Archives for July 2021

3 Time Management Tips – Multitasking Included!

Time management can be a challenge—in fact, 60 percent of Americans recently surveyed by Moen wish they had a better handle on their daily to-dos. To rein in your schedule:

Prioritize. Never underestimate the power of a list. Listing out your tasks helps you visually separate what’s important from what’s not, as well as group similar items (e.g., chores, computer work), which streamlines your schedule. Rank your tasks with numbers in order of priority, and cross them off as you complete them—you’ll be amazed at what you accomplish!
 
Multitask—the right way. Seventy-one percent of Americans in the survey reported multitasking while watching television, and 67 percent multitask while cleaning. Multitasking can be effective—if you multitask one mental and one physical activity, like chatting on the phone while loading the dishwasher. Juggling too many mental activities at once can kill your concentration, and doing too many physically activities is, well, physically impossible!

Unplug. Your iCloud calendar can be a lifesaver when it comes to staying on schedule—but for all its benefits, technology can be a time-suck. Make an appointment for a weekend of R&R or a vacation (and avoid logging on during it!), or catch up on other activities you normally wouldn’t have time for, like quality time with family or volunteer work.
 
Source: Moen
 
Buying or selling a home is a time-sensitive process. I can help! Contact me today for more information.

5 Tips to Protect Finished Home Furnishings

Furnishing your home can be expensive—especially when you have a lot of square footage to cover. But the truth is, no matter how much you spend, no furniture is immune to damage. Protect your investment with these tips, courtesy of Gina Moss, manager of technical training at Furniture Medic.

• If you incorporate scented candles or oils into your home’s décor, be sure that each candle or oil product is kept on a tray or in a holder. This not only protects your finished surfaces from spills, but also prevents any dye discoloration or damage to the finish.

• When arranging décor in the kitchen or dining room, avoid using plastic or vinyl placements in your tablescape. The chemicals from the mats can leave an imprint or “ghost image” on the finish.

• If you often purpose non-food-safe furniture as a buffet table or serving station, use trivets, thick oven mitts or dish towels underneath hot casserole dishes to protect your finished surfaces from white-spotting

• Drink coasters aren’t just for the ultra-paranoid. Use coasters of all shapes and sizes around your home to protect finished surfaces from dreaded water rings.

• When cleaning your home, be careful not to leave damp towels, wash cloths or paper products soaked in cleaning fluid on finished wood surfaces. If they are left too long, it can lead to permanent white spots and discoloration.

Source: Furniture Medic

Helpful Tips for Moving With Pets

People move for all sorts of reasons, and while some moves can boast exciting opportunities, even a move under the best circumstances can be unbearably stressful. Transitioning to a new home can be hard on the furry members of your household, as well. Thankfully, there are measures you can put in place to make your next move as smooth as possible for your pets.

Board Your Pet on Moving Day
Ideally, you will not keep your pet around on moving day. The chaos can be stressful for your pet and you likely won’t give your pet the attention it will want or need. Movers can also let out your pet unintentionally. Avoid this by boarding your pet or asking a trusted friend or family member to pet sit.

Keep an Essentials Box
Just as you should keep essentials with you during a move so that you have vital items, if your moving truck is lost or delayed, it can be helpful to create the same essentials box for your pet. Include any prescriptions, favorite toys, familiar items and their bed. 

Make it Familiar
You may not be able to explain to Fido why you left your old house, but you can make their new home feel familiar right away. Set up a small area with your pet’s toys, food and bed. Keep daily rituals as similar as possible. Particularly for outdoor cats, allow them to get acclimated to a bedroom or smaller space before letting them rule the roost.

Fill Out the Paperwork
Moving comes with a lot of paperwork, but don’t forget to add your pet’s files to the mix. Update their tags or microchip information to the new address and phone number and request that your previous vet transfer records to a local clinic.