Home Organizing Tips for Seniors

No matter whether your elderly lives at home, in a retirement community or in a senior living facility - it pays to create a comfortable living space for the elderly by organizing and decluttering the space.  Doing so is important for their safety and security. But, how can you do that? 

Here’s how - 

Assess the Home of the Elderly 

Needless to say, this is the first step in improving the home of your elderly. Start with making a list of all the things that might cause them trouble. It’s good to focus on areas where they generally spend maximum time. 

Below are some of the commonest problem areas to focus on- 

●      Messy kitchen cabinets

●      Fire risks

●      Dark/dingy areas

●      Difficult storage areas in the laundry room

●      Hard to reach shelves

●      Slippery hallways and stairs

●      Slippery bathrooms

●      Difficult doorknobs

●      Dangerous stacked shelves

●      A jam-packed medicine/bathroom cabinet  

Once you figure out the areas in need of maximum attention, you can get to organizing them first.

Install Shelves 

It’s good to install shelves for storing small items, supplies, and tools. Shelves are great for storing home and seasonal yard supplies such as weed killer, washing fluid, etc. If you live in one of the pet friendly senior living communities - ask for shelves a little higher up so that pets cannot reach them easily.

Relocate Furniture 

Over the decades, it’s easy to accumulate a ton of furniture such as chairs, tables, etc. They can take up a ton of space in your home making free movement a challenge. Therefore, it’s a good practice to get rid of stuff that no longer serves you or fits your needs. 

This step is particularly important if you’ve developed a new disability. Don’t worry if there’s not enough space to entertain guests. Your safety is far more important than anything else. Pay special attention to free, moving space in the living room as that’s the area where people spend most time. 

Install Storage Solutions 

It’s good to add storage shelves to your bedroom so you can store gift times, framed photographs, magazines, books, etc. Most of this stuff takes a ton of space on the nightstand and dresser. 

Clean/Organize the Medicine Cabinet 

If there are expired medicines in your cabinet, it could put your adults and seniors at risk of mental/cognitive disability. Therefore, it’s a good practice to clean out and organize your cabinet regularly. 

It’s good to include caregivers and family members in the process so that only the necessary and safe medicines are kept and everything else (expired and unsafe medicine) is carefully discarded. Make sure to label each container so that it’s clearly visible. 

Eliminate Garbage 

Maximum heavy-lifting in terms of decluttering should happen in areas such as basements, garages, and attics. That’s because these areas are where most of the unused furniture, discarded items, and heavy boxes are stored. 

If your elderly/senior is suffering from some kind of disability, it’s important to work with an abled family member or a caregiver before beginning with the decluttering process. 

Some Additional Organization/Storage Tips for the Elderly 

Other than the above-mentioned tips, there are some other ways also in which you can arrange your house and make it more functional, safe, and comfortable. Below are the ways in which you can do that - 

●      Label storage areas so that it’s easy to recognize them

●      Store all the vital information, documents, and instructions all in one place so that they’re easy to find in times of need

●      Make sure that the hallways, steps, and bathroom tubs are slip-resistant

●      Keep entryways and steps clean for easy access

●      Keep all dark areas well-lit

●   Keep slip-resistant floor on the bathroom tub so that the seniors don’t accidentally fall down

Bottom Line 

It’s important that you make the project of decluttering and organizing the living space as fun as possible for the best results. Be sure to also put a lot of forethought into planning.

4 Steps to Plan for When Completing a Bathroom Remodel

Over the past year, more and more people have been taking on home remodeling projects. The first home improvement project that many people take on is usually the bathroom. This is because it is usually the smallest room in any house so a remodel shouldn't take too long. However, it is important to go into any remodel with a plan.

Create A Plan

The very first thing before you even pick up a tool is to create a game plan. It is important to know exactly what you want to do and how much it is going to cost. The cost of a bathroom model will depend on a lot of different factors. The location of the house, the size of the bathroom, and the type of remodeling all play a huge role in the cost of this home improvement project. Although, it is estimated that the average bathroom remodel will cost around $10,000 according to Home Advisor.

Start on Demos

Demolition is where the job gets fun and a little messy. Some people will do this all on their own, while others may choose to hire professionals. Hiring an electrician or a residential plumber may cut into your budget. Yet, it will be one of the smartest choices you can do if you are not comfortable doing certain tasks by yourself.

Do All of the Installation

After everything has been torn down, it is time to put it back together. Depending on what you are doing, the professionals may take this part as well. If you are just changing out a light fixture or showerhead, then you may be able to do that yourself. Although, if you are wanting a new shower or toilet installed, you would be ahead to invest in a professional.

Add in All of the Final Touches

Once everything is installed, it is time to add in the final touches. You can add candles, fresh towels, and new soap to bring everything together. By making everything in your bathroom one cohesive theme, it will make everything look better and more put together.

Redoing a bathroom is no small project. It will take some time, money, and manpower to get it done. This project will not only transform your bathroom into a comfy, relaxing setting, it will also add equity to your house which will raise the value if you ever decide to sell.

Top 10 Ways to Organize your Outdoor Space for the Best Garden Party

Spring has officially sprung; the nights are getting lighter and the days warmer. Before you know it, it will be summer. Likewise, as the temperature soars you spend more time outdoors. Evenings spend slaving over a hot stove are substituted for blissful barbecues (or maybe a pizza oven if you’re feeling fancy). But, as this time quickly approaches, you want to make sure your garden is ready. Because after all, you want your friends to be green with envy not feeling blue for you and your shabby outdoor space. So, let’s turn shabby into chic with these top 10 ways to organize your outdoor space for the best garden party. 

1. Outdoor furniture

This one may seem straight forward, but a garden party is only as good as your outdoor furniture. What do I mean? Well, what’s the point in having a garden party with no where to sit? Something as simple as a table and chairs can turn a tired garden into a tremendous party. Likewise, a sun lounger or two and even a swing can make a sun trap into a Costa del Garden. It doesn’t even need to be physical seats, having an abundance of cushions or even a scatter of wood chips can help make suitable temporary seating.

2. How about heating? 

Unfortunately, just because your enthusiasm is high, doesn’t mean the temperature will be. When the sun’s out to play, it’s a beautiful day. But, as the sun puts its hat on, a cold evening could spawn. So, why not prepare for the worst and invest in patio heaters or fire pits. That way even as the night comes in, you can stay out. 

3. Cook up a storm 

Again, bring your creature comforts into the sun. Why spend your summer evenings slaving over a stove when you could grill outdoors? Investing in an outdoor BBQ not only makes a great statement piece. But it also enables a great party. Find BBQs boring? How about a pizza oven? 

4. Invest in an outdoor bar

The home is where the heart is, and nothing makes the heart fonder than a good bar. So, why not invest in an outdoor bar space. For instance, my uncle has converted his old shed into an outdoor bar. We’ve spent many an evening there, and made many a saving on the cost of going to the pub.

5. Entertainment

This is quite a vague one, mainly because it’s down to you. Entertainment could be something from an outdoor dart board and a portable speaker. Through to a pool table and a hot tub – the choice is yours.

6. Add lighting

Again, this is down to you, it includes anything from a neon sign and a solar lamp through to fairy lights or lamps. Adding lighting can create a tasteful atmosphere and set the tone for a perfect party. Moreover, it enables you to create features or highlight parts of your garden that you’re proud of. 

7. Color coordinate 

Now, you’re probably thinking I mean simply matching your outdoor furniture, right? Wrong, I’m talking about color blocking your plants and basing your garden around this. What do I mean, well say you selected the colors blue, yellow and red. I’d suggest color blocking them into sections, using one color as a border. Then picking out baskets, features and ornaments in one or more of these colors. Then carrying that theme through to the outdoor cushions etc. Keeping the furniture, a neutral color, such as white, keeps the focus in the right areas, which also makes it easy to change these colors as you please. 

8. Utilize herbs and evening scented flowers

If you’ve invested in a BBQ or a pizza oven, or even a bar – planting herbs outdoors is a great idea. Imagine, whipping up a fresh pizza and decorating it with fresh basil. Or even chopping up fresh mint for the perfect mojito. Moreover, their scent will leave Adam & Eve hungry for more. Likewise, adding evening scented flowers means that as dusk approaches, the scent evokes a party till dawn and is worth the investment. 

9. Add ornaments and/or water features

Again, the most you reap – the more you sow. Investing in ornaments and water features helps create a calming atmosphere. Or helps emphasize a particular strength of your garden.

10. Utilize wood chips

Whether it’s creating temporary seating area, a walkway, or focal point – wood chips are essential. Moreover, they add a slight cushion to a child’s play area or can help in dividing up your garden into different sections. Similarly, if you keep them around a BBQ or fire pit, they make resources to burn. Rather than constantly purchasing chips, why not make your own? Cost effective, eco-friendly & fun, check out these wood chippers and garden shredders here and get chipping today! 

Closet Organization Tips for Large Families

Having a large family is wonderful, and being a member of such means that there is never a dull moment at home. You don't know what being alone is as you are constantly surrounded by people who understand you, support you, care for you, people who love you. And while big households are great for our well-being, not all homes are equipped to deal with so many souls in one place. More precisely, not all of them come with enough closet space for everyone. Luckily, this problem can be solved by turning to certain closet organization tips, the biggest of which is replacing individual wardrobes with one big family closet.

What exactly is a family closet, and how can it make organizing easier?

The idea behind it is quite simple, actually. It involves saying goodbye to ordinary, tiny wardrobes and switching them for a room designed for the whole family to store their garments. Depending on the home's layout and size, the room could even function as a laundry room. Of course, in some instances, the latter isn't possible. If so, setting up a walk-in family closet close by it is highly recommended for added convenience.

But what benefits are there to it? Well, for starters:

• They make putting away clothes a piece of cake as everyone's things are in one place

• Individual clothing items are easier to spot since everything is on display

• It's easy to stay on track with the wardrobe you and your children no longer need

• You can lay out the outfits for tomorrow without making clutter

• The old closets can serve as storage space for other things

With so many advantages to having a one-for-all clothing area, it's no wonder why more and more families are beginning to utilize them. There are various ways to make them work for you, some of which are covered in the following closet organization tips.

Purge first, organize later

Before you begin working on the right organizing system for your closet, get rid of the things you and your loved ones no longer need. Maternity dresses, kids' outgrown clothes, and faded jeans all fit the bill. However, instead of throwing them all away, consider that those less fortunate could benefit from what you consider old rags. With that in mind, a smart way to deal with unnecessary clothes is to divide them into two piles. The first being things you will donate, and the second those you'll dispose of.

Decluttering is definitely one of the simple ways to get more precious space in both the individual closets you'll soon no longer need and the brand-new family one. Additionally, by transferring your clothes into the shared closet, you allow the previous ones to be used as storage for, let's say, toys or appliances.

For better closet organization, switch from racks to shelves

Some moms would say that keeping a large family's closet well organized is a nightmare. But it doesn't have to be. One way to sort out a messy wardrobe and provide room for all the garments is to replace the clothing racks with shelves. Combined with neat folding, these allow you to store a lot more items than you would if you were to hang them on a rack.

Think about the kids while arranging clothes

As far as family closet organization tips go, this one is golden. Before you come up with a system that works for you, bear in mind that you must also develop a system that works for your little ones. Shelves alone will make it easier for children to spot their clothes, especially if you commit to arranging them by color and labeling compartments with your kids' names. Also, you must make sure your kids can actually reach their outfits, so keeping them on lower levels is advisable. Higher shelves should be reserved for you, your significant other, or the things your family uses only on rare occasions.

Find a place for all the particular items

Your shared closet can only remain neat if you find a place for absolutely everything. It's not only clothes that require storing, but also things like shoes, bags, hats, and jewelry. To keep your footwear in check, you can introduce a shoe organizer to the area. You can keep bags on shelves, but, as far as hats and jewelry go, wall-mounted hooks are just the place for them! They'll stay on display, as well as be easy to grab on the go.

Keep the laundry basket in the family closet

This is one of those commonly suggested closet organization tips that are all about convenience. By keeping the laundry basket in the same room as your loved ones' clothes, you simplify the process of doing laundry. Just think about how time-consuming it is to go from room to room to check everybody's drawers (or floor) for dirty garments. With one closet for all, this scenario is a thing of the past. Thanks to it, you'll save both precious time and energy. Plus, if your washer and dryer happen to be nearby, removing the clothing items from them and putting them back in their place will turn into a breeze.

Decorate the shared area for a feel-good vibe

It's not all about creating a clever organizing system for your family home wardrobe but also keeping the room pretty. The goal is to transform it into an area that makes you feel good. Or rather, decorate it with a boutique kind of vibe in mind. This can be accomplished by sprucing up the walls with wallpapers, adding ambient lighting, a comfortable couch, and a full-length mirror. Either way, feel free to experiment in any way you like. Just don't forget to involve the kids in the process!

Final words

While initially meant for large families, these closet organization tips aren't only applicable to them. In fact, it's quite the contrary! Every family can make use of a one-for-all wardrobe. Not only will it provide the additional storage space they may need, but it will also allow for the area to remain tidy. Plus, keeping everything in one place will make finding particular clothing items more manageable than ever before. Sounds good, doesn't it?