Most of us dread that annual chore, Spring Cleaning But the time has come around once again.
By Corina Volegna
Most of us dread that annual chore, Spring Cleaning. But the time has come around once again. It?s the season to search your house and try to find space for everything and get your possessions organized. Actually, it doesn?t matter what time of year it is; the more efficient use of space and reduction of clutter can benefit anyone and reduce stress as well as improve your living environment. Many of us put this chore off as long as possible, but it has to be done eventually. Here are some suggestions to help motivate you to get rid of the stuff that you no longer need, without a lot of sweat on your part.
Clothing
One of the most common types of clutter is clothing. All of us seem to have some clothes that no longer fit, have gone out of style, or that we only needed once, like a dress that you wore as a bridesmaid five years ago. Maybe you have jeans that have gotten a little tight or a jacket that you received as a gift that is just plain ugly. It?s easy to get rid of unwanted garments, so this is a good place to start. Just put any jeans, jackets, dresses, t-shirts, skirts, boots, shoes, or blouses that you no longer need or want into a garbage bag. Now all you have to do is find a drop off box for clothing donations. Good Will, the Red Cross, and many other charities have such boxes set up, usually in a convenient location such as a supermarket or local mall. You can probably spot one of these boxes while shopping or commuting to or from work. If you don?t spot one right away, just check the phone book for local charities, give them a call, and they will be happy to direct you to a location where you can drop off your clothes. You won?t have to pay a fee for extra trash service, and you?ll be helping a worthwhile cause with minimal effort on your part.
Toys, Games, and Stuffed Animals
If you have children, then you probably also have toys that they have outgrown, lost interest in, or never really liked in the first place. You can do a good deed and make some child very happy by giving these unwanted toys to a kid who will truly appreciate them. Many charities host toy drives, especially around the holidays. They will place drop off boxes outside of a local Wal-mart or supermarket and make sure that needy children get the toys that your own kids need longer use. Even if there is no local drive in your area, many churches have programs to provide children with gently used stuffed animals like teddy bears, plush cats and dogs, or any others. They can also help you find a home for board games and similar items. If all else fails, try an internet search for a local charity that ships children?s items overseas to needy youngsters.
Home Furnishings
Furniture is sometimes the most difficult item to get rid of during your cleaning. It is usually heavy and there can be a hefty fee to have it carted away. But getting rid of unwanted or outdated furniture can free up a lot of space and really reduce clutter. The first step to getting rid of it without a lot of effort is to ask your friends and family if they, or someone they know, would like it in exchange for hauling it away. Maybe they have a relative in college who would love a free sofa or recliner for their dorm or apartment. If your furniture is still in good shape, it can be a real break for people on a budget with a new living arrangement. Even if you don?t have luck asking friends or relatives, you could try any of the free internet classified sites like Craig?s List. You might even be able to get some money for your old furniture through free classifieds and save yourself the trouble and expense of hauling it away yourself. If you aren?t tech savvy, but can carry your unwanted furniture a short ways, try putting it at the end of your driveway with a ?free sofa!? sign on it. It will disappear before you know it! Furniture only seems difficult or expensive to get rid of.
No matter what items you want to dispose of, there is usually a way to transfer them to someone who needs them. Whether you give the items to a family member, friend, friend of a friend, complete stranger, or local charity, you will feel good knowing that they are going to good use. Spring cleaning can be easy once you get started! Remember, you can turn your junk into someone else?s treasure! Now get started!
Start collecting samples…tile, counter material ideas, ads for appliances of interest etc., and haunt kitchen resource stores. Talk to the staff designers. See what’s out there in person.
Top 10 Kitchen/ Bath Trends 2010
(ARA) – Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it’s stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.
To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are:
1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes
In the kitchen
Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA’s kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.
If you’re tired of running the dishwasher when it’s only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it’s independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.
Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it’s an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It’s available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).
In the bath
Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels – used by seven of every eight designers – however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.
According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that’s reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface – ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.
NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.
Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You’ll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.
Courtesy of ARAcontent