Posted on March 2, 2017 by oi_admin - News
Streamline your wardrobe and stay organized all year long.
- Empty. Remove the contents of your closet. Lay clothing on your bed and arrange shoes and accessories on the floor.
- Evaluate. Start with clothes. If not worn in over a year, you probably will not miss it if you give it away. If you wear it regularly, hang it back in the closet.
- Eliminate. Collect unwanted but wearable garments in a bag and donate to charity.
- Establish order. Hang like items together in the closet. Affix closet door hooks to hang accessories. Arrange shoes on a shoe rack.
Posted on March 2, 2017 by oi_admin - News
Spring’s the perfect time for taking care of outdoor maintenance!
The arrival of warm weather signals fun in the backyard with friends and family. The last thing you want to deal with are unexpected home repairs so here’s a list to help keep you on track:
- Clear away debris and dead foliage from any flowerbeds.
- Inspect hose connections to ensure there are no leaks.
- Replace damaged window screens and any weather stripping.
- Clean your fireplace and/or wood-burning stove and flue.
- Make sure your lawn mower, weed wacker and other tools are in good working order.
- Clean and repair your patio furniture and inspect your deck for loose or rotten boards.
- Trim back shrubs and vines that are growing near your air conditioning unit and dryer vent.
- Inspect and clean your gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from your foundation.
- Patch up any cracks you find around foundation and driveways before they spread further.
- Inspect your roof for cracked or missing shingles and trim branches that hang over the top of your roof.
Proactive home maintenance helps prevent small issues from getting out of hand. Your home is a huge investment and minimizing repair bills will help you realize your highest rate of return. When you’re done, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer knowing that everything’s been taken care of!
Posted on March 2, 2017 by oi_admin - News
Your home office doesn’t have to be just a laptop on a couch cushion.
Many people are breaking the chains of the corporate world in order to pursue careers that allow them to work from home. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your home office:
- Plan Ahead - Make sure you plan out your space in advance so there’s enough room for a desk, chair and storage and don’t forget about your technology needs.
- Get Creative - If you don’t have an office, consider alternatives such as a guest room, sunroom or other unused space that’ll give you a designated uninterrupted work area.
- Lighten Up - Position lighting so there’s a nice even flow and if possible, choose a room with lots of natural light. A few plants will also add to the atmosphere.
- Sound Off - Hard surfaces tend to amplify sounds but carpets, rugs and fabric window treatments will help absorb excessive noise.
- Boundaries - Choose a private spot and don’t use it as a dumping ground for non-business related items. When you work from home, it’s critical to separate your work from home life.
Posted on March 2, 2017 by oi_admin - News
The uses for baking soda around the home are endless!
Everyone knows baking soda helps keep the inside of a fridge smelling fresh but did you know it’s also an amazing cleaner?
Here are a few other things you can use it for:
- A dry cleanser to clean tubs, tiles and toilets.
- Sprinkle on your carpet then vacuum after 15 minutes to eliminate bad smells.
- Pour a little down the sink followed by some vinegar to clear clogged drains.
Once you’ve finished cleaning your home, relaxing in the tub. Before you climb in though, add half a cup of baking soda to soften your skin!
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