Earth Day

Laundry room redo

My client was tired of tripping over pails, mops and miscellaneous stuff which had gathered in her tiny laundry area over the years.  So, I went about designing an Elfa closet from The Container Store.

We took everything out of the space and had the handyman remove the shelving system that had been installed years before.  We sorted the useful items from those things that don't belong in the space in the first place, and discarded the old and unused.  The space is tricky because a stacked washer/dryer has to have room to open the doors and be accessed for use.

The completed space - which now allows for cleaning products, supplies and equipment to be housed within reach, and yet has plenty of room to access the machines.  The client is now looking forward to laundry day and we can see why! 

Chores

I don't know about you, but as I grew up, my mother kept me busy after school and on weekends with chores. It was expected of my sister and I to "earn our keep" as mom and grandma used to constantly remind us. Every day before school our beds were made and our room was tidy, and after school I was responsible for dusting, washing all the dishes (my sister dried them), and taking care of the dog, BEFORE homework.  Weekly, laundry had to be done and the vacuuming.  After a trip to the grocery store, I had to put everything away (this chore I never minded doing!).   On weekends, I had to earn any time off by cleaning the entire kitchen and the bathroom.  After a satisfactory inspection, I could go play.

I wasn't always happy about this arrangement, I assure you.  I missed a lot of fun activities because chores came first and that was that.  And, there was no moping or whining about it allowed either.  When I got older, a small allowance (and I do mean SMALL) was SOMETIMES given, but it was not to be expected or counted on.

While I complained bitterly as a kid, I now know that it taught me a lot - discipline, neatness, delayed gratification - to name a few things.

Today, as I visit home after home, I find that the majority of kids don't have to do ANYTHING remotely resembling chores.  Either mom or the housekeeper does it, or it just doesn't get done at all.  Yet they have so much stuff and most of it is just strewn around their rooms like so much junk.   Everything is replaceable and anything desired is gotten.  When one of my young clients casually tossed an IPOD into the trash because they had been given a newer model, it was very hard for me to keep quiet.

My adult clients complain about their kids bad habits, but don't seem to associate them with the lack of chores and/or earning some of the non-essential things they get so freely.  So, parents, wise up -  bring back the chores and make your kids EARN their rewards.

An organizer's refrigerator

Last week Jamie Oliver posted a site that shows photos of the interior of people's refrigerators. I couldn't resist, so I grabbed my camera and photographed mine...

Naturally, every section is labeled, so the cats will know where things go. I use turntables on my top shelf and keep like things in containers. I love to have fresh herbs or even flowers inside the refrig. It's easy - just snip off the bottom of the stems and stick the herbs into a glass of water. Change the water every day and they'll stay fresh for a week or longer.

Staging makes a difference

My neighbors have put their house on the market. They moved out and into their new home before the first open house.

The one thing I told them to do was stage the house, but they chose not to. I had the opportunity to listen to people's comments and see their faces as they were leaving the first open house and it wasn't pretty. I popped into the house to see what people were unhappy about and it didn't take long to find the problem areas.

An unstaged house isn't a home. Unless your house is in perfect condition - every single flaw will show up when the house isn't staged. Every flaw will look like a giant obstacle for the new owner to have to overcome. A few simple fixes will seem like a total remodel to potential buyers.

Staging isn't for hiding problems. Staging allows people to fall in love with the place first, then deal with any minor issues that may need to be addressed. Staging warms a space up and gives people an idea of what life in the house could be like.

Remember what your mom used to tell you "you only get one opportunity to make a good first impression".

Before/After photos from stagers at StudioD. Call Susan Goldstein 510-339-9015

Done...finished...filed

Dare I tell you that I finished my taxes in one Sunday afternoon? How is this possible, you ask...well, it's possible because several years ago, I set about organizing my tax files so that I don't have to even think about it much anymore.

I created a file in my drawer that is labeled "Current Year Taxes". Into that file I always place a copy of my previous years taxes for reference, a worksheet containing all the information that is asked for each year, i.e., the square footage of my home office and the beginning and ending mileage from my car, etc. I drop all my 1099's into this file as well.

During the year, I post my income and expenses weekly, in Quicken, and I post my cash receipts quarterly. I keep all my monthly bills and receipts in an accordion file on my desk.

I order TurboTax from Intuit and in a matter of a couple of hours, I can complete my taxes. Granted, my life isn't as complicated as many others...but still, I know people who only need to file the 1040EZ and it takes them weeks!

If every year you've vowed to get organized, but you haven't, then isn't it finally time to call me...

Universal cleaning products

A Kit to Keep on Hand - from Martha Stewart

Your universal cleaning kit should include:

An all-purpose cleaner, or a solution of 2 tablespoons mild dishwashing liquid, such as Ivory, and 2 cups water in a spray bottle

A mildly abrasive cleanser, such as Bon Ami

A glass cleaner, or a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle

Rubber gloves; lint-free white cloths; medium-bristled scrub brush