g n i r p S s g n i h All T
e d i u G g n i n a e l C g n i p r S CBAR's www.Alfonso.com
HELLO SPRING! The spring season is here, and the real estate market is booming! As part of the "CBAR Cares Series," Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty would like to share this Spring Cleaning & Organization Guide to freshen your home and make cleaning easier. After all, it’s Spring! Shouldn’t you be outside? Use this guide as a helpful tool to revamp your home for the new season. We will provide information such as: Cleaning With Ordinary Products Clearing Clutter Organization and Storage Solutions Searching for a New Home Pointers Earth Friendly Moving Tips We hope that you take advantage of the time saving tips and tools in this guide so that you can spend more time making memories with family and friends.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 9 10 17 18
Spring Cleaning: Tips For Getting It Done
Faster
Clear The Clutter: When Is It Time To Let Go?
Home Organization: Uncovering Extra Space
New Home Search: Starting Fresh In A New Home
Moving Green: Money Saving Earth Friendly Moving Tips
SPRING
CLEANING Inspiring a Clean Start
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Uncommon Uses For
Common Things
Did you know that there are multiple uses for everyday items around your home? Some
LEMONS
may be uncommon but work like a charm. Let your savings bloom by following these tips to help you begin with your fresh start.
DRYER SHEETS
Lemons Kill Bacteria! Squeeze fresh lemon juice on your cutting board, in your microwave, on refrigerator shelves, mirrors, and windows and wash off with warm water. Not Just a Static Fighter! Add a few drops of water to a used dryer sheet and wipe down faucets and glass shower doors to remove stubborn soap scum. Struggling to Get Baked Food Off Of Your Pots and Pans? Add a couple of dryer sheets, new or used, with hot water and soak overnight for easy cleaning the next day.
Also, clean your garbage disposal by grinding cut lemon pieces or rinds. Not only will this sanitize and remove stains, but it will also leave a clean scent. Not a Fan of Bleach? Brighten your white clothes with ¼ cup of lemon juice to a regular load of laundry. It helps to remove stains too!
BAKING SODA
Are Your Pots and Pans Looking Dull and Dingy? Mix ¼ cup of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a small glass bowl until it makes a paste. Rub it on your pots and pans to make them look new again. Don’t Let Your Sponges Soak Up More Than It Should! Soak your stale sponges in 4 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 quart of warm water to disinfect and re-use. Eliminate Garbage Can Odors. Place some baking soda in the bottom of your can to fight trash stink.
VINEGAR
Need to Remove Mildew Stains? Spray white vinegar to plastic shower curtains, tile, and the underside of rugs to remove the stain and odors. Doing so will also help to prevent mildew from coming back. Are You a Coffee Drinker? Keep your coffee fresh tasting by running a brew cycle with vinegar. Rinse by running plain water through two more times. (Be sure to check the appliance manufacturer’s recommendations about using vinegar beforehand.)
MORE CLEANING HACKS CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE WITH LEMON JUICE – Squeeze a lemon into a 1/2 cup of water and drop the rinds into the mixture. Microwave for three minutes and let it stand for five minutes without opening the door. The steam will make it easier to wipe clean and leave a lemon fragrance. ECO-FRIENDLY OVEN CLEANING ALTERNATIVE - Use Molly Maid’s non-toxic paste of vinegar and baking soda. Apply it to any spills, let it sit for at least an hour (preferably overnight), and wipe down with elbow grease. If they are extremely bad put them in the tub and cover with hot water. Add a half-cup of vinegar and ¾ cup of dish wash, let the racks soak for two hours, and then rinse them off. Scrub any remaining bits with a brush. MAKE SURE YOUR DISHWASHER IS CLEANING PROPERLY - Fill a mug with vinegar, put it in the right side up in the top rack of an empty dishwasher, and run a normal cycle. FRESHEN UP YOUR FRIDGE - Martha Stewart recommends combining two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of hot water. Dip a sponge into the mixture and wipe your fridge’s interior. Wipe one more time with a damp cloth and dry with a towel. CLEAN STAINLESS-STEEL SINKS WITH BAKING SODA - Wet the sink and faucet and then sprinkle baking soda before cleaning with a sponge. If you need more heavy-duty scrubbing power, add salt to the baking soda. REMOVE BUILT UP FOOD ON YOUR COOKTOP - Dryer sheets are non-abrasive and a great way to remove burnt-on food from your stove. Place a wet dryer sheet on your stovetop at least 15 minutes before scrubbing the burnt mess away. CLEAN YOUR GRILL WITH AN ONION - Heat the grill and spray white vinegar onto the grates to help loosen the residue. Then, scrub them briskly with half of an onion. The acid in the onion cleans any of the leftover material. USE CREAM OF TARTAR TO CLEAN TOASTERS AND TEA KETTLES - Combine 1 tsp of cream of tartar with a small amount of water to make a milky paste. Rub the solution onto your stainless-steel appliances and buff it away to make a nice shine. MINERAL DEPOSITS IN A BATHROOM – Vinegar can dissolve the mineral deposits that accumulate on showerheads which cause reduced pressure and water flow. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, secure it over the showerhead with a rubber band and leave it overnight. Run the shower before using so that you don’t smell like vinegar.
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MORE CLEANING HACKS USE NEWSPAPER TO CLEAN WINDOWS AND MIRRORS - Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of liquid soap into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the glass and scrub with newspaper for a streak-free window or mirror. DON’T ATTEMPT TO CLEAN YOUR RUGS OR FURNITURE WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THE TAGS SAY - Be careful not to ruin your rugs and furniture with the wrong cleaners. Not all labels say which cleaning agents to use. Here is a list of the cleaning codes: Upholstery Cleaning Labels: W: Use water-based cleaning solutions. S: Use dry-cleaning solvents. Do not saturate. Do not use water. S-W: Use water-based cleaners or dry-cleaning solvents. X: Use a vacuum or brush only. WRAP A TOWEL OVER A BROOM TO CLEAN HARD-TO-REACH PLACES Cobwebs and dust can collect in room corners and on ceiling fans. Wipe them away with a towel attached to the bristle end of a broom with a large rubber band. The dust and cobwebs stick to the cloth. RECYCLE THOSE UNPAIRED SOCKS FROM THE DRYER - Cotton is an excellent fabric for trapping dust particles. Try using a (clean) pair of socks as dust mitts. CLEAN GROUT BETWEEN TILES - Sprinkle some baking soda on the grout, taking care to cover all affected areas. Wipe away excess powder. Next, spray vinegar on the spot and let bubble for a few minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush.
Cleaning Doesn't Have To Feel Like This...
CLEAR THE CLUTTER
Spring brings fresh starts which makes it the perfect time to let go of things that you no longer need or use. The easiest way to find extra space is to declutter. Here are a few tips to help get you started: As you go through your clothes or files, ask yourself, “Is this something that I absolutely need?” If the answer is no, then toss it, shred it, sell it at a yard sale or give it away to a local charity. If something has sentimental value, think about showcasing it on a wall. Create a gallery of family photos and old greeting cards or place them in an album on a shelf. Buy storage containers that slide under your bed. Use these to get rid of clutter and add more living space. These are perfect for holiday decorations and seasonal clothing. When you label the bins try not to use abbreviations unless you will definitely know what they are down the road. An excellent tip for holiday decorations is to color code; red and green for Christmas, orange for Halloween, etc. To help clean out your closet, after you wear something, flip the hanger so that by the end of the month you see what you haven’t worn and decide whether or not it’s time to donate or discard the item.
Home
Organization uncovering extra space
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Clearing
THE KITCHEN The kitchen is usually a high traffic area where you may do more than just cooking and sharing meals. Things tend to pile up on the kitchen table like homework and mail. It can quickly turn into a clutter nightmare. Use these suggestions to help keep your kitchen clutter-free: Create a message center with either a chalkboard or dry erase board to keep family notes and reminders. Another great option is to paint a cabinet door with chalkboard paint either inside or outside. Keep food and spices in clear containers or labeled jars. These make it easier to know when things need to be restocked. A lazy susan is a great place to keep track of spices. Create snack baskets to keep them organized and reachable. The baskets can be made of anything such as plastic, metal, wicker, etc. Use adhesive hooks to hang almost anything like pot holders, utensils, and towels. Organize your pantry and cupboards by grouping like objects together to maximize space. Make use of odd-shaped empty areas, such as above the fridge or in corners. Add space by adding a small armoire. It makes a significant difference in homes lacking enough cabinets. Hang pots and pans above the stove so that they are within arms reach. Make sure the hooks are sturdy enough to hold their weight. Add a couple of magnetic strips to hang your knives from. Keep them up high out of the reach of children while making them easily accessible.
Expanding the
Living Room
It’s been a long day and you are just getting home. Imagine walking into your clean and organized living room where the floors are spotless, the coffee table and end tables are clean and free of clutter, and all of your books and magazines are filed neatly away. Here are a few pointers on making that dream a reality: Use multi-purpose furniture like a storage bench or ottoman to add style and storage for those cold weather blankets and throws. Baskets are a great way to control clutter and mess. Place them on end tables or beneath coffee tables. When you are short on floor space, hang it up! Add built-in bookshelves or hang individual shelves to neatly display items. Make sure you arrange your furniture with a clear traffic path in mind. Nothing makes a room smaller than having to squeeze in and out of large furniture pieces.
KEEPING IT NEAT The Key to Putting Things Away In Any Room
DRAWERS
Store similar items together. Keep pots and pans, lids, cooking utensils, eating utensils and plastic containers together. Use recycled baby food jars, clear sectional organizers, drawer dividers, or muffin tins to keep paper clips, pens, rubber bands, belts and lingerie organized. If you have children designate a drawer or basket for their dishes, crafts, or other kid supplies.
There’s no denying that a cluttered and disorganized home creates a stressful environment. The good new is that when a system is followed on a regular basis it becomes a habit and easy to maintain. Here are a few tips to help tidy up closets and other spaces.
CLOSETS
Create an easy-to-use system in your existing closet with coordinating labeled bins, crates, or baskets. Add baskets or a hanging shoe organizer to the back of your closet and pantry doors. These are perfect to store small items such as your craft items, cleaning supplies, toiletries, or cooking ingredients. For more creative storage, add wall hooks to your entry way or mud room to hang your keys, purse, coats, and umbrella.
CABINETS
Install a magnetic strip to magnetize or add hangers to the back of your cabinet doors to hold spices, notes, measuring cups, or kitchen utensils. Stack dishes neatly. Dinner plates and salad bowls stack easily. It’s the tea cups that are a challenge. Place a cup over the saucer in stacks of three or four and you have the solution. Save space in your cabinets by making the most of your countertops. Use a cake stand to hold olive oil, salt, pepper, and other frequently used seasonings. Place other herbs and spices around the base for a decorative look.
CREATING SPACE WITH FURNITURE Store items inside of ottomans, benches, and window seats which double as extra seating for guests. Choose coffee and end table designs that come with built-in shelving underneath. Hang both open and closed shelving to keep items off of the floor.
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MORE ORGANIZATION IDEAS... Turn a wooden plate rack into a sewing organizer by sliding yarn onto the pegs. Ribbons tied around sheet sets or store each set in one of the pillowcases. Repurpose shoe boxes and bank-check boxes (both lids and bottoms) as drawer dividers. Put instruction manuals in a three-ring binder and you’ll never rifle through drawers again. Avoid a chaotic jumble of wire, wood, and plastic hangers by choosing just one type and brand of hanger for the closet. Hang a three-tiered wire kitchen basket from the ceiling of a closet for extra storage in empty corners. Great for ties, socks, belts, etc. Hang fabric-covered collapsing shelves from a closet rod to arrange your children’s outfits for each day of the week. Attach delicate nails to a closet wall and drape necklaces from them, pretty and practical. Acid-free, archival Havana boxes store and protect snapshots and feature windows that allow you to label what’s inside. Designate one shelf in a utility or linen closet for party essentials, such as candles, place cards, napkins, vases, and the like.
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Use a decorative wooden ladder to hang magazines and even clothes. Attach a piece of corkboard to the inside of your linencloset or laundry-room door and use straight pins to place extra buttons and packets of thread. Depending on its shape and size, a wine rack might store towels, magazines and newspapers. Use a wooden peg rack to hang brushes or a blow-dryer in a bathroom. In the medicine cabinet, group medicines by category (a headache, allergy, upset stomach) and place them in zippered plastic bags or small bins. Repurpose a standard desktop organizer to hold bathroom essentials, such as makeup, cotton swabs, brushes, and combs. On a tiled bathroom wall, hang a mesh lingerie bag from suction-cup hooks to store bath toys. Take an extra travel pill box with you on your next vacation. It’s great for stashing earrings and rings.
MORE ORGANIZATION IDEAS...
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New Home
Search
Making a Fresh Start In a New Home
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Go Green with
Your Move
Not only will these ideas help the planet, they will also save you money. Now that’s a win/win. These work whether you are moving yourself or hiring a moving company. There’s no better time to declutter than when moving. When packing, every item that you sell, donate or discard, the lower your moving costs. Movers charge you based mainly on the weight of your possessions. If you’re packing yourself, you may be tempted to find used boxes around town. Resist the temptation, especially for heavier items. While it would be a green thing to do, used boxes are less sturdy and more likely to split while being carried. Another option is to rent plastic moving boxes and crates. Rent late-model trucks that meet or exceed clean air standards. Diesel trucks are a better option than those that use regular gas. If you are hiring a moving company, find out what type of vehicles they use. More and more companies are using trucks that run on biodiesel the Huffington Post reports. It might take a few extra calls but isn’t the Earth worth the extra effort? Depending on how much you have, consider renting a POD (portable moving container) to reduce costs.
Whether you are thinking of moving or staying put, we hope that you have found this guide useful. Feel free to contact the CBAR team for all of your real estate needs. Thank you from all of us at Coldwell Banker Alfonso Realty.
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