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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019
Summer Home_Oval Cocktail Table: If you can invest in furniture that has storage units such as this one, then you’re doubling its purpose which is great for your simplistic living in the long run.
Why are a lot of people talking about simplifying their lives these days? We are all in an era where home life, work and other commitments all beg to take center stage in our lives. But we all know that we have to have time to breathe, be creative, and to love and be loved.
Simplification of one’s life means you have to be ruthless in cleaning up a few stuff. And this is not just about cleaning out closets or drawers but also other aspects of your life. But, of course, it is always easier to begin with the things that we see. Even when you’re overwhelmed by the idea, just go on.
It’s time to simplify your life in 10 days.
Get a Trash Bag
Look in every room of your home to search for trash. You will soon realize that your home actually has a lot of things that you and your family do not even use anymore. There are also going to be stuffs that are lying around such as empty boxes, expired coupons, empty bottles of shampoo, even dead plants.
Putting these trash in a black bag and bringing them out is a great decluttering motivator. By the time that you see the rooms that get cleaned, you will surely be inspired to do more.
Once you’re ready to begin, you can even do a second round. This time, you can search for more items to donate such as books which you will never read again anyway.
Stop Impulse Buying
Since you’ve just cleaned out the clutter, then it’s also time to stop those things that could begin another wave of cleanup project. If there have been companies that are sending you mails or catalogs, then request that you would be taken off their mailing list.
And when you feel like you’re reverting to your impulse buying routine, then you have to understand where this need is coming from. At the very center of your brain is the amygdala which is there specifically to warn us to keep us safe. This is also responsible for you to get on a habit that will drive you to do anything such as getting instant relief when you’re feeling stressed.
Feeling this way is pretty normal, Psychology Today says that there is nothing wrong with you at all. This just means that this part of your brain is perfectly working. The downside to this is that you tend to shop for things that you don’t need when you do impulse buying.
When you recognize that this is happening to you, it’s time to step back and to try focusing on the things that are important. Called the SOS technique, you can keep practicing this until it becomes a habit.
Be On Top of Your Laundry Tasks
A load a day keeps the mountains of laundry away.
You can begin a new habit of throwing just a load every morning and, pretty soon, it won’t even feel like you’re doing a chore anymore.
Embrace the Silence
If you want to feel happier then this means building and maintaining relationships with the people that you love. Turn off all gadgets or even the TV when it’s family time.
Don’t post everything that happens to you and your family. Your relationships tend to lose intimacy when you do it this way.
Digital Cleanup
Cleaning up your home also includes cleaning out your computer. Delete every unnecessary file then empty your trash bin. Be sure to complete the updates then restart your computers.
As much as you can, upload your important digital files to the cloud. You could use Dropbox or Artifact Uprising for this purpose.
Tags: decluttering, home cleanup, home organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on How to Simplify Your Life in 10 Days
Monday, April 1st, 2019
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Ciao Bella Six-Drawer Dresser- Speckled Gray: Rooms that come in light colors, such as this one, shows dirt more prominently so you have to be vigilant in keeping it clean at all times.
Every homeowner commits design mistakes. It becomes real problematic only when the blunders turn into habits that can cost you an awful lot of cash over time. There could also be habits that could lead to safety issues.
It’s time to break these habits ASAP. But, first, you need to define which ones could actually harm your home in the long run.
Leaving Litter Throughout the Day
This could be a habit that the whole family is already practicing such as leaving papers scattered about, or a cup or glass on side tables or coffee table, or it could be leaving clothes strewn throughout the floor.
Break this bad habit by storing things away or cleaning up mess it happens.
Not Putting Things Away
Hey, it begins right in the very beginning of your day. Do you make your bed each morning? If you’re not used to doing this, then be motivated by the thought that successful people do not leave their beds unmade. Also, your bed won’t just look nice, the habit will also jump-start other positive habits.
You should also deposit things such as the mail, bags, keys, and phones in a spot where they do not become eyesores. Store them properly so that you won’t have to constantly worry about them when you see them as clutter.
Practice also the so-called return home routine wherein the moment you enter your home, you hang your jacket, place the keys in their designated bowl or basket, put your coins and cell phone where they should go, and empty all your shopping bags right away.
Zero Daily Routine
So what’s the antithesis of having healthy daily habits? Not having a daily routine.
The great Benjamin Franklin, himself, said, if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail. Every individual needs a healthy basic routine that he or she can follow every day.
If you’re thinking that you do not accomplish everything that you plan each day anyway, don’t fret. Almost every successful being on the planet feels the same way but they do not stop from planning and following through on their plans each day. These people get on the habit and they actually do it day after day, after day.
Clogging Pipes
You may not willfully do it but there are bad habits that you might be doing right now that actually clog the pipes. Mind all the things that you are pouring down the drains.
Never flush anything down the toilet. Diapers, paper towels and cotton swab come with harsh chemicals that could harm the pipes.
If you begin noticing a gurgling sound or low water pressure, it’s time to call an expert plumber right away.
Allowing Lint Buildup
Did you know that there are approximately 2,900 fires brought about by dryers each year? This has even caused deaths and a hundred injuries or a total of $35 million property loss.
Allowing lint to build up in the dryer can even increase energy bills since the appliance has to work harder with every cycle. To prevent this from happening in your home, be sure to clean the dryer’s lint trap right before each laundry load. Don’t forget to check on the exhaust, too, every three months.
The vacuum is your new best friend for this new habit.
Neglecting Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors only work when they still have juice. The sad story here is, 1 in each 5 fire deaths in homes results from smoke alarms that have not functioned the way they were supposed to. The reason for their malfunction is disconnected or missing batteries.
You need to change or replace the batteries of each and every smoke detector in your home as prescribed by the manufacturers.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, design errors, design mistakes, home-wrecking habits, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on 5 Home-Wrecking Habits
Friday, March 29th, 2019
Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection Drawer
There are many reasons why you should choose to declutter. Living a minimalist life is so in at the moment that everyone seems eager to join. If you’ve been noticing that you’re needing a bigger truck each time that you move, then you know that you’ve collected more than you should.
It’s human nature to want to own things. And with, say, a bigger space in your home, you tend to fill that up so you accumulate more stuff. But then, material possessions are not the same as having happiness so you should explore ways to remove things that only clutter your home.
Let’s do it differently this time. Instead of putting steps into this cleanup project, let’s categorize it to simple do’s and don’ts.
Don’t: Pile your clothes in a chair or a bench. The bedroom floor is also not a good spot to begin a mound of clothes and underwear.
Do: Hang your clean clothes so you save space. It only takes a few minutes each time you hang a dress or any piece of clothing. It also takes just a few seconds to a minute to put your dirty clothing in the hamper.
You might feel too tired to go to the hamper after a long and tiring day but this is not a reason to just drape your clothing over the back of a chair. You will wind down more quickly if you put your things where they should be.
Don’t: Keep clothes that you never wear.
Do: Assess your clothing every after season. Pull out all the clothes that you have no intention of wearing. It’s time to accept the fact that there are clothes that you neglect or have even totally forgotten about. It’s time to rotate your wardrobe or have them given away.
If you were a shopaholic and you’ve accumulated a lot of clothes, then you might want to hold a garage sale, too. It’s a good way to earn some extra cash while you declutter in the process.
Don’t: Box a lot of items then forget about them. This could lead to a cramped garage or basement.
Do: Sure, the garage is a great place to store stuff. This is a room for things that are not used often. This is also the place for bulky stuff and your seasonal decorative items.
If you have big sports equipment to deal with and a lot of camping gears to keep out of sight until summer, then your garage is also the right spot. But moving these items into this room could also result in a problem. What you stored there might end up not being remembered anymore.
You probably already know which items you won’t even have the energy to take out and use. For instance, an inflatable pool that you enjoyed last summer. It is unlikely that you would unpack, set it, and eventually store the item again. And if the kids have grown, then you know that it is even unlikelier that your grandkids will ever see this pool.
Make a habit of deciding to get rid of things that you would only hold on to but would never use.
Don’t: Store food in opaque containers.
Do: Regularly review all the items that are stored in the refrigerator. Take out the expired milk and sauces, the hardened leftovers, and the dried vegetables. You will see that the odors from the fridge will diminish the more that you regularly clean it.
Don’t: Go to the supermarket without a list.
Do: Create an electronic or tangible list of grocery items before you actually go to the supermarket. When you do this, you end up buying only those that you would use.
Replenish your stock foods, follow the first-in-first-out or FIFO method, and say no to impulse buying.
Tags: decluttering, decluttering reasons, home cleaning, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, reasons to declutter
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Not Your Ordinary Decluttering Tactics
Wednesday, March 27th, 2019
Now that 25% of the year about to be over, it’s time to revisit your resolutions. This weekend, make it a point to recommit to the goals that you’ve previously set. You probably said yes to decluttering, eating healthy, and even exercising, so it’s time to be true. Get up and out of that cozy blanket and let this weekend be the beginning.
Deal with Holiday Returns
Do you have opened yet unloved presents that remain in the basement? It’s time to gather them to donate, exchange or return. You may have kept the gift out of being a gracious recipient but if you really didn’t like it, then it’s no longer your duty to keep it for a long time.
If, however, you received a handmade gift such as a quilt or a knitted sweater, it’s best to show that you used it at least once or twice.
Fine Furniture Harbor Springs Collection
Set Up the Kitchen for Healthy Eating
Eating smarter is surely an awesome 2019 resolution but if you still haven’t started it now that April is about to begin, then this weekend is the right time to start.
Get rid of all the unhealthy snacks such as potato chips, those hardened pizza crusts, candies, and sweet goodies. It’s time to replace those with citrus fruits, berries, and vegetables.
It’s time to clean the kitchen counters so you could get started with your healthy cooking. Store all the appliances that you do not use daily and get rid of all the kitchen clutter.
Remember that good nutrition involves changing your diet for the better, making smart choices each time, and cleaning up the kitchen so that the meals you prepare are also clean each time.
Don’t cook and serve the same food over and over, you’d get a fatigue that way. Fill up your fridge with varieties of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, dairy, poultry, fish, nuts, and beans.
You can be adventurous with your food selections, too. Spend more time in the produce section of the supermarket and you’d soon realize how many options you actually have.
Declutter, But Of Course
A weekend project that’s common to a lot of families is decluttering. Join the fun. Getting organized needs a little motivation. Be excited to declutter the growing mountain of books by donating some of them.
If the inspiration still won’t come, you could read a few books about the subject such as Cary Telander Fortin’s New Minimalism.
Clear your desk this weekend. Put on some great music as you also set the timer so you remain focused on your desk-decluttering task. Shred the papers that are no longer needed and then put away the things that you no longer use on that desk or in any of its drawers.
Do Some Pipe Maintenance
You’ve just come out of winter so you know how much damage low temperatures can do to the pipes. Find the shut-off valve for your main water line and show this to the house sitter if you’re going away. If the area’s had a cold snap, then have the thermostat set to 55 degrees and keep it going, round the clock.
Never put antifreeze in the water sprinkler and swimming pool drainage unless explicitly directed. Antifreeze is dangerous to any form of life so be very careful.
Install insulation to the basement, attic and the crawl spaces in your home. Check your home for areas that are unheated. Search in the garage, in the bathroom cabinets, and under the kitchen sink. See if the hot and cold water pipes are insulated and if they’re not, you know what to do.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, home organization, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, weekend organization, weekend project
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on 4 Easy Weekend Organization Projects
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
A lot’s starting to happen now that spring is finally here. Flowers are all abloom and the days are, once again, longer. Let’s not forget that the air is also fresher and warmer so this only means that the outside world is ready for your scheduled activities.
If you love making activity lists during the warmest seasons, then you’re not alone. Everyone’s getting ready to move on from the cold days and nights to the warmer, cozier days of spring.
Spring is tantamount to having a fresh beginning. During this time, leaves grow once again and the flowers start to show their colors so let’s see how you would like to take part in these activities –
Bike or Hike
Since winter may have left you cooped inside for a long time, then spring is the season for you to shake the coldness and to enjoy the warmth outdoors. This is the perfect time to ride a bike or to take a hike.
Biking is an aerobic activity so this translates to healthier blood vessels, heart and lungs. As you breathe deeper and perspire, you increase your fitness level.
Hiking also does all these. Before you ride your car to the nearest hiking trail, it is best to prepare and do the following first –
Inform everyone where you’d go on a hike.
Study, graph your hiking route, and then bring the maps on your hiking trip.
Determine, beforehand, your walking speed and factor in the elevation of the area to know how long the hike would take. And it’s also wise to know which among your hiking mates are the slowest.
Check the weather on the day of your hike then pack accordingly.
Head to the Beach
Be sure to tpick the right beach when you decide to go swimming this spring. What sort of experience would you want to have there? If you like lively crowds and water sports, then find the beaches that offer those.
For those who prefer quieter beaches, well, be sure to research first and find that sort of beach.
Always make sure that there is a lifeguard on duty when you decide to spend some time in a beach.
Visit a Farmers’ Market
Purchasing from your local farmer gives you the opportunity to support agriculture in your area. You don’t just eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, you also become a helping hand in your local economy.
With safer foods and foods that are in season, you’re sure to have an interesting meal variety this spring.
You could also scour for a food festival near your area.
Get Clean and Organized
Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Ladies Chest 1345-115: Spring means organizing stuff and doing some major cleanup.
Spring cleaning time. This is what spring is also famous for.
This is a season to rejuvenate so it’s time to get rid of the things that you no longer have any use for. ‘Time to put all your organizational skills to work. Decluttering is also hot, hot, hot these days so you might as well join the millions who have started to clean up their habitats.
Attend an Outdoor Film Showing
This began in New York City with a few other cities following as they hold outdoor productions and plays.
Check out the event listings in your area so you can plan your night out with family or friends.
Hold an Outdoor Party
Since it’s warmer out, it’s time to invite some friends over and have fun.
Organize an outdoor buffet of chips, veggies, salsa, and salads. Prep the cutlery by wrapping them in napkins or tying them with a pretty ribbon. Pick lightweight plates that your guests can eat on. Melamine dishes are a popular choice.
Don’t forget to create a table décor such as floating tea lights or some inexpensive lanterns. Lastly, make sure that everything is prepared before the big day such as the ice, beverages, and even the garbage bags.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, outdoor activities, spring activities, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Outdoors Style, Spring Season | Comments Off on 6 Fun Activities to Do This Spring
Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Flexsteel Living Room Fabric Power High-leg Recliner: Check the surface and underneath the fabrics of chairs. Be ready with your lint roller and gentle cleaning solutions.
The weather is yet to totally warm up but, hey, spring is here so this is your go-signal to open those windows and bring out the cleaning supplies out of the cabinet.
Yup. It’s that time of the year again. If you don’t even know where to begin, well, you’re not alone. A lot of people are prepping to do this activity lineup and most already have their to-do list on hand.
So, what spots have been neglected in the previous seasons? How do you think you can clean those up like a pro?
Deep Clean the Cabinets
Let’s face it, one of the things that a lot of homeowners fear facing are their kitchen cabinets. Over time, the buildup in there can get overwhelming more so if you do not run your exhaust hood over the range when cooking.
That exhaust hood is your best friend. Be sure to use it each time you cook so that grease won’t settle. If, however, you’re already facing this dilemma, then be sure to use cabinet cleaning solutions or a cream that will surely cut through the deep-seated grime.
The wood cabinet will even be moisturized when you use a gentle cream to clean it.
Deep Clean the Glass Windows
Don’t be contented with just wiping the windows and doors from the inside. Go outside and take the time to use a glass cleaner to remove all the smudges and spots that you often don’t have the time to clean.
Here’s another pro tip – wash the windows on a cloudy day so that the sun won’t instantly dry up the cleanser that you use.
Deep Clean the Granite
Here’s another task that you really must do this spring – sealing your countertops especially those made of granite. You should have done this right after the countertop was installed but if you have yet to do it, then this is the perfect time to.
You can then maintain by resealing the granite surface annually. Another way to take good care of your granite countertops is to wipe all stains and spills right after they happen. These accidental spills may not be serious to look at but, over time, they have their way of taking their toll on your countertop material.
Deep Clean the Wooden Floors
You might think that you’ve been dutifully mopping your wooden floors all-year-round so you’re good when it comes to floor cleanup. Unfortunately, this very chore, which you have been dutifully fulfilling, is the very thing that will destroy your beautiful flooring material.
Wooden floors can be cleaned once every 1-2 months. And since it’s spring, it’s time to deep clean them. Spot clean for the rest of the year.
Use wood protector on your floor this season. This is so you can avoid scratching. As for those lovely green plants, you can keep water damage at bay by having them placed on saucers or trivets.
Deep Clean the Bedding
Take a careful look at your bedding – is it still dressed up for winter?
It’s time for spring cleaning so have your pillows, comforter, sheets, pillowcases, and just about everything in your bedroom, washed and dried. Just be sure to read the manufacturers’ labels so that you won’t use cleaning solutions that are not meant for certain materials.
Deep Clean Stainless Steel
What is the whole point of having stainless steel kitchen stuff installed when they aren’t sparkling clean all the time?
There are specialty sprays meant for stainless steel surfaces. You can use any of these to leave the stainless steel surface grime-free. Don’t spray too much or you could also contribute to the messiness of the surface.
Deep Clean the Rest of Your Furnishings
Bring out that bottle of vinegar, lots of baking soda, sponges, brooms, and other cleaning materials to tackle the rest of your spring cleaning activity.
Be sure to clean the carpet, under the carpet, wipe down the chairs, and dusting off the rest of the knickknacks.
Tags: deep cleaning for spring, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning tips, spring deep cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring (Deep) Cleaning 2019
Wednesday, March 13th, 2019
Redecorate your home this spring. Add these lovelyUttermost Accessories Spring Soldiers Bird Prints.
Do you ever see yourself cleaning your entire house during summer? But what could be more cumbersome than to work under the glaring heat of the summer sun? Imagine doing it in winter, though, and you know that mobility then becomes an issue. Fall is no better with its many fallen leaves. So, spring cleaning it is.
Welcome, Spring 2019. This is the season that you need to take advantage of in terms of getting all your cleaning projects done. And to make things a lot easier this season, here are some tips on how you can make the most of your cleaning time –
Clean the Windows
This may not be the most loved spring cleaning tasks of all but it does have its satisfying rewards. If you want to see sparkling clean windows this season, then just soak burp clothes into a bucketful of hot water. Mix two cups of vinegar into the water.
You can then use another burp cloth in drying the windows right after cleaning.
Here’s a pro tip – you don’t have to wait for spring just to clean your windows. For your family’s and your health as well as safety, you must make time in your calendar for window cleaning. This has to be done more than twice a year.
Remember that piling up your cleaning activities will only worsen the grime and dirt that you have dealt with. Plus, having the dirt pile up could have serious physical and mental health effects.
So what kind of health issues can you prevent if you’re able to regularly clean your windows?
First, there’s the respiratory issue. Pet dander and dust have their ways of triggering asthma attacks. This presents a significant issue especially among children in urban areas.
Environmental allergens can contribute to severe asthma attacks as can other triggers such as mildew, mold, animal droppings (e.g. mice, rats, and cockroaches), and dust.
Keep in mind to pay attention to your cleaning products, too, especially when you have family members with existing respiratory issues. A lot of products especially those with pine or citrus have VOCs or volatile organic compounds that can contribute to asthma attacks.
Pest-Proof Your Home
Spring is also a good time to pest-proof your habitat. Get rid of potential sources of food for rodents and bugs. Clean the china cabinet and the places where the food and dishware go.
Be sure to check for food debris and get rid of them immediately. Buy food containers that are sealed to make sure that your home becomes pest-proof.
You can also use vinegar and baking soda to get rid of tough stains in the oven. Just add a bit of water plus some effort on your part and you’ll have an oven that’ll look brand new.
Why, spring is also a great time to invite friends over and share your baked goodies.
Check for Water
Damp areas and water leaks are the breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Clean the damp areas with a diluted solution of bleach. Be sure to keep the room well ventilated so that you’ll be able to control the humidity and eventually discourage the recurrence of mold.
And since you just came from a season that’s cold and wet, better have your roofing and plumbing systems checked, too.
Clean the Indoor Stuff
Of course, don’t forget the stuff indoors such as the lampshades, fans, mattresses, the shower case, the grout lines in your bathroom tiles, etc.
There’s a whole plethora of spring cleaning duties to attend to so better be ready with your lint roller, wax paper, cleaning soaps, spray bottles, water, vacuum, squeegee, washer, baking soda, and be ready to harness the power of the sun.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, spring cleaning, spring cleaning checklist, spring cleaning guidelines, spring cleaning tips
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on Spring Cleaning 2019
Saturday, March 2nd, 2019
Make Aspenhome Home Office Door Bookcase I26-332 the home for your books and other collectibles.
When you encounter the word professional organizer, what crosses your mind? A lot of reality TV shows show organizers who correct the lives of hoarders. But these experts are a lot more than these. Sure, they can help hoarders but there are more that they can really offer.
Did you know that there are people who actually feel anxious when faced with the task of organizing their wardrobe? Others have spouses who might be more organized than they are so they turn to professional organizers to do the job for them. Doing so makes their relationship much easier to manage.
So what do professional organizers actually do?
They Help Create Orders
Professional organizers aren’t just trash throwers or storage queens. They are also not there to do the job of lazy people. They are there for parents who tutor their kids even after work, for people who try to balance a career and their home lives, and those who are just starting in their careers and would want to focus on growth.
Professional organizers are highly skilled specialists because they have been trained to create order in homes that lack this one description. You can also rely on them to help you establish long-term improvement.
They Can Give Professional Opinion
There are also moments when homeowners need expert opinion when it comes to organizing their stuff. Decluttering is not seen as merely throwing stuff or putting anything that you have stored for a long time in donation bags.
A lot of people think that decluttering should be everyone’s priority but the awful truth is that it’s not. More often than not, in this busy world that we live in, we simply don’t have time to do the actual cleaning anymore.
There is a reason that people hire experts to do their taxes for them or to manage their investments, real estate properties, and even their retirement accounts. Professional organizers are no different.
The professional organizer has a specific skills set which can help anyone who wants to get out of the trouble of organizing his home, his belongings, and his life.
They Can Suggest Storage Options
You might have plenty of wall space in your home but not all shelves will hold your extra items. The professional organizers can help you choose which shelves will suit your home’s style and your storage needs.
There are many shelving options but you wouldn’t want to waste your time looking upon one after the other.
They Offer Added Connection
Professional organizers have a lot of resources compared to any average person. They know more movers, garage companies, art appraisers, auction houses, painters, junk companies, consignment stores, shredding companies, contractors, photo and scanning companies.
They are the people who have developed business relationships over the many years that they’ve spent being organizers. They are also the best ones that can give you a discount should you need the services of the professionals mentioned above.
They Know Where to Donate
Professional organizers also know where they could donate the things that you are ready to give away. More often than not, they have a long list of charities that will gladly pick up your stuff from your home.
These experts also know which items are still worth selling and which ones should be given away to charity. They know the value of every item that are presented to them so that they can classify which ones are fore donation, selling, trading or even recycling.
They Can Keep You From Going Nuts
If the clutter in your home is finally affecting your emotional well being, then it’s time to call the experts. If you’re a mom who wants to have an organized nursery before the baby arrives or you might be an entrepreneur who wants to have a proper place for paper documents, digital stuff, and operational systems, then you are also in need of a professional organizer.
Universal Furniture Bedroom The Ensemble Wardrobe 507165
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, professional organizer, professional organizers
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on What Professional Organizers Can Do For You
Friday, March 1st, 2019
Fine Furniture Cadence Collection: The wooden flooring in this bedroom as well as the area rug underneath the bed could become homes of pests if regular cleanups aren’t done. So be sure to keep your home clean all the time.
What’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare? The creepy crawlies that might eventually destroy the architectural charms are your worst possible nightmare. The great news is that there are many proven methods that can treat, eradicate, and totally prevent the infestation from happening.
But you have to know the invaders to know which sprays, repellants, poisons or baits you need to use. Before you make the terrible decision of using these dangerous solutions, though, you need to find out which pests you’re battling and that there are actually natural methods of eradicating them.
Any household chemical can have various damaging effects on the person who uses them and the environment. The worst pesticides can even find their way to rivers, lakes or even the ocean.
So what are the alternative methods that you can resort to?
You’d be surprised to know that they are fairly easy to do.
Clean Your House Regularly
Pests often snack on something so make sure that your leftovers and sweet drinks are kept in tight containers. If you don’t, you’d end up having a fight with the bugs.
First, be sure to store sugar, flour, and other dry ingredients in glass or plastic containers. These can also be placed inside sealed bags.
Make sure also to take out the trash often. Garbage bins, especially those with unsecure lids, end up being the food source of vermin. While you may feel too tired at night, take the time to clean out the pet dishes so that no pet food is left out overnight.
Clean up all crumbs and spills right after the accident happens. Be sure to wash the dishes every after meal.
Keep Things Dry
Cockroaches and mosquitoes are drawn to moist places. If you don’t want these pests in your home, then be sure to keep moisture at bay.
Having a full sink is basically an invitation to cockroaches to spend time with your family. Wipe any spills or puddles so that no one would slip or fall, plus you also keep roaches and molds at bay.
Fix ‘Em
Repair holes and any other structural damage fast. That tiny hole could become the invitation for small pests to invade your home.
You can easily fix holes on walls and screens by patching them up. A caulking gun is your ally in sealing up the cracks on pipes, baseboards and windows. Store the mulch and firewood as far away from your home’s foundation as possible.
Rodents and bugs could travel from your storage shed to your home easily so have at least 30 feet of distance between them.
Get to Know the Pests
These are the most common invaders –
Ants. These insects are pretty much everywhere. They thrive in soils, the sidewalks, under plants and trees, and even under structures.
Ants like damp areas between the floors and walls. They love sweets so be sure to keep your sweet foods properly stored. Also, you must caulk the entry points. Petroleum jelly is also an effective repellant.
Other natural ant repellants include dried peppermint, paprika, chili pepper, garlic, and pure cinnamon.
Bed bugs. These are common in hotels, trains, dorm rooms, buses, and apartments. Since they’re bed bugs, you should be particularly clean in the bedroom. These insects hide in bed frames, mattresses, and headboards.
Wash infested bedding with hot water then dry them in the hottest setting for no less than half an hour. You can then scrub the bedding with a stiff brush then vacuum.
Fleas. These are found in the fur or hair of animals and humans so be sure to take good care of your pets. Vacuum your home frequently and bathe your pets with hot water and soap.
Use lemon, wormwood, citronella, and rosemary because these are natural herbs and aromatics that fleas hate.
Mice and rats. These vermin like to dine on trash, grains, and meat. Ditch them by sealing up holes. Be sure to throw garbage right away.
Flies. These are everywhere and they love to snack on rotting food. Get rid of them right away since they can become carriers of bacteria. Put up screens on your doors and windows.
Tags: getting rid of pests, household pests, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Knowing and Fighting the Pests in Your Home
Saturday, February 2nd, 2019
The Thomasville Home Office File Storage Cabinet can make organization look stylish.
When it comes to organization and decluttering, it would seem that people tend to look for solutions and probable systems to use when things have gotten completely out of hand. There are ways to make your decluttering efforts easier, here are eight techniques –
Put on Labels
You have probably seen a lot of DIY labeling tips online but most of these aren’t actually necessary. There are moments, though, when it can make things easier for you. An example is when you have to store different spices on a rack or a drawer. Putting labels on the lids will help you in easily taking the right spice off the rack.
No need to hunt for jars of different spices anymore. A Sharpie and a roll of masking tape should make do as your labeling materials. You can also put dates on your labels so that you’ll know which leftovers to take first.
Buy Sorters
‘Know all those small stuff such as medications, spare light bulbs and craft items? These are the pieces that tend to clutter spaces. But every household has its own share of tiny stuff but it’s up to you to organize these little things so that they don’t cause chaotic drawers and closets.
Find boxes to house and categorize these tiny things. Or find sorters in craft shops to finally organize the growing clutter.
Organize Your Drawers
The drawer is yet another place that causes a lot of clutter problems in a home. You can begin by creating drawer organizers where the small items are being stored. So go ahead and organize your junk drawers, kitchen drawers, entryway and desk drawers.
If you’re just about to purchase organizers, don’t forget to measure the units so that you will take home the right piece.
Establish A Landing Zone
Do you notice how things easily get cluttered on the entryway? It’s because, this is the spot where you seem to stash your stuff when you arrive home. Here, you will see shoes, coats, bags, and even paper bills so roll up those sleeves and be ready to organize them.
A shelf and a bench would do wonders in this area. Add some trays also where you can put extra coins, keys, and other small stuff.
Have a Giveaway Box or Bag
‘Know all those things that you stored, and when you finally got to them, you realized that you’ve held on to them for no reason at all? These are the things that you can give away for charity.
Have a big box or a bag become the dedicated spot where you can put the stuff that you would be willing to give away. Check also all of your storage units because there could be other stuff there that you think you still need but no longer do.
Create a Filing System
Opt to enroll in an electronic billing system. And as you sign up for paperless bills on all your accounts, you can also begin to file those that do not offer this system.
Some labeled folders are a step up when it comes to categorizing and eventually organizing your paper clutter. Tax papers go together; as for the home repair papers and car payment records, they, too, should be properly filed.
If you’re thinking that you don’t have a lot of paper clutter to merit buying a filing cabinet, then you can just invest in some file boxes in the meantime.
Use Wall Mounts
Wall mounting saves you a lot of floor space. Just imagine all the things that you can vertically store (or display) – from your TV to garage tools, and even wall art.
Tags: decluttering advice, decluttering system, decluttering techniques, decluttering tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, storage advice, storage systems, storage techniques
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Must-Know Decluttering and Storage Systems
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