I probably store far more crap than I need to.  But I like my crap, and in order to properly store my crap, I follow a few useful guidelines:

1. Free Isn’t Always A Good Thing :: You can find free cardboard boxes at just about any grocery store, Wal-Mart, Sams Club, etc.  You might be able to get your hands on some really good, sturdy, thick boxes.  But more often than not, you’ll find yourself collecting smaller, awkward-shaped, thin boxes that may not be so good for long-term storage.
2. Fill Her Up :: In terms of storage and stacking, it is always best to fill cardboard boxes as tightly as possible.  This will prevent episodes of caving, tilting and tumbling.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Label :: When I’m packing and sorting and
   organizing, I tend to get a wee bit manic.  I work with the best of
   intentions – I categorize, I wrap, I fold.  But one thing that I’ve had
   to struggle with in my crap-storing career, is the process of properly
   labeling all of my boxes of crap.  Nothing is worse than spending hours
   on end, sorting, packing and storing, only to step back and realize
   that you’ve not clearly labeled any of your totes.  Or better yet,
   you’ve rushed through the process, and scribbled words like “Kids” or
   “Office” on 5 or 6 different containers, but without actually opening
   the vessel back up again, you have no clue what the heck is in any of
   the 5 “Office” boxes.  (I’m probably the only one here who has 5
   “Office” boxes, aren’t I?)
4. Aluminum Will Survive the Elements :: Aluminum boxes will be your best option for outdoor storage.  They can haul tools in the back of pickup truck, or fertilizer and seed in your back yard.  Aluminum won’t splinter or twist – it will be your best, most durable friend ever.
5. Wood & Wicker Are Pretty :: No room in the closet?  Basement full?  Store your crap in the living room!  That’s what I do.  My living room is full of little cubbies and storage spots that I use to hide all sorts of things.  Wicker baskets with lids work great.  So do wooden boxes or crates.  I can stuff extra blankets, throws, decorations, shoes, etc. in these spaces, and nobody ever knows.  Sure those things are made to be decorative, but they came with lids for a reason – am I right?
6. Tubs :: I was a high school debater.  Therefore, I was married to a Rubbermaid tub for 4 years straight (Unless you were a debater, you probably wouldn’t understand).  Now that I’ve grown up (a little) I still love the heck out of these things.  You can stack them, get them wet, write on them, sit on them – They’re just great.  I’ve got a blue-tub farm in my basement.  The tubs work well in the basement because I encounter mold & dampness problems from time to time.  Cardboard just can’t hold up.

*Remember, an organized home, is a happy home.  But a baby in a tub, is a stupid idea.

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Summer sniffles and Autumn allergies.  No fun.  The great outdoors can mean rough stuff to anybody who battles allergies.  But did you know that there are plenty of potential culprits, right within the comfort of your own home?

Find out how you can remove and/or prevent allergy-related particles from affecting you and yours, INSIDE the home.

1. Carpet : Dust mites and pet dander…yum!  Not so much. Carpets and rugs should be cleaned weekly.  Your vacuum should be equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap all tiny particles.  A non-HEPA version will only re-circulate the crud.
2. Windows : A sweet fall breeze may smell wonderful, but if it’s bringing more than just scent into your home (i.e. ragweed pollen spores), I’d recommend utilizing this little tip: Keep windows shut between the high pollen-count hours of 10AM to 3PM.
3. Bathroom : Moist bathrooms and basements are breeding grounds for mold.  Fight these allergens by wiping walls with a chlorine bleach solution made with 1oz bleach to 1Q water.
4. Bedding: I was listening to a radio show several months back, and the DJ was taking a poll as to how often everybody in the office changed their sheets.  I have to say, I was a little grossed out by some people’s responses.  Not changing your sheets for months at a time!?!  Yuck!  In addition to the dirty-factor, we should keep in mind that mites and mold can live in our beds.  Wash sheets AT LEAST every two weeks, in130 degree water.
5. Basement : Get a dehumidifier!  Set your unit between 35 and 45 percent humidity.  These come in multiple sizes and they range in cost. Mold in the basement is not pretty.
6. Houseplants : Keep an eye on these guys.  Potted plants can harbor allergens on their leaves, in their dirt and in their trays.  Remove moldy leaves immediately and don’t let water pool in the trays.
7. Pets : You can cover air vents with cheesecloth to help prevent pet dander from spreading from room to room.  I know you fellow animal lovers may not like this, but experts recommend that we keep our furry friends out of our bedrooms.  I know I do – well, a good 75% of the time I do, I suppose.

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There is a difference.

I often hear home owners argue that they will not purchase a certain product or service because they are “on a budget.”  But the fact of the matter is, Budget does not equal Cheap.  When managed properly, the home improvement process can provide a satisfying return on investment.  This is not something that will typically be attained through frugality and penny-pinching.

• Keep yourself on track with guidelines and a spending barometer.  Keep receipts.
• Look at your house from the “Total Picture” perspective.  Purchasing granite countertops for the kitchen, when the windows throughout your house are costing you in energy efficiency dollars as you sit, may not be the the best decision for your overall investment.  THINK: Overall return on investment.
• The quality of help you hire is of the utmost importance.  Knowing where to draw the line between DIY and hire the help falls into this category, as well.  Hiring a friend to do the work for you is usually not the best idea (unless of course they are licensed).  Remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.”  If you hire a professional that carries their own insurance and licensing, you are able to rest assured that your investment is covered – no matter what.  Can you say the same for your buddy that’s willing to “do it for a case of beer?”
• Keep the future homeowner in mind.  When choosing colors, appliances, accessories – Your investment will recoup the highest gains for you if you are able to do this.  Remember, taste is subjective.  Neutral, classic colors will do best.  Modern, trendy appliances, countertops and fixtures may backfire on you.
• Brand A costs a more than Brand B, but you know it’s a better quality product, and you feel a lot more comfortable with the contractor.  What do you do?  Remember the old axiom, “Go with your gut.”  As previously mentioned, the quality of the help you hire is of utmost importance.  Workmanship, attitude and character should all be factors of consideration, here.  Remember, you will essentially be turning over the outcome of your investment to these guys.  Paying a little more to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you need out of the process, should be considered best practice.

I found this funny sign on the web…

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