Tag: organize

Tips to Simplify Holiday Hosting

November 22, 2018MBEhleAdvice, Organize, Seasonal

Hosting family and friends for the holidays is a tall task. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, during the Christmas/New Year holiday period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 23 percent compared to the rest of the year.

While many of those traveling will stay in hotels, many more will enjoy the hospitality of loved ones. Holiday hosting can make an already hectic time of year that much busier, as hosts must prepare their homes for guests in the midst of holiday shopping excursions, office Christmas parties and social engagements around the neighborhood and at kids’ schools. Holiday hosting does not have to run hosts ragged in the days leading up to guests’ arrival.

The following are a handful of ways to simplify holiday hosting.

Plan menus well in advance of guests’ arrival

One of the more time-consuming tasks associated with holiday hosting is cooking. Hosts who plan their holiday menus in advance can get started on prep work several weeks before guests arrive. Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance and then frozen, so dishes need only be defrosted and cooked once guests arrive.

Let guests pitch in

Some hosts may feel obligated to cater to all of their guests’ needs during the holiday season. But many guests want to pitch in any way they can. If guests offer to do some holiday baking or take the family out for dinner during their visits, allow them to do so. This takes a little responsibility away from hosts while also allowing guests to show how much they appreciate the hospitality of their hosts.

Plan a night out

Another way to make hosting friends and family for the holidays less taxing is to plan a night out for everyone. In lieu of cooking at home, dine out at an affordable, family-friendly restaurant before taking everyone to a local holiday light display or bazaar. This gets everyone out of the house and allows hosts to showcase their hometown pride.

Rotate hosting duties

The holiday season is full of traditions, and some hosts may feel beholden to tradition and offer to host each year. But family traditions are about getting together, not about getting together in a particular place each year. Families who rotate hosting duties each year can ensure one member of the family does not feel overwhelmed time and time again. And sharing hosting duties means someone new gets to avoid the hectic holiday traveling season each year.

Holiday hosting is an enjoyable yet sometimes difficult task. Fortunately, hosts can take steps to simplify holiday hosting without sacrificing tradition.

The Secrets to Being an Organized Family

April 12, 2018MBEhleAdvice, DIY, Home Improvement

Modern families seem to be juggling more than ever before. When time seems to be a luxury, an ability to stay organized can help families manage the hustle and bustle of daily life more effectively. An online survey conducted by an internal research team on behalf of The Huffington Post polled more than 1,000 American adults in 2013, revealing 84 percent of recently stressed Americans say they worry that their home isn’t clean or organized enough.

Within that group, 55 percent cited disorganization at home as a source of recent stress. Disorganization does not occur overnight, and neither will getting re-organized. But with some motivation, all families can become more orderly.

Manage mornings

Families can usually use more help getting out of the house each morning in a timely manner. Each member of the household should have a designated area where they keep the items they will need for the next morning. Backpacks and briefcases should be prepacked, and lunches made the night before. In addition, sort the next day’s clothes before going to bed. Such efforts should make it easier to get out of the house on time each morning.

Sort the entryway

Home entryways are usually hubs of traffic. Such areas are the first and last place family members go when entering or leaving the house. As a result, these areas are in need of some routine organizational attention. Use sorting bins for shoes, hooks for coats, trays for mail or homework, and other sorting equipment to keep things tidy and orderly.

Embrace the purge

Take a hard look at what you use and what you don’t use around the house. Holding on to items you rarely use can contribute to clutter and create a disorganized home. Save only a few sentimental items, donating, recycling or discarding the others. Many organizational experts suggest going through items one by one and asking oneself if this is something that has been used recently. If it’s been collecting dust for a year or more, it can go.

Sensible storage

Analyze what you have and then find sensible storage solutions. Store belongings in the same place each day so items are easy to find when needed. Frequently used items should be easily accessible. Seldom used items, such as holiday decorations, can be stored out of the way.

It takes commitment and time to get organized. However, life tends to move along much more smoothly in organized homes than homes marked by clutter.

8 Tips for Maximizing Garage Storage

February 15, 2018MBEhleAdvice, Automotive, Home Improvement, Organize

Most people are pressed for garage space, regardless of the size of their house, from DIYers overwhelmed with tools to moms searching for places to store holiday decorations.

Toter, a leading manufacturer of carts, cans and containers for use in a wide range of home and work waste management and storage solutions, is offering the following tips for making more of precious garage space.

Keep trash in its place.

To keep trash and odors contained, select a mobile trash cart with a tight-fitting lid that’s compatible with your haulers’ pickup requirements and comes with a warranty. Some manufacturers also offer cart and can liners and deodorizers to keep your garage smelling fresh.

Invest in a multi-purpose job box.

Most people tend to have the wrong size toolbox for their needs. Consider the shape, capacity and compartments needed for your tools. Rolling options are great for work done only at home, while a job box may be better for those who do work elsewhere. If portability is important, look at lighter-weight options. New plastic job boxes, such as the Toter HardHead, combine the strength, durability and security of a large metal box with enhanced maneuverability.

Build up, not out.

Ceiling storage racks are an excellent way to use what would otherwise be dead space. Many racks are designed to fit directly above the area where an automatic door goes up and down. Peg boards for tools and stackable totes are also good choices.

Choose multipurpose storage.

Needs can change over time, so invest in storage that can be used for a variety of items in multiple ways. For example, large, durable totes can hold lawn gear, tools or camping equipment.

Think mobility.

Being able to move containers within the garage is important. However, the ability to move them into your vehicle and hit the road quickly also makes life a lot easier.

According to Jeniffer Coates, director of product development and warranty for Toter, “Heavy metal containers are difficult to move, and cheap plastic bins are often too flimsy to stand up to long-term or outdoor use. Consumers will get the most mileage from durable, impact-resistant plastic containers.” These can cost a bit more upfront, but will stand the test of time.

Protect items.

Moisture and pests cause problems in even the cleanest garage. Look for durable storage containers with tight-fitting, critter-resistant lids.

Categorize.

Assign and color-code dedicated areas for each type of item — tools, decorations, lawn equipment, etc. — to avoid the hassle of searching.

Allow room to grow.

While it can be tempting to stuff every square inch, try to leave room for future additions. To ensure everything deserves the space it’s occupying, do a yearly purge of unneeded or unused items.

For more information on finding the right storage solutions for your needs, visit toter.com/storage-solutions.

Keeping the garage in order is a necessary evil, but with a solid game plan and the right equipment, it’s easier than you think. (StatePoint)

Fresh Finds – Organize & Clean

April 25, 2014MBEhleCleaning, Organize

Our Fresh Finds today features local businesses and Franklin Shopper classifieds to help you organize, de-clutter and clean!

Getting rid of large items? Call Nathan’s Dependable Service! *Local junk removal and coupon offer for Franklin Shopper readers!

Wanting to re-sell some of your old furniture, antiques, yard and home goods – just about anything goes! List your classified ad in the Franklin Shopper – special 3 wk. guaranteed listing, only $10!

Once the clutter is clear, call Good Life Cleaning Services for a full home or office refresh! *Franklin Shopper readers get 15% off first service + Free estimate!

Local Ads:

HOOSIER STYLE CABINET ; PAINTED, FLOUR/SUGAR BINS, SPICE RACK, ENAMEL PULLOUT COUNTER $395 CALL 717-300-3871

WALL UNIT, 4 -piece Broyhill sectional, 100-inches, oak with lots of space and shelving. Showpiece in good condition. $165 717-352-4551.

WOODEN COMPUTER DESK , fits nicely into small spaces,75-1/4″Hx30″Wx22″D, has upper & lower cabinets, $120 717-401-0330.

USED WOODEN MAGAZINE rack. $25.00 717-372-1840

Get Organized – How to De-Clutter

April 24, 2014MBEhleCleaning, Home Improvement, Organize

Spring cleaning is not just for spring! Summer, fall & winter – no matter what time of year, an organizational over-haul can have a huge uplifting advantage on your life! A quick refresh of your home, office or outdoor space can not only be a stress-reliever, but you can also $ave by shopping smart or even consider re-selling unused items for a fun bonus!

Start simple – Dedicate 5-10 mins. a day to cleaning / de-cluttering & you’ll soon notice what a difference it makes! choose one item to donate / re-sell everyday, and in no time you’ll be back to an organized space with only items you actually use & love!

Let go of sentiment – While you may love reminiscing about your old high-school days, do you really need to keep all 15 fundraiser t-shirts? Or maybe stuffed animals have been piling up to an uncontrollable mountain of fluff? That must-have gadget from Christmas already collecting dust? Consider re-selling or donating unused items.

Feel good about clearing out your space when you re-sell or donate your used items. Pick your price to re-sell, or list as free, and you’ll be sure to find a new home for your “clutter” in no time!

Spring / summer cleaning does not mean you have to get rid of everything, rather, try creative tips & tricks that can help organize your items so they will be more useful & easier to find than ever!

Use velcro tape to stick tv remotes to the side of your tv! You’ll never be searching the living room again!

Mason jars can be helpful holders for pantry staples, craft supplies or even screws & nails! Try this tutorial to make your own Mason Jar Organizer (featured on the DIY Playbook).

Use a wall-mounted coat rack to display necklaces & scarves! Instant organization & wall decor as well!

Do you have an organizing tip to share? Leave your advice in the Comment section below!