Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid

My son came home the other day with a note that they were having a food drive at school. Of course the note had been left in his book bag for a week and he needed food the next day. A trip to the store wasn’t in my schedule so I decided to “shop” in my pantry. Wow! It was unbelievable how much stuff was in that closet and how unorganized it all was. The kitchen pantry needed to be overhauled but there wasn’t enough time that evening. I got some things together for his school and made a mental note that the next day I was free it was time to tackle the pantry.

Photo courtesy of ClosetMaid

In a magazine I found a great article on kitchen storage and organizing. It had some great tips so I took the time to make some notes. That way when I was ready to begin there was a method to putting things back in to make the most of the space.

The first step is to remove everything from the pantry. We live in one of those ranch home plans and there’s a U-shaped kitchen with a corner pantry. It was convenient because as I took everything out I just placed it on the counters and table. There was a lot of cleaning to do once it was emptied. Over the years all the food that had come out of bags and containers was stuck to the floor and the shelves. A big bucket of soapy water and some scrubbing cleaned up most of the debris on the shelves. I then grabbed a mop and scrubbed the floor. Once it dried I was ready to put things back in.

The only items that were going back in the pantry were things that I use to cook and entertain with. There were a lot of things that had made their way into that closet. I put all the odds and ends that didn’t belong in a basket and then into the laundry room so they could be sorted out later.

Photo courtesy of FreedomRail

We have shelves that are about 9 inches from the ceiling and a step stool is needed to access them. I started with those top shelves and placed serving platters and holiday and seasonal trays on them. We only use these on special occasions so the top shelf is the perfect place. I also put the muffin, cake, and loaf pans up high because they are not things we use everyday.

The next shelf down is where I placed all the smaller kitchen appliances like the food processor, blender, mixer, electric frying pan and popcorn popper. I like to put them in the pantry so they don’t clutter up the kitchen counter.

Now it was time to tackle the food. The only thing that I intended to put back in the pantry was food that would be used. The freshness dates were checked on everything and if it was expired I threw it away. If it was fresh but was food I had bought for a certain diet or phase I was in and would never eat again I put in a bag to donate to the local food bank. If there were two bags of something open I combined them to cut down on space and better organize what I had. I purchased some airtight containers and put the flour, sugars, pastas, tea, and coffee in them to keep them fresh and from spilling all over the pantry again.

In my pantry there really was no method to organizing the food and from what I gathered this is a big NO! If it is not organized it can’t be found, so what people tend to do is overbuy and then you have too much of a certain item and the food sits and expires. I vowed this was not going to be the case moving forward. I organized all the food on my counter into groups like baking, spices, kids snacks, adult snacks, storage bags/wraps, powdered mixes, pastas, vegetables, soups, canned meats, boxed meals, and ethnic foods and their sauces.

I then moved these into the pantry and placed the items I used everyday in the most convenient locations and then moved to the next item until all of these were placed back into the pantry. For the canned good like vegetables and soup I used risers so I could utilize the entire depth of the shelf and still see all the labels. For the snacks I placed them in plastic drawers that were stacked on top of one another. For the bags and wraps the wire shelving that stores them upright along the wall came in handy. This really helped get the most from the space that was available.

The heavier items like bottled water, liters of juice, oversized food jars, etc., were placed on the floor of the pantry. That way over the years the shelves won’t start to warp or pull out of the wall.

Now that the pantry was completely rearranged I knew my family would be so confused. To help them out and also to remind me that everything has a place I began labeling it all. This will also help out when others do the grocery shopping or are helping me unload. They won’t have the excuse of, “ I didn’t know where it went.”

So, needless to say, my son’s food drive was an eye-opener for me. It would have been easier to run to the store and buy more but it encouraged me to get organized and realize that my pantry was fully stocked. We don’t need to buy any groceries except perishables for quite some time. While placing all the food back into the pantry it also gave me some great dinner ideas that I can’t wait to prepare!

For more helpful household tips and ideas, please visit House Plans and More and their extensive Resource Center.

We live in one of those sprawling ranch home plans at the end of a cul-de-sac in a neighborhood that has lots of children. With so many people coming and going, the traffic has taken its toll on our home. Over the winter months the dirt and grime that has entered our home now needs to go. It is time to get started and get things cleaned up and ready for warmer weather.

Even though we have a front door it seems that most people enter through our side door or the garage. While I try to keep these areas relatively clean and always have a doormat, it seems that the vast majority of the dirt that gets into our home comes in on foot. I vacuum them weekly but they are filthy. Luckily our mats can be hosed off and by adding some dish soap, scrub brush and manpower they should be back to brand new. This should really eliminate so much of what gets tracked in. Before you try to clean your doormat make sure you read the manufacturer’s care label so you don’t ruin a nice rug.

In our entryways we have hardwood and vinyl floors. They have received the normal weekly sweeping and mopping but it is time to give them a good cleaning and polishing. This may even require putting on the kneepads and scrubbing some spots that don’t seem to disappear. The same with the carpets and upholstery – not that I would scrub them myself, but I think it is time to get them deep cleaned by a professional. I know things were dropped and spilt and then ground into both surfaces over the winter and a good cleaning will ensure they will last longer and not need to be replaced as quickly. It is also important at the beginning of each season to take the time and really vacuum your carpet and upholstery throughout your home. Move the furniture and get all the stuff that has fallen off of plates and out of pockets. You will be surprised what you find. Along your baseboards there is a whole row of dirt and dust that has settled over the months. Take the smaller wand on the vacuum and get rid of it. Use that same attachment, remove your cushions and pillows and give them a good cleaning as well.

Now it is time to move to the walls, cabinets and trim.  Take a sponge and add a little detergent. Wipe down your walls, your bathroom vanity, kitchen cabinets and the trim throughout your home. This means both baseboard, door and window trim as well. You will be amazed how dirty these areas are. For us the kitchen cabinets and handles in the kitchen are usually the worst. The kids come in from the outdoors, dirt and all, grab a handle to get a glass and who knows what kind of stuff they have left behind. Taking the time to clean layers of germs off of these areas will ensure you have a healthy home that is germ-free.

Something that we always forget to do when cleaning is to look up. Yes – look up at those light fixtures and ceiling fans. They are loaded with dust and sometimes even a small cobweb or two has made its way onto the top or even inside of them. For light fixtures remove the glass bulb and clean out the inside and outside with a soapy rag. When you have carefully put them back in place you will be amazed at how bright the light is and how dirty and dull they were. When it comes to ceiling fans it is important to clean all sides of the blades. There is a lot of dust that you can’t see until you get a sturdy step stool and look on the top. When cleaning these make sure that whatever is below the blades is safely covered so the dust that falls doesn’t end up in someone’s supper.

Last but not least is the refrigerator coils and the dryer lint bins. By keeping these clean it will help keep your appliances running at their peak efficiency as well as lasting longer. One thing to remember is before you attempt to clean either of these items make sure the breaker is turned off. Use a long-handled coil cleaning brush and your vacuum cleaner and remove hair, dirt and dust build-up.

For most of us, we think our home is very clean. It is not until you deep clean that you realize how much dirt was really just sitting on the surfaces that you could not see. It is time to roll up your sleeves and bring out the best in your home. You will then be able to gear up for those months of outdoor activities and get-togethers and really relax knowing your home is the best it can be.

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I know that happened to me this fall and I am taking advantage of being inside and cleaning up for the holidays. We will have a lot of company visit our home and I want it to be clutter-free and safe for everyone.

I started with safety first and checked all the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The furnace was then cleaned out, fitted with new filters and tested to make sure it all was in working order. I remember one year I did not do this and the first cold day the heat was turned on but the furnace wouldn’t ignite. The heating company had to come out on a Sunday and that cost a little extra – now I check it before the first cold day arrives.

We also have a fireplace that needs to be cleaned out so when we are ready to build a fire the flue is debris free and won’t back smoke up into the hearth room. Remember if you are ever in doubt call a chimney sweep company to come in and remove residue of condensed smoke that can cause a chimney to catch fire and also have them inspect for damage such as missing mortar or cracked tiles.

After taking a walk around our ranch home design I noticed that some of the doors and windows needed to be weatherproofed. The best way to check for this is on a dark night stand outside with a flashlight and have someone inside. Once you shine the light into the frame and the light can be seen on the other side that means that cold air can easily enter. It is important to seal these areas up to keep your electric bill down and also to keep those chilly drafts from blowing through your home.

A huge task was to tackle the mess in all our closets, including hall, linen and bedrooms. Over the summer it was easy to shove stuff on the floor and shelves and then just shut the doors. Out of sight and out of mind. When transitioning from summer to winter clothes I really looked through them and considered the fact that if it wasn’t worn over the summer and there was no intention to wear it over the winter it was handed down or donated to our local charity. It was amazing how many extra hangers were recovered and how much extra shelf space was cleared up. I then moved on to the coats, shoes and boots. There are a lot of winter clothing drives this time of year so it was easy to give these items to others that I knew would get more wear out of them. Gloves and mittens are kind of like socks. Where did the match go? Did the washer eat it? Well let’s just say that after pairing them up I didn’t have a full tub anymore. Last but not least there’s the linen closet. Over the warm summer months blankets, sheets and towels seemed to get crammed in the closet without being folded or washed. Once I took the time to get them out, wash them and fold them back up I realized we didn’t use half of what we were storing. The ones without holes I donated to charity and ones that weren’t in great shape I took down to the local animal shelter. They were very appreciative of the donation.

Next I moved on to my home office and then my cube in our office building. I took the time to go through my paper piles and also my electronic clutter. I created stacks of items that didn’t have any important information on them and ones that did. I recycled what I could and then shredded and recycled the rest. Identity theft is such a hot topic that it is really crucial to scan your mail before just throwing it in the trash. When in doubt simply shred it first. Old files, pens that didn’t work, markers that were dried up and items that were no longer used were thrown away. I gathered the cups and mugs and washed them and stacked them back in the cabinet. When taking the time to go through my computer I did a full back-up first just in case something was deleted by accident. I then removed old emails, grouped like emails by subject, archived files that I had not accessed in the last year, unsubscribed to group email offers and newsletters that I no longer wished to receive and updated family and friend contact information. That way when it is time to mail holiday cards all my contacts will be up-to-date and ready to print.

Another thing that is important to do is to make copies of all personal finance information. This includes banking information, credit cards, loan payments, insurance policies, and if you have children don’t forget to update their information with the most current age, weight, height and photo. This could become crucial in an emergency. Take the time to store everything away in a fire resistant safe so that in the event of an emergency everything you need is already gathered and is current. I know no one wants to dwell on the unthinkable but to be prepared in the unlikely event saves much time and effort and produces a better outcome.

Now onto my “house on wheels” – I say this because I spend so much time in my vehicle it is starting to get really full of stuff. I got a big box and then emptied out the trunk, glove box, console, door pockets and seat pockets. It is amazing how full the box was. I then sorted through it all and only put back what I needed. This included my insurance card, proof of ownership and license, automobile book, my favorite CD’s, electronic charges for all the gadgets we use and then the items the kids need to entertain themselves when on the road. Added to the trunk were emergency items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, boots and a blanket. Now I am ready to roll – clutter free.

Now that I have tackled all these safety and clutter concerns I can sit back, relax and enjoy the time with my family and friends. It is important to simplify your life and slow down and enjoy the quiet.

Looking for more great organizing ideas?  Visit www.houseplansandmore.com and their excellent resource center for many great household organizing tips and ideas!

Once it starts getting chilly I usually close everything up but have found that this is not such a good thing. This prevents ventilation, which then leads to polluted air being trapped, and then germs can begin to take hold. I have read that is a good idea to open up the windows and let the fresh air in. Before opening up the windows make sure the pollen and mold counts outside are not high so you are not contaminating your home with them. It is also a good idea to open up doors between rooms to keep the air moving and to also regulate the temperature. On the calendar I have marked the day that the filters and vents need to be changed and cleaned. It is also a good idea to have the furnace and other heating appliances inspected to make sure everything is working properly. We also have a fireplace and have that cleaned prior to each winter season. There is nothing worse than turning on the fireplace only to have dirt blow back into your home, or even worse, to have the flue catch on fire.

Dry air in a home can cause skin irritations, dry eyes, breathing issues along with the “shock” when static electricity builds up. Too little moisture makes your home uncomfortable but too much moisture is far worse for your home. To create a comfortable home the humidity should be kept under 50%. Too much moisture is why mold and mildew appear. The main rooms in our home where we have a problem are the bathroom and the laundry room. Sometimes by the window treatments and rugs I also have noticed some issues. We remedy this by using our attic exhaust fan and also a dehumidifier to help remove the moisture. I have also made it a point to repair leaks and drips so mold and mildew won’t have a chance to grow and also so that the water will not damage our cabinets and floors.

I have also listed some tips that can help make the air in our home healthier that don’t require much work – just a little common sense.

• Vacuuming is a must to remove the dust and the dust mites and allergens that settle in your carpet.
• I am a stickler that when people enter my home they take off their shoes. Not only does it keep my floors clean, it cuts down on the amount of germs and dirt tracked into my home.
• I have my carpets and upholstery cleaned regularly so that allergens don’t find a place to collect.
• It is also a good idea to wash blankets, towels and sheets in hot water (130 degrees) to remove allergens.
• Create a smoke-free home. If you have friends that smoke just politely ask that they do it outside.
• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are placed properly throughout your home, make sure the batteries are charged, and never disconnect smoke detectors just because it always goes off when you burn the toast. Forgetting to put them back in could proof to be a deadly mistake.
• Take inventory on the products you use to clean your home. Even though some claim to be “green” they make not necessarily be good for you to breathe. There is nothing wrong with going back to the basic cleaning supplies such as vinegar and baking soda. I don’t know how our parents made it without all the sprays, sponges and wipes!

I have watched the Jetsons, the Smart House and all the other shows that illustrate how one day our home will care for itself and will be a comfortable germ-free, temperature-controlled building that will cater to our every need. Well, that day has not come along yet, so until then… I will roll up my sleeves and create a germ free environment. The result will be a healthier family and a comfortable place that we will call home.

For more great articles on your home, living and home maintenance, visit the resource center at www.houseplansandmore.com.