 Can you still picture your parents throw together Halloween costume from when you were little? Remember them using what was around the house? (And remember feeling not all that sure that you looked right?) We have moved to buying our costumes, lawn decor and decorations. But it's not too late to go back. A few years ago I was going through the garage and found some old shelves. With just a few cuts and some paint, I had my own decorations. This year I was fortunate enough to have a friend give me a really sturdy tomato cage and I made my own spooky witch. Let's bring back using what we already have. Let's bring back Halloween cutouts for the windows. Let's consume, store and spend less. Let's get those creative juices going and see what we can come up with. I know you can do it! 
 Outdoor living days are dwindling so it’s time to prep your patio. Take care of your outdoor furniture and it’ll last for years.
First, clean any pieces you plan to store -- cushions, hammocks, umbrellas. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did come spring! Stack patio furniture and cushions, and store in your garage or on a covered porch. What can I leave outside? If you don’t have the room, you can leave furniture outside with heavy-duty waterproof furniture covers. These will stand up to winter weather and keep everything protected. Most granite pieces can withstand the elements so you can leave those alone, but softer stones like cast stone, marble or manufactured stone should be either covered or moved. Your grill can remain outside, but covering it with a grill cover or protective plastic will help to maintain the exterior for years to come. With your outdoor areas packed up, you can enjoy the cooler months guilt-free and tucked indoors. (The Nest - www.thenest.com)  This is NOT our garage. Butt someday it will. We have been cleaning out a lot of things that simply need to go. Like anything, it's a work in progress.
Grooming your garage probably ranks high on your list of chores to put off until later, so definitely tackle it first. With any organization process, the key to cleaning is clearing away the clutter. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in two years, is broken, or otherwise considered junk. Use your driveway to look through everything you’ve piled into the garage. Then, group by use such as tools, garbage, and equipment. Storage is key. “Make sure it’s organized, clean, and can fit cars too,” recommends Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert. Buy hooks to get as much as you can off the floor. Peg boards, wall shelves, rolling carts and wall hooks should be used whenever possible. Manfredini suggests using blue painter's tape to map out where you are going to hang hoses, ladders, or sports equipment. This way, you’ll be able to place your hooks easily. Staying organized will help you get the most of your garage all year long! (from The Nest - www.thenest.com) |
Kimberly DahlineWelcome to my blog. I am glad you are here to read the musings on organizing and finding balance in your life. I hope you find them inspiring and motivating. Archives
April 2017
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