Simple Organization Tricks for a Healthy & Stress-free 2016

Did you resolve this year to lose weight, save money or get organized? It’s the third one on this list that might help you with the first two.

So says Darla DeMorrow, blogger and owner of HeartWork Organizing in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

She is one of three organization experts who will share some secrets of her trade at the new Philly Home + Garden Show at the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center at Oaks Jan. 15-17.

“Take the simple step of clearing off your kitchen counter to allow you room to cook healthier meals,” Darla explains.

Darla DeMorrow

Darla suggests making some room in your cabinets for ingredients for five or 10 go-to recipes: you’ll be more likely to make them if you don’t have to run to the grocery store first. And that means you’ll be less tempted to eat out and save some money in the process.

Donna Jumper, owner of JumpStart Organizing in Springfield, Pennsylvania, says to start small and, more importantly, start with a plan.

Donna Jumper

“First pick a space, perhaps a room, a closet or even a dresser. What is the end result you are looking for? What purpose do you want for this space?” Donna says. “Now take everything out and decide what items you want in that space. Make sure the items you put back meet the criteria and goals that you have set for that space.”

One of the things that clutters up the house – even in the electronic age – is mail.

Danielle O’Brien is a professional organizer and owner of Danielle Organizes in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Her advice? Limit the number of times you hand out your address.

Danielle O'Brien

“Every time you give out your address you are literally ‘inviting’ mail to your home or office,” Danielle says. “Think twice before sharing your address. If you were having a party you wouldn't invite everyone, only those that are welcome. Same for the mail.”

Listen closely and take some notes during the presentations of each of these experts on the Main Stage:

Friday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m

Donna Jumper, JumpStart Organizing

Sunday, Jan. 16, noon

Danielle O’Brien, Danielle Organizes

Sunday, Jan. 16, 5 p.m.

Darla DeMorrow, HeartWork Organizing

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks from January 15-17, 2016. With hundreds of experts ready to help with your latest home and lifestyle projects - including contractors, renovators, interior designers, stylists, organizers, real estate professionals, and more - this is a must-attend event for Philadelphia homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show! We can't wait to see you there! 

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Turn Over a New Leaf This Fall: Declutter Your Life

As summer fades away to fall, the change of seasons bring a fresh opportunity to turn over a new leaf and declutter your space before the hectic holidays hit. One of the nation's experts on clearing clutter will be at the Raleigh Home Show, sharing her top tips for getting organized.

Author and organizer, Barbara Hemphill, presents "Less Clutter More Life: Strategies & Tools for Increasing Productivity and Peace of Mind" on the Fresh Ideas Home Stage daily during the show. Here are her top ten tips to tame clutter:

1. Today's mail is tomorrow's pile. Ignore the mistakes of the past and set up a system that will accommodate every new piece of paper.

2. Are you overwhelmed with too much stuff in your life? Clutter is postponed decisions. To eliminate the clutter on your desk and in your life, think the FAT System™: File, Act, Toss.

3. Less is more! Have nothing which you do not know to be useful, think to be beautiful - or love. Hemphill's principle: If you don't have it, or you can't find it, it is of no value.

4. Put like items together (eg. office supplies, travel items, seasonal decorations, memorabilia). Find a space or container large enough to hold the largest amount you want to keep. When it is full, toss or give away.

5. Make appointments with yourself - whether it is to clean off your desk, spend more time with your family, or write a book. (Write a page a day and at the end of the year, you will have a 365 page book!)

6. Store items according to where and how often you use them - and label them clearly so others can understand the system you are using. To avoid accumulating clutter, eliminate any container which does not have a specific purpose.

7. In every organizing process, things will feel worse before they get better. This is normal, and not the best time to stop for a cup of coffee.

8. Do you have difficulty letting go of things - even if you don't use them? Finding someone else who needs them more than you do will make it easier. Deductible software will help you track donations and maximize the deduction you can legally take.

9. The purpose of a filing system is not to put papers away - it is to be able to find them again! Think "finding system" and ask yourself, "How can I find this again?" Hemphill's principle: If you don't know you have it, or can't find it, it's of no value to you.

10. Bulletin boards can be great organizing tools. Separate information into two categories: information or inspirational. Mixing the two purposes on one board gives a cluttered appearance, which detracts from the function and the aesthetics.

Get more great decluttering and organizing advice and ideas when you see Barbara at the Raleigh Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Raleigh Convention Center September 11-13, 2015.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy before the show starts to save big and avoid box office lines! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. Click here to buy yours today!

RALEIGH CONVENTION CENTER

SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2015.

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8 DIY Projects to Get You & Your Family Ready for School

As the days start getting shorter and the air picks up a bit of a chill, it’s clear that summer is beginning to end – and with the change in seasons comes the start of the school year. For the past few weeks we’ve been sharing lots of tips and advice to help make this transition easier on you and your family. We’ve talked dorm decor for college freshmen and healthy lunches everyone will love, but now it’s on to the real back to school challenge: getting organized.

Getting your home set up to tackle the busyness that comes with the start of the school year, (we’re talking homework, extracurricular activities, PTA meetings, science fairs, etc. on top of all your year-round bills and chores), can be difficult. Don’t start feeling overwhelmed just yet; we’ve got a great list of tools to help you keep track of the influx of forms, dates, bills, and more. These resources will not only help you to manage your family’s day-to-day, they’re also super cute, and you can make them yourself! Read on to see some of the best DIY projects to help get you and your family ready for the school year.

Creative Calendar – Didn’t know dry erase paint existed? Boy, you’re in for a treat! This awesome product has lots of applications, one of which is a large calendar to help keep you and yours organized. It’s totally customizable, environmentally friendly, and would look great in your kitchen or office!

Image via Rust-Oleum

Memorable Memo Board – Tools to help your family stay organized don’t have to be dull or ugly; or didn’t you get the memo? Keep track of notes and messages in style with these super cute memo boards! Some cookie sheets and a little spray paint can go a long way!

Image via Brit + Co

Study Kit – We are loving this study kit; it’s like first aid for homework. Your little one can bring the box to the table or a friend’s house, get their work done, and then pack it up and put it away. They’re less likely to lose something or leave their supplies lying around. Keep them and your space organized.

Image via Things That Are Pretty

Big & Beautiful – This command center is pretty epic. Not only does it have multiple clocks (each representing a different time zone), a calendar, pens, sticky notes, and schedules, each family member also has their own folder. Never lose a permission slip or birthday party invitation again!

Image via Achieving Creative Order

Magnificent Magnetic Board – Spruce up your or your child’s workspace with this cute magnetic board. You can pin inspirational images, important reminders, sweet shots, or whatever you’d like. It’s a great tool to keep you organized, and it can add to your decor.

Image via Sugar and Cloth

Terrific Tins – Make your own magnetic tins to put on your new magnetic board! These beauties are a snap to make and can hold lots of office supplies, like tacks, paperclips, or candy (we won’t judge).

Image via Homemade By Carmona

Darling Desk Organizer – Here’s another ultra cute tool to help keep your office or desk organized. Reclaim some old cans to create this sweet piece.

Image via Petit Elefant

Slouchy Storage Splendor – Organize work, play, and everything in your home with these incredibly adorable slouchy storage bins. Use old fabric you’ve saved to create custom totes that totally go with your space. Organization and style no longer have to be mutually exclusive.

Image via Brit + Co

We hope these fun and funky DIYs help you and your family get, and stay, organized. Share your favorite organization tactics with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook – we’re always looking for new ways to keep our projects and schedules on track. 

Speaking of organized – make sure you get your Marketplace Event Home Show tickets early! Right now you can get 2-for-1 on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Bring Everyone to the Yard: How to Throw the Best Yard Sale

Sometimes love can fade. It’s no one’s fault; it just sort of happens. The once super cute ottoman, the goes with everything lamp, the needs to be in my living room right now or I’ll regret it forever coffee table, they can all lose their charm as time passes. Don’t blame yourself or your furniture, sometimes we just grow apart. If you feel the magic slipping with some of your household items, you know what you have to do. That’s right, it’s time for a yard sale.

We know yard sales can be a lot of work. There are many complicated steps involved, and it’s easy to lose your head. So we’ve come up with some great tips and ideas to help with everything from planning to promoting. Read on to learn how to throw one seriously successful yard sale.

Purging – There are probably a few items you already know you want to get rid of, but one or two pieces of furniture does not a yard sale make. It’s time to take a hard look at your possessions and see what you really need, and what you’ve been holding onto for far too long.

Pricing - Enlist the help of an unbiased third party, a friend you can trust to be honest or a sibling, to help you come up with fair and realistic prices for your good. You may have bought that armoire for $150, but your starting price should be at least half or lower. You are not going to be making a profit on these, so forget about their original value and assess them with fresh eyes.

Appearance – When it comes to getting an interested buyer, looks matter. The pieces you’re selling may not be in mint condition, but that’s no reason for them to be dirty. Give everything you’re parting with a good scrub before setting up your yard sale. Wear and tear are expected, but dust and grime can be avoided. You’ll get a better price for your pieces and won’t scare off buyers. 

Promotion – One of the most important parts of throwing a successful yard sale is getting the word out. No one will come if they don’t know about it. Start posting flyers two weeks ahead of time, and check on them to make sure you have lost any to wind or vandals. Create a Facebook group and tell neighbors about the event. Make sure to share lots of information, not just your address. List the types of items you’ll be selling and the approximate cost of each. That way the majority of visitors you have on the big day will be there with a purchase in mind.

Ambiance – Be thoughtful when it comes to displaying your goods. Having a nice layout can mean the difference between someone pulling over to check out the sale, and driving along. Place your best pieces in prominent spots, and space everything out as best you can. Consider playing some catchy music and offering light refreshments. This can encourage guests to stay, browse, and chat with you about what you have for sale.

Pro Tip: Selling several small items? Place them in tote boxes and label each box with its contents and the price of each item. It’ll keep things organized and help shoppers figure out what you’ve got.

Be Prepared – As the Boy Scouts always say: be prepared. Have lots of change on hand, (get more than you think you’ll need at the bank), and be ready to answer questions about your goods. How long have you had it? Where did you buy it originally? Do you know what it’s made out of? Folks might also try and haggle with you. It’s a good idea to be ready to negotiate. What is the absolute lowest price you’ll take for an item? Don’t get caught off guard and give away something valuable for nothing.

High Tech Help – The future of yard sales is here! Although they aren’t totally necessary, consider using these two tools, Square and Varage Sale, to get the most out of your event. Square is a credit card reading device that hooks up to your phone or tablet, so you can accept more than just cash. It’s perfect for the buyer who’d love to buy several of your goods but only has plastic on them. Varage Sale (virtual garage sale) lets you advertise your unwanted goods to local buyers. Don’t have enough space or things to warrant a yard sale? Use Varage Sale to sell one or two things online.

We hope these ideas help you throw an awesome yard sale. Have a tip we missed? Share it with @HomeShows on Twitter!

Not sure what to do with all your yard sale earnings? Grab tickets to the Marketplace Events Home Show nearest you and find new home decor to replace what you’ve lost. Right now you can get 2-for-1 on our Facebook ticket deals. Connect with us on Facebook to learn more. 

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Home Maintenance Advice: 5 Chores To Do This Spring

We’ve talked about cleaning, we’ve talked about organizing, and now it’s time for the final installment in our spring cleaning blog series: home maintenance. For many households, early spring is a time devoted to getting your home in shape. While you’re giving overlooked areas a good scrubbing and organizing as part of your spring cleaning chores, take some time to complete a little basic home maintenance. It’s the perfect opportunity to address anything that may have happened to your home during the colder months, and prepare it for the warmer ones. We’ve compiled a list of home maintenance tasks you should consider as part of your spring cleaning. Check it out below.

Gutters – Although the saying is “April showers bring May flowers”, we tend to see a lot of rain throughout the spring and summer. To help combat the adverse affects extensive showers and moisture can have on your home, it’s important to make sure that your gutters (or eavestroughs) are clear of debris. Over the course of the year, leaves, dirt, and litter can collect in your gutters. If you don’t clean them out, the water from rain and melting snow can get trapped, and instead of being directed away from your roof, will instead spill onto it, damaging your shingles and potentially seeping into your attic.

Image via This Old House

Roof – Your roof can take a beating during the winter (this harsh season is usually toughest on roofs). The freeze/thaw cycle we experience towards the end of winter can be especially damaging. Once it’s warm enough and the snow has melted, inspect your roof (either safely on a ladder or on the ground using binoculars). Look to see whether you have any broken or worn shingles.

Image via This Old House

Should you have any damaged shingles, get in touch with a roofing specialist (if you don't know one, check out a referral based website, like Angie’s List or HomeStars, where you can find local, recommended, experts) and have them repaired immediately. These can serve as an entry point for water, so you want them fixed as soon as possible.

Furnace/AC – Throughout the year your furnace and air conditioner will see a lot of use. Although these are complex systems, even the most basic maintenance can help keep them working efficiently and improve their lifespan. Once a month you should check your furnace and air conditioner filter to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced. If the filter full of dust and debris that means your furnace or air conditioner has to work harder to cycle the air it’s either heating or cooling. A clean filter makes this process more efficient.

Image via Mother Earth News

Some filters are reusable; some are not. If your filter is not reusable and you need to get a replacement filter, measure your filter BEFORE buying a new one (trust us!).

Grading – As you start working on your flower beds, check to see which way the ground close to your home is sloping. If it slopes towards your home, you’ve got an issue. When it rains, water will follow the slope or grade of your lot. If the ground around your home slopes toward your home, the water will move toward your home and pool. This can lead to moisture seeping into your foundation and basement. To correct the issue, re-slope the ground to direct water away from your home. Some shovels and a bit of hard work should do the trick.

Image via Angie's List

Caulking – Although this is a chore you should have tackled before the winter (it really helps with drafts and pests), if you have yet to do it, do it now. Sealing cracks in your foundation and around windows and doors will help to keep moisture and bugs out of your home. It will also help to keep cool, conditioned air in and hot air out.  

Image via The Simple Dollar

This is something most homeowners can tackle on their own, but if this is outside your comfort zone, reach out to a professional.

We hope our spring cleaning series has helped you get more organized and prepared as we inch closer to summer. Missed our pieces on cleaning and organizing? Check ‘em out here and here. 

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Spring Cleaning: Tips & Ideas For A Spotless Home

Many of us have been ready for spring for a while - an especially long winter will do that to most, and this has been a long one (it doesn't even seem over in some places yet!). Although this change in seasons is one that's highly anticipated, it does bring with it something that not everyone loves: chores. That's right, we're talking about the dreaded act of spring cleaning, when the usual surface tidying will not do, and homeowners must instead start sweeping behind the very couches under which they normally hide dust.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the magnitude of your spring cleaning "To Do" list, so we decided to help you get started and came up with a list of our own. We've found clever and efficient ways to complete your essential spring cleaning tasks. The way we see it, most spring cleaning chores fall into one of three categories: maintenance, organizing, and cleaning. To keep things simple we'll be posting separate blogs for each category. Today's is Cleaning, but make sure to watch out for Organizing and Maintenance.

Cleaning

Window Sills - Most of us are too busy looking through our windows to notice the dirt that can collect on the sill and inner part of the frame. These areas are a grime magnet, and since they're so awkward to clean, it can be hard to get them to shine - or at least it used to be. First Home Love Life has a great technique and solution for cleaning this space. All you need is vinegar, baking soda, water, and just a little elbow grease.

Images via First Home Love Life

Stove - Ok, it's harder not to notice the dirt and debris that collects on your stove and in your elements. The main issue holding most back from cleaning this part of the kitchen is knowledge. How do you get your stove spotless without breaking something (including a heavy sweat!)? Like most things in life, Martha Stewart has the answer.

Image via Martha Stewart

Oven- Martha also has great advice for cleaning your oven that doesn't involve scary, chemical-ridden oven cleaner. Make a paste out of baking soda and water and wait. Scrape it off after enough time has passed and you won't believe the results!

Image via Martha Stewart

Microwave - Not a big baker? Your microwave could probably use a good scrub. Simply Stacie has an awesome technique to remove the stuck on mess that can collect in this appliance without spending hours scrubbing.

Image via Simply Stacie

Washing Machine - Think you don't have to clean your washing machine? Think again! Yes, it does have soap and water running through it regularly to get your clothes clean. However, your garments will leave remnants of their now-removed stains as well as lint and other debris behind. Most manufacturers will recommend a semi-annual cleaning, so it's a great chore to incorporate into your spring cleaning list. Love, Pomegranate House has a fabulous method for getting a top loading washing machine clean. Try it today.

Image via Love, Pomegranate House

Mattress - Mattresses often get overlooked when it comes to spring cleaning, but trust us, this is something you want to clean! We won't got into dust mite facts (they're gross!) but seriously, clean your mattress. Better Homes and Gardens outlines a few different techniques you can try, and they're all very simple to execute.

Image via Better Homes and Gardens

We hope this list helps you get a jump start on your spring cleaning. Remember to check back for more tips on organization and home maintenance.

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Get The Garage Of Your Dreams At The Edmonton Renovation Show

When you picture your dream garage, what comes to mind: heated floors, efficient storage, or the ultimate man cave? Whether your garage is in desperate need of an upgrade or you’ve earned bragging rights for having the best garage on the block, we want to give you a chance to win a $12,500 garage makeover presented by CISN Country and provided by Garage Co. and Liquid Granite Coatings! Click here to enter.

Find inspiration for your newly updated garage at the Edmonton Renovation Show, January 23 - 25 at the Edmonton Expo Center. Check out three awe-inspiring garage designs at the Extreme Garages feature to see the best in garage ideas, storage, tools, and accessories.

If you’re thinking of revamping your garage on your own, we’ve got tips to help you make the most of your space without breaking the bank. Post-Christmas renovations can be hard on the wallet, so consider organization as a key component! Just moving some things around and adding strategically placed shelves can make a big difference without costing a lot of money.

• Utilize wall space for storage using shelves, hooks, and racks to hang tools. Hang anything and everything to create as much floor space as possible.
• Don't forget about ceiling space! Creating a sliding storage system is easy and cheap - just grab a few plastic bins, build a simple sliding track, and you're good to go.
• Installing cabinets is another cheap way to create maximum storage space. You can buy pre-built ones and install them yourself, or even build your own!
• Sort what you have to organize by similarity. Labelling bins and keeping similar items in one place is super efficient and effective in keep your space clean!
• Here's a clever tip: use magnets! Attach a magnetic strip to a piece of wood and hang all of your smaller tools with ease.
• Downsize unnecessary items! Store leftover paint in mason jars that will take up less space than giant paint cans.

These are just a few organization tips to help you kick-start your garage renovation. Visit the Edmonton Renovation Show for even more tips and tricks from our renovation experts. The show takes over the Edmonton Expo Center January 23-25, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals. Bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
EDMONTON EXPO CENTER 

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On Display: Sleek Shelving Ideas

Do you have a large book collection or some interesting knickknacks you aren't sure how to display? You're not alone. Many homeowners are aware of the impact these items can have on a room and fear overpowering a space. So in the case of cute versus cluttered, how do you incorporate several items into a design without it seeming excessive? Is there a correct way to stock a shelf? Check out the shelving layouts below for some easy tips and inspiration.

5 Shelf Styles We Love!

1. Switch it up - Try adding different colors, textures, and shapes.

Image via Lonny

2. One size does not fit all - Unity can be a good thing, but in this instance having varying dimensions is more visually pleasing.

Image via Lonny

3. Mix and match - Include different objects as part of your collection to spice things up and draw focus.

Image via House & Home

4. Make room - Leaving some empty space will help to add balance.

Image via House & Home

5. Have fun - Playful touches keep things light and bright.

Image via House & Home

Since we've given you some tips on how to display your collections, we've got to ask: what do you collect? Coins? Stamps? Figurines? Let us know below! And for more home design and decor advice make sure to stop by the Marketplace Events home show nearest you - US Shows & Canadian Shows.

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Ty's Tips: Tidying Up Your Pictures

Whether you’re a serious photographer or a simple iPhone snapper, the pictures you take help to tell the story of your life. Photography used to be just for professionals, but it’s become more and more accessible. From Polaroids to Instagram, there have been a lot of advancements to make it so you can take a photo and share it in seconds.

Image via Etsy

Since almost every phone has a camera, we take a lot more pictures than previous generations. We don’t have piles of disorganized Polaroids in the closet anymore; instead, we’ve got an abstract collection of images in the cloud. How can we keep them manageable, viewed on more than just Facebook, and part of our everyday lives? The one and only, Ty Pennington, has some great tips to help organize our pictures, create art with our memories, and keep our shots for years to come.

“I use tools everyday on the job, but along with my hammer and drill, the one tool you’ll always find me on is my camera. I love taking pictures of friends and family, but also of textures and patterns and anything that strikes me as cool, beautiful or unusual. With today’s digital cameras, it’s easier than ever to snap and save. But here are a couple of things for all you shutterbugs to remember. The next time you download pictures from your camera to the computer, take the time to go through and give each shot a title. It’ll be worth it when you’re trying to find that one great picture six months later. Next, organize photos using the software that came with your camera or check the web. Online, you’ll find photo-editing software, free photo-storing services, plus art-design software that will turn up copies of all your photos. This is a good idea, even if you use one of those storage services on the internet. Whatever you do, don’t depend on the hard drive of your computer to be the only place you keep your precious memories.”

Create new memories at the Downtown Raleigh Home Show, September 5-7. Ty will be appearing live on Saturday only – make sure not to miss him! Get tips on organizing, renovating, decorating, and more. Grab your tickets online now to get the best deals. We can’t wait to see you there!

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Shoe & Tell: 6 Hallways We Love

Although they’re usually one of the first spaces your guests will see upon entering your home, hallways and entryways are often under-designed. Their small size can present several creative challenges and limitations. This prompts many homeowners to assume they have to choose function over fashion when it comes to decorating these nooks – but as we’ll see in the designs below, baby, you can have both!

6 Functioning & Fashionable Hallways

1. A pop of color – That bright red or gold you were afraid to use in your living room or bedroom might fit perfectly in your hallway. Try it out! See how the red sideboard sizzles, but doesn’t overpower the space. 

Image via House to Home 

2. Sometimes simplicity is best – What’s worse than under-designing? Over-designing! Having too much furniture in a narrow space can often leave visitors feeling uncomfortable. This sparse hallway welcomes guests playfully.

Image via House to Home

3. If you build it, they will hang – Built-ins provide unique space-saving opportunities. If you’ve got a really small space to work with, try using the area under your stairs like they’ve done here.

Image via House to Home

4. Stay organized and stylish – Shelves and bins will help to keep your family neat and organized, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on decor. Develop your own theme within your storage furniture for a personal touch, like this nautical one.

Image via House to Home

5. Have fun with prints and patterns – A bold wallpaper can make all the difference, and layering complimentary images can add even more depth.

Image via House to Home

6. Try a cute carpet – Creating a warm, inviting space can be as simple as a clean rug with some rich colors.

Image via House to Home

What’s going on in your hallway? Are you feeling inspired by the designs above, or do you have an even better idea for welcoming your guests and keeping your family organized? Let us know! Tweet us (@HomeShows) pictures of your hallway or photos of some of your favorite entryway designs for a chance to be featured on our foyers, entryways and hallways Pinterest board. 

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