Spring Into Action: 5 Practical Spring Cleaning Tips

Cleaning season is here and homeowners are ramping up their efforts. Nearly 80% of the American population performs a major cleaning every spring. This figure is 10% higher than the prior year. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on sanitation.

In addition to the everyday vacuuming and dusting routine, there are a number of other cleaning steps we should take in Spring cleaning. Here are five practical spring cleaning tips that you may find useful.

1. Clean Out Your Closets

Over the course of winter, your closets take a beating. The vast majority of homeowners are removing and storing seasonal decorations from October to January. For many, these holiday decorations get shoved in a corner. Some people tend to hide clutter in their closets when hosting guests. The end result is an unorganized and messy closet.

In addition to the holiday onslaught, we also need to put away our winter coats and sweaters, ski apparel and boots, and bring out the spring and summer gear. Before going into storage, winter garments should be cleaned to ensure that left over body oils or spills don’t attract insects. Then fold and store them in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area.

When you get your spring/summer clothes out of storage, check for any insect damage, decolorization, smells, mildew, etc. Air out the clothing and if necessary, take the clothes to the nearest dry cleaners to freshen up and make any alterations.

2. Clean Out the Garage and Attic

The garage and attic are two other landfills for seasonal decorations and clutter. When the weather warms up, the garage door opens and the neighborhood gets a peek inside.

It is a good idea to rent a dumpster for your decluttering efforts. You can arrange for waster removal companies to haul away your trash and unwanted items. This is a great way to start the spring fresh and clean.

3. Clean Up Medicine Cabinets

If your winter was like the rest of the country’s, there were lots of coughs and runny noses. Americans stocked up on cold and flu medication, as well as Covid-19 rapid tests. Now that winter has passed, we are starting to get seasonal allergies.

It is time to clean up your medicine cabinets to serve your family’s immediate medical needs. The first step is to replace all your expired medicine. Next, contact your local pharmacy to get your prescription refills as well as allergy and sinus medicine for the spring.

4. Refill Your Propane Tank

Warmer weather means it is time to start up the grill. Before doing so, you need to check your propane tank. It is likely that you need a refill. Order a propane refill or spare propane tank to get barbeque season rolling.

5. Change Air Filters and Clean Your Vents

Your heat pump or other central air system has been working hard to provide heat during the winter. It’s time to change the air filter to ensure that the cold air it sends through the home during the summer months does not bring in lots of airborne pollutants and allergens as well. Also, clean your vents to eliminate another dust source.

For many of us, cleaning your home is a spring ritual. This way, you can start the season fresh. With these five tips, we hope you will taking advantage of this perfect time to declutter and maximize your space, and prepare for a healthy and happy year ahead!

Tips for Outdoor Dining in Your Backyard

With a little imagination and a couple of picnic benches, your backyard can be the main venue for your some of your summertime activities. Being home with family can turn out to be one of the best things to come out of the pandemic, so much so that you found you really like spending time together. Here are some ideas for outdoor dining in your very own backyard.

1. Throwing Shade Can Be a Good Thing

With summertime around the corner, the sun will be shining its toasty rays down upon you very soon. Fun in the sun is good, but alternate time soaking up that vitamin D with some relaxing and rehydrating in the shade. Shelter from the heat can include an oversized umbrella, a gazebo, or an awning over your patio.

2. Time to Refill the Propane

When you make the list for your outdoor dining necessities, put a propane tank or cylinder near the top. It is one of the most cost effective and clean ways to cook. Propane comes in handy not only for grilling but for fire pits and heat lamps. Keeping your backyard warm with heat lamps or a fire pit when the evening starts to cool down will let your perfect day continue long after the little ones start to doze off

3. Helium Balloons and Water Activities

What kid doesn’t love colorful balloons? Round up a helium tank for your festivities and kids of all ages will be lining up to get their balloons. Backyard summertime favorites that pair well with outdoor dining include playing in the sprinklers, water balloon fights, and croquet. If your yard is big enough, there is a variety of inflatable water slides that your kids would probably love to play on anytime they want to.

4. Formal Dining Outdoors to Make Any Day Special

Pick up the fancy linen tablecloth and napkins that you forgot were at the dry cleaners and break out your equivalent of ooh-la-la silver and china that your family uses for special occasions. Eating al fresco can be as decadent as dining at a fine restaurant. You don’t have to spend a fortune to dine in style.

5. Keep the Bugs Away

Bugs like to congregate wherever there is food, so put bug spray on everyone ahead of time. Citronella candles will also help to keep the bugs at bay and allow you to enjoy your friends and family without continually slapping away the irritating insects.

For ideas on more fun ways to enjoy time with your family, see other posts on this blog. There are plenty of ways to make memories together without even leaving home.

Fighting the Winter Blues

2020 was a tough year. And as much as we wish it were true, the clock turning to 12:01 on New Years Day doesn’t make all of that hardship disappear. Sure, we’re going into the New Year with a sense of optimism and hope, but that still doesn’t mean we all can’t get bogged down with a case of the winter blues. That term in itself has a deeper meaning this year. Luckily, there’s plenty of easy things we can do to make things a bit simpler.

Clean House

Did you know that studies have shown that keeping your house tidy and eliminating clutter can actually decrease anxiety and lessen depression? Executing a little action on the things we can actually control in our life keeps us from dreading the things we can’t. So winter is the perfect time to do those chores you’ve been putting off all year. Clean out that crawl space, organize that closet, rearrange that pantry. All these things can create a little order in a chaotic time. Take those blankets and comforters to the dry cleaners or consider a laundry service for those piles of laundry that just can’t figure out how to wash themselves.

Stay Healthy

When you’re experiencing the winter blues, it’s even more important to take care of your physical health. Eat lots of healthy, fresh whole foods. Take a daily multi-vitamin. Pick up your prescribed medications on time, and talk to your doctor about any health changes or concerns. Your local pharmacy has everything you need to keep up with your health. And don’t forget your flu shot!

Stay Warm

Winter brings lots of unexpected weather. Be sure you have plenty of backup methods of keeping warm in preparation for winter storms. Space heaters are great, but if the power goes out, they’re not going to be much help. Consider a propane heater for Plan B. Check out the nearest propane tank refill service to ensure your supply.

Think of Others

If you’re experiencing the winter blues, think of how hard it might be for those that don’t enjoy the independence you do. Elderly loved ones can feel especially isolated and lonely this time of year. Consider hiring a home care aide for your loved one that could use a little extra help around the house.

Fighting the winter blues can be a team effort if you consider all the resources already at your fingertips in your community.

How to Enjoy the Outdoors in the Fall

Fall isn’t often thought about as the season where we spend all our time outdoors, but it should be! The weather is the perfect mix of not too hot, not too cool and nature puts on quite a show displaying a wide array of beautiful colors. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the Fall. Here are some tips to prepare for them.

Fall Cookout

Barbecues aren’t just for the summertime. In fact, Fall is perfect grilling weather! Get out those autumn themed linens and set the picnic table. Don’t forget to take them to a dry cleaner nearby for a refresher. Also, fill up that propane tank for the grill. How about a nature theme for the decor? Pumpkins, gourds, corn cobs and leaves are never in short supply this season.

Forest Hike

The changing leaves are one of the best things about Fall. A family hike through the woods is the perfect way to enjoy the show up close. Be sure to pack supplies like bug spray and a first aid kit, the forest can be unpredictable in this season. Your local pharmacy should have everything you need to prepare.

Bonfires

Be sure to check your local town ordinances for the rules on backyard bonfires. But if they’re allowed, go for it! The fall is the absolute best time of year to enjoy a backyard fire. Home supply stores usually carry firewood if you don’t have your own supply. Even your local drugstore may carry some seasonally, be sure to call ahead to check. Also, make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions like purchasing a fire extinguisher. If you already own one, check the expiration date and replace it if necessary. Don’t forget S’mores supplies from your local grocery store!

Bike Rides

A bike ride around the neighborhood or through the park is a great outdoor activity for the Fall. Don’t forget the helmets! While we’re talking safety, it’s always a good idea to have an updated first aid kit on hand for things like bike rides and hikes. Your local pharmacy should have all the supplies you need like bandaids, gauze, antibacterial gel and pain relievers.

Outdoor activities are even more fun in the Fall. So with a little preparation, you can take advantage of all nature has to offer while enjoying the outdoors before winter hits.

Preparing For Your Labor Day BBQ

We made it to Labor Day, guys! Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate whenever we can, even if it’s a little differently than we’re used to. If you’re planning a Labor Day BBQ for your family, or a social distanced version with your neighbors, here are some tips to get you ready.

Prep That Grill!

Your grill is always the MVP of any BBQ, and this one is no exception. Make sure you have everything ready to grill up all your favorites. The first step is to make sure you have a full tank of propane, or a bag of fresh charcoal depending on your type of grill. Then make sure you have clean grill-ready utensils like tongs and spatulas.

Plan Your Menu

When planning your Labor Day BBQ menu, keep in mind that grocery stores still have limited supplies of certain ingredients, or that some may be hard to find. The regulars like ground beef for burgers and hot dogs should be readily available. But if you’re planning on something a little special like grilled salmon or kabobs, it’s best to have a Plan B, just in case.

Prep Those BBQ Linens

Now is the perfect time to pull out those red and white checked picnic linens! Your local dry cleaners is the perfect place to get them cleaned quickly. If there’s any stains leftover from last year, be sure to let the dry cleaners know, so they can properly treat them.

Stock Up on Essential Meds

Barbecue foods can mean heartburn for some of us. That’s why our favorite underrated tip is to stock up on antacid and stomach meds. The friendly community pharmacy near me has all the essentials that I need to enjoy our evening safely and comfortably. Yours probably does too.

Enlist Help

If you happen to be caring for an aging parent or family member, now is a great time to think about enlisting the help of a home care agency. Holidays sometimes remind us of all the extra things we’ve taken on over the pandemic, and it’s okay to take a break and get some help.

Once you’ve got everything ready, the fun can begin. Let’s enjoy the time we have with our friends and family and have a great Labor Day!

Go Camping This Summer

Summer is here, but the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. Most of us are still leery of flying, so vacationing overseas or out of state is not under consideration. Although we are in phase 2 of re-opening and many restaurants and shops are now open, our safest activities this summer would be outdoors, especially in parks and beaches, with social distancing, of course. One place I’d like to visit with my family is the Minuteman Campground in Lexington, which is just 30 miles northwest of Boston. There, you can enjoy a quiet, spacious campsite among the tall pines. The campground has tent campsites, RV campsites and cabins. The RV sites have picnic tables, Wi-Fi, laundry, fire pits and electricity hookups, so you won’t need propane for RV generator. For fun, the campground provides kids playground, swimming pool, basketball, volleyball and more.

As long as the family is outdoors, you always should be prepared with insect sprays and sunscreens, first aid kits and wound care supplies such as bandages, dressings and wound cleansers.

If you have a senior loved one at home, you may not be able to bring him or her along. In that case, it would be a good idea to get respite care service from a trustworthy home care agency. A professional home care aide can provide companionship, as well as take care of daily tasks such as simple meal preparation, errands, and also make sure that your loved one is taking prescribed medications.

Worried about your routine household chores while you are on vacation? Take a break and let others do them for you. Use the nearby dry cleaner to do your dirty laundry, maid service to clean your house, and a personal concierge to do whatever else that needs to be done. With their help, even though you are still in the Boston area, you can take your mind off your daily routine to rest, recharge and have fun!

Celebrating the 4th of July During a Pandemic

The 4th of July is always the event of the summer, but things are a little different this year. Maybe we can’t go to parades or fireworks celebrations, or have a giant neighborhood block party, but we can still have a good time. Here’s are some ways to celebrate the 4th during a pandemic.

Freshen Up Your Flag

You may have already been proudly displaying your American flag, but preparing for the Fourth is the perfect reason to freshen it up a bit. Most dry cleaners will clean flags for free, so give them a call to ask about their policies. A flag can get a bit grimy and even moldy after swaying in the breeze through all sorts of weather, so you should have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. If it’s a big flag, you should take advantage of a free laundry delivery service in your area.

Plan a Picnic With Your Family

You may not be able to have a giant backyard BBQ this year, but you can still plan a fun picnic with your family. Now would be a perfect time to prep your linens and blankets, and anything else you may need for a picnic in the grass. Most of these items can be machine washed, but for fancier or delicate fabrics, you may want to take them to your local dry cleaners. Don’t forget the bug spray and sunscreen, both available at your nearby pharmacy.

Go Camping

Now’s the perfect time to go on a camping trip, even if it’s not very far away. If you don’t own an RV or camper, think about renting or borrowing one, for a great weekend getaway on a budget. Don’t forget to fill that propane tank so you’re all ready to go.

4th of July during a pandemic doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside, think outside the box and enjoy some quality time with your family safely!