Maximizing Flexibility: Creative Storage Options Around St George, Utah for Modern Lifestyles

Mobile Lifestyles Meet Storage Demands

Remote work has unshackled professionals from cubicles, spawning a boom in short-term relocations, van life, and settlers of micro-homes. The data backs it: over 35% of U.S. workers are now remote, and seasonal travel is climbing year over year. Mobility offers freedom, but also forces choices about what to do with your physical overflow. Without a system, possessions pile up and erode the very agility you’re chasing. Strategic storage in the right location is not an afterthought—it’s an operational asset. The goal is simple: keep your life lean, accessible, and ready to pivot without dragging along dead weight.

Evaluating Self-Storage Near St. George, Utah

The region offers a mix of drive-up units for quick offloading, multi-story facilities built for space efficiency, and climate-controlled buildings designed for precision preservation. Security ranges from basic locking hasps to integrated video monitoring with gated keypad entry. Access hours vary and can make or break usability for those on erratic schedules. Match the infrastructure to your rhythm. If you’re constantly in motion, favor all-hours access. If you store valuables, look for layered security and environmental control. Your storage must function like an extension of your home base.

Assessing Unit Size and Features for Busy Lifestyles

Skip guesswork. Inventory your gear, sketch a crude floor plan, and estimate the cubic footprint before committing to a contract. Overbuying space wastes money, underbuying creates chaos. Vertical efficiency is gold: invest in modular shelving, add hanging rails for odd-shaped equipment, or use mezzanine racks to tap unused airspace. Downsizing before stashing is a rare discipline but cuts costs long-term. Purge the redundant, digitize the paper clutter, and streamline to your essentials. Only then does choosing a unit size become a precision decision rather than an expensive gamble.

Choosing the Right Climate-Controlled Storage Options

Electronics warp, paper yellows, textiles mildew. In desert environments like southern Utah, that risk multiplies with rapid temperature swings and bone-dry air. Units with stabilized temperatures between 55–80°F and balanced humidity levels safeguard sensitive goods from degradation. Look for added support like pest-prevention programs, especially for natural fibers and wooden furniture. If humidity is a persistent threat, a dehumidifier rental is worth the cost. Climate control is non-negotiable for those who see storage not as a dumping ground but as a curated extension of their inventory.

Packing and Stacking Strategies for Long-Term Storage

Think like a warehouse manager. Label every box on at least two sides. Use clear bins for visibility, cardboard only when protected from moisture. Keep heavier items low, lighter ones high to avoid crushing. If your load is stackable, lock it down with sturdy shelving or pallet platforms that allow airflow beneath. Protective wraps buy longevity for delicate items. Resist the temptation to fill the unit wall-to-wall. A central aisle transforms retrieval from a headache into a precise operation. Future you will thank current you for the foresight.

Turning Storage Space into Seasonal Gear Central

Your storage unit can run on a seasonal rotation, swapping out ski gear for garden tools, or tucking away patio furniture during scorching midsummer. Transparent bins mean no digging. Color-coded labels speed identification in seconds. Precision beats rummaging every time. When you’re ready to create a system that works as hard as you play, explore storage units St George Utah. A well-chosen facility will keep your seasons flowing without clogging your living space or mind.

Maximizing Value with Competitive Storage Rates

Monthly pricing is flexible. Long-term contracts often slash costs. Track move-in deals and intro promotions—many facilities shave the first month or offer discounted rates to loyal customers. Referral credits can offset expenses without effort. For larger operations or multi-unit needs, ask about locked rates or bundled package discounts. You’re not just storing objects. You’re buying stability. Get every dollar to work in your favor.

Ensuring Secure Access and Protection for Stored Items

Smart locks allow you to control access without physically being there. Combined with 24/7 video surveillance and gated entries, they create layered deterrents against theft or tampering. Supplement that with personal insurance coverage to protect against rare worst-case scenarios. Maintain an up-to-date photo inventory. Schedule routine inspections so problems never have time to build unnoticed. Vigilance is good security’s silent partner.

Sustainable Storage Practices for Eco-Conscious Professionals

Skip disposable boxes. Use sturdy, reusable bins and recycled packing materials. Facilities with LED lighting and energy-efficient systems cut the carbon cost of storage. Keep a donation outlet in your workflow so unwanted goods stay in circulation rather than landfills. Centralized, well-run storage reduces wasteful duplication—no more buying replacements because items are scattered and lost. Efficiency is environmental responsibility in disguise.

Future-Proof Your Storage Strategy Today

Flexibility lives at the intersection of smart unit choice, disciplined packing, and sharp cost control. Identify coming shifts now—job transitions, seasonal migrations, downsizing—before they happen. Don’t wait until change hits your doorstep and forces hasty, expensive choices. Treat your storage plan as a deliberate design choice, an asset that supports the lifestyle you want rather than the clutter you fear.

Simplify Parenthood with the Occasional Cleaning Service

In the whirlwind of parenting, mothers juggle countless tasks to keep the household running smoothly. Their daily to-do list is seemingly endless, from caring for children to managing chores. One task that can become particularly burdensome is keeping the home spotless. With so many responsibilities, it can be challenging for mothers to maintain a clean and organized living space. Hiring cleaning services occasionally can provide immense relief, allowing mothers to focus their time and energy on other priorities.

The Demands of Motherhood

For anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of motherhood, it's clear that time is often in short supply. Mothers wear many hats throughout the day, acting as caregivers, cooks, nurses, teachers, and more. It's not unusual for mothers to feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to excel in all these roles. On top of everything else, maintaining a tidy home can feel nearly impossible, adding another layer of stress to an already busy life.

The Struggle with Cleaning

Here are a few common reasons why keeping a clean home becomes a daunting task for mothers:

1. Time Constraints: Between ferrying kids to school, attending activities, and managing jobs, mothers often lack the time for deep cleaning.

2. Prioritizing Other Tasks: Caregiving often takes precedence over cleaning, leaving little time for non-urgent tasks.

3. Fatigue: The physical demands of motherhood can leave little energy for maintaining a clean home at the end of the day.

4. Child Interference: Even the best cleaning efforts can be undone by young children’s spills and messes.

Acknowledging these challenges makes it easier to understand the potential benefits of hiring cleaning services occasionally to alleviate some of the pressure.

Benefits of Hiring Cleaning Services Occasionally

Bringing in professional cleaning services can make a difference for mothers who are spread thin by their daily obligations.

More Time for Family

When professionals manage the cleaning, mothers can reclaim precious time with their families. Simple activities like playing with children or enjoying meals together become more feasible. Quality family time strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.

Reduced Stress Levels

Having a clean home can significantly decrease stress levels. When the house feels organized and fresh, it provides a more calming environment. Mothers can better focus on bonding with their family and pursuing personal hobbies without the constant weight of home cleaning.

Professional Expertise and Results

Professional cleaning teams bring expertise and tools to ensure a high-quality clean. They reach corners and areas that might be missed during regular cleaning sessions and use products that can more effectively tackle tough stains or allergens.

Customized Cleaning Plans

Many cleaning services offer customized plans to fit a household's needs. Whether deep cleaning is needed once a month or specific areas need attention, these services can provide tailored solutions, considering any specific preferences or allergies.

St George Cleaning Services for Occasional Help

For mothers in search of dependable and efficient cleaning support, there's an option to consider: St George cleaning services. The flexibility of occasional cleaning can offer great support when it's most needed.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

When selecting a cleaning service, several factors must be considered to ensure that it meets your family's needs. Here are a few tips for finding the perfect fit:

Recommendations and Reviews

• Word of Mouth: Ask friends or family for recommendations. Trusted referrals can provide insights that online reviews might not.

• Online Reviews: Platforms like Google and Yelp offer a wealth of customer feedback. Look for consistency in positive reviews to gauge the service’s reliability and quality.

Service Flexibility

• Flexible Scheduling: Opt for a service with flexible scheduling to accommodate occasional cleaning needs as they arise.

• Customizable Services: Check if the service offers customizable cleaning plans to address specific requirements or areas of concern.

Safety and Trust

• Background Checks: Ensure that the cleaning staff undergo background checks, providing peace of mind regarding who enters your home.

• Insured Services: Choose an insured service to protect against potential damages during cleaning.

What to Expect during a Cleaning Service Visit

Before hiring a cleaning service, it's useful to understand what a typical visit might entail and how to prepare ahead of time.

Pre-Cleaning Preparation

• Declutter: Pick up clothes and toys to make it easier for cleaners to access surfaces and floors.

• Specific Instructions: Leave clear instructions or notes on any areas needing particular attention.

During the Visit

• Pet Safety: Secure pets to prevent disruptions or escapes while the cleaners work.

• Access: Provide entry instructions or be available to let cleaners in at the scheduled time.

Post-Cleaning

• Walkthrough: If available, conduct a brief walkthrough with the team to ensure all tasks were completed to satisfaction.

• Feedback: Offer feedback for future improvement or commend exceptional service members.

A Fresh Start for Families

Mothers can find more balance in their lives by using cleaning services from time to time. It paves the way for rest, enjoyment of quality family time, and less stress. When the home is clean, the mind feels clearer too, which benefits everyone from parents to children.

Reflecting and Moving Forward

Many mothers find that hiring cleaning services occasionally empowers them to focus on what matters most while ensuring that their home remains a healthy and welcoming environment for their loved ones. Mothers can cultivate a home filled with harmony and joy by relieving some of the burden of household chores.

How To Prevent Lost Items and Improve Organization With Name Labels for Kids

The daily chaos of school and extracurricular activities can turn any parent into a detective, constantly on the lookout for lost items. From backpacks to water bottles, kids have a knack for misplacing their belongings, causing frustration for both parents and little ones. In this whirlwind of confusion, high-quality name labels emerge as the unsung heroes, ensuring that lost items find their way back home and promoting a sense of organization in the midst of chaos. 

Preventing Lost Items

Every parent has experienced the sinking feeling of realizing their child has lost something valuable. It might be a favorite jacket, a school textbook, or a cherished toy. Apart from the financial burden of replacing these items, the emotional toll on both the parent and the child can be significant. Lost items can cause stress, disrupt routines, and lead to a sense of disorganization, especially during the busy school days.

High-Quality Name Labels

High-quality name labels act as tiny beacons of hope in the world of lost items. These labels, often made from durable materials like waterproof vinyl or iron-on fabric, are designed to withstand the wear and tear of a child’s daily activities. Unlike generic labels or markers that fade away after a few washes, high-quality name labels stay intact, ensuring that your child's belongings are easily identifiable.

Preventing Mix-ups and Confusion

In school settings, where multiple children might have similar items, high-quality name labels play a crucial role in preventing mix-ups and confusion. A well-labeled lunchbox or a backpack stands a much better chance of finding its way back to its rightful owner. This not only saves parents from constantly replenishing lost items but also teaches children a sense of responsibility for their belongings. 

Promoting Independence

When children know that their items are clearly labeled, they gain a sense of independence. They can confidently identify their own belongings, which is especially important in school environments where personal responsibility is encouraged. This independence not only boosts their self-esteem but also instills a sense of organization and orderliness from an early age.

Customization and Personalization

High-quality name labels, including innovative options like name stamps for clothes, provide an invaluable solution to the age-old problem of lost items. In the whirlwind of childhood activities, these labels emerge as unsung heroes, offering parents a sense of peace and assurance. The beauty of these labels lies not just in their durability and functionality but also in the myriad ways they can be customized to suit a child's unique preferences.

Cost-Effective Solutions

While high-quality name labels might seem like a small investment, they are incredibly cost-effective in the long run. Consider the cumulative cost of replacing lost items throughout a school year. From clothing to stationery, these expenses can add up significantly. High-quality name labels drastically reduce the frequency of these replacements, saving parents both money and the hassle of constantly replacing lost items.

In the whirlwind of childhood activities, high-quality name labels offer parents a sense of peace. The knowledge that their child's belongings are clearly marked and easily identifiable provides reassurance. It's a small but powerful tool that promotes organization, independence, and responsibility in children while saving parents from the frustrations of lost items. Investing in high-quality name labels is not just about preventing lost items; it's about instilling valuable life skills and fostering a sense of orderliness that will benefit children throughout their lives. So, equip your child's belongings with these tiny yet transformative labels and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-organized, labeled life.

How to Create a Relaxing Environment for Your Home Office

Working from home is ideal for people who don't want to deal with long commutes and expensive parking. However, household life can also provide a lot of distractions and create stress. Making your home office as relaxing and stress-free as possible may increase your overall productivity when working remotely. Here are some tips on creating a relaxing environment for your home office. 

Bring Some Greenery into Your Office

Indoor plants are wonderful additions to any home office: They improve air circulation and make the room feel more alive. Succulents and succulent hybrids have become popular features in office spaces because they are visually appealing and require less care than traditional plants. 

Be sure to research which plants might be best for your office by considering their natural lighting requirements and their maintenance needs.

Add Soothing Aromas

Scents are very effective at evoking specific emotions. Having soothing smells in your home office may help you stay calm and alert as you work. Scented candles are traditionally used for this purpose. However, placing a scent diffuser or an electric wax warmer in your office can provide a soothing fragrance without the need for a flame.

If you are growing tired of one particular scent, don't feel afraid to switch it out. Or, if you start to experience nasal fatigue and you cannot smell the scent anymore, sniff some coffee beans to reset your olfactory system. 

Stay Organized and Clutter-Free

A cluttered office can feel overwhelming and cause more stress in your work environment. Not to mention, searching through piles of papers for the documents you need wastes precious time. Keeping home office furniture clear of clutter and all of your files organized is essential for relaxation and productivity. 

Though it may seem like a hassle, reviewing your files every couple of years to get rid of ones that are no longer useful is incredibly helpful in reducing the possibility of future clutter.

Generate Ambient Noise

Having peace and quiet can be relaxing for some people. For others, it is distracting because it allows the mind to wander. If you are someone who thrives when working in coffee shops and cafes, it may be beneficial to purchase an electronic white noise generator or a tabletop fountain to provide ambient noise in your office.

For many people, background noise is stimulating enough to keep errant thoughts at bay without diverting them from the task at hand. It is certainly worth a try to introduce some soundscapes if you feel that this applies to you. 

Ensure That Your Office Chair Is Ergonomic

There is nothing more disruptive to productivity than an uncomfortable office chair. Discomfort caused by a lack of ergonomic support can be quite distracting by prompting you to shift periodically in an effort to find a more comfortable position.

You may even develop neck and back pain over time from improper sitting postures. For this reason, it is crucial that your chair is designed to promote beneficial sitting habits, eliminating unnecessary pressure from areas of the body that are prone to strain.

The home environment presents its own unique challenges to working efficiently. Creating an office space that is calming to the senses can promote productivity and alertness without resulting in burnout. 

An Untapped Goldmine: 5 Items You May Find Lying Around Your House That Are Worth a Small Fortune

When you’re looking to make fast money or just to do a little bit of decluttering, you might be surprised to learn that you may have an untapped goldmine in your home. That’s right, you probably have a few items lying around the house that can fetch you more than a pretty penny. Check out this list of five things you just might have that can give your income a light boost.

1. Toys
Whether you are a parent or not, there is a good chance that you have a few toys around the house. Most people who have children in their lives undoubtedly have some playthings somewhere, and if you’re lucky, you just might be able to sell them for some extra money. For instance, selling Transformers toys can be more lucrative than you think. Other options include popular movie franchise toys, vintage toys, and even happy meal toys.

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2. Clothes and Shoes
You may be surprised at just how much you can make by putting gently used clothing and shoes on consignment. There are many types of consignment shops. Growing in popularity are online based shops that sell authenticated high-end merchandise, including accessories like purses and belts. Millennials are known for being frugal, so there is quite a large demand for quality second-hand things. Vintage never really goes out of style, which means your clothes from the 1960s and 1970s can be just as popular and sought after as something more modern or high-end name brand.

3. Electronics
Electronics, old and new can prove to be very valuable. Things like calculators, cathode ray monitors, PC laptops, game consoles, cameras, VHS tapes, and VCRs can be sold for more than you think. Although many of these things may seem obsolete, there are people who break them down for parts and metals. Other people are collectors and are looking for nostalgic electronics from yesteryear. Some folk have taken excellent care of their record players, CD players, game consoles and other items and are looking for games, records or tapes to use.

4. Precious Metals
Almost everyone has jewelry that is either damaged or unwanted. You can turn your useless jewelry into cash. To make the maximum profit off of your unwanted rings, watches, necklaces and more it helps to know the current value of the precious metals you have.

5. Old Music
They say that music is a universal language. And in many respects it certainly is, which is why you can make a small or a not so small fortune on your old vinyl records, CDs, cassette tapes and 8-track tapes. With the emergence of digital music and the ability to digitally store your music, it makes a lot of sense to upload your hard copy music and sell it. This is an especially good idea if you’ve got some special editions, signed covers or otherwise notable albums.

You’ve heard the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Well, this is certainly true when it comes to some of the things you may have sitting around the house. Extra money can come in many different shapes and sizes, so when you’re combing the house for things you can offload for a profit, be sure to keep an open mind. You may be surprised at what’s right under your nose and just how much someone will be willing to pay you for it.

Tips for maximizing space in the home

Do you ever feel like you do not utilize the space in your home properly, leaving a feeling of clutter and crowding? Here are some simple tips for maximizing space in the most common area in your home.

1. The Kitchen 
To maximize your work space in the kitchen, it's important to be imaginative and invest in clever, space-saving storage ideas. A great idea to save space is to invest in integrated appliances - appliances that fit seamlessly into cupboards, therefore saving space around the kitchen. Integrated appliances can be expensive to be and often require a full kitchen re-do, but you may be able to place your appliances into existing cupboards to save money and space. The thought of hanging your pans and utensils from hooks around the kitchen may strike you as being a tad old fashioned, but it's an excellent way to save space; pans take up a lot of cupboard space, so by hanging them up, you'll be able to save yourself an entire cupboard for additional storage.

2. The living room
A great way to save space in the living room is to do away completely with hefty TV stands and install your TV on the wall. Corner sofas are another great space saving techniques; they make use of corners that would otherwise be left bare and unused.

3. The bathroom
Saving space in the bathroom can be tricky; after all, there are a lot of essential items - such as baths, sinks, showers, and toilets (check out this Toilet Review Guide) - to fit in and finding additional space to use can be a challenge. Corner sinks and vanity units are an excellent idea to save space; they are specifically designed to sit in bathroom corners that would otherwise go on used and are a great space saving technique, you can take a look at some examples here. Rounded bathroom furniture is another good thing to invest in; unlike convention, rectangular shaped furniture, rounded furniture has softer edges, and is usually slightly smaller in size than other types of furniture. The softer edging helps to create the illusion of more space, and the rounded edging fits in better with smaller bathroom styles. Shower curtains are another clever storage area.

If you have a combination bath-and-shower (a great space saving solution in itself), a shower curtain is definitely better than a glass door; they're easier to move, and can be pushed back to create the illusion of space around the bath area. Glass doors are more fixed, and can look clunky and in the way. Shower curtains can now be bought with pockets in them, giving you handy storage space for items such as sponges and shower gels; you can use it to store bath items that would otherwise be kept in messy rows around the bath, thereby freeing-up space around the bath.

4. The bedroom
Considering all the things we have to find room for in our bedrooms, it's a good thing that there are some clever storage techniques out there. If you aren't fortunate enough to have a bed that comes complete with storage drawers, you can improvise by investing in a sliding shelf for under your bed to store bed linen and other items. Under-bed storage items are a great way to save space, and help you to utilize room that you already have in your room, but otherwise go unused. If you store items under your bed anyway, an under-bed storage unit can help to make your room look tidier by hiding items that may otherwise poke out from under the bed.

How To Make Downsizing Easier

Downsizing is necessary for a number of reasons; whether you’re making the switch to a smaller place due to money issues, a desire for simplified living, or moving to a new city, moving your family into a home with a much smaller amount of square footage isn’t always the easiest of tasks. Make the transition easier on you and your kids by following these downsizing guidelines.

Finding a New Place

When you’re hunting for a new place, especially if you’re going to be renting, make sure you don’t jump on an apartment just because its square footage is smaller. Make sure the limited space is designed well and conducive to your living habits, especially if you have children. Often downsizing is due to money limitations, but signing your name on the lease simply because it fits into your price range is not advisable, especially if you want to make downsizing as painless as possible. Use listing sites like LiveLovely.com that allow you to input various filters so you can narrow down your choices. Don’t let desperation to find a home let you speed through the process; view multiple homes, and don’t land yourself in a terrible landlord situation (or fall for scams) just because you’re anxious to move—if something feels off, it probably is. Something to keep in mind during this process: if a landlord asks for sensitive information, always request he or she use a service like MySmartMove to ensure your SSN and bank info doesn’t fall into the wrong hands, and make sure you have enough money in a savings account to cover the rent for the first few months.

Perform an Inventory

It’s going to be an extensive and time-consuming process, but the first thing you need to do is take a detailed inventory of everything in your current home. Go through the new apartment or house you’ve found and take exact measurements of the floor and wall space. Compare it to the dimensions of your current home, and determine how much you’ll need to get rid of. You need to have a comprehensive understanding of all of your belongings, and determine the things that will be coming with you to your new, smaller space, and the things you can leave behind (by selling, donating, or throwing away). Make three different lists: one of the things you can get rid of, the things you can hypothetically live without, and the things that must come along with you. The things you decide you can get rid of can be sold in a garage sale, donated to a worthy cause, or find their way into a local dumpster. You’ll want to refine these lists a few times; it’s simply amazing how much of an emotional attachment we can have to physical items, but simplifying your life means getting rid of items we might have previously thought were absolute necessities. Look at your list of must-haves again and again, and see if the essentials are actually necessary for your life and your new space.

When it Comes to Selling

If you do decide to sell off the belongings you decide you don’t need, you will find yourself with an excess of cold hard cash that you wouldn’t have had otherwise, especially important if your downsize efforts are due to monetary concerns. You can decide to host a good old-fashioned garage sale, post your items on a common website like Craigslist, or use eBay to get rid of the things you no longer need. If you’re looking to sell designer items, use a site like Tradesy, where you can find buyers willing to spend quite a bit on any designer pieces that are still in great condition.

Make Smart Storage Choices

When it comes to working with limited space, organization is your best friend. Before moving in your new space, nail down which storage solutions you’ll take advantage of. Use vertical storage options to take up the least amount of floor space possible, purchase furniture with hidden storage containers, and utilize space under the bed and behind other furniture pieces to keep your belongings sorted. Stick with decorations that incorporate clean lines to avoid the appearance of clutter, and intersperse sentimental items sparingly throughout the house to incorporate personality without causing decorative chaos.
If you’re facing a downsizing transition, make it easier on yourself and your family by incorporating these tips into your moving process and learn how to live with less—it will change your life in a more positive way than you could have ever imagined.

One Simple Step To Keeping Your Kid's Room Tidy

Do you ever feel like you have to keep nagging repeating yourself over and over again for your kids to pick up their toys? Although William does not have a ridiculous amount of toys, it's not unusual to see them everywhere they shouldn't be. It got me to thinking about ways we can eliminate some and keep his room nice and neat. I came across an old plastic storage bin and the light bulb appeared. I told William that he can pick out his favorite toys and as long as they fit in the bin, (with the lid closed) he can keep them out. I had to assure him that the remaining 4 baskets/bins of toys would be neatly tucked away in his closet and he can swap out toys every month or so. I also let him keep all of his LEGO stuff as long as everything stayed in a container. So far this has worked out beautifully. 

It is easier for William to keep his room tidy and there is no guessing where his mini Spider-Man or Buzz Lightyear toy is "hiding". I don't know why I didn't think of this before! I never have to get on him to keep his room clean. Works for me! Find more great tips, visit ParentsNeed.

Kid's Room Interior Design Guidelines

There are quite a few ways you can help work on room design if you have kids, but you will need to keep quite a few things in mind when you work on said designs. Kids will need a special place where they can sleep, play, study and generally have fun while being connected to their room. To make that work you will need to have a creative and practical solution that will serve a purpose for your kids and yourself when the time arrives:

• One of the more important parts and choices of what you need to do will be the colors of the walls you can choose as well as those of your ceilings and other smaller colors. You can make use of the softer hues and colors out there to make studying and sleeping far easier and free of distractions.

• You can keep your kids art around or some family oriented photos as well to fill the empty space on your walls, as well as possibly the ceilings too if you have what you think will work. You can work on this by yourself or you can combine your cleaning efforts by asking your kids about what they would like as well.

• You could get some chalkboard paint to make an art corner where the kids can draw and paint without worrying about making a mess. It will take some painting and thorough house cleaning, but in the end it will be a job well done and your kids will have a chance to enjoy a creative outcome you can rely upon.

• There is a great way to make your very own reading corner or even a gaming area, but you will still need to work hard on it if you want to make it last a long time. Make sure you have a nice set of seating spaces to work with and it will pay off quite nicely.

• You may need to consider using a set of organizers for potential school supplies, textbooks and so much more. Kids will often figure out the details themselves, but you can help them out to make cleaning after them easier to handle as well. Boxes for toys, as well as other organizing items will make it fun instead of some unbearable chore.

• Improving the storage capacity of your home and using a mirror to create the illusion of space will make things easier to handle. This will also serve to allow the kids to be able to see themselves and to have fun while you work on things together.

• You will need to also work on rooms that allow kids to move unimpeded as they go about their day. Ask some questions about potential design solutions so they can enjoy it. Kids will are shorter than grownups so that means you will have a great chance to use smaller and shorter pieces of furniture that would fit their size and needs more accurately.

Read more helpful tips and advice on: barnetcarpetcleaners.com

6 Efficient Cleaning Tips for the Holiday Season

The holidays are a wonderful time of year. It's the season for family, food, friends and high spirits. Maybe you're planning to host a few overnight guests during the winter, or perhaps you're throwing a holiday party. Either way, it's likely that you'd prefer a sparkling clean home for everyone to enjoy in time for the celebrations. Here are a few tips to follow to have the holiday cleaning process be an easy, stress-free, and cheerful part of your festivities. You can also take a look at beezzly as well.

Preemptive Strike - Clear the Clutter

Before you get started cleaning, we recommend taking this opportunity to rid your house of unwanted items that have accumulated over the years. If you can make time for this, take an extra day before you dive into the cleaning process and clear your home of any excess clutter. You probably have a closet with some unwanted possessions that no longer serve you or a box or two or items you've been meaning to drop off at the donation center. Purging junk is an easy way to reduce the stress of cleaning while providing you with a more orderly, elegant home. You would definitely need to look for a company that can provide a dumpster rental in your location in the event that you have larger items that you won't be able to sell and need to dispose of. After all, it happens, and not everything can be donated or repurposed.  

According to a study done by the Princeton University Neuroscience Department*, evidence suggests that the nature of our environment (i.e. cluttered versus uncluttered) directly affects our ability to focus. A messy environment can hinder our ability to concentrate, process information, and can cause susceptibility to distraction. On the other hand, a clean, organized environment can promote brain function, increase our focus, and help reduce stress.

If you aren't ready to start taking stuff down to the Goodwill just yet, then you can at least begin organizing your home. This can be as simple as going through your house and putting things back where they belong; if something doesn't have a designated spot, go ahead and make one. These actions will help prep and clear your mind for the cleaning tasks ahead.

Make a Plan of Action

Preparing your home for guests or parties can be an overwhelming process, especially if you leave everything to the last minute. If you take a few extra moments and plan your cleaning assault in advance, it can save you loads of stress and time. Rather than diving in and mindlessly scrubbing without a game plan, set aside a couple of minutes to strategize your attack. It's an investment that pays off with more efficient progress down the line.

Step 1 - Perform a quick walk through of your home. Take note of all the things you notice that you want to wash or spruce up. Next, begin visualizing all the places you'd like to be clean and the extent of their desired cleanliness. Write down all the different areas and rooms of your project and their individual cleaning tasks.

Step 2 - Depending on how many days you have before guests arrive, break up the chores by area, then break down the areas into their separate tasks. Afterward, assign each area and their task a day to get cleaned. We recommend starting this at least a couple of days and up to a week before your holiday shindigs begin.

Step 3 - Schedule the tough projects and the things that don't need frequent attention, such as deep cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, or washing window and shower curtains, for the early days in your plan. Schedule the tasks that require more consistent attention, such as mopping the floor, vacuuming, and cleaning the toilet bowl, for the later days on your timeline.

Create a Backup Plan

Things don't always go as smoothly as we hope, and sometimes, we just run out of time to do everything we set out to. While you're creating your action plan, highlight the areas and tasks that can be on your 'essential list,' things that are critical for you to accomplish. This list serves as a resource if you do run out of time and only can get to a few, necessary items. This way, when you reach the 11th hour before the holidays, you can revert to your crucial items and clean those most important areas, without any extra panic or wasted effort.

For your priority list, think of where your guests are likely to gather or spend significant time. For example, when preparing to host people over the holidays, you'll remember that folks tend to congregate around the food. A few key things to clean in your kitchen will likely be essentials. So, create your list of areas and then highlight the imperative tasks. Using the same example, if you wanted to cleanse your oven, but you’ll only be using it for baking a few items, it likely won't make the cut. In contrast, the refrigerator will be something often accessed by guests and anyone who's using the kitchen, so it’s reasonable it will be on the priority list.

Recruit Helpers

One of the most effective ways to get cleaning done fast and efficiently is to enroll the others around you in assisting. Your family is a great place to start. Another benefit of having a gameplan, in this case, is you can easily assign different tasks to family members for each day and split up the work in an organized fashion. Another option is to get a maid service to help out at home. Sometimes we just don't have the time or energy to clean and need all the help we can get.

Maintain Your Environment

Once you begin executing your cleaning plan, it will be much easier to keep your home clean. The challenge is to make upkeep a habit. For example, if you've thoroughly cleaned your kitchen, but continue to create crowded, untidy countertops every time you use it, without putting things away, this can accumulate and make the room feel sloppy. Make it a habit to clear your counters immediately after they get cluttered, not to mention any other messes you create. Rather than letting things build up and create an additional big cleaning project, this practice will maintain cleanliness with minimal effort.

Invest in Some Quality Green Cleaning Products

Creating a spotless home doesn't require a lot of fancy products to get started, you only need a few things. In fact, you could probably get away with just one or two. Invest in a couple of quality green cleaning products. Not only are you helping the environment but you're eliminating any harsh chemical residues leftover from standard cleaning products. Your guests and family will appreciate knowing their health and well-being is taken care of at your home. Mrs. Meyers makes an eco-friendly countertop spray and an all purpose cleaner, both in a lovely range of scents. But don't let a lack of ingredients stop you from getting started on cleaning. A solution of water and vinegar can work wonders with efforts such as mopping floors, wiping countertops and even creating streak-free, clear windows.

With the holidays fast approaching and everything to do to prepare, a thorough house cleaning can easily get overlooked. If you can remember to follow this plan in advance, it will help you manage your tasks efficiently and accurately, while significantly reducing the stress of the job. If you need some extra assistance, visit our for a green, house cleaning service. Lotus Cleaning Services is an eco-friendly maid service, and we would love to give your home the care it deserves to get it sparkling clean in time for the holidays.

This guest post was provided by: 

Author: Lotus Cleaning Team

Author/ Company Bio: Lotus Cleaning Services is made up of dedicated home and office cleaning professionals, that have used green practices to serve San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and their surrounding areas since 2006.

Organizing Your Kids’ Closet to Foster Independence

Teaching your children how to care for themselves is an important part of their physical and emotional development. Learning how to brush, wash, and get dressed every day is a big step that requires lots of help from adults. One of the best ways to teach children how to do these everyday tasks themselves is to make their environments accessible and familiar. Here are some tips for creating a bedroom closet that will help your little ones help themselves during their daily dressing routine.

Make it accessible

Most furniture companies now produce child friendly beds, dressers, and wardrobes that sit lower to the ground and allow for maximum accessibility. Built-in closets, on the other hand, aren’t generally fit for purpose when it comes to kids. Set up your own closet with clothes rails, shelves, and storage bins that are lower and easily reached by your children. Make sure any bins are open so your kids know what goes in each space, or choose clear or wire baskets so they can see directly into them from the sides.

via Modernize

Labelling 

After you’ve set up your child friendly closet, affix labels to each shelf and/or bin to help your kids remember which items of clothing go where. For younger children, large print labels with photographs of the type of clothing work best and can be made easily at home. If, like us at Modernize, you like to take your organization a step further, create sections for each day of the week. This way, your kids can choose outfits ahead of time and save you time in the morning. 

Keep it tidy

Probably the most important part of a functioning, independence-building kids’ closet is cleanliness. Finding clothes in a disorganized, cluttered space is next to impossible for adults and will feel positively overwhelming for children. Because kids grow so quickly, regular reorganization of their closet space is a necessity: make sure to remove clothes that are too small, out of season, or no longer worn for one reason or another. Encourage your children to put away their own clothes after they’ve been washed, and remind them to keep the space the way they would like to find it. 

via Modernize

Set a routine

In addition to keeping a regular cleaning schedule, it’s a good idea to encourage your kids to choose their school or activity outfits the night before. If you’ve set up day-of-the-week hangers or shelves, put these outfits in their designated spaces, or hang them on the door of the closet so they’re ready in the morning. After you’ve completed this task together a few times, your children should get the hang of it and hopefully repeat the exercise every day. This routine is not only great for your children because they get to choose their own clothes (within reason, of course), but also great for you because you will save yourself a regular morning struggle of choosing outfits. 

Guest article courtesy of Kaitlin Krull. 

Are you moving? Here are some great tips from Unpakt

Moving can be expensive—from movers to insurance to down payments—the bill can add up quickly.

Fortunately, packing supplies do not need to be added to your list of expenses. Actually, you may already own some of the best packing materials around—you just didn’t realize it yet!  Unpakt, a price comparison site and online booking tool for consumers searching for a reputable moving company, put together a list of household items that can be used for packing:

Sandwich Bags – These can be used to hold hardware from disassembled furniture and appliances. They are also ideal for toiletries—if something leaks during the move, a sandwich bag will prevent other items from being damaged.
Towels, Socks, other Clothing Items – Towels can be used to wrap plates, serving platters, vases, or breakable décor. Make sure you keep one out to pack  n your overnight bag though!  Balls of socks can be used to fill open space in boxes of breakables. You want items secure, so they do not bounce around. Rather than using packaging peanuts or other costly products, use socks. Longer socks can also be used to wrap glasses and stemware. T-shirts, tanks, and sweaters can also be used to wrap breakables. A nice soft sweater or sweatshirt is ideal to line the bottom of the box. This will provide cushioning in case the box gets roughed up during the move.

Beer Boxes – There are three reasons to use beer boxes. First, they are heavy duty and can hold a lot of weight. Second, they have handles on the side, which makes them easy to carry. Third, you get to drink the beer to empty the box! If you’re not into drinking a case of beer, head to a liquor store and see if they will give them to you for free.

Drawers – With the exception of clothes you do not necessarily want movers peeking at, most clothes can stay in your dresser drawers. Simply cover them with Glad Press’n Seal. If you plan on doing this, make sure the moving company doesn’t have rules about handling unboxed items.

Twist Ties – Use these to stop cables and cords from getting tangled.
Other household items that can be used as packing supplies include trash pails (after a thorough clean!), suitcases, Rubbermaid containers, baskets, underbed storage, gym bags and backpacks, trash bags, and hampers.

Homemaking tip | Cook dinner early

I have been a homemaker for over 19 years now and I LOVE my job! I have met a lot of new wives and even new homemakers over the years and they ask me for advice on how I keep everything together. Aside from having my planning book, I do a lot of things at unusual times. I cook dinner (yes dinner) before 11:00 AM during the week. I know you are wondering why I do that. I find that when my husband is at work and the kids are at school, I get so much more done. By the time school lets out and my husband gets home, I am not trying to rush and exhaust myself by having to figure what to make for dinner at 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening.

By cooking my meal in the morning, I save myself the drama and can enjoy my family at dinnertime, stress-free. What I do is cook my meal and pack everything up in containers. I let it cool down for about 20 minutes and I place it all in the refrigerator until later. This also allows all of those good flavors to set in and the food tastes even better than it would if it came straight off the stove. I also don't have to worry about washing dishes, pots and pans at night. It really helps out a lot and I pack any leftovers up for my husband to take for lunch the next day.

Homemaking really comes down to time management. I like to get most of my "work" out of the way before my crew gets home. It gives me more time to focus on things they may need me to help with or just to have a more relaxed evening. A more relaxed mother and wife makes for a happier household!

If you have any homemaking tips you would like to share, I would love to hear them!