Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
7 Ways To Keep Pests Away from Your Outdoor Space
With the warm weather rolling in, it’s time to start spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re enjoying a meal with family and friends or lounging by the pool, the last thing you want is for pesky bugs to ruin your fun. Luckily, with a few simple steps and precautions, you can keep away unwanted critters and enjoy your outdoor space all summer long!
Remove Standing Water
Standing water offers an ideal breeding ground for many insects, so be sure to empty any buckets, bird baths, tires, and other objects that may contain water. If you have a pond or pool on your property, adding fish will help control larvae levels.
Keep Larvae Out of Water Features
If you have fish ponds or fountains on your property, make sure they’re treated with larvacides to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area. You should also check any pools or spas that are not treated with chlorine regularly; larvae grow quickly in these environments and must be controlled effectively.
Invest in Mosquito Nets to Ensure Optimal Health and Safety
Installing mosquito nets around areas where people gather can help keep out flying insects like flies and mosquitoes. Look for ones that are specifically designed to keep out pests while still allowing fresh air to flow through freely; this will help ensure a comfortable atmosphere while keeping bugs away from humans.
Install Outdoor Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans outside can help create a breeze that keeps bugs away from people gathered outdoors. This is especially useful when there isn’t much natural wind; the fan will create enough air circulation to keep pests at bay without making it uncomfortable for those enjoying some outdoor time.
Be Prepared with Bug Repellent
Having bug repellent handy is always a good idea; it’s a quick way of getting rid of any annoying buzzing pests without having to resort to chemical sprays that could potentially harm other living creatures in the area (including us!). Consider using natural repellents such as essential oils mixed with water for added protection against bugs without risking potential health hazards caused by aerosol sprays.
Store Cushions Indoors
Kick back and relax on an outdoor sofa without fear of creepy crawlies! To ensure that mosquitoes—as well as spiders, ants, or earwigs—don’t join your party, you should take a few moments to bring cushions and throw blankets indoors when you’re done. Enjoy the summer days worry-free and in peace!
Burn Citronella Candles
Citronella candles are a great way to keep mosquitoes at bay while creating a welcoming atmosphere during outdoor gatherings. The candles provide just enough light and scent without overpowering everything else around them—plus they look lovely too!
Enjoy the Outdoors Insect-Free
When it comes to creating an outdoor space that’s pest-free, prevention is key. A combination of these tactics can help you keep annoying bugs away so you can kick back and enjoy your outdoor space. With some preparation and forethought, you can balance each of these techniques to make sure your outdoor living area remains enjoyable all summer long. So craft your ideal combination of preventative measures today for a pest-free tomorrow: You deserve a peaceful summer season!
How to Keep Your Life Together While Your Home is in Limbo
Selling your home can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. After all, when you have prospective buyers coming to view your home, you have to make sure that it looks perfect at all times. That means making sure that it is always clean and tidy and that any mess is tucked away out of sight. But while this may sound like a lot of work, don’t worry – there are some tips and tricks that you can use to make the process easier and help you live a (semi-)normal life while your home is being shown.
Make a Pre-Showing Checklist
When selling a house, preparing for showings is essential for making sure potential buyers are left with a good impression. One key way to ensure that all necessary tasks are completed before showings is to create a pre-showing checklist. This list should include simple tasks such as taking out the trash, wiping down surfaces, putting away clutter, and laundering bedding or towels if needed. Writing down all of the steps makes it much easier to remember everything that needs attention in order to give viewers the best look and feel possible. Doing so will not only help your house sell faster but will also make sure you don’t forget the little things in the rush of getting ready for a showing.
Make Your Bed as Soon as You Wake Up
Starting the day off right usually means having a plan and sticking to it, and making your bed as soon as you wake up can be part of that plan. By making a little effort to tidy up your room each day, you can start out with peace of mind knowing your bedroom looks well-ordered. Additionally, should an unexpected home showing appear without prior warning, you can simply fluff the pillows and make sure everything looks presentable in mere moments!
Hide Laundry in a Lidded Hamper
A lidded hamper is the perfect way to keep unsightly laundry out of sight when it comes to staging your bedroom for sale. When you are getting ready to welcome prospective buyers, you don’t want them to be greeted with an open hamper filled with wrinkled linens. An aesthetically appealing lidded hamper offers a stylish solution that will not only help you retain potential buyers’ attention and prevent unfavorable first impressions but also provide practical storage space for everything from heavy-duty comforters to light towels and delicates. Investing in a chic, lidded hamper is definitely worth it for the extra layer of tidiness your bedroom needs.
Put Nightstand Drawers To Work
In order to keep a room looking neat and tidy, it is important to clear away the odds and ends that accumulate around the nightstand. A few simple steps can help ensure clutter isn’t left on display. After making your bed and freshening up the area, place items such as magazines and jewelry out of sight. If your nightstand lacks drawers, use a lidded box to store the items under the bed or on top of your dresser for when you need them in the future. Keeping these essentials tucked away between uses gives your bedroom an immediately more calming appearance.
Stash Cleaning Wipes in the Bathroom
If a last-minute showing pops up with little advance notice, cleaning wipes will come in handy! Stash some in each bathroom so dirt or smudges can be quickly wiped away without having to grab cleaning supplies from elsewhere in the house.
Stay Sane While Selling Your Home
Staying on top of your home while it is in limbo is an admirable lifestyle choice. Don’t let your day-to-day life be disrupted by the chaos that comes with selling or renting a new home; use the tips provided here to help keep your space clean and clutter-free so that you can remain stress-free. A little extra effort goes a long way when it comes to keeping your home organized while it’s listed for sale! Keeping these tips in mind will not only help you stay sane throughout the transition but also help you make a great first impression on potential buyers.
Keep Your Pets Safe When Disaster Strikes
Emergencies can range from small inconveniences to life-threatening situations. But no matter the size or type of emergency, one thing is certain: You need to be prepared. This is especially true if you have pets. Keeping them safe in an emergency means having a plan and being proactive. This blog post will offer tips on how you can keep your pet safe in the event of an emergency.
Get Ahead of Disasters Before They Strike
Planning ahead for your pets is a must to give them the best chance in case of disaster or emergency. Prior to any potential need, make sure all animals are microchipped and have ID on their collar with your up-to-date contact information. It is also important to have records of current vaccines as well as a list of pet boarding facilities / veterinarian offices available with 24-hour phone numbers in the event you need to evacuate. Reach out ahead of time to hotels and motels within your vicinity to learn ahead of time what your options are if needed. Lastly, it’s wise to provide a key to a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member who can come get your pet(s) should you be unable to do so yourself.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
When it comes to being prepared for natural disasters, don’t forget about your pets! It’s important to have a disaster kit that includes all the necessary items that you’ll need in an emergency. You should have food and water for at least five days for each pet, as well as bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. Additionally, be sure to have medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container. A pet first aid kit is also essential since it contains various items that may come in handy for treating injuries or illnesses. Lastly, you will want sturdy leashes, harnesses, secure carriers, photos of you with your pets, written information about their feeding schedules and behaviors, and even a favorite toy to comfort the pets in case of an emergency.
Pets in Your Evacuation Plan
When making evacuation plans, don’t forget to include your pets! It is crucial that they are evacuated along with other family members, as leaving the pets behind can put them at risk of injury, loss, or even death due to dangerous conditions. Without you there to supervise the pets, you have no idea how long it may be until you can return for them. This is especially true during natural disasters and emergencies. Even animals like feral or outdoor cats, horses, and animals on farms must be considered when making plans—if possible, evacuate these animals as well so that their safety is ensured. Ultimately, if a situation isn’t safe for you, the same goes for your pets; make sure that all your furry family members make it out in one piece!
Creating a Safe Haven
Staying home during a storm or other disaster can be dangerous. For the safety of your family and pets, it’s important to identify a safe area of your home and pre-prepare it in advance. Store your emergency supplies and medications, as well as pet food and water, in watertight containers. Have a crate ready for each pet. In addition, close off or eliminate any unsafe nooks and crannies that may have been previously accessible, and move any dangerous items out of the room. By doing these steps ahead of time, you can create an environment in which your family and pets can wait out the danger safely.
Taking Measures to Protect Your Pets During Wildfire Seasons
With an ever-increasing rate of wildfires, it’s more important than ever to properly monitor and care for your pets during these hazardous times. It’s important to be aware of air quality in your area as well as stay up to date on evacuation alerts so that you’re prepared in case you need to leave quickly. Meanwhile, pets should remain indoors with the windows closed. To ensure their safety, you should avoid outdoor exercise. Wildfire smoke could have a bigger impact on already ill or elderly animals with heart and lung illnesses. Pay attention to your beloved pet companions during such times to make sure they remain healthy and safe.
Keeping Pets Safe in Post-Emergency Conditions
After an emergency, the environment of your home may be vastly different than before. It can be difficult for both you and your pets to navigate such a change, so keep them safe by keeping dogs on leashes and cats in carriers when assessing the damage around your home. Remember to stay patient with them throughout this process, as they might also be confused and scared. Additionally, if you find that any wildlife has fled to your home as a result of the disaster, contact your local animal shelter for assistance and advice. While navigating any unknown changes in our familiar environment can be daunting, bringing proper care to all animals involved will help us return to normalcy more quickly.
Transform Your House into a Home with These Simple Tips
Moving into a new home can be an exciting but daunting experience. After all the boxes have been unpacked and the furniture is in place, your house may still feel like just that—a house. Making your house feel like home is a process that takes time, but there are some simple steps you can take to get started on the journey. Here are our top tips for making your new house feel like home after a move.
Create Calm in the Bedroom
Your bedroom should be a place of refuge and relaxation after a long day, so it’s important to create calm as soon as possible. Put up curtains or blinds to ensure you have privacy and light control, add an area rug for warmth and texture, and hang wall art or wallpaper that makes you feel good. Add cozy touches—such as throw pillows, blankets, and artwork—that reflect your personal style; these small changes can make all the difference in transforming your bedroom into a calming oasis.
Get Organized from the Start
It may seem overwhelming at first, but taking the time to get organized from the start will save you countless hours of frustration down the line. Start by dedicating some time each day to going through each room and getting rid of anything you don’t need or want anymore—this will help keep clutter at bay! Next, invest in storage solutions for items you want to keep but don’t necessarily need access to every day; this could include under-bed storage containers or even wall-mounted shelves for books and knickknacks. Finally, consider labeling drawers and closets so that everything has its own designated spot; this will save time when looking for something specific later on.
Fill Your Shelves with Books
Nothing makes a house feel more like home than filling its shelves with books! Whether they’re novels, cookbooks, kids’ books, travel guides, or old favorites—anything goes! Even if you aren’t much of a reader yourself, having shelves filled with books gives any room an inviting atmosphere—plus, they look great when stacked together! If books aren’t really your thing, then consider adding other objects, such as plants or vases instead; whatever works best with your personal style will do just fine!
Host a Casual Dinner
What better way to make your new house feel like home than by inviting friends over for dinner? Hosting a casual kitchen dinner is not only great for getting everyone together but also helps break up those empty walls and bring people into your space! Set out some nice dishes and candles on the table (or counter) before cooking up something tasty together—it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive; just focus on enjoying each other’s company while savoring delicious food!
Set Up the Entertainment Center
Let’s face it: after moving into a new place, we all want our entertainment centers set up as soon as possible so we can watch our favorite shows in comfort. Setting up an entertainment center doesn’t have to be stressful; simply connect all components together (e.g., TV + gaming console + speakers), plug them into power outlets nearby, then adjust settings accordingly (e.g., brightness + volume). Once everything is connected correctly, you’ll be ready for movie night in no time!
Display Family Photos
Displaying family photos around your new home will help make it feel more like yours right away—they add personality and character to any space! Hang photo frames above mantels or nightstands; use string lights or washi tape along walls; create collages with Polaroid photos; or put framed pictures on shelves. The possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s always nice seeing familiar faces around during those transition periods between moves—so don’t forget those family photos when decorating your new abode!
Clean the House from Top to Bottom
Cleaning is often overlooked when moving into a new home because it isn’t always seen as necessary at first glance. However, cleaning helps rid your home of any lingering germs from previous owners, which is especially important if there are children living in the house now—not only that, but it also makes everything look much brighter and fresher after being settled in dust particles from packing materials used during the move itself! So, take some extra time out of your day once everything else has been taken care of, and give each room one last deep clean before calling it done!
Make Your House a Home
After a move, it’s easy to feel unsettled and anxious in your new home. But with the right steps, you can make your house feel like home. From creating a peaceful bedroom space and cleaning the house from top to bottom to hosting a casual dinner, these tips are sure to help turn your newly acquired dwelling into an inviting space that feels just like home.
The Risks of Waiving a Home Inspection Before Buying
Buying a home is an exciting moment, but it can also be a stressful one. One of the most important steps in the home-buying process is getting a home inspection, as this allows you to know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. But what if you decide to skip the home inspection? While skipping out on the inspection may save you some money upfront, there are some very real risks associated with waiving an inspection, and it’s important to understand them before making a decision. Let’s take a closer look at four of the biggest risks of waiving a home inspection.
Undisclosed Damage and Problems
This is perhaps the biggest risk associated with skipping out on a home inspection. When you don’t hire an inspector to do their job, you are essentially taking responsibility for any potential issues that may exist or arise in the future. This could include anything from termite damage to faulty wiring or plumbing. Without having a qualified person examine these areas, you won’t know what kind of condition your new home is actually in until it’s too late.
Struggle to Get Your Property Insured
Many insurance companies require that buyers obtain an official report from an inspector prior to issuing coverage for your new property. If you waive your right to an inspection, your insurance company may not be willing to insure your property until they can have someone come and inspect it themselves. This could be both time-consuming and expensive, depending on who they send out and when they choose to do so.
Struggle To Negotiate
If something does turn up during negotiations that would normally require repairs or further investigation – such as water damage or mold issues – then not having an inspection report could make it difficult for either party involved in the transaction to negotiate effectively, since there would be no proof of when or how long ago any potential problems existed or arose in the first place.
Not Able To Walk Away
Without an inspection contingency period, it might be too late for you to walk away from the property without consequences. Thankfully, opting for a home inspection prior to purchase gives buyers peace of mind and a chance to back out of the purchase if they don’t feel the property meets their needs or expectations. Before making a commitment to buy real estate, consider taking advantage of an inspection contingency period — it could end up saving you significant hassle and money down the road.
Should You Waive the Inspection?
In short, while you may be able to save some money in the short term by waiving a home inspection, it’s not advisable. The risks simply outweigh the benefits. From undisclosed damage and problems to not being able to insure your property, there are many potential negative outcomes of foregoing a professional home inspection. So, even if it costs you a little extra upfront, it’s worth getting an expert opinion before making such a large purchase.
The 6 Expenses Homeowners Pay That Renters Don’t
Are you considering making the transition from renting to owning a home? Most people know that there are monthly expenses associated with owning a home, but too often, these homeowners-only costs are overlooked in the excitement of finally getting into your dream house. Don’t find yourself in a financial pinch when it comes time to pay those unexpected homeownership bills! Read on as we explore six expenses commonly incurred by homeowners that renters never have to worry about.
Property Taxes
Property taxes are an annual expense that all homeowners must pay. These taxes help fund local schools, public safety services, and infrastructure improvements in your community. Property taxes vary widely depending on the area you live in; they are typically higher in more populous cities or suburbs. On the other hand, renters do not have to pay property tax directly since their landlord is responsible for it.
Mortgage Interest
Most people need to take out a loan when they buy a house. When you take out a loan on your home purchase, you will most likely be required to make monthly payments of principal and interest. The interest rate on the loan will determine how much money you will have to pay each month, so it pays to shop around for the best rates before taking out a loan. On the flip side, renters don’t have to worry about making these monthly payments since their landlords bear this burden instead.
Home Insurance
Home insurance is another expense that comes with being a homeowner that renters don’t have to worry about paying directly. Homeowners insurance covers damage from natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes as well as theft or vandalism of your property due to certain perils such as fire or smoke damage. It also includes liability coverage for any accidents that might happen on your premises. Renters may not be required by law to carry their own insurance policy, but most landlords require tenants to carry renter’s insurance policies as part of their lease agreement in order to protect their investment in case of an accident or disaster occurring within the rental unit itself.
Maintenance & Repairs
As a homeowner, you are responsible for all repairs and maintenance needed inside and outside your home—from fixing broken windows and plumbing issues to mowing the lawn and painting walls when necessary—all of which can add up quickly over time if left unchecked! Renters do not incur these costs since their landlord is usually responsible for taking care of these tasks unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement (e.g., requiring tenants to perform regular yard maintenance).
Real Estate & Legal Fees
Real estate fees include closing costs (such as title search fees), transfer taxes (like stamp duty), and legal fees associated with purchasing real estate—all of which can add up quickly! Although some lenders may offer special deals where they cover some/all of these costs upfront (often included in what they call an “origination fee”), buyers should still expect some level of expense associated with purchasing real estate, even after securing financing from lenders. Renters do not incur any of these fees since they are usually paid by either the seller or lender at closing time when buying homes outright with cash via traditional contracts between buyers and sellers/lenders and borrowers, respectively.
HOA Fees
In addition to paying property tax and mortgage interest each year, many homeowners also have additional costs associated with belonging to a homeowner association (HOA), such as dues for the upkeep and maintenance of common areas and amenities shared among neighbors. These dues can range anywhere from $50–$200+ per month, depending on what kind of facilities are available within the neighborhood or community. Fortunately, though, renters do not usually need to worry about paying HOA fees since they typically only apply when one owns a property outright without having any form of leasing arrangement between them and their landlord(s).
Renting or Owning—Which is Right for You?
As a renter, you save money in the short term by not having to pay for some of these expenses. But as a homeowner, you eventually build up equity that can offer financial stability and security later on down the road—not to mention the satisfaction of knowing your home is entirely yours. Weighing all these factors will help you decide whether buying or renting makes more sense for you in the long run. And if you’re leaning toward homeownership but worried about affording it, contact me to learn about all your options.
How to Make Your House Shine in Photographs When Selling
When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are everything. Curb appeal has always been important in real estate, but now that many buyers begin their home search online, having photographs of your home that shine is essential. Capturing the perfect shot and making your house look its best can seem daunting, but following these simple tips will help you get the job done.
Clean the Windows and Open the Shades
The windows of your house can be one of its defining features, but if they are obscured by dirt or grime, then they will detract from the overall look of your home in photographs. Make sure to give them a good clean before taking any pictures so that natural light can fill the room.
Perk Up Houseplants
Houseplants are an excellent way to liven up any space and add life to a photo, but they also require regular attention for them to stay healthy and vibrant. If you have any plants inside your home, make sure to give them a bit of TLC before taking any shots so that they don’t detract from the look of your house.
Remove Counter Clutter
Clutter is one of those things that is easy enough to overlook until you take a picture, at which point it becomes painfully obvious! Clear away all unnecessary items from countertops and tables before shooting so that nothing distracts from the overall aesthetics. This also applies to any clutter on shelves or mantles – less is always more when it comes to creating stunning visuals.
Polish Wood Floors and Shine Up Appliances
Wood floors often require regular maintenance and polishing for them to really shine, so don’t neglect this step if you want impressive results! Polishing up appliances such as microwaves and ovens can also help create an overall clean feel, which will come across clearly in photographs as well.
Hide Toiletries and Freshen Bathrooms
One of the most important things is to make sure all toiletries are hidden away when taking pictures. This includes items like shampoo, soap, razors, toothbrush holders, and so on. You also want to make sure the bathrooms are nice and clean; give them a quick scrub if need be.
Tuck in Bedcovers
Have all the beds made with crisp linens before taking pictures of the bedrooms. It will make your rooms look polished and neat. Also, consider removing any extra blankets or pillows that might be lying around – they can distract from the overall photo composition.
Switch on All Lights
Turn on all the lights in each room before taking pictures. Doing this will help show off each room’s best features and create brighter images overall. This tip is especially important for darker areas, such as hallways or basements, that may need some extra light for better photos.
Highlight Special Features
Make sure you highlight any special features your home has, such as fireplaces or built-in bookshelves, by including them in the frame when taking pictures. Doing this will help draw attention to these features, making them stand out more in potential buyers’ minds when they view your listing online or in person.
Focus on First Impressions
Lastly, focus on creating an inviting first impression by making sure that the entryway looks inviting with a welcoming rug or artwork displayed prominently near it. It’s also a good idea to keep any clutter at bay – it can be distracting and take away from the overall effect of your photos!
Ready to Sell?
Selling your home is a daunting task and requires effort to get it camera-ready. You’ll want to make sure that the first impression really sells, as this can play a big part in making or breaking how many potential buyers view it in person. With these simple tricks, you can make sure that your humble abode shines in any photograph and impress buyers without having to do too much extra work.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, contact me today, and let’s get started on your real estate journey! I can help you make sure that the photos for your home stand out and give a great first impression. By working together, we’ll maximize the value and ensure a quick sale!
10 Ways to Personalize Your New House
Just bought a new house?
Congratulations!
Moving in is the start of an exciting new chapter, and you’re likely bursting with ideas for making your new home warm and inviting.
From simple upgrades to larger projects, there are plenty of ways to personalize your space so you can feel at home as quickly as possible. Here are 10 unique ideas that will help make your house truly yours.
Paint the Front Door
Painting your front door offers a simple, yet powerful way to spruce up the exterior of your home. Embrace an understated look with a color that ties together all its elements or choose something bold and make it truly unique!
Buy Fresh Flowers
Ready for a fresh beginning? Brighten up your space with vibrant blooms! From corner vases to bouquets, flowers can instantly enliven any room and bring some energy into the atmosphere. Take time out of your day to treat yourself to a nice arrangement — happiness awaits in these petal-filled moments!
Hang Personal Photos
Personal photos spark a deep connection between the present and past, helping us to appreciate our journey thus far. They are more than just reminders of happy memories – they serve as an anchor in life’s turbulent waters, enabling us to craft each new chapter with purpose.
Change the Kitchen Faucet
Installing a new kitchen faucet can be an easy and inexpensive way to bring some modern style into your home. If you’re stuck with dated remnants from past owners, don’t despair – there are plenty of options out there that will give your cooking area the fresh look it deserves!
Put Up Wall Hooks
Wall hooks are a practical and stylish way to bring life into your living space! From coats to umbrellas, purses, and beyond—these versatile solutions make use of vertical surfaces while adding texture, character, and convenience.
Switch Out a Light Fixture
Revamp your space with an on-trend light fixture that bridges the gap between style and function. Move away from outdated fluorescent tubes and toward something modern to brighten up any occasion – without being too harsh or glaring.
Make a Place For Your Keys
Stop the scavenger hunt for misplaced keys! Make sure everyone can keep track of their sets by placing key holders near all entrances. Never forget where your house or car keys are again – simply pop them into the holder, and they’ll be waiting when you need them most.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Curtains are an often overlooked decorating tool that can help breathe life into any room. By bringing in color and texture, they create a unique atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, when privacy is needed, curtains provide the perfect way to stay hidden away from prying eyes!
Create A Special Spot
Every home should have a special sanctuary – an inviting space with comforting atmosphere that is perfect for curling up with good books, sharing laughter with friends, or creating meaningful moments of togetherness in the presence of your family.
Add A Fun Outdoor Feature
As outdoor living becomes more popular, consider adding unique elements to your outdoor space that reflects what makes you feel the most comfortable and at home. Get creative with fire pits or hammocks for lounging or garden-inspired furniture for summer entertaining. With a little ingenuity, you can make your outdoor space as cozy and inviting as the inside of your house —the possibilities are infinite!
Turn Your House into a Home
A home is more than just a structure: it’s where memories are made and lives are lived. That’s why moving into a new house is definitely a cause for celebration! With these 10 ideas in mind (or whatever other fun projects you come up with!), you can easily turn any house into one truly personalized and inviting space that will feel like home in no time!
Is it time for you to buy a new home? I’m ready to help you find the perfect property and make your home-buying journey as smooth and successful as possible. Get in touch today to learn how I can assist you in making the best real estate decisions for your future.
Simple Tips to Stop Stressing About Your Housework
If you dread coming home to a messy house, you’re not alone. It’s easy to let housework overwhelm us, but it doesn’t have to be that way! With a few simple tips, you can learn to relax about your house and put housework in its rightful place.
Untidy Doesn’t Mean Dirty
Messiness and uncleanliness may appear to be the same problem, but there is actually a significant difference between them. Approaching this challenge in a stepwise manner by first assessing what type of issue it is will help you conquer it more easily. Rather than trying to take on the mountain of chaos all at once, break it down into two smaller hills – messiness and uncleanliness – and address these individually.
Get Over Perfection
We all want the best for ourselves and our lives, striving to reach perfect standards. But often, by doing this, we set impossible standards which leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed by housework.
In reality, others’ opinions are not as important as our own.
Life involves ebbs and flows that affect even the most perfect of routines; perfectionism is not flexible, which is why it so easily becomes a struggle when faced with an unpredictable lifestyle. Instead, focus on creating a healthy home environment that you are comfortable in – there’s no right or wrong when keeping your house clean; it only needs to meet the level deemed acceptable by you and your family.
Know Your Priorities
It is important to know how to choose which battles to take on. Focusing your energy on the few most important tasks can significantly reduce mounting stress and lead to a more successful outcome. Cleaning one room at a time, for example, is a great way to set achievable goals that produce quick and tangible results; this can help to nurture motivation, productivity, and clarity of purpose. Furthermore, splitting work into small doable chunks makes it easier to handle larger projects without feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by their intimidating size. Taking the time to prioritize tasks will ultimately increase efficiency and success in getting them done.
Have a Fast and Effective Routine
Keeping your house tidy and clean requires some effort, but having the right equipment is half the battle. Setting yourself up with these must-haves for reducing mess will make it easier to achieve spotless results every week. A long-handled feather duster, handheld vacuum cleaner, and all-purpose spray cleaner are essential for getting rid of dust and dirt quickly. When it comes to stubborn stains, a foam spot cleaner always comes in handy. For floors, the classic Swiffer mop with dry and moist cloths will help you get them sparkling in no time. Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself with a luxurious room fragrance that will make your home smell delightful.
Keep the Kitchen in Perspective
The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, and being creative and having a kitchen that is conducive to creative cooking can be so much fun. But it also needs to be realistic – dinner isn’t made and eaten in pristine environments. Kitchens, by nature, are workrooms as well as spaces for gathering and enjoying a meal with family or friends. That said, it’s important to embrace the aromas, noise, and fun that come along with preparing meals with the people you love. Don’t worry about impressing everyone each and every night- just revel in the fact that you’re able to provide a delicious dinner for your family, and don’t forget to ask for help with the cleanup!
Relax a Little
When it comes to domestic responsibilities, keeping up with a regular schedule can provide a sense of balance. Letting go of perfectionist tendencies can be particularly beneficial in feeling like you don’t have to do it all – focusing on the kitchen area alone may be enough to make your home feel sparklingly clean!
With a combination of common-sense rules, having realistic goals, and understanding that everyone’s needs vary, taking remembering simple tips like these will help you manage your housework stress effectively and much more easily.
5 Home Interior Design Secrets to Transform Your Home
Do you want to transform your home into a beautiful, stylish interior haven? It’s not always easy to transform a house into a home. It takes time and effort to create the perfect look and feel that best reflects your personality and style.
But don’t worry!
You don’t have to be an experienced designer or spend a fortune on high-end furniture and accessories. With just a few simple design secrets, you can update the look of your home and create an inviting space that is uniquely yours.
Incorporate a Color Scheme into Connected Spaces
One of the most important elements in interior design is creating cohesion between different spaces. If you have an open floor plan, for example, creating a visual continuity between the living room and dining room can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to use color threads throughout your home—color threads act as common denominators that link various spaces together. You can do this by using one main color throughout all rooms or by incorporating accent colors into each room that are similar in hue or tone.
A Pop of Red Can Make all the Difference
Adding a pop of red is an easy way to instantly transform any space from dull and dreary to vibrant and inviting. Whether it’s through accent furniture pieces, wall art, or accessories like pillows or rugs, adding some red will bring life into any room. Plus, red has been known to increase energy levels, so your guests won’t be able to help but feel energized when they step foot into your home!
Display Items That Represent Your Persona
A great way to give character and personality to any room is through vignettes (i.e., small groupings of items like books, candle holders, etc.). This could include something as simple as stacking books on a coffee table or arranging family photos on a shelf; just make sure the items you choose reflect who you are as an individual or family! Whether it’s vintage pieces or modern decor items, displaying things that mean something special will make the space more personal and unique.
Transform Your Space with Living Plants
Nothing adds life quite like real greenery does; plants breathe life into any room! Houseplants come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for whatever type of vibe you’re trying to create in your home. Not only do plants add beauty, but they also improve air quality, so if anyone in your family suffers from allergies, then houseplants are definitely worth considering when styling up your home!
Less Is More
Accessorizing a space can be a fun and creative way to show your own personal style, however, it is important not to go overboard and find yourself over doing it. Too much furniture or knick-knacks in a room can make the space feel cluttered and disorganized. When dealing with rooms that need to fulfill a specific purpose, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or kitchens, keep the items in the room simple and elegant so that its function is not impaired by too many items.
Time to Decorate
Overall, having an eye for aesthetics, creating a focal point, and expressing your uniqueness through decorations are powerful tactics to transform the look of your home. With small changes in furniture, accessories, and paint color, you can achieve large levels of change! Keep these 5 secrets in mind when it comes to decorating your home, and always keep experimenting to create a design that is truly yours.
If you’re looking to upsize or move into a new house entirely, contact me and I’ll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction.
