Spring Painting

I paint on a regular basis, during the Spring or Fall season. With all the rain recently I decided to paint so I can enjoy the Sunshine when it comes. I KNOW it is coming!
I enjoy painting, it relaxes me and gardening does the same. It is best to know what you are doing before you paint-you want a professional look. Here are some tips to help you organize your painting session.

Do’s:

Before you decide on a colour, bring the chip sample home to test in your home with your regular lighting.

Start with dry clean walls, free of dirt, dust and mould. (If you have a few spots of mould, clean it completely with bleach and allow it to dry completely).

Purchase good quality paint and brushes. You will need a good brush designed for corners. I buy a straight line roller design for the area between the ceiling and the wall. I find them easier to use.

If you need to prime the walls, prime them, this is a step you definitely cannot skip.

Keep damp rags ready to use for minor spills or mistakes. You can wipe it clean if you use a damp rag right away.

Don’t:

Paint electrical and light switch plates

Forget to cover the floors and furniture before painting

Try to save money and buy cheap paint. It will be more difficult to use and you will not be happy with the final result.

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca
www.LurleneAnderson.Com

Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s springtime, or is it? With the temperatures fluctuating day to day, it’s hard to believe it is actually Spring. This is the time of year to roll up your sleeves and “Spring Clean”, or as I prefer to say “Spring Clear”. Everyone could use a few time saving tips to speed up the process, preferring to “get er done” during the rainy season to be able to enjoy the sunny weather.

Create your own to-do list with the following tips. If you choose to hire someone, be prepared with the list of things to do.

Main Closet

 Be prepared with bins to separate recycling, re purpose and donated items
 Move winter outerwear to an alternate closet, if available. If not, move winter items to the back.
 Donate items that are too small
 Do not keep damaged or mismatched items
 If necessary, install a shoe shelf. You will more than double the space for shoes

2. Refrigerator

 Wipe down shelves and walls with a solution of water & vinegar. For stains, try water & baking soda. Be sure to clean between the door
 Check expiry dates on all containers. Remove all expired and old food

3. Flooring

 Steam clean the carpets
 Clean baseboards

Walls

 Wipe down walls, start with a sponge and rinse with a cloth

Windows

 Clean the inside (Hey, it’s rainy season...) with water, vinegar, and squeegee. Dry with a cloth
 Wash curtains or clean blinds

When you’re done, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the view!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Speaker, Writer

http://www.organizeyourworld.ca/
http://www.lurleneanderson.com/

Yesterday I cleaned my windows. I guess you could say I “cleared” my windows...

It always feels great after you clean your windows, the sun shines through a lot brighter and the air always smells and feels cleaner as the breeze blows through the windows. I had to remind myself of the benefits before I tackled clearing my windows yesterday.
Before I started, I assembled all my old towels and cleaning rags (damaged clothes that I cut into rags) and mismatched socks. I put old towels on the floor and placed the windows on them as I took the panes out of the windows. I always use many cleaning rags for cleaning the window because I like to clean the windows twice, once to remove the dirt and a second cleaning for the shine. Single socks are great for cleaning the hard to reach tracks of the window. Any difficult corners are cleaned with cotton swabs. I had my tunes on loud enough to hear as I moved from room to room. Some people sing in the shower, I sing when I work!
When I finished, I needed a hot bath, more good tunes but the choice this time is ballads, and the singing continues.
Today, the sun is not shining as brightly outside, but I am still enjoying the view and the air is perfect-almost as fresh as sitting outside. I am happy I motivated myself and enjoying my day off.
Next week I will get motivated for the next step in spring clearing. I know the benefits will be worth it!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca

Organize Your Home with Spring Clearing

With warm weather just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to the opportunity to renew and refresh our homes with spring cleaning. I prefer to call this time period spring “clearing”, a chance to revitalize your space!
Spring cleaning is rooted deep in many cultures. Homes are cleaned thoroughly; everything in the household is cleaned and dusted. Windows, walls, furniture, bedding, rugs, floors, cupboards, closets, garage and basements are all included in the cleaning. It is a time to reinvigorate the home to help create a healthy lifestyle. In Chinese culture, homes are cleaned thoroughly to remove misfortune & bad luck. What a concept! I like to get rid of the old; it creates room for the new and exciting.
When I spring clear, I usually start with my bedroom closet. It is a time for me to look at my winter clothing and give away anything I haven’t worn that season and to throw away anything that is damaged. I usually add to my cleaning rag supply at this time. A lot of the fabric of my old clothing makes great dusting or cleaning rags. I use rags as much as possible instead of paper towels.
I alternate the clothes in my closet seasonally. I purchased an under the bed storage container for this purpose. A word or two of caution: measure the height of your bed before you purchase a container to ensure it is low enough to fit under your bed. There are also fabric storage containers if you prefer fabric to plastic.
Keep following for more tips!

Lurlene Anderson
Professional Organizer, Writer, Speaker
www.OrganizeYourWorld.Ca