Category Archives: Home organization ideas

Create Your Perfect Home Office

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If you work from home, you know how wonderful it can be. No sitting in traffic while commuting, no fussy office wardrobe and no interruptions from colleagues on the way to the breakroom. Yet sometimes you may find it difficult to stay focused and productive at home. The key is having a good workspace. The dining room table is fine for kids doing homework, but as a professional you need something better.

Location

As with any real estate decision, the most important aspect is location. You may be able to get by with commandeering a portion of your master suite. Some floor plans include a nook or seating area that is set apart from the restful, intimate bedroom space. Ideally, however, your office will be a room of its own. Convert an attic or basement if necessary. This separation is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Décor

Create a business-like tone that will put you in an industrious frame of mind. Furnish the room with a desk, chair and bookshelf, ergonomically arranged for your comfort and efficiency. Add artwork that is unique and personal but still professional. Rather than family pictures, display personal prints customized to fit your space perfectly. Warm up the office with cheerful but soothing paint colors and a high-quality area rug. If clients will see the office, you will need guest chairs and a small side table. Complete your accessorizing efforts with thriving houseplants.

Lighting

Good lighting is indispensable to a good work space. Natural light is best, but artificial will do as long as you have the proper levels. Dimly lit spaces lead to eye strain, fatigue and headaches. Harsh fluorescent lighting can cause migraines. Proper lighting can improve your mood during the workday. Install full-spectrum daylight bulbs in overhead fixtures for proper ambient lighting. Once your furniture is in place, augment with task lighting as needed, being sure to avoid glare on your computer screen. With the right lighting, you can design a bright and cheery office that will make you smile each morning.

That Extra Something Special to Make your House a Home

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There is a subtle difference between a house and a home. One is a place where you happen to live, and the other is your place. One of the things that sets homes apart from houses are the extra personal touches, the little details that give people a glimpse of who you are and what you love. Here are a few ideas of ways to add that personal touch.

Image by Laura Shaw from Pixabay

Paint

It may seem obvious, but perhaps the quickest way to make your house stand out is with a custom paint job. The color of your house can even affect your home’s value. Consider whether you want the same color on your siding and your trim, or whether a splash of color might bring pop and personality. Obviously this and all the other items on this list will have to be cleared with your HOA, but they’re well worth it. 

Architectural Details

Tiny touches in the detailing on your home can also add a personal touch. Corten steel gates, or antique hinges and knobs on the door, a specially detailed railing: these all may seem like small things but they can make a big impression. Pay attention to the architectural detailing on houses that you like, and take note of what style suits you. If the frills of Victoriana don’t appeal, the sleek touches on a Midcentury Modern home might. 

Unusual Plantings

Whether it’s an heirloom rose or a particularly spectacular blooming rhododendron, a special planting in your landscape design can really make your home stand out. It doesn’t have to be a particularly expensive or fancy plant. An explosion of sunflowers by your front porch is going to say something about you without breaking the bank. Whatever touch of personality you’re thinking of adding to your house, it should be one that speaks to you and makes you feel at home.

How To Make Your Move More Organized

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Whether you are moving across the street, across the state or across the country, an organized move means less stress for you and everyone else involved. Getting moving boxes in St Louis MO is one way to start. Here are some other tips to make your move more streamlined.

Separate Daily Items

As you move, you could lose the ability to open certain boxes. To avoid stressful situations, keep daily use items separate and do not pack them right away. For example, if you need your coffee every morning, avoid packing one or two mugs and your coffee-maker until the last day.

Double-Check Appointments

If you are using a small moving company or a huge fleet, your move will be less stressful if you double-check your booking. That way, your items move when you want them to, no sooner and no later. If your reservation is incorrect, you can fix it in advance.

Avoid Over-Packing

Many boxes are marked for the type of items they should carry. For example, when you move multiple books, a smaller box can protect you or your movers from injury. For clothes or bedding, larger boxes are best to avoid too many boxes for light-weight things.

Label Boxes Clearly

Your box labels can depend on a variety of factors such as whether your new home will have the same layout as your own home. Moving boxes in St Louis MO are more useful when you know where they belong and can unpack them in the correct room. For multi-bedroom homes, consider writing the name of the person who sleeps in that room instead of just “bedroom.”

Hassle-free moving is the goal of anyone moving from one home to another. When you pack things you won’t need for a while in boxes with detailed labels, you are on the road to achieving that goal. Contacting your movers in advance can also prevent schedule misunderstandings.