MOMPROVEMENT

Which Bin is Best?

Posted by admin on December 27, 2008  |  No Comments

It’s time to start organizing and getting your home cleaned up for the New Year.  There are many ways to hold the items you plan to keep – dressers, boxes, and bins, to name a few.  But what’s the best bin for the job when you’re storing items until they’re needed again?

There are a number of companies that manufacture bins of every shape, size, and material.  You may have heard of companies such as Rubbermaid, Space Saver, and Sterlite, but if you search around you can also find others.  In fact, you can find bins for any organization and storage need you may have.

If what you need to organize is small, look for clear plastic bins with lids on them.  Not only will your items be organized, the lids will keep them from coming out if the box falls and will stop the items from becoming dusty, as well.  Storing like items will make them easier to find, so you may want to stack small bins with similar items in them.

Many people have music collections.  Look for bins that can be hung on a wall as storage.  You can find ones that hold CDs in various numbers.  Organize your collection into styles and then color-code the bins so you can more easily find the CD you’re looking for.

There are multiple bins available that can be used for organizing craft materials.  Scrapbooking, arts supplies, tools and supplies for beading, and other crafts can all be kept in bins.  You can find many that are made specifically for crafts in craft stores, but they can be expensive.  There are cheaper bins that would work as well if money is an issue.

Larger bins and totes can be used for storing clothing that is out of season.  You may want to label the bins so you have an idea of what is in each one.  Bins with lids will keep out water and bugs if they are stored in a basement.  This size bin can also be used as a toy box for your children’s larger toys.  Get a wooden case with open areas to organize and store smaller toys such as building blocks, cars, or doll’s clothes.

Use open bins to help organize the shelves in your kitchen cabinets to keep smaller boxes, spices, and flavorings together.  You can also use tall plastic bins with lids to store different varieties of noodles so you can quickly find the right type for cooking.

Storage bins can be used in virtually every area of your home for organizing.  Use shallow open bins for organizing office supplies in your desk drawers.  These types of bins can also be used in the bathroom to keep your medicine chest in order.  They can even be used in the garage to help keep small items like nuts, bolts, screws, and nails handy and organized.

If you want to get your home organized, bins can be a great way to accomplish this.  Look for the best bin for the job among the many to choose from.  Bins and totes can be found at discount stores, dollar stores, as well as in home improvement stores and on the internet.

Organized Home, Happy Family

Posted by admin on December 26, 2008  |  No Comments

Experts agree that clutter is costly.  It’s costly not only in the amount of time it takes us to find the things we need, but also in hurt feelings and increased stress among family members who don’t like clutter.  They may want to entertain but feel they can’t because the house is too cluttered. Once you remove the clutter you’ll have a more organized home and a happier family, and you’ll enjoy your home much more.

If you’ve had clutter in your home for very long you may have become “clutter blind”.  You may not even realize how bad it is but your family members may become irritated and resentful because the clutter is keeping them from inviting guests over or being able to find what they need.

Clutter does more than just wear on your family’s emotions.  It may become a way to avoid dealing with what is going in your life – a way to insulate you from something that has hurt you.  Some people hold on to clutter because they’ve had tragedies in the past and are afraid to let go.  Letting go, however, is necessary if you want to reclaim your home, your family, and your life.

Many people with seriously cluttered homes may want to clear the clutter from their homes, however, they are overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” and don’t know where to start.  Starting to de-clutter is often the hardest thing, because they know that after getting started, they then have to face the task of letting go.

Families that have a lot of clutter to live with may experience any of the following:

* Frustration and anger over the amount of clutter
* Family battles over getting rid of things
* Shame or guilt to the point they won’t let anyone come into their home
* Depression and feeling stuck in a situation of their own making
* Feelings of being overwhelmed by the clutter and life

After the clutter is cleared away you may find that you feel relief, appreciation for the items you’ve kept, appreciation for your family and home, more clear headed, better able to make decisions, more focused, and productive.

There will also be less tension and fighting among family members.  It’s amazing how much more people are able to relax when the home is clutter free.  You’ll also be amazed that you’ll actually have more time for your family because you won’t be wasting so much time looking for things.  What’s more, you and your family will be able to actually invite friends over without fear of embarrassment or being ashamed because of amount of clutter in your home.

Clutter makes your home an unorganized stressful environment.  When you are able to let go of the clutter and organize your home you’ll be thrilled at the transformation that takes place.  So start today, and just get rid of 10 items of clutter.  That’s all, just 10.  Store them, donate them, or just plain throw them away.  In no time, you’ll have an organized home and a happy family, and you’ll feel much better about yourself.

Is Your Car Prepared for the Winter?

Posted by momprovement on December 13, 2008  |  No Comments

Is your car prepared for the winter?  Even though you may have many things occupying your attention at this time of year, taking care of your vehicle during cold weather is important.   So make sure and take the time to protect your car from the weather so it will continue to transport you and your family during the winter months.

Routine maintenance is important for your car all year long, but during colder weather you want to be sure your car will keep you warm and not break down and leave you stranded.  If you’re one of those that procrastinate, you may not want to wait too long to winterize your car.

There are a number of things any car owner can do to prepare their car for winter.  However, some systems are best checked by a qualified mechanic.  For instance, brakes need to be inspected by a mechanic because they are such a vital component of your car to keep you and your family safe.  A mechanic can make sure your brake pads are adequate, but you can check the brake fluid to ensure it is at the correct level.

You obviously want to make sure the antifreeze level in your radiator is adequate.  The antifreeze mix should be at least 50 percent antifreeze to 50 percent water.  Some professionals recommend a 60:40 mix, especially if the area you live in gets extremely cold in the winter.  Follow the instructions given in your car owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked the electrical system in your car, now would be a good time to do so.   Check the alternator belt, and other belts in the system, to ensure they’re in good condition.  Make sure the battery is charged.

No one will argue about the benefits of maintaining the proper pressure in your tires.  You can save on fuel consumption by keeping them properly aired up.  The tread depth and proper inflation can also help with traction on snow and ice.

Change the oil and oil filter before the weather turns bad.  Ensure the all of the exterior lights – turn signals, brake lights, emergency lights – all work properly.  Now would also be a good time to check that the windshield wipers are in good shape.  Verify that your defrosters are working properly, too.

Pack an emergency kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times.  The purpose of the emergency kit is to be prepared just in case your car breaks down and you’re stranded.  The kit might include:

First aid kit
Blankets
Extra gloves for each family member
Flares
Snow shovel
Tire chains
Kitty litter
Spare Tire
Jumper cables
Flashlights and extra batteries
High energy food, like energy bars, and water

Is your car prepared for the winter? With the above list of items, you know what items are important to check and keep in your vehicle to ensure you and your family arrive at your destination or are able to survive in case of a breakdown.

Warm Winter Family Movie Night

Posted by momprovement on December 12, 2008  |  2 Comments

Well, in most parts of the U.S., winter is actually here.  Daytime temperatures are cool but night-time temperatures are frigid.  We are already trying to find ways to keep warm.  Winter movie nights are a perfect opportunity to snuggle up and share body heat.

Since winter will be at least three months long, longer in some locations of the country, you may want to plan at least two winter movie nights per month.  Perhaps you can let the children choose one night, Mom choose the movies another, and then Dad choose some for another night.  Whether you allow each child to make all of the movie choices is up to you.  It may help keep bickering over which movie to get down to a minimum.

Movie night can become a monthly tradition.  Either order pizza to be delivered or find something easy to fix for dinner.  Plan on having a warm drink such as hot chocolate, cider, or tea to drink to warm you up.  Have blankets at the ready to snuggle under.

Does your family love popcorn, like most movie goers?  Get the microwave ready or purchase a hot air popper.  Season the popcorn in a way that everyone will enjoy it.  Plan on having one bowl per two people in your family to ensure everyone gets some.

You may want to head out to your favorite movie rental store to see which new releases everyone is interested in.  Or, if you have a good collection of movies at home, you may want to re-watch some of those.

What type of movies does your family enjoy most?  The males in the family probably would prefer movies with guns, explosions, and action galore.  Women are known for preferring “chick flicks” and romantic comedies.  Regardless of the movies you choose, it’s important that your family spends the time together.

Find some older movies that you enjoyed when you were a child or young teen.  Most likely you’ll still think the movies are funny and your children may very well have fun with them, too.  Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and many of the early Disney movies are some choices the children may like to watch.

It would be great if Mom and Dad could try to get a babysitter for the children every once in a while so you can have a movie night for just the adults in the family.  Mom and Dad can choose movies that may be a little more mature than would be appropriate for young children.

Cooler weather means spending more time indoors.  Warm up this winter by enjoying some movies, snuggling up with your loved ones, and relaxing for the evening.  You may find that you enjoy movie nights so much that you carry them through the remainder of the year.