Back-to-School Home Organization Tips
- Set up a designated homework station. This can help make your family’s after-school routine less stressful.
- Declutter. Before kids go back to school, declutter and organize by tackling one room at a time and ensuring everything has a designated place.
- Create an easy-access school supply center. This can help foster independence in children and ensure that they start the school year with everything.
- Have a drop zone. Think of this as a designated area where kids can drop their belongings when they come in from school.
- Set up a charging area. This is a good way to make sure everything stays charged and to prevent anything from getting lost.
Preparing Your Home for Fall
Before the temperature drops and winter arrives, it’s important to prepare your home. The right preparation can prevent damage from cold and snow and keep your family safe and warm until the spring. Fall is a busy time for homeowners, as many balance family responsibilities as well as home maintenance.
Inspect and Clean Gutters
When gutters are clogged or misaligned, all that water can end up leaking into your home and damaging your structure or property. Call a professional service to help you clean and maintain your gutter system — it’s safer and saves you the time and hassle.
Check your Roof
Wind and rain can damage the tiles that keep your home secure throughout the year. If a missing shingle isn’t fixed early on, it could lead to water damage down the road.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Modern dryers use filters to catch lint and remove it from clothes. However, when this lint builds up, it creates a fire hazard. 26% were sparked by lint in the machine. Simply locate your vent and clean out the lint several times a year to avoid potential danger. It’s a good idea to check the ductwork too, if possible.
Insulate Exterior Pipes/Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
If you have an outdoor spigot, it’s a good idea to turn off the water to it before winter. This will help prevent frozen pipes and water damage in your home. Store your hose out of the elements over the winter, and consider buying a cover for your faucet as well. Some outdoor faucets are weatherproofed for the cold, but most of them aren’t able to handle harsh temperatures.
Reverse and Clean Ceiling Fans
While it may sound strange, using your ceiling fans during the winter can actually help you stay warm and minimize heating bills. The trick is to use the switch on your fan to make sure it’s turning in a clockwise direction. While you’re changing the setting, take a moment to vacuum the dust off the fan blades. This chore is easy to forget, and you don’t want dust spinning through the air!
Click here for additional information:
https://allseasongutter.com/blog/fall-home-maintenance/
End-of-Summer Events
• Aug 10 — Baltimore by Baltimore, 12:00 - 8:00 pm at Inner Harbor Amphitheater
• Aug 12-17 — Baltimore Fashion Week, time varies at Baltimore Center Stage, 700 N. Calvert St.
• Aug 16 — Music Under the Dome: Queen, 7:00 pm at Patrick McAvinue. Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave.
• Aug 20-25 — Maryland State Fair, time varies at Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Lutherville-Timonium
• Aug 26 — Cultivating Sustainable Futures: Lettuce Grow Some Food, 1:00 pm at Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD
Featured Business
The JLB Collective - Home Design
Founded in 2022, The JLB Collective is a home design + staging firm specializing in creating a sense of home for ALL. The founder, Jennifer Botchway, has been passionate about all things home from an early age. A native Washingtonian, Jennifer comes from a long line of artisans who knew how to create beautiful homes using whatever gifts & talents they possessed. Jennifer always had an interest in interior design, but made a few career detours along the way - Federal Government, Academia, Tech, even Retail. After designing curated spaces for her family, friends and friends of friends, she finally decided to open her own design firm. As the founder of The JLB Collective, she focuses on helping people authentically tell the story of who they are throughout their homes.
Stay tuned next month for our new column Interior Intel: Tips and Tricks from your favorite Interior Designer! Here’s a sneak peek of what Jennifer has to say “Don’t be shy to give dried a try...” Don’t forget to tune in and read next month to know exactly what she’s referring to. 🤗
Click here to view their website
www.thejlbcollective.com
As August’s long, warm days give way to the cooler nights of late summer, managing your home’s energy consumption becomes crucial. For homeowners, where temperatures can still be high, finding efficient ways to cool your home without escalating energy costs is a must. Here are practical energy-saving tips to help you lower your cooling costs and maintain comfort in your home.
7 Energy-Saving Tips for Late Summer
1. Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment
3. Improve Home Insulation\
4. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
5. Use Fans Wisely
6. Embrace Natural Ventilation
7. Adopt Energy-Saving Habits
Conslusion
Lowering your cooling costs in late summer involves a combination of smart strategies and habits. By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable home environment while keeping your energy bills in check.
Featured Listing
10488 Faulkner Ridge Cir #812, Columbia, MD 21044
Welcome to your chic dream home in Columbia’s Wilde Lake community! This renovated end-unit townhouse with a private balcony off the primary suite. The patio has a garden area perfect for flowers, fruits, veggies, or herbs. Enjoy lush greenery and proximity to top attractions like Merriweather Post Pavilion, Lake Kittamaqundi, Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Centennial Park, Robinson Nature Center, Wild Lake Village Center, trendy dining, Starbucks and Whole Foods.