Tag: do-it-yourself

Start Scheduling Those Home Renovations Now

Posted on by Jordank

It’s below zero outside Organizing Blog headquarters, meaning that we’re spending most of our time inside, where it’s warm. But all of this indoor time has made us notice some of the shortcomings of our surroundings — things that would benefit from a little maintenance and renovation.

We’ve noticed these things before. Deteriorating tile grout. Floors that need sanding. Paint that’s getting dingy. Cabinets sticking. And that’s just the interior of the house — there’s also a fence that needs mending, peeling shingles and cracks in the garage floor!

Some of your #home #improvement projects will be more urgent than others, of course, and a few may be rather involved. But if you have any renovations that absolutely need to get done this year to protect your home’s value, now is the time to plan them.

#Spring and #summer are the peak seasons for home improvement projects. If one or more of your projects requires a contractor, be aware that their schedules fill up fast. Get estimates and schedule your projects while it’s still cold to retain a good contractor, or you may be forced to wait months, hire someone less capable or spend extra money on a rush job.

Assuming you don’t have an endless pile of #money, you’ll want to make a list of potential projects and prioritize the most urgent. A new roof or furnace might not be as sexy as a spa bathroom, for example, but if the time has come for a replacement, that’s where you need to put your money first.

If a prioritized project is something that adds to the home’s livability and appeal such as a new gourmet kitchen, planning ahead often leads to better outcomes. “Choosing the right materials, colors and styles for your home is a significant decision,” says Pro-Home Services. “Rushing through it could leave you with regrets later.”

Many remodeling projects require permits, which can take time to obtain. Weather and supply chain disruptions may also get in the way of completion, so allow time for delays. And again, “If you wait too long to schedule your home remodeling project, you may struggle to find a contractor,” Pro-Home says. “You don’t want to settle for whomever happens to be available.”

Make a list of the projects you’d like to get done. Figure out which ones you can handle yourself (and what that might require), and which will require professional help. Then, start making calls. Before summer is over, you’ll be able to check one or more of those projects off your list! #HomeImprovement #HomeRenovation

DIY Projects That Maximize Storage Space

Posted on by Jordank

If you’re handy with tools, there’s no reason to let #clutter get the best of you. The DIY Network suggests 20 clever projects that can help homeowners cut the #clutter and maximize storage space, including under-stair drawers and nooks, built-in bookshelves, bicycle wall racks, drawer organizers, and crafting and study stations. “If there’s a nook or cranny not being used, then there’s plenty of room to expand,” the story says — and all you’ll need to complete most projects is a few pieces of wood and basic tools such as a drill and screwdriver.

Need More Organization in Your Life? Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

Posted on by Jordank

If you’re struggling to keep your home organized and clutter-free, you don’t have to invest in expensive furniture or storage units. Sometimes the solutions you need are things you already own, or could purchase for a fraction of the cost of high-end options. In other words, you can do it yourself (or DIY)! While people have always been crafty, the era of DIY seemed to boom with the start of sites such as Pinterest and Etsy. Now DIY ideas are everywhere. You can find a do-it-yourself remedy for just about anything — home repairs, home remodeling ideas, jewelry projects and more.

When it comes to your home, though, it’s nice to know that there are simple organizational solutions you can take care of on your own. Emily Co and our other friends over at POPSUGAR.com have put together some simple and fantastic DIY solutions you can use to help keep your home organized.

If you have a home office or study area for kids, one idea they suggest is tacking computer, printer, and scanner wires to the bottom of your desk or table. That way, no one trips over the wires, and they don’t get caught and tangled around one another. This idea is a small and simple way to make a room more clutter-free!

Looking to optimize empty space? POPSUGAR suggests putting a shelf right above your bedroom or bathroom door. These shelves can be used for storing extra bath towels, T-shirts, sweaters and more. Going along with this idea, POPSUGAR also suggests folding and rolling your T-shirts to optimize space in your dresser and closet — something that we’ve advocated for in a few of our previous blog posts!

Going through your clothing and rolling your shirts will also help you identify clothing items that you no longer wear, or that no longer fit. If these pieces of clothing are in good shape, don’t throw them away. Donate them to us! Simply visit our newly updated ClothingDonations.org website to schedule a time for us to pick up your donation. Put your clothes in a bag or box marked “for donation, ” and we’ll take care of the rest!