Joe Cline writes articles for Austin realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Austin Homes and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.
Most of us have heard of spring cleaning, but what about winter organizing? Extensive home cleaning or reorganization doesn’t have to take place only once per year. If you tackle the project twice yearly, it will make it all that much easier when you do tackle it. The more often you take stock of what you have and what would be best for you to do with it, the less time it will take to get your house in order when it’s needed.
Add to Your Storage Collection
You can truly never have too many storage solutions. We often have more than has to be stored away during winter because of all the time we spend indoors. Books, magazines, movies, video games and piles of warm clothing tend to accumulate during the colder months. Storage doesn’t have to mean unsightly plastic containers in every corner of your house. There are many solutions for storage that can be used as furniture or room accents, so that your items can actually be stored in plain sight. For items that you keep under the bed, in the closets or in the garage rafters -- plastic bins with lids that secure tightly are your best options.
Put Rainy Days to Good Use
When fall and winter roll around, there is usually more to clean and organize because of all the time spent outdoors over the summer. Between camping trips, visits to the pool and out of town vacations, it’s hard to find time for major home reorganization. If you live in a warm climate, the heat and humidity also makes a good case against any hard work. Therefore, when the cool weather comes in, it’s suddenly a great time to get the house in order. On those rainy days when you can’t find anything to do, spend a couple hours going from room to room, putting things back in their place and setting things aside to get rid of. This brings us to the next item.
Donate Instead of Saving for a Garage Sale
You could set aside all the items you no longer need, making a storage space for them and keeping them until late spring or early summer when you have time for a garage sale. However, you are only going to take up more room in your home and garage. You may also increase the chances that you end up hanging onto the item in the end, since it will be sticking around where family members can bring them back out into “existence”. Consider gathering all these items and taking them to a local thrift shop where the proceeds are donated to a charity group such as the poor or elderly. They will be out of your home (for good) and better yet, will go to a good cause.
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Winter Home Organization Tips
By: Joe Cline | 12/11/2009 | Self ImprovementMost of us have heard of spring cleaning, but what about winter organizing? Extensive home cleaning or reorganization doesn’t have to take place only once per year. If you tackle the project twice yearly, it will make it all that much easier when you do tackle it. The more often you take stock of what you have and what would be best for you to do with it, the less time it will take to get your house in order when it’s needed.
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By: Joe Cline | 12/11/2009 | Home ImprovementDuring times of economic struggle, it can be tough to manage a tight budget. Utilities are one area of the budget that most of us have very little wiggle room…. or so you think. While you can’t completely discontinue your water, electric or garbage service, there are a few ways you can trim the budget. We all know that installing energy efficient light bulbs and investing in newer energy efficient appliances are great ways to save money and the planet at the same time.
Safely Keeping Your Home Warm This Winter
By: Joe Cline | 12/11/2009 | Home ImprovementWith the cold weather season upon us, home across the nation are beginning to turn off the air conditioner and swamp coolers and turn on the furnaces and stoking the fires. Many homeowners don’t stop to think about the safety of heating their home during these cold months, but there is much to consider.
Living Room Interior Decorating Tips
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