Picking Furniture for a Nursery

Furnishing a nursery can be a wonderful time for an expectant mother. Not only is it fun to prepare for the birth of a baby, but it gives the expectant mother an outlet for those nesting instincts that will soon kick in. A lot of well-meaning people (i.e. parents and in-laws) will convince you that you simply must have certain furniture for your new baby’s room.

Some of the furniture you will likely consider includes:

Bassinette
Crib
Changing table
Dresser
Rocking chair

Do you need it all? Only you can know for sure. Ask yourself, “What furniture am I really likely to use?”

A bassinette is handy for keeping the new baby very close. Most are portable so you can roll them throughout the house. If someone offers to loan you a bassinette, take them up on it as long as the mattress is clean and in good shape. You’ll only use a bassinette for a short period of time, so why invest in it as a major piece of furniture?

A crib, however, is a different story. If you plan for your child to sleep on his or her own at all, you will want a crib. It’s not as safe to borrow a crib from someone and while cribs are a type of baby furniture that have sentimental attachments, don’t agree to use an old crib because it was the one your husband used when he was a baby. Safety standards have changed dramatically and what was once considered safe furniture, might not be now. Look online to find baby crib safety standards. Make sure any spindles on the bed are placed close enough so that the baby cannot get his or her head stuck between them. Also, make sure there’s no lead paint on the bed. If you’re like most mothers, you’ll feel better about your baby’s safety if you buy new or one that was just recently used by someone you know.

Do you need a changing table? Mothers went for years without this piece of furniture. But, they are nice to have and at a convenient height that saves some back strain. It’s a matter of available space, available money and your willingness to bend over to change a diaper!

A dresser, if bought to last for years, would be a good furniture investment. Don’t waste money on a cutesy theme dresser that the baby will only outgrow when he or she starts to develop personal tastes. Instead, think about the rest of your house. Do you have a lot of mahogany furniture or a lot of white painted furniture? Buy a dresser that you can move elsewhere in the house if your child decides he or she hates it down the road. Buy solid wood. The furniture will last longer and it will contain fewer chemicals than cheaper veneer furniture pieces often include in the processing stage or in the glue used to hold pieces together.

Everyone thinks you need a rocking chair if you have a baby. Is it a necessary piece of furniture for the nursery? Not if you have a rocking chair somewhere else in the house. No mother or baby wants to spend all their time in the nursery anyway. Use rocking time in another room to give you both a change of pace – unless you just want to buy a rocker.

About The Author
Bob Benson is the founder of Furniture online. You can check out our website at http://www.my-wicker-furniture.info.
contact@loan-source.co.uk

Free Satellite TV Deals! -- Are They For Real?

I am sure you've seen these ads online and offline -- "Free satellite TV!" "Get a 4-room Satellite TV System Free!" and "Satellite TV Dish and Receivers Absolutely Free!" But are these deals really free? Are them worth for the money? But are these satellite TV offers really free?

The answer to that question is yes ... and no.

It's a 'yes' because you got the satellite TV systems for free. Further more you get other promotions gifts such as digital video recorder (DVR), DVD player, home theater systems and HD systems for free. As the ads say: No equipments to buy at all. However, the programming service will cost you money. Each month, these socall "free satellite TV deals" are going to take out some dollars from your wallet.

Let's examine the facts about free satellite TV deals.

Due to the demise of Pegasus and Voom services, there are only two major satellite TV providers in the USA -- Dish Network and DirecTV. Both companies are providing 100% digital satellite pictures; both companies are offering amazing free satellite TV systems; and both companies have the finest sales support team for their customer services.

Dish Network Satellite TV

When you order a free satellite TV system from Dish Network, you will be asked to pay a $49.99 activation fee. This fee will be credited to your programming bill, so in essence, your satellite TV system is free. Installation of your satellite TV system is also free.

With Dish Network you have the option to upgrade to a DVR (digital video recording) receiver, or an HDTV (high definition TV) receiver at no charge.

You can get Dish Network services at a monthly cost of $19.99. However, Dish Network standard programming fees start at $31.99 per month (for standard 60 program channels). The monthly subscription fees then goes up to around $86.00 for 230 channels including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and Sirius radio.

Dish Network offers more movies, shows, and HDTV than cable or DirecTV, and with one of their free DVR receivers you can record, pause, and fast forward live TV with a click of your remote. All Dish Network programs are broadcast in digital format for crystal-clear picture and sound.

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Depending on your credit rating, when you order a free satellite TV system from DirecTV you may be required to pay a deposit or prepayment. Because the deposit is refunded to you and the prepayment goes toward your programming fees, the DirecTV satellite dish and receivers are free. Installation is also free.

If you want a DVR receiver you will be charged an additional $49.99. The charge for HDTV receivers is $299.99.

DirecTV programming packages start at $29.99 per month for 115 channels (including 31 music channels), and go up to more than $90 per month for 185 program channels, including Showtime, Starz!, HBO, Cinemax, and 31 music channels.

DirecTV offers more sports programs than you can get with cable or Dish Network, including the popular NFL Sunday Ticket which Dish Network does not cover. All sports channels are broadcasted in all-digital format.

Wrapping things up

Both Dish Network and DirecTV's deals are lucrative. As mentioned before, you will get sets of satellite systems and home electronics for free but the programming services will cost you anywhere from $32 to $94 a month.

If TV is one of your primary forms of entertainment and you want the biggest variety of shows, movies, sports, and news -- then the satellite TV deals should be something you should seriously consider. Cable TVs nowadays doesn't looks like a good deal to go for as their monthly fees increase a lot every year. For football fans that wish to get every NFL games- DirecTV is what you are looking for; for normal family, Dish Network seems to be a better choice. You can check out some of the reputable dealers (both Dish Network and DirecTV) at here.

However, if you watch just a few television programs a week and have access to over-the-air TV, then satellite TV probably isn't for you.

About The Author
Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website and get more info on satellite TV dish TV free deals: http://www.satellitetvissue.com.

I Got An Important Lesson In Chainsaw Safety

My neighbor Barry loves his gadgets. You know the type; spends half his time watching the handyman channel and the other half in his garage playing with his tools. There's always something going on in Barry's garage. His wife Linda says at least she knows where he is all the time.

"Better in his garage than down at the local drinking hole getting blind!" she'll tell you.

Anyway, three weeks ago it was Barry's birthday and he'd been on about getting a chainsaw. Linda and the kids got the message. Right on cue, a chainsaw found it's way into Barry's garage. He was ecstatic. He couldn't wait to show me.

"Look mate, a new member's been added to the family," he said to me like the proud father he was. " It's going to be a great addition to the family."

"Family?" I replied looking slightly puzzled. "You mean tool collection don't you?"

"No mate, my tools are like my extended family. I love 'em," he announced proudly."This chainsaw's going to take pride of place!"

"What the hell are you going to do with a chainsaw in the suburbs?" I asked. "I mean it's not like you're going to need it to go out and get firewood. You don't even have a wood fireplace!"

Barry massaged his chin and gave me a piercing stare. He paused for a moment and then in a quiet controlled tone he calmly pointed out to me... "Mate, you never know when a storm might hit." Then he held up the chainsaw and with nodding approval said, "This little baby might just become a lifesaver."

"Yeah right mate," I replied sarcastically. "Next you'll be telling me you'll carve your christmas turkey with it."

"Hey good idea," Barry responded with a sly grin. "I'll tell Linda to get rid of the carving knife!"

We walked into his garage with Barry pointing out with great pleasure where his new family member was going to spend most of it's time. "That's where I'm parking it until I need to use it."

"Use it. You'll never need to use it," I exclaimed. "And anyway Barry, if the time ever came for you to produce your chainsaw... and we'd probably all be dead by then anyway... do you know how to operate it?"

"I sure do mate. I did a crash course with a chainsaw expert on the operation and safety procedures of chainsaws," he told me in a forthright manner.

I retorted quickly. "A crash course! You're kidding right. How hard could it be to operate one of these things, I mean, it would be just like using a lawnmower wouldn't it? You just rev it up and away you go."

Barry looked at me with a bemused expression on his face. He almost had a calming presence come over him. I knew this look. In the past it meant I would get a lecture... A "Barry style crash course" in the use of one of his "family members." In other words, I was about to be educated... Barry style, and I hated it when he made me feel like a moron.

"Mate, mate, mate," he started in a smug tone. "This chainsaw can be very dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced user. Do you know how many people are injured in chainsaw accidents every year?

"Well..yeeaaah," I'd reply in a hesitant fashion."Quite a few I suppose." (I had no idea actually.) "I'd say..."

"Thousands!" Barry butted in without letting me finish. "Thousands. Mate these things are lethal in the wrong hands!"

I smiled and said, "Barry I know what you mean. Someone should have pointed that out to the Texas Chainsaw murderer. It would..."

He cut me off again. This time he meant business. "It's not funny mate. Come on. I'm trying to be serious here."

I backed off and said, "Hey, I know. Sorry mate." I then went into serious mode. Barry was the type of guy who loved to give advice. He expected you to absorb what he said. He just loved to explain how things worked. So I listened. He gave me that fixated look before he proceeded.

"Now before you turn on a chainsaw there's a few important safety procedures to consider. For example, after a storm when there's wood and debris lying around and you need to cut it up, make sure One..." he held up his index finger at me.

"You have a proper helmet system. Cover your head, face and ears. Two...gloves...

Three...protective pants and

Four... protective boots with steel caps."

"Got it," I said entusiastically. "But isn't that a little excessive."

Barry came back quickly. "Ask the poor guy lying in a hospital bed with a piece of wood sticking in his head or leg if that's a bit excessive."

"Right mate. I hear you," I said in an acknowledging tone. Barry went on.

"You must read the owners manual. Kickback injuries are common. The manual will help you in avoiding kickback. Make sure the chainsaw has all the safety features like a chain brake, catcher, spark arrester..."

Barry was in his element. He loved this stuff. "Make sure the carburetor is properly adjusted. If it's gas-powered, only fill it when it's cool. Be careful about using a dull chainsaw..."

"A dull chainsaw?" I interrupted. "What do you mean dull?"

"Dull is when the chain is worn. It can happen quickly. Just by hitting the ground you can dull a chain."

"And why is this a problem Barry?" I'd ask again.

By this time Barry was on cloud nine now. He had an audience even if it was only me but it gave him an opportunity to express himself a little.

"Well mate, it's a problem because the extra pressure you apply to a dull chainsaw increases the chance of injury. Remember, safety first."

"Okay, got it," although I still wasn't completely understanding but because Barry was a neighbor and a mate and because I had a habit of poking fun at him a bit, this was the least I could do to make him feel, well, a little important.

"Never carry a chainsaw when the engine is on. Only work on ground level, never from a ladder..." and he went on and on and on. "And finally mate."

"Yeah mate," I'd ask enthusiastically again knowing I was just about at the end of my lesson.

"Never work when you're tired or alone. That's why you'll be my offsider when I'm about to do a job with my chainsaw," he said with a wry smile interspersed with a Fred Flintstone type laugh.

That was a little Barry humor. In fact, it was about as funny as he ever got. A rare moment.

I'd smile and respond "Oh good mate, I can't wait!"

"So mate, did you get all that," Barry asked. "I'll run through it again if you like?"

He was serious. I had to think quickly.

"You know what Barry, I think I heard my phone," I said slowly backing out of the garage. "Listen, thanks for the tips but I've got to run."

And with that, I was "outta there."

I thought about what Barry had said and you know, it started to hit home that yes, a chainsaw is a useful appliance and yes, it can also be dangerous if not treated with a little respect. Do yourself a favor and read the manual. If you don't like to read ask an expert.

We need the Barrys in this world. It's all about balance. I'm sure you know someone like Barry. If not, then maybe I can introduce you to my next door neighbor!

About The Author
Dean Caporella is a professional journalist and sports announcer who takes an interest in a wide variety of topics. "I grew up in the country on a farm and chainsaws were part of the furniture. I hope this website will provide all the latest news and resources you'll need."
Visit www.chainsawlife.com and come back often.
goldcapp@bigpond.net.au

Benefit From The Stylish Look Of Vertical Blinds

Every homeowner wants to make his or her property look as good as possible, both inside and out, and part of doing this is to select the right décor. Selecting the right window coverings is an integral part of getting the right look for home, and can make a big difference to the look and feel of any room. The contemporary look of vertical blinds is a valuable addition to any home improvement, and whatever type of decoration theme you have in the room these window blinds can give the perfect finish. In the past these blinds and shades have been associated more with office building, with the classic curtain proving more popular amongst homeowners. However, over recent years more and more people have realized just how cool and classy these blinds can look within residential homes, providing a low maintenance, elegant, and affordable way to cover windows. You can select from a wide choice of blinds to suit any room, and with such a great choice available from a range of reputable manufacturers you are certain to find something to suit your budget as well as your décor.

Select the perfect vertical blinds for your home

With a choice of blinds that includes wood, PVC, and metal blinds, you will have no problem finding blinds that look great in any room in your home. The great choice of styles, materials, and even colors will help to ensure that you get the perfect covering for every window in your home. You can enjoy creating a light, airy feel in any room by using these blinds, adding instant brightness and beauty to even the smallest of rooms. Thanks to the versatility of these coverings they can be used anywhere from the bedroom to the bathroom, and you can get coverings that match each room perfectly. With these blinds you can enjoy controlling the light levels in each room, and many enable you to also enjoy increased energy efficiency as well.

Enjoy elegance and beauty the affordable way

You will be thrilled with the affordability of vertical blinds today, and with an excellent choice of colors available too you can make your whole house look both modern and classy through the use of these window treatments. You will find a great choice of covering online, which means that you can browse and select the ideal ones for your property from the comfort and privacy of your own home. You will also find that the cost is lower when you order online with some excellent discounts and deals available on blinds of all descriptions, including the vertical variety. Although blinds may not be suitable for every room in the home – for instance, you may not find them suitable for a richly decorated room due to their simplicity – you will find that they fit in perfectly with most rooms, particularly if you are looking to give your home a facelift and a more modern overall look. These window treatments are also easy to clean and maintain, making them ideal for today’s busy lifestyles.

About The Author
Peter Wilson published a lot of articles for http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com an source of information. The writer is specializing in tips on vertical blinds ( http://www.shades-blinds-shutters-guide.com/vertical-blinds.html ).

Creating A Unique Window Valance

Windows come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes offer a beautiful view. When it is important to let in the most light and not obstruct that perfect view, a window valance can be just the right touch. Window valances come in many different styles and can be used alone or with other window treatments such as drapes, sheers, blinds, or shutters. There are no-sew options as well as the carefully crafted sewn valances that have a real professional touch.

Types of Window Valances

Window valances can be formal or casual. They can be crafted of rich, heavy tapestry fabrics or light, airy cotton. They can be shaped and formed to have a stiff shaped look or be free flowing and informal. The following are some of the more commonly used window valance treatments and how they are made.

Balloon Valance: The balloon valance looks like its name. It normally has a gathered ruffle atop the rod and then the doubled up fabric is pinched in increments so that the areas between the pinches balloon out. Often the puffy areas can be stuffed with tissue paper or even old newspapers if the fabric is thick enough to hide the print. Lighter weight cottons are best for this window treatment. Patterns and stripes, as well as solids, work well to.

The Swag: A swag also looks like it sounds. A swag valance can be short or extend to the floor where it can even be pooled. The swag is held up by two decorative brackets. The width of the fabric is folded accordion style and then draped across the brackets. On wider windows, it may be necessary to support the centre of the swag with a hidden pin or bracket so that it doesn’t swoop too much. Here sheer or very light weight fabrics work well and even some heavier fabrics.

Pleated Valance: A formally shaped valance is best made of heavier fabrics that can be formed and will hold their shape. Lighter weight fabrics may work if they are lined with a stiff enough lining. A pleated or scalloped valance needs to be carefully cut and lined so that when it is pleated and folded the underside fabric shows in equal increments. This style is probably best left to the professional decorator or experienced seamstress. The pleated valance can be hung using a frame made of 2x4” board and L-brackets to that a shelf is created at the top of the window. The fabric can then be stapled to the board once it is shaped, then hung onto the brackets.

How to Make the Most of the Window

Placement of the window valance is almost as important as how it is made and what type of material is used. If windows are short, then the valance can be hung high enough that the bottom just covers the top of the window.

To bring down the height of an extremely tall window the valance can be hung lower or made longer. In general, a valance should not hang more than one-third of the way down the window for the best aesthetics. Two-story windows can be cut in half by the window valance making it a part of the décor of the room on the lower half. By dividing the room’s windows in this manner then the ceiling will not seem so high.

Window valances can be made by anyone with any amount of decorating experience. Some styles require little or no sewing. The important consideration is what type of design is going on in the rest of the room. Remember, window treatments should accent the room and not serve as the focal point.

About The Author
Clinton Maxwell releases for http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com, a source on tips and tricks. The publisher is also writing on subjects such as window valance ( http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/window-valance.html )

Difference Between a Bassinet and a Cradle

If you’re a new parent looking for bed supplies for your new baby, you’ll likely wonder whether you should buy a cradle or a bassinet. And then you’ll ask yourself what the differences are between a bassinet and a cradle. Many people tend to lump the two together, but there are some differences that new parents should be aware of.

Bassinets

Much of the time, bassinets are made of natural fibers like wicker and tend to be more portable than cradles. Bassinets are great for parents who travel a lot, live in a house with more than one floor, or are very active. In addition, they are usually smaller and lighter than a cradle, but the sizes do vary. Bassinet bedding can either be purchased or custom made to fit the requirements and tastes of the parents; new parents need to be aware that though there are similarities between Bassinets and cradles, they take different mattresses, sheets, and bedding.

Cradles

Cradles are usually larger than bassinets and more stationary. They are usually made of wood and manufactured materials. Cradles come in many forms and with differing functions. There is a portable cradle that is smaller and more manageable that you can take on an extended visit to family or friends. Cradles are usually manufactured with a mechanism that will produce a side-to-side motion designed to comfort your baby and help them sleep. Most cradles have two floor rockers that allow a side-to-side rocking motion; others come with the frame suspended on hooks and gently sway rather than rock your baby. Baby bedding for cradles follows the same rules as bassinets: the bedding between the two is not interchangeable, so make sure you get the appropriate bedding for your choice of baby bed.

Whether you purchase a bassinet or cradle, remember to always buy a firm mattress that fits snugly and fits properly. You should not be able to stick more than two fingers between mattress and the side of the cradle or bassinet. Look for legs with strong locks to avoid fold-ins, smooth surfaces without wicker particles or outside hardware, and a sturdy, stable base that is both appropriate for the baby’s weight and wide enough to remain stable, especially in the case of a rocking cradle.

Ensuring your child has an easy transition into the world is hard enough without having to worry about how well they will sleep at night, Both bassinets and cradles are excellent choices for those with new baby’s—simply follow the guidelines and proper use for the cradle or bassinet, buy the correct baby sheets, bumpers, and liners, and buy the correct mattress. Figure out which option best suits your lifestyle and move ahead, confident and secure in the fact that your child will soon be sleeping safely and soundly in their new bed.

http://www.sheetworld.com

About The Author
My name is "Kiran Joseph" and working for http://www.sheetworld.com.

History of Gazebos

Gazebos have been a popular outdoor and garden decoration for centuries and, indeed, they are as old as the garden itself. A gazebo is a free standing structure with a roof, often in the form of a cupola, and walls that are open on all sides. Traditionally they are built on a height or a site that provides an attractive view. A gazebo can provide shade, basic shelter, enhance a landscape or just be a place to rest and view the landscape around you. The word "Gazebo" first appeared in England in about 1752; it is believed to be a combination of the English word gaze with the Latin suffix ebo which means "I shall," thus gazebo means, "I shall gaze." The term gazebo is also similar to the French term Que c’est beau - "how beautiful." Both terms are appropriate descriptions for a gazebo, because of its use for decorating or beautifying a yard or park, and because gazebos are open on all sides, providing a nice view from within the gazebo in all directions. Also termed summerhouses, screen houses, kiosks, pavilions, pergolas, arbors, grottos, pagodas, lookouts, or belvederes, gazebo-like structures have been found in the earliest gardens and in many ancient and modern cultures. Gazebos are the most popular garden structure, and are continuing to grow in popularity today.

Gazebos are an excellent structure to use as a tool for studying culture, and cultural changes. Because they are often small and simple structures, designers and architects could experiment and explore on them. Some believe the earliest gazebos had their origins as Garden Temples.

The earliest known gazebos or garden gazebos were in Egyptian gardens approximately 5,000 years ago, found in a garden plan which dates to about 1400 BC. Murals were created on the tombs of some of the Egyptian royalty with a complete layout of their gardens. The earliest garden plan belonged to an Egyptian high court official who lived in Thebes. Based on the Thebes’ garden design, historians and archaeologists have speculated that enclosed gardens with walled, free-standing enclosures similar to pergolas or what we now call the "gazebo," may date back to 2600 BC or further. Some speculate that early gazebos were used as small temples for communing with the gods. Egyptian royalty often believed their gardens were a paradise on earth and that they could take their gardens to heaven with them, gazebo and all.

In Rome and ancient Greece, gazebo-like structures were built similar to small temples, usually out of marble, complementing the better known or larger temple or cathedral structures dedicated to or depicting the gods. Gazebos became popular structures in Rome and Pompeii, as the population of Rome increased and the affluent and aristocratic built summerhouses along the Mediterranean coasts complete with garden gazebos. Gazebos were focal points in homes and public places

Persians developed their own forms of gazebos or garden houses originating from Islamic architecture, called "kiosks." Gazebos in tenth-century Persian gardens could range from anything from colorful tents with mats on the floors, two-story structures with cupolas, marble columns, and golden seats. Turkish sultans lived in summer palaces also termed "kiosks." Some were even constructed across pools or streams so that the cold water running beneath their marble floors would help to cool them. Others were actually used as tombs for their owners.

About The Author
Peter Jay is an Internet Marketing Profession for Amish Gazebo Shop. For more information about gazebos or the Amish Gazebo Shop, visit http://www.amishgazeboshop.com

Selecting Furniture for a Play Room

The furniture you choose to put in your play room depends mostly on your family’s definition of “play room.” If your play room is for a toddler to have lots of running room, your furniture will differ greatly from the play room designed to give adults the feel of a sports bar atmosphere.

If your play room is designed with a mobile child in mind, you probably will not need much furniture. An appropriately sized table for the child to sit at while coloring or drawing, playing with puzzles or doing crafts is a must along with a sturdy chair. A good toy box that could double as a hope chest for the child later is another good furniture item to include in the room. Throw in a couple of chairs for the kids to wallow on and your furniture needs are met!

A play room for older kids will differ in its furniture needs. A table with sturdy chairs will still be vital. Older kids who like to watch television or movies and play video games will also need a solid entertainment center or tv stand on which to hold the tv set. You’ll need more seating for older kids, too. They tend to have more friends visiting and will require more seating area.

If your play room is for adults, furnish it accordingly. In addition to any favorite games, like pool or billiards, you will want your play room to have quality furniture in it too. Select a nice sofa or sectional with plenty of seating. Select coffee and end tables that can move quickly to accommodate snack trays or your favorite board game. If you are going to have video games in your play room, make sure your seating is placed for good game play.

If your play room is going to be used for hobbies, make sure your furniture is suited for the hobby of your choice. If your hobby is scrap booking, you will need a good, comfortable desk and a nice chair. A hobby such as needle point would require a comfortable chair with good back support and good lighting. If writing is your hobby, your “play room” may take on the look of a home office instead. Invest in good furniture that includes a computer desk and a comfortable chair.

No matter what your family’s definition of “play room” is, you can utilize it best and get the most enjoyment from it when you furnish it according to its intended use. Don’t put a lavish sofa in your play room if it will be subjected to frequent spills and gooey drops of food. Likewise, don’t expect to be comfortable on furniture that is way past its last legs. Know your space, know your needs, and know your budget. When you take those things into consideration, you will make good decisions regarding the furniture and accessories you select for your play room and you can concentrate on what the room was intended for – having fun!

About The Author
Bob Benson is the founder of Furniture online. You can check out our website at http://www.doll-furniture.info.
contact@loan-source.co.uk

Cut the Clutter!

Is clutter bogging you down? Is it living on your shelves collecting dust and in your closet stealing valuable space, has it wandered down the hall to the kids room and taken over? It’s time to cut the clutter.

What is clutter?

It is some thing you have had for more than six months and have used one time or less.
It is too many items crammed into a small space.
It is mail that is unsorted lying about in piles.
It is all projects lying about unfinished.
It is any thing you no longer have use for.

Where does the clutter go?

You should sort clutter into three categories.

Trash – Paper, broken items or any thing in bad condition.

Sell – Brand name clothing items or any thing in almost new condition such as toys.

Donate – Clothing in good condition, toys or any usable item in good condition.

What will I need?

Grab two big boxes and a good sized trash bag. Label one box sell unless you do not plan on selling if not label it donation as well as the other box. Otherwise you should have two boxes, one sell and the other donations.

Getting into the clutter.

Once you have decided it is time to get rid of all that clutter it is just a matter of getting started.

Choose a room determine the clutter hot spots. For example the top of the refrigerator is often a clutter attracting spot. Remove each item and ask your self is this trash? What value or use is this to me? Do I have more than one of these? Sort items into Trash sell or donate. If you decide to keep it designate it a permanent home. Move to each room, find the hot stops for clutter and repeat the process.

Clutter hot spots

Children’s rooms (closets, toy boxes, dressers selves the floor) – broken or out grown toys, worn or out grown clothing, papers from school

Kitchen (counter tops, table, drawers, cupboards, under the sink) – Papers, mail, over abundance of useless appliances, empty product bottles or products that do not work

Bed rooms (closets, dressers, shelves) – Clothing, paperbacks, knickknack

Living or family room (shelves, Entertainment center, drawers) - Books, paper work, mail, toys, knickknacks, magazines, newspapers

Bathroom (Shelves, medicine cabinet, under the sink) Old make up, used products, empty products, old magazines, newspapers

Coat room - make sure all outer wear has working zippers and fastens; toss worn shoes or unworn shoes.

This is not clutter what do I do with it!

Baskets are great for organizing many small related items together in one spot.

Totes are a woman’s best friend store away half your children’s toys and reticulate then every month or so. Put out of season clothing away or blankets.

Shelves give books magazines and knickknacks a place to live.

Laundry baskets make great toy storage for stuffed animals and other big toys. They are also great to leave in a central location for family members to toss things in until they get to putting them away.

The golden rules of clutter
If you do not use it lose it.
Build a wardrobe, once you do when you buy new replace the old.
Every thing has a place if it doesn’t toss it.
Every thing must have a use if it doesn’t toss it.
Less is almost always more!
Less is easier to clean and care for!

About The Author
Jennifer Gove
If you enjoyed this article please stop into http://www.simplymoms.com or check out the forums at http://www.simplymoms.com/forum for great advice articles and ideas!
Jennifer is a stay at home mother who resides in the state of Maine with her husband and children.
simplymoms@hotmail.com