Simple Hacks to make Homeowners Lives Easier!

If your "To Do" list keeps growing and you're feeling overwhelmed, I've got a list for you!! Here are a bunch of hacks that might help speed up cleaning, organziing and repairs when it comes to your home! 

I've learned that people either LOVE to clean or HATE to clean. I'm in the second group, I love a clean house but hate to actually clean. So chekc otu these hacks to hopefully make cleaning more enjoyable, or at least easier:

• Use vinegar for almost anything: It’s a natural cleaner for windows, floors, and countertops—plus, it can help unclog drains when mixed with baking soda!
• Microfiber magic: Ditch the paper towels and go for microfiber cloths—they trap dust better and are reusable. Don't worry about getting "name brands" the basic Amazon version works great!
• Shower steam clean: Run a hot shower before scrubbing the bathroom—the steam helps loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean. This works for your microwave too!!
• Dryer sheet baseboards: After cleaning your baseboards, wipe them with a dryer sheet to repel dust longer.

Are your cabinets and drawers busting at the seams... do you have piles stacked up throughout the house to go through "when you have time"? Here are some organizing tips:

• Label cables with bread tags: Keep your electronics organized by labeling each cord with a bread tag or washi tape. No more untangling or guessing!
• Tension rods for under-sink storage: Use tension rods to hang spray bottles and make the most of your cabinet space.
• Over-the-door organizers: Perfect for pantry doors, bathrooms, or closets to store cleaning supplies, toiletries, or small items. These work great for after school snacks for the kids too!
• Mason jars for small items: Store nails, screws, and small tools in clear jars, and screw the lids to the bottom of a shelf for easy access.
• Set a timer for 15mins. Go through as many piles as you can and seperate into two piles "keep" and "toss". When the first 15mins is up, set another 15mins timer to put away the "keep" items, then trash the "toss" items.

Owning a home comes with maintenance, but if you have a family and a full time job sometimes those "honey-do" items get backlogged. Here are a few quick tricks to help with those needed repairs: 

• Bar soap for squeaky hinges: Rub a bar of soap over door hinges to stop that annoying squeak. Or keep a can of WD40 and once a month spray all those squeaky doors.
• Toothpaste for small wall holes: Got a tiny hole from a nail or screw? Dab some white toothpaste in it—works in a pinch!
• Rubber band grip: If a screw is stripped, place a rubber band over it and use your screwdriver—it helps you get that extra grip you need.
• Ice for furniture dents: Place an ice cube over carpet dents left by heavy furniture—after it melts, fluff the area with a fork or vaccuum, and it’ll look like new!

Hopefully these tips will help make your to do list a little less daunting! If you have awesome homeowner hacks I'd love to hear them! Find me on social media (info below) and let me know what works for you!

Facebook: @KristenWRealtor
Instagram: @KristenSellsNavarre