6 simple steps for you to follow for a clean and organized garage

Your garage's main function is usually to safeguard and store your car, truck or motorcycles. That can't take place if your garage has turned into a glorified storage unit, stuffed to the rafters with boxes, toys, tools, bikes, strollers and everything else you either don't have room for or just don't want in the house.

Below are 6 easy to follow steps that will help you clean and organize your garage and seize control once again.

Step 1 - get everything out of the garage and sort it all into groups. Categorize it all and put everything into groups with like items. For example, toys with toys, carpentry tools with carpentry tools, yard tools with yard tools etc. Make a pile for trash, anything you don't want that you can sell in a garage sale and items to give away.

Step 2 - Get the appropriate organizational tools and supplies. After you've grouped everything, decide on exactly what tools and resources will help you organize these items better.

For example,do you need shelves? If so what kind... a free standing shelving system or shelves mounted to the wall? Do you need storage bins, cabinet systems, tool chests, peg boards, hanging roof systems, hanging bike racks, hooks etc.

Step 3 - Clean garage. As soon as you empty your garage it's important to take time to sweep out all the loose debris and remove cobwebs. You'll appreciate your garage much more if it's clean so make sure to sweep and dust routinely.

Step 4 - Decor. This does not mean you need to remodel your garage into pseudo-living room, however you could think about a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Next think about the floor?

Lots of people prefer to paint and seal the floor of their garage to protect it from stains and also makes cleaning easy. Transforming your wall and floor surfaces will have a enormous effect on the appearance of your garage.

Step 5 - Arrange Items For Storage. As soon as you are done with cleaning the garage (floor and walls) now's the time for you to put everything back. Place those items that you use on regularly within easy reach.

Put items less frequently used further back in the garage or higher up on shelves or in cabinets. Putting labels on shelves, bins and boxes will make it a lot easier for you to find what you're looking for.

Step 6 - Lastly, make some rules for yourself and family members and implement them. Rules along the lines of, "Always return the items you used back to where you got them," needs to be put into practice at all times if you plan on keeping your garage clean and organized.

If you follow these 6 simple steps, in no time you will have a clean and well organized garage. Not only will you be able to park your car in your garage but you'll also be able to find anything want when you need it. One more thing, don't forget to have a garage sale to help get rid of all those unwanted items and put some cash in your pockets!

by: Walter Jensen

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7210.shtml

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Moving this Summer? Navigate the Peak Season Like a Pro

(BPT) - Summer is busiest time of the year for home and business moves. In fact, an estimated 65 percent of the 43 million Americans who are moving this year will do so in the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

What does that mean for those with a move in the immediate future? Considering the fact that moving is ranked just behind death and divorce in terms of life's most stressful events, a summer move might mean stocking up on extra stress balls and taking a few extra deep breaths along the way.

"Whether you are hiring help or doing it yourself, you can expect a fair amount of anxiety," says Sean E. Burns, a psychologist with Counseling Associates of West Michigan. "It's helpful to simply recognize that it's normal that your life is out of order during this period. Once moved, it's important to resume life's routines as soon as possible. Don't worry about getting everything in place right away; put a priority on resuming your workouts and family trips to the park, and the rest will take care of itself over time."

A summer move also means that you need to plan further in advance and be more flexible with your move dates.

"We moved 1.3 homes or businesses per minute last summer," says Randy Shacka, president of Two Men And A Truck, the nation's largest franchised moving company, "In fact, we moved 2,851 homes and businesses in the two days between June 28 and June 29. Based on year-over-year trend analysis of every move within our 260 store system, we believe that same weekend will likely be our busiest again this summer."

So, beyond avoiding a late June move, how do you begin to navigate the waters of the busiest moving season?

"In a perfect world we'd all plan ahead, but the reality is we're busy with work and life and next thing you know you have seven days to get moved," Shacka says. "So while it's important to be flexible, box things in advance, etc., you might just consider doing a few simple things to make your life a bit easier on move day."

Shacka suggests the following:

Kids rule: If hiring a sitter isn't an option on move day, get the kids involved as "supervisors." Help them with a simple checklist or turn a box into a "treasure chest" of their own belongings so the move becomes a positive experience for them. For more kid-friendly move-day ideas, visit www.twomenandatruck.com/moving-with-kids.

Free Fido: If watching the kids weren't enough, try managing the dog as she tries to skirt through every open door. Ask a family friend to watch the animals, or consider boarding them for the day. The money spent is a good investment in reducing your overall stress.

Space it out: Often homeowners will move all their furniture into one room to save time for their movers. This can be a cost savings for boxes, but when it comes to furniture it can slow the move down. A good moving company will use stretch wrap to protect furniture, so when packed tightly together into one room the pieces have to be moved twice to properly prepare for the move. Go ahead and consolidate boxes, but save yourself the hassle and leave furniture where it lives.

Picture this: Photos are often the last thing to be packed because it seems safer to just leave them hanging until they are ready to be moved. In truth, they often delay a move because movers have to remove them to get furniture past. This time ask your movers to provide you with-the appropriate packing materials in advance and pack your photos yourself. It's often light lifting, and it's a fun way to relive memories while thinking about life's next great adventure.

For more moving advice, visit www.twomenandatruck.com.

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#moving #realestate #Houston #Galveston #Texas #Property

10 questions for the Builder of your Energy Efficient Home

(NC)-Do you want to know if your new home is energy-efficient? Here are some questions to ask your builder:
1. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?
2. Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders' homes?
3. How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?
4. What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?
5. Can you predict what my energy costs will be?
6. What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?
7. Do you participate in the Government's energy efficiency initiatives for new homes?
8. Do you affix a government-backed energy label to your home?
9. Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the energy efficiency of your homes?
10. Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 83 or higher or its equivalent?
If you aren't getting the answers you want, then you better think twice about your builder.

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TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Accounts) Tips for Young Families

(NC) Still wondering how to use a Tax-Free Savings Account to your best advantage?
“When you're starting a family, setting financial priorities can be a challenge,” said Tannis Dawson, a tax and financial planning expert with Investors Group. “A TFSA is a flexible way to save and minimize your taxes at the same time.”
Dawson offers these TFSA tips for young families:
Save for emergencies and large short term expenses like a vehicle, vacation or home down payment without having to liquidate investments and paying taxes on the income.
Save for a home in addition to or instead of the RRSP Home Buyers Plan.
Save for education in addition to or instead of non-registered savings, the RRSP Lifelong Learning Plan or RESPs.
Save for your children: as a parent, you retain control of TFSA funds and when to disburse them.
Save to start a business: TFSAs are a tax-effective way to save the initial equity you need and can be used as security for bank financing.
Save for retirement in addition to your RRSP contributions.
Source: This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Quebec – a Financial Services Firm), presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contacta financial advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. More information on this topic can be obtained from your Investors Group Consultant.

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Get the Skinny on Small Spaces

(NC) While your dream bath may be a sprawling space, the reality is that the typical bathroom is 100 square feet or less. But, a large bathroom footprint isn't always the answer to a better bath. Focusing on quality products can create a luxurious look, even in a small space.

Free-up Floor and Counter Space

You may not be able to create more space, but there are many ways to create the illusion of more space. Adding a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity with legs gives an increased line of sight, making the space appear larger. Similarly, clutter takes up valuable space. One way to free up extra room on the countertop is with a single-handle or wall-mount faucet. Doors can also make a room feel constrained. Rather than a traditional swing or hinged door, opt for pocket doors; which frees up approximately ten square feet of floor space.

Focus on Fabulous Fixtures

We all need storage in the bath, but don't limit yourself to the horizontal surfaces. Make the most of your vertical space by adding bath accessories, as well.

Adding a hotel shelf, which combines a towel bar with a shelf, offers an excellent storage spot for towels. A wall-mount hair dryer holder, a pivoting wall-mount makeup mirror, a curved shower rod and robe hooks are all excellent hotel-inspired accessory options.

Dominate with Dual-Function

Dual-function products are perfect for smaller baths because they offer added benefits without taking up more space. Update your current toilet paper holder, towel bar and in-shower shelves with newer versions that integrate a grab bar. Moen Home Care® offers stylish grab bar designs featuring a paper holder, a towel bar and two shelf designs; all in a variety of finishes to help you update these bathroom basics while adding storage, safety and style.

Swap Soaking for a Sensational Shower

Since we tend to shower more than soak, creating one sensational showering space, and possibly eliminating the tub, is a wise use of surface area. For an easy upgrade, swap your current showerhead with a new, high-quality model. Or, for a more luxurious remodel, install a vertical spa complete with components like body sprays and a hand shower on a single wall to surround yourself in blissful exhilaration.

And, no matter how large or small your shower, there's always room to add seating, which increases safety and ease while shaving and washing. The fold-down teak seat from Moen Home Care is a great option since it features a unique wall-mount design that folds down for a comfortable and secure shower seat to avoid slips and falls. When not in use, it folds up to a thin, compact profile.

It's All Smoke (and Light) and Mirrors

There are more benefits to mirrors in a bathroom other than a place to check your hair and makeup. They can actually make a room appear twice as large as the actual size. In addition to your vanity mirror, consider hanging a full-length mirror on a door. Similarly, bringing in more light will open up the space and make your bathroom come to life. A skylight is a unique addition, since it utilizes the often unused ceiling space. Lighting fixtures are also an ideal way to brighten the space, but don't settle for boring basics. Try more stylish options, like sconces, which can add a more designer, upscale feel. Moen offers a variety of lighting fixtures available in one-, two-, three- and four-light configurations to fit your space constraints and will perfectly match your faucets and accessories in style and finish.

Remember to shop for quality over quantity when updating your bath, and soon you'll enjoy the serenity of a stylish and organized space.

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Avoid Emotional Investing

(NC)—Emotional investing doesn't pay—it costs you instead, says Andy Beer, strategic investment planning expert at Investors Group.
“Market study after market study have clearly proved that when investors are driven by emotions—jumping into and out of stocks looking for the next winner, pouring money into mutual funds following a period of strong market growth, and then moving to the next 'hot' asset class during market troughs—they often lose, and sometimes lose big.”
Beer explains that trying to time the market or an individual stock almost never works. But time in the market often does by delivering better overall returns—especially when you couple your long-term stay the course strategy with other key strategies such as effective asset allocation and dollar-cost averaging.
He noted that volatility is the nature of stock markets, but with a carefully selected and properly diversified 'mix' of assets, you can effectively reduce risk, and enhance your chances of achieving your long-term goals.
Beer also suggests that dollar-cost averaging (the strategy of buying a stock or fund on a regular basis regardless of the stock or fund price) is an investment strategy that saves you from trying to time the market. This approach is designed to lower the average cost of your stock or mutual fund units, and ensures you are always participating in the market, so you will never miss out on periods of excellent returns.
Source: This column, written and published by Investors Group Financial Services Inc. (in Quebec – a Financial Services Firm), presents general information only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any investments. Contacta financial advisor for specific advice about your circumstances. More information on this topic can be obtained from your Investors Group Consultant.

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Go-big Upgrades That Can Help a Lingering Home Sell at Last

(BPT) - Everyone knows spring and summer are the best months in which to sell a home. If your house has lingered on the market, you may be eager to find ways to freshen its appeal for potential buyers. Perhaps you're even ready to go big and invest in upgrades that will improve the home's value, curb appeal and interior allure so much that potential buyers just won't be able to walk away from it.

If you're at that point, first figure out how much you can reasonably invest. Will the improvement increase your home value enough to allow you to recoup its cost? Maybe not, but if your priority is a faster sale, return on investment might have a different meaning for you.

Next, look at areas of your home where improvements will have the biggest impact - spots that are the least appealing or those that have the most appeal. Upgrading a less-than-great room can bring it up to snuff, but upgrading a good room could make it absolutely smashing. For example, painting a small bathroom in a bright color could make that cramped space feel bigger. Adding a skylight to your kitchen, bath, or other area in your home however, will really make a splash with abundant natural light and fresh air.

Here's a room-by-room game plan for high-impact upgrades that could make buyers fall in love with your home:

Anywhere

Buyers are, universally, looking for beauty and value. Any improvement that gives both can directly impact your ability to sell your home. Adding a skylight is a great way to enhance a home's visual appeal, livability and energy efficiency while improving indoor air quality by introducing much needed fresh air into the home.

Natural light can make a small room look bigger and brighter, and create a more healthful environment. Adding a traditional or tubular skylight to any room in the house brings more natural light into your home. Plus, Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux America, can provide fresh air through cost-efficient passive ventilation to reduce humidity and stale air, and heating, cooling and lighting costs. Add remote-controlled, solar powered blinds, and you can boost a skylight's energy efficiency by 39 percent, Velux states.

Finally, this is one high impact investment that can actually put cash back in your pocket. Installation of energy-efficient no leak solar powered fresh air skylights and blinds can qualify you for up to a 30 percent federal tax credit on the -products and installation costs. Visit www.veluxusa.com to learn more and calculate your tax credit for new or replacement skylights.

Kitchen and bathroom

Any Realtor will tell you great kitchens and bathrooms can sell a house. If yours are only so-so, they could be what's standing in the way of getting an offer. If you've already done the basics - cleaning and decluttering, repainting and replacing dated cabinet hardware - it may be time to pull out the big guns.

New appliances and fixtures will cost you a few thousand, but can go a long way toward wooing buyers. New appliances look great, are more energy-efficient, and provide buyers the peace of mind knowing they won't face repair or replacement costs any time soon. New fixtures such as rainfall shower heads and touch-free faucets add an element of luxury to the most common bathroom.

Adding a tile backsplash or new wood-look laminate flooring in the kitchen, and new tile floor in the bath can also create a big impact - and for less money if you do the work yourself. Replacing lower-quality or older countertops is also an eye-catching upgrade. The trick is to find the improvement that will have the biggest visual impact in your space.

Living room/family

When buyers enter your home, chances are the living room or family room will be one of the first rooms they see. Their impression of that room can set the tone for how they perceive the rest of the house. Again, assuming you've done the basics - painting, window treatments and accessories - a major upgrade in this room can have a winning impact.

If your home already has a fireplace, take a close look at it. What can you do to make it more appealing? Does it need a new facade? Larger gas logs or a better blower? Can you upgrade the mantel? If your home lacks a fireplace, adding one can be a great selling point. It's possible to add a gas fireplace for less than $5,000 in most homes. Adding a gas insert to a wood-burning fireplace is even cheaper.

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