Simple Hacks for a Well-Organized, Clean, and Clutter-Free Home
Now that we’ve entered 2024, it’s the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your living space. Decluttering, cleaning, and reorganizing can give
Utilize deep-cleaning hacks. Did you know that baking soda and vinegar are a dynamic duo when it comes to cleaning various surfaces in your home? Baking soda is a gentle abrasive cleaner, while vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Mixing them is a great way to clean ovens, sinks and drains, and even grout. Another often-neglected area is the inside of your microwave, but it can be easy to clean — with steam! Simply fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and a few slices of lemon and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will help loosen grime and make it easier to wipe away with a cloth. Invest in storage solutions. Efficient storage solutions, such as bins, shelves, and drawer dividers, can help you maximize your space and keep everything organized. Under-bed storage containers are great for organizing seasonal items, and wall-mounted shelves are ideal for displaying keepsakes and collectibles. By implementing these cleaning and organizational hacks, you can create a more peaceful and efficient living space that sets a positive tone for the entire year. The keys are to start small and stay consistent to enjoy the benefits of a well-organized and clutter-free home.
your home a fresh start and contribute to a sense of mental clarity and productivity. Here are five cleaning and organizational hacks to kick-start your new year.
Use the 15-minute rule. One of the simplest and most effective organizational hacks is to spend just 15 minutes every day decluttering a different area of your home. Whether it’s a drawer, shelf, or closet, the consistent effort will add up and help you maintain a clutter-free space throughout the year. Create a cleaning schedule. Establish a weekly or monthly cleaning schedule to ensure all areas of your home are consistently maintained. Having a plan in place will make it easier to stay on top of chores and prevent them from piling up. Follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule. For every new item you bring into your home, consider getting rid of one item. This rule helps you avoid having too much “stuff” and is a terrific system if you have the discipline to keep up with it (that second part can be tricky)!
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How One Parent’s Enablement Led to Unending Burden
Tough love isn’t easy, especially as a parent. Yet, oftentimes, it’s the best way to help kids and adult children grow. We’ve seen how damaging it can be for our clients’ families when they don’t. We’ll share the story of one client, Sandra, who was stuck in a position any parent would struggle in. Her daughter Donna experienced one life crisis after another. Whether it was job loss, divorce, or a car breakdown, Donna asked her mother for money. Sandra generously wrote her checks each time, categorizing these financial aids as “loans.” Despite Sandra having the means to sustain this support, her actions gave rise to complex financial and familial issues. To formalize these transactions, Sandra had our team draft promissory notes with stated interest rates at the lowest “applicable federal rate” approved by the IRS. Even if Donna didn’t pay the interest, Sandra had to impute it on her tax return, following IRS regulations. Sandra’s consistent financial assistance over the years created a pattern of dependence for Donna, whose financial struggles seemed unending. However, when Sandra passed away, her five children, including Donna, faced an unforeseen challenge. In her will, Sandra designated
the loans/gifts as deductions from Donna’s share of the estate, which was to be divided among five children. Donna’s siblings calculated the outstanding loan balances, including compounded unpaid interest, reducing Donna’s inheritance significantly.
Did Sandra genuinely help her daughter, or did her continuous financial support enable Donna to make poor choices? Parental assistance is a natural instinct, but there is a delicate balance between offering help and allowing children to face the consequences. While each situation is unique, Sandra’s case highlights the pitfalls of prolonged financial support. As parents, we must let our children grow, and sometimes that requires facing challenges, financial or not, on their own.
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