Tips For Today

A Serene Home Environment
Want a more serene home environment? Get your coffee cup and a cardboard box or bin and walk through one room in your home each day. Study each object that surrounds you (take your time) and ask yourself – do I love it, do I need it, does it bring me joy? If not, put the object in the box/bin and store it out of sight. You probably won't miss it and you'll get more enjoyment out of the things you love the most.

"Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."
- William Morris
Finding a place for everything
When organizing any area of your home there's a simple question to ask yourself when wondering what would be a good home for a particular item. Don't just put things where there's some room - that decision requires you to remember where you put it. Ask yourself - "If I needed this, where would I look for this?"
Green Cleaning
To find more space in your pantry area, try eliminating some of the chemical cleaners you currently use. Check with your township office for ways to dispose of these items properly.

Most household cleaning can be done with things you already have on hand – distilled white vinegar, lemons and baking soda.

A solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle can clean your windows, mirrors, shower doors and faucets.

Fresh lemon cuts through grease and can remove some stains.

Baking soda can be used as a scrub for your counters, sinks and even the toilet!

You'll save space in the pantry and do your part to help the environment in your home and on the planet.
Streamline your wallet
You can lighten your load and protect important personal information by carrying only what you use every day - a debit card, 2 credit cards, driver's license and some cash. The less you put in your wallet the less you'll have to deal with if you wallet is lost or stolen. Photocopy the contents of your wallet to keep in your home files in the event your wallet is lost or stolen. Be sure to copy the information on both sides of your credit cards.

Consider keeping gift cards with your cash so that you'll remember you have them. Carry small labeled envelopes in your purse or tote for receipts and coupons. Keep membership cards for the library, gasoline and warehouse shopping locked in your glove compartment so they're handy.
Kitchen Space
Save kitchen space by placing a free standing shelf as an entertainment/hospitality center at the bottom of basement stairs for serving dishes & small appliances used only occasionally. Kitchen space is best reserved for items used daily or weekly.

Cut down paper towel and paper napkin use (and kitchen drawer space) by folding or rolling a dozen dish towels in a large basket or salad bowl. Keep the container handy for drying dishes, wiping counters and everyday family dinner napkins.
Laundry
To save time sorting laundry, instead of using one large laundry hamper in the bathroom use two apartment size - one for lights and one for darks. Less sorting and you'll know when you have a full load of each.
Utility Room
When using tape that is not in a dispenser, fold down a corner between uses to find edge easily.