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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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TOO FACED: SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION!!!

This was going to be a quickie, no big deal post. Sure, sure, sure – I can hear you saying!!Go get that coffee…I'll wait.Last week, the new season of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing - Los Angeles started and as usual, it's a blast to watch these young realtors – making millions selling high priced houses all the while acting like little ill-behaved children, dressed to the nines and driving the

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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3 Important Reasons to Have Your Dryer Vent Professionally Cleaned

You rely on your dryer to make sure your family has clean clothes throughout the week, so when it comes to upkeep, you need to do more than simply throw away the lint in the lint trap. Here is why professional dryer vent cleaning is an important part of caring for your appliance and protecting your home:

Save Money – When your dryer vent is clogged with lint, it runs inefficiently. When it runs inefficiently, it costs you money. Routine appointments with a good professional dryer vent cleaning company will help to keep your dryer operating efficiently.

Protect your Investment – A dryer is a costly appliance. Keep it in good shape by using it according to the manufacturer's instruction, calling on professionals to repair it when required, and ensuring the vents are clear and operating as they should.

Be Safe! Lint buildup creates a fire hazard. Clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry, and don't let lint build up in or around the dryer. Don't keep flammable items near the dryer. And be sure to clean out the dryer vent thoroughly, from the inside of the house AND from the outside the house, in order to keep the vent from getting clogged with lint. Better yet, call on dryer vent cleaning professionals who are trained to remove lint and buildup correctly.

At First Coast Home Pros, we are the cleaning experts, trusted by customers in Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra and along the Beaches, and across northeast Florida. We specialize in dryer vent cleaning, and our technicians are trained to clean the vent thoroughly from the interior and exterior of the house. When the cleaning is complete, we even test the air flow to be sure the system is running exactly as it should be! Keep your dryer in good shape and help minimize the risk of fire by scheduling regular cleaning appointments for your dryer vent.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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3 Financial Resolutions To Make If You Want To Buy A Home In The New Year

The new year is right around the corner, and many people are starting to think seriously about their New Year's Resolutions. And while the most popular resolutions aren't going anywhere (eat healthy, work out, spend less time in front of a screen), if you're looking to buy a home next year, at least a few of your resolutions should be of the financial variety.

Starting the new year off on the right financial foot by making financial resolutions can set you up for success and help you get closer to your goal of buying a home. Here are four financial resolutions you should consider making if you want to buy a home in the new year:

1. Track your spending

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It's impossible to get a handle on your financial situation if you don't know what this situation actually is. Which is why your first financial resolution needs to be to track your spending.

Tracking your spending will give you a clear picture of how much money you're spending, where you're spending it, and where the opportunities to cut back are.

The key to successfully tracking your spending is to track every single cent you spend. You can create a spreadsheet and manually input every purchase or you can use a money monitoring app like Mint; Mint connects to your debit and credit cards and then tracks and categorizes your purchases throughout the month.

Once you've tracked your spending for a month, it's time to dive into the numbers. How much of your income are you spending on necessities (like living expenses and utilities)? How much is going towards paying down debt? How much are you saving?

It's only when you have a clear idea of your financial situation that you can determine if you're ready to buy a home - and, if so, just how much home you can afford without putting yourself in a financially challenging situation.

2. Cut out unnecessary expenses

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A great side effect of tracking your spending is that it allows you to see opportunities to cut back. Which leads into resolution #2: cut out any unnecessary expenses.

If you're serious about buying a home, you need to rein in unnecessary spending and pad your savings account as much as possible. Are you spending a significant amount of money every month eating out at restaurants? Commit to eating out one or two times a month and making meals at home the rest of the time to save some cash. Is your coffee habit costing you $5 a day? Brew a cup in your kitchen before you leave for work. Are you spending a fortune on a gym membership you barely use? Cancel and use free workout videos on YouTube to get your exercise. Do you pay for premium cable when you'd be fine with basic? Downgrade and lower your bill.

Now, keep in mind - even though you'll want to go into savings mode before you buy a home, that doesn't mean you shouldn't spend any money on yourself. If you don't spend any money on fun and entertainment, it can actually make it harder to stick to your budget. Allot a certain amount of money per month you can use as you please; that “fun money” will make it easier to stick to your budget the rest of the time.

The more unnecessary expenses you cut out of your budget, the more you'll have to put in your savings account - and the faster you'll be able to make your dream of owning a home a reality.

3. Clean up your credit

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Another financial resolution to make if you want to buy a home? Clean up your credit.

Your credit score plays a huge part in determining if you get a mortgage and, if so, how competitive your interest rates. A good credit score can save you thousands (even tens of thousands) of dollars over the course of your loan, which is why it's important to get it as high as possible before you purchase a home.

First, you'll want to get a copy of your credit report and check for any errors. Errors are more common than you'd think, and even a small mistake can drag down your score. If you find an error on your report, you'll need to contact the credit bureaus to have it removed.

Once your report is error free, it's time to do everything you can to boost your credit score. Paying down debt, paying all your bills on time, and keeping the percentage of credit used low can all help to increase your score - which will help you get a better deal on your mortgage when you apply.

There are plenty of resolutions you can make in order to hit your goals in the new year. But if your goal is to buy a house, these financial resolutions are the key to getting there.

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The post 3 Financial Resolutions To Make If You Want To Buy A Home In The New Year appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Top Home and DIY Bloggers Best Posts

If you're looking for more home and DIY inspiration, please take a minute to check out my DIY and Home blogger friends' top posts from 2018! This is the very best the web has to offer and you're sure to find some amazing ideas!

TIDBITS | Miss Mustard Seed | Farmhouse on Boone | Maison De Pax | A Burst of Beautiful

Simply Designing | Bless'er House | Taryn Whiteaker Designs | Designthusiasm | Unskinny Boppy

Live Laugh Rowe | Kendra John Designs | House by Hoff | So Much Better With Age | Life On Virginia Street

ZDesign At Home | Town and Country Living | Shabbyfufu | Happy Happy Nester | Stacy Risenmay

Cherished bliss | Clean and Scentsible | anderson + grant | The Happy Housie | Summer Adams

Decor Gold Designs | Maison de Cinq | Seeking Lavender Lane

The post Top 10 Posts of 2018 appeared first on Clean and Scentsible.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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3 Commercial Property Tax Strategy Considerations for the Next Recession

Is a recession on the way in 2019? If you ask a CFO, there is nearly a coin-flip chance that the answer is yes. Ask a CFO if a recession will start by the end of 2020 and that number skyrockets to 82%, according to the latest Duke University/CFO Global Business Outlook survey.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Advantages of Owning a Franchise

On the previous feature, we have discussed the advantages of buying a franchise. In this article, we will further discuss why it is a better idea to own a franchise.

Organized training and support is provided by the franchiser. You can expect that whatever good practices there is in the brand, this will be carried out to your franchise as well.

Franchisees use various measures to ensure your success. It is in the franchiser's best interest to make sure you grow and sell.

Franchisers often have good track record, a sure prerequisite to become a successful franchise as well. You as an owner carry out the same reputation as well.

Franchisers provide you with location assistance, making sure that wherever you decide to put up your franchise will have the maximum possible profitability.

A good franchise can take advantage of the entire economic system, and negotiate the best prices for everything you need at significantly lower rate than you would as an independent business owner.

To know more about franchise opportunities at Life Maid Easy, click the link: http://www.lifemaideasyfranchise.com/

The post Advantages of Owning a Franchise appeared first on Life Maid Easy - House Cleaning Services for Vancouver.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Every cook should know how to make a simple side salad and lemon vinaigrette. It's the easy side dish to pair with just about any entrée, comes together in 10 minutes with simple ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Let me show you how it's done.

Start with a base of greens. We went with spring greens, but I also love spinach as a base, as well as thinly sliced kale, arugula, and romaine.

Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from Minimalist Baker →

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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New Year, New Home?

It turns out a lot of millennials want to buy a home someday - a whooping 89 percent according to a new Apartment List survey. But, just 5 percent expect to buy in 2019 and 34 percent say they will wait at least five years. Why the lag?

While the dream of homeownership is strong, 72 percent cite affordability as the critical issue.

Down payment funds are primary challenge

Sixty-two percent of millennials specifically mention the lack of funds for a down payment. Only 11 percent have saved $10,000 or more for a home and 48 percent have zero down payment savings.

What the study overlooks

The survey also found that two-thirds of Millennial renters would require at least two decades to save enough for a 20 percent down payment on a median-priced condo in their market.

What this study overlooks is that a 20 percent down payment isn't required and isn't even typical for a first-time homebuyer. The average down payment for a first-time buyer is about 7 percent today, according to the National Association of REALTORS. So, don't despair - you have options.

Today, there are multiple loan programs are available with as little as 3 or 3.5 percent required as a down payment. keep reading

The post New Year, New Home? appeared first on Down Payment Resource.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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A Dutch Lament: Where oh Where Is PokerStars Located?

In a few weeks I'll be publishing my list of where online gambling sites are located. A question that arose in the Netherlands is in regards to the location of PokerStars, the largest online poker site. An excerpt from my 2018 list shows:

PokerStars Rational Entertainment Enterprises Limited dba PokerStars Douglas Bay Complex, King Edward Rd Onchan, IM3 1DZ Isle of Man

PokerStars.eu Rational Gaming Europe Ltd dba PokerStars.eu Villa Seminia, 8, Sir Temi Zammit Ave Ta'Xbiex, XBX1011, Malta

Why is this a big deal? Taxes.

PokerStars.com is based on the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. It is not part of the European Union. The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea. Malta is another island; it's located near Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is a member of the European Union. PokerStars.eu is based in Malta. This matters for taxes in the Netherlands. If you're a resident of the Netherlands and you play on PokerStars.com, you owe 29% tax on your winnings; however, if you play on PokerStars.eu, you don't. Needless to say, Dutch residents play on PokerStars.eu.

Except the Dutch Tax Office disagreed. They held that since PokerStars.eu is owned by the Rational Group (the parent of PokerStars), and the Rational Group is based on the Isle of Man, that playing on PokerStars.eu is still playing on a site outside the European Union and 29% tax is owed. A District Court agreed with the Dutch Tax Office. That decision was then appealed to the Court of Appeals in 's-Hertogenbosch.

That court reversed the ruling (link is in Dutch). The ruling, as best as I can determine, states that the place of establishment of the holder of internet poker (here, Malta) is decisive for the classification as domestic or foreign game of chance and, thus, taxation of play on PokerStars.eu violates the Treaty Establishing the European Union. The decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands but for now, playing on PokerStars.eu is tax-free.

News Story (in English): Dutchnews.nl

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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No Sugar Challenge: Fit for Good

Are you ready to give your body a break from sugar? Many people resolve to get fit in the new year and joining the No Sugar Challenge is a great way to drop a few extra pounds and inches. There's a saying that you can't exercise away a bad diet and it's true! When I first started getting fit for good I ate poorly most of the time (especially soda!). It wasn't until I changed how I ate that I really saw changes in how I looked, and more importantly how I felt. Now, almost seven years later I can skip the gym for a few days or even a week and still feel great, as long as I'm eating well. However, even if I'm going to the gym several times a week, if my diet is full of sugar and processed foods I start to feel crummy very quickly. The No Sugar Challenge is simple. Stop eating sugar. You set the parameters, regarding whether you are going to try and substitute sugar with honey or agave or if you want to give up the sweet stuff altogether. My recommendation is that you give it up totally so that foods that are naturally sweet (mainly fruit) can serve as your sweet treats and you will be able to make better choices in the future. We've done many no sugar challenges in the past and I'm excited to be doing another one with you. For many people this is what it takes for them to give up their daily soda or candy habit. While we're doing this challenge together beginning January 7th. Just sign up below and you'll get daily reminders, helpful tips, encouragement and a free printable journal.

How the No Sugar Challenge works

Enter your email below to join the challenge. Then, on January 7th you'll receive a series of emails from me with helpful tips, encouragement, and tactics to get rid of sugar. For 21 days we'll work together to rid our bodies of sugar. There will be bumps along the way, but we will do it together! This year, I'm also giving away a free Sugar Journal to help you keep track of your journey. Over the years I've found that writing things down keeps me accountable. I'm also able to back through my old journals when I need a boost of encouragement. Each day of the challenge you'll receive the next page of the journal for you to print out at home. Are you ready to take back your diet? Join us for the challenge below!

No Sugar Challenge

Join us January 7th for the No Sugar Challenge!

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We start on January 7th! Don't miss on your opportunity for accountability and a way to share your success with a community of people cheering you on.

More Fit For Good

Read previous Fit for Good articles

The post No Sugar Challenge: Fit for Good appeared first on The Happy Housewife

:: Real Life.

Comments

Do you have a meal plan outlying what foods to eat ? I find ... by Amy

I'm super excited to do this with you ladies! by Heather

I'm all for this! My sister gave up sugar a month or so ago, ... by Selena

As someone who has done it, can I encourage everyone to give ... by Rita

Is this as in not added sugar, or no sugary things or to each ... by Liz

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The post No Sugar Challenge: Fit for Good appeared first on The Happy Housewife™.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Organizing Thoughts and Tips for the New Year!

Hello friends! I hope you've all had a great start to 2019! My kids are going back to school tomorrow (today when you are reading this!) and we had such a nice break. I'm really sad to see it end this year! We spent Christmas at home, then went to Utah to visit family, came […]

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Environmentally Friendly Grill Cleaning

Having an outdoor kitchen in Arizona is about as important as having a swimming pool. It is a feature that can be enjoyed year round and is a great way to gather family and friends together for a meal. But most homeowners begin to lose interest in their grill when it's time for a good cleaning. Either they decide to stop using the grill as often or they decide to use a harsh chemical to try to avoid the effort involved in scrubbing the grill clean by hand. But now there is another option that is simple, does not require harsh chemical and is environmentally friendly.

The Only Items You Need Are Already In Your Kitchen

All you need to easily clean your grill grates are a few items that are already in your kitchen and cost almost nothing. First, you need a lemon and some table salt. Next, carefully slice the lemon in half, from end to end. It is important to cut the lemon from end to end so that you have a larger surface area.

Then, holding the lemon by the rind side, squeeze it gently so that it produces enough juice to moisten the entire cut surface. Next, sprinkle about a tablespoon of salt evenly over each half of the lemon and wait long enough for the juice to moisten the salt to help it adhere to the surface of the lemon. Finally, gently scrub the grilling surface with the salt covered lemon just as you would with a sponge.

The acidity of the lemon and the grit of the salt will break down any grease and loosen any partials which were cooked onto the grates. After scrubbing the entire grilling surface with the lemon, use a damp towel to wipe the grate clean and another towel to dry the grates.

A Tip For A Non-Stick Grilling Surface

To make grill clean-up even easier there is a simple and affordable trick to make the grates non-stick. Simply cut a regular potato in half and after the grill is fully heated, rub the cut side of the potato across the entire grilling surface. This will coat the grate and keep food from sticking. If you do not have a potato a halved onion or a halved lemon will work, but both of those items can leave a small amount of flavored residue on the grilling surface.

Try both of these tips to make grill clean up easier and safer for your grilling surface and the environment.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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The Landscape Revisited - My most valuable lessons of 2018

The 2018 growing season is coming to a close. Thanksgiving is behind us and the next holiday season is closing in. In Massachusetts, we've already had eight inches of snow dumped on us. At my company, as we're valiantly struggling to keep working through the snow, rain, frost, and mud, I realize the mixed blessing that garden making is for me, my staff and our clients. Full of ups and downs, successes and failures, working in the landscape and with nature is not a task that anyone should take on if they expect a predictable, repeatable work environment. That isn't a good description of the outside work life...at least not where I live.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Free Printable Habit Tracker

This free printable habit tracker can help to develop positive daily routines, helping you accomplish your biggest goals one small step at a time! I have always been a fan of goal setting. The longer I work on goals, though, the more I've realized that many of my goals are simply daily habits that I...

The post Free Printable Habit Tracker appeared first on Just a Girl and Her Blog.

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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The Best Posts of 2018

With the New Year fast approaching, TidyChoice presents the top three posts of 2018! Looking back over the year, we have gathered our most popular posts and they all offer great practical advice on cleaning and housekeeping.

We are looking forward to bringing you many more unique and useful domestic tips in 2019, to help keep your home clean and tidy all year round!

Secrets for a Sparklingly Clean Bathroom

Cleaning the bathroom is one of the most-hated domestic chores in the UK. However, these great tips are sure to make cleaning the bathroom easier and less tiresome. From scrubbing the tiles, to polishing the sink, find out the secrets behind how professional cleaners leave our bathrooms both sparkling and spotless.

Salt Cleans What?

Salt is a natural substance with endless domestic cleaning possibilities! Salt can help to restore sponges, clean lipstick stains from glassware and even clear drains. As Salt is a household staple, it can be a great low-cost and practical solution if you are running low on shop-bought products. Find out more about how salt can become your favourite eco-friendly cleaner!

The Ultimate Laundry Guide

Are you ever unsure what the best temperature is to wash your coat on or how often your curtains should really be cleaned?

If so, be sure to check out this engaging infographic, which provides information on washing bedding, towels, curtains, suits and much more! For each different item it offers top washing tips, laundry do's and don'ts and how often the item should be washed. It truly is the ultimate guide for all household laundry!

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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Happy New Year 2019

Before we launch into a brand-new year, here are our most popular posts from 2018.

Creating a minimalist workspace - from Zen Habits

Ask Unclutterer: Where can I donate stuffed animals?

What to do if you are organized and your partner isn't

Ten things to do in 10 minutes

10 tips to beat clutter in less than five minutes

The Real Cost of Financial Clutter on the Road to a Remarkable Life

Understanding how you process information to help you get organized, part I

All-in-one washer/dryer

No more wire hangers!

Organizing is knowing what you want

We wish all of our readers the happiest, most organized and productive 2019.

Post written by Jacki Hollywood Brown

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julieslake001-blog · 6 years ago

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How to Use a Garage More Effectively for Holiday Decoration Storage

With the holiday season winding down, it's time to start thinking about your post-holiday season pack-up.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be draining, which makes it easier to take a few shortcuts by packing things away quickly and storing them anywhere.

Sure, that gets the job done quicker now, but it only makes the task of finding and unpacking all of your disorganized holiday decorations more time-consuming later.

Have a smart holiday decoration storage plan

By putting a little extra thought into how and where your holiday decorations will be stored, you can save yourself from some future headaches.

Garages are ideal for a lot of your holiday decoration storage needs, whether you're storing decorations for Christmas, Halloween, birthday parties, or holidays like the Fourth of July or Canada Day.

The garage has to be used the right way when storing your holiday decorations, however, in order the maintain the functionality of the space.

Use overhead racks for your holiday decoration storage

For the most effective use of your garage as a holiday decoration storage space, add some overhead storage racks.

Ceiling-mounted overhead racks take advantage of the vertical storage space in your garage's upper reaches that is typically underutilized.

In addition to maximizing your garage's storage space, overhead racks are also ideal for storing bulky items and things that are infrequently used…which describes unneeded holiday decorations pretty much perfectly!

Everything from storage bins filled with tree ornaments to artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands to holiday lights to holiday lawn inflatables can be stashed up high.

Your daily routine can even run a little smoother simply by using this out-of-the-way storage space for your holiday decorations. There won't be bulky storage bins taking up valuable garage floor space, which makes parking more difficult.

And less floor clutter means extra space for keeping tools, sports equipment, and other items you use regularly more efficiently stored and easier to access.

Overhead racks that use the underutilized storage space in your garage's ceiling area keep your floor clutter-free.

Use plastic storage bins

Whether you're storing your holiday decorations in the garage or elsewhere in your home, always use plastic storage bins and containers instead of cardboard boxes.

Plastic storage bins are sturdier, stack easier and more safely, are easier to move around, and provide superior moisture protection compared to cardboard boxes. They're also not a fire hazard.

Some people prefer using clear plastic storage bins because it helps them to identify stored items quickly. That may sound practical, but it's probably a better idea to use non-clear, solid color containers with labels.

Holiday ornaments and lights, especially ones you're keeping for many years, can lose their color faster if they're exposed to too much light when stored.

Fabric bags specifically made for storing holiday decorations should be stored indoors if possible, due to the higher moisture levels garages commonly have.

Avoid storing these holiday decorations in the garage

While the garage is a perfect spot for many of your holiday decoration storage requirements, it's not the best storage area for certain items unless it's climate-controlled.

The extreme temperature fluctuations and excess moisture found in many garage environments makes them less than ideal for storing these holiday decorations:

fabric-based festive decorations and adornments (examples: tablecloths, Christmas stockings and hats, tree skirts)

candles (store them somewhere cool)

very delicate glass, crystal, and antique ornaments

food-based decorations

If you absolutely have to keep some fabric-based decorative items stored in the garage for any reason, make sure they're sealed tight in a plastic container. Wrapping items in acid-free paper or using silica packets to absorb moisture can help preserve the storage bin's contents.

Another reason to avoid storing fabric-based and food-based decorations in the garage is that they can attract pests.

Label your holiday decoration storage items

Try to keep all your stored holiday decorations together in order to make everything easier to find.

Many organization experts recommend using color-coded storage containers or container lids to simplify things (such as green for Christmas decorations or orange for Halloween decorations).

And even if you're being diligent and using color-coded containers, always be sure that everything is labelled.

Labelled containers eliminate the time-consuming guesswork that inevitably occurs when it's time to unpack your decorations and find what you need when decorating your home next holiday season.

Storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garage

Because of its bulkiness, an artificial Christmas tree's go-to storage spot in most homes will probably be the garage.

Don't leave an artificial Christmas tree uncovered in the garage because it'll naturally gather a lot of dust over the course of a year. Why add an artificial tree cleaning to your busy holiday to-do list 11 months (or so) from now?

When storing an artificial Christmas tree in the garage, definitely ditch the cardboard box it came in and invest in a proper plastic tree storage bin. Look for a container with wheels so it's easier to transport.

Tree storage bags are also popular, although they're less suited for a garage environment. Also note that white artificial trees or trees with those snow dusting treatments are prone to yellowing and shorter lifespans if temperature and humidity storage conditions aren't optimal.

While this garage is clean and organized, that poor artificial Christmas tree could really use a proper storage container.

Additional holiday decoration storage tips

When preparing your holiday decorations for storage, here are a few final tips you might find useful:

use bubble wrap or decoration storage containers (avoid wrapping decorations in newspaper, as the ink rubs off)

prevent string light tangles by using string light reels or even wrapping them around discarded wrapping paper tubes

declutter holiday decorations you haven't used for a few years (donate any items that are still in good condition)

make a list of what broken holiday decorations need to be replaced for next year

Get organized to start the new year

If you have a New Year's resolution that includes tidying up your home, start by storing your holiday decorations in an organized manner and somewhere that's out of your way.

We can help you create more storage space for your holiday decorations and anything else you need to store in the garage, in addition to making the space look much nicer.

Schedule a free in-home design consultation with Garage Living today.

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