it up.  Then mix baking soda and water to clean the area.  Dry thoroughly before vacuuming.

·         Use baking soda with warm water to clean up vomit on carpets.

·         Mix with water to remove crayon stains.  Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

·         Mix with warm water to clean floors.

·         Sprinkle inside rubber gloves to slip them on easier, and absorb odors and moisture.

·         If you spill a liquid on a book, sprinkle baking soda on the pages, then let them dry in the sun.

·         Mix with warm water to wipe down vinyl chairs.

Always test items in inconspicuous areas before cleaning.

Maintaining Your Bicycle

Tips for Tuesday

More and more, people are turning to bicycles for transportation.  It may be to save money on gas.  It may be for exercise.  It may just be for pleasure.  Whatever the use, a bicycle, like a car, must be maintained in order to make it last. 

When pulling your bike out for the year, take it to a shop to be checked out.  A store can check tires and inner tubes for damage, lubricate the gears and check the chain.  They should also check the brakes and ensure that the saddle is secure and does not move. The bicycle frame should be aligned and undamaged, and the spokes should be straight. 

Clean and maintain your bike throughout the summer.  Have on hand the following tools:

·         Long-handled brush and toothbrush for scrubbing

·         Soft cloth for cleaning

·         Screwdriver set

·         Nuts and bolts specific to your bike (check your manual)

·         Adjustable wrench

·         Electrical tape

·         Puncture repair kit

Mark your bicycle by etching the number and zip code of your home into an inconspicuous part of the frame.  This would help identify it in case of theft.  To prevent theft, always keep your bike locked up.  If you use a chain, thread it through both wheels and around the frame.  If your bike has quick-release parts, remove these parts when you lock it up so it won't be as tempting to steal.  Remove any valuable accessories from your bike when you leave it. 

To make your bike less attractive to thieves, paint colorful designs on the frame, or use colored tape.  This will make it difficult to re-sell if stolen.  Thieves will move on to the next bike.

Bicycling can be a healthy part of your routine.  Keep it a safe one.

Green Cleaning—Using Vinegar for Cleaning

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using vinegar around the house.

·         Mix 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water and brush it on your carpets to brighten the color.

·         Mix 4 tbsp. vinegar to 1 gallon water in your carpet cleaner to rinse after shampooing.

·         Mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle—spritz your shower curtain every day to prevent mildew.

·         Spray bathroom surfaces with vinegar mixture to disinfect.

·         Mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water for soaking brassware. 

·         Mix equal parts vinegar and water, drop in your shower head, and boil for five minutes to remove build-up.  (Remove rubber gasket before boiling.)  Or soak in same mixture overnight without boiling.

·         Pour one gallon of vinegar to your whirlpool tub and run.  Do this once a year to keep pipes free of residue.

·         Pour vinegar down your drains when they seem sluggish.

·         Put vinegar on newspaper to clean windows and glass fireplace screens.

·         Add 2/3 cup vinegar to 1 gallon water to wash vinyl floors.

·         Mix equal parts water and vinegar to remove lime deposits on tile and grouting.

·         Rub a cloth dipped in a vinegar/water solution on water stains to remove them from leather.

·         Spray vinegar on a cloth and wipe leather furniture to revive its shine.

Should I Remodel My Bathrooms Before Selling?

Moving on Monday

This question is often asked by homeowners when they are planning to put their house on the market.  The answer isn't an easy 'yes' or 'no'.   Can it increase the value of the house?  Of course it can.  But there are several factors to consider before diving in.  

First, how much would it cost to remodel the space?  If you are doing simple cosmetic changes, the cost will be much less than if you were tearing out the vanity, tub and toilet.  How old or worn do the cabinets look?  Are the tiles in bad shape?  Or would a good grout cleaning brighten the space? 

If you are simply painting and replacing the countertop, the changes are worth it.  If you have to replace everything, the cost may be more than the return on investment. 
The average ROI on a bathroom remodel is 172%.  So you would probably recoup your money on simple changes.  However, if you go with high-end cabinets and granite countertops to compete with the neighbors, will you get that money back on the sale of the home?  Possibly. 

Buyers like rooms that don't need remodeling.  But if you have to drastically increase the selling price of your house to recoup the costs, it may not be worth it. 

The solution?  Be sensible.  If you want to update the space, look for deals.  There may be tile close-outs on discontinued patterns.  Or visit a Habitat for Humanity Resale store for deals on vanities and cabinets.  Look for paint 'mistakes' at your hardware store to see if there is a color that will work in your home. 

Finally, are you going to do the work yourself, or hire someone?  If you do it yourself, it will be less expensive.  But will you have the time to get it done before listing the property?  Are you experienced enough in laying/grouting tiles?  Even new tiles that are poorly laid will not attract buyers.

So yes, it can be worth your while to remodel, but be smart in your choices.

Staying Safe While Spring Cleaning

Senior Thursday

After the snow melts away and the flowers start coming up, we see all the damage from winter, and the dead foliage in our gardens. It is important to clean up for spring, but it is important to stay safe while doing so. The dangers for the elderly are higher, as they are more prone to falls and other injuries. Here are some ways to stay healthy and safe while cleaning up around your house and yard.

• Lift properly. Place feet apart, bend knees and lift with your leg muscles.
• Use sturdy ladders or stools for climbing instead of chairs.
• Have someone spot you when you are on a ladder.
• Avoid repetitive motions for long periods of time (like pulling weeds.) Vary your tasks to give your muscles a rest.
• Keep yourself hydrated and rested. Don't overdo it.
• Wear protective clothing when gardening or working with power tools.
• Have your cell phone with you at all times in case you are injured and can't get back into the house.

Hiring a Reliable Contractor

Senior Thursday

Whether you are preparing your house to put on the market, or making repairs/renovations to stay longer in your home, hiring a contractor can be a stressful experience. If you don't know anyone, how do you find someone who won't scam you? Here are some things to do to protect yourself.

• Ask friends/family for referrals. They can give you an honest opinion of their work ethic.
• Don't hire someone who comes to you door because they were "in the neighborhood," especially after a storm. They will probably overcharge you for shoddy work.
• Don't let anyone into your home who was "just driving past and noticed…" These people usually work in pairs. One will distract you while the other one robs you.
• Always ask for references. Make sure they include the address of the person so you can drive by and check their work.
• Never trust anyone who needs a large cash deposit up front. They will probably take the money and run.
• Don't fall for the "only for today" discount. A legitimate company will give you several weeks for the offer and for you to make a decision.

Maximizing Space in Your Kitchen

Tips for Tuesday

For those with small kitchens, or moderately sized kitchens, storage can be an issue. There are limited places to put pots and pans, dishes, food, etc. For large families, the challenge is greater. In this case, it is important to make the most of the space you have.

Here are some things you can do to maximize the space in your kitchen:

• Install cabinets that extend to the ceiling
• Use wall space whenever possible for items like utensils, paper towels, spice racks, etc.
• Install battens in a drawer to hold a cutting board/work surface, but still house items beneath
• Hang pots and pans from the ceiling if you have an island or peninsula
• Hang storage racks inside cabinet doors to hold garbage/compost bin, paper goods, towels
• Install hooks under your cabinets for mugs/cups
• Use small wire shelves inside cabinets to store smaller items above larger ones (salad plates over dinner plates, for example)
• Store flat items vertically with separators rather than stacking them
• Place a shelf over your sink faucet
• Install shallow drawers in the kick plate under your cabinets
• Convert the front panel of your sink with a tip-out drawer

Planning Ahead--Six Months Before the Move

Moving on Mondays

Most people know they are moving at least six months before the move. Sometimes corporate moves will come about suddenly. Even then, businesses will often transfer the working spouse and let the rest of the family move at a later date for school or other reasons.

Some homeowners know as many as two years before the move if they are planning on retirement or may be downsizing or upsizing. It is beneficial to know about your move ahead of time. You can plan appropriately and be ready for the big day. Planning will make your move less stressful.

It is recommended to start at least six months ahead of the move date to give yourself plenty of time to get done what needs to be done. Here is what you can do six months before the date to start on your way.

• Make necessary repairs on current home
• Contact realtor to put home on market
• Contact Organizer/Home Stager
• Start a file for moving-related expenses
• Create calendar sheets for upcoming months
• Start decluttering/purging your seasonal items as you use them