Tips for Doing Laundry

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Laundry is a bit like a Monday morning. No one really looks forward to it, but every week it must be done. Laundry is frustrating because it contains a ton of steps: washing, drying, folding, hanging, ironing, and then putting away each item. We want to help make doing your laundry a little bit easier with these simple tips:

Make a Plan. One of the most challenging parts about doing laundry is the fact that you do not know when you will have time to do it. Stick to a consistent schedule to ensure that you will always have clean clothes for your family. Making a plan can be beneficial in other ways; the longer you wait to do laundry, the longer stains, wrinkles, and unwanted smells can stay in the clothing. Make a plan and stick to it.

Stacks on Stacks. Laundry needs to be sorted in order to wash each load properly. Make sure you have enough baskets to sort your laundry. Sometimes when we lay laundry on the floor, it gets in the way of doing other activities. Not to mention, kids or pets can run across the clothing creating more of a mess. Depending on the size of your home, invest in some baskets to organize your laundry. Bins can be stacked and put away if you do not have a laundry room to store them.

Do Not Let Them Stick Around. Stains must be dealt with as soon as possible. Sometimes it is easier to pass over stains if your laundry room has poor lighting. Go to a room that has good lighting to recognize any stains on your clothing. When sorting through your laundry, focus on first washing clothing that has stains on it. Buy a stain remover to ensure the removal of your stains and always wash it out as soon as possible.

Hang in There. Installing a clothing rod for your laundry room will be extremely beneficial for your laundry routine. Clean clothes can go on the clothing rod to be put away or to be steamed/ironed. The clothing rod will help keep your laundry room in tiptop shape.

High There. Take advantage of the space high up in your laundry for products that contain chemicals. Being safe includes being smart, store your hazardous items high up so that small children and pets cannot get into them.

We hope all your socks find their matching pair and that doing your laundry feels like a Friday.

Creating a Clean House in Under an Hour

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Cleaning your house does not need to take an unnecessarily long time. Set a time limit that you want to spend on each room and get it done faster and more effectively. We have compiled the perfect “Clean House List,” and we want to share it with you. This list is excellent if you are having unexpected company over and do not have time to do your usual full clean. The best part of the list is that it can all be accomplished within 45 minutes! Let’s take a look!

Room One: The Front Entrance. Time Limit: 5 minutes.

  • Straighten up all shoes and jackets.
  • Sweep or vacuum the front entrance’s flooring.

Room Two: The Living Room. Time Limit: 15 minutes.

  • Gather any items that are laying around and place them in their correct home.
  • Fold blankets and rearrange pillows.
  • Take a microfiber cloth and run it across your hard surfaces (tables and television).
  • If possible, open your window to welcome in a fresh air flow.
  • Remove all pet fur from the couches with a lint roller.

Room Three: The Kitchen. Time Limit: 15 minutes.

  • Take everything off the counters and wipe them off with a disinfectant wipe.
  • Clean up your sink area and remove any food residue.
  • Replace the old dishtowels and hang new ones.
  • Take out the trash and put a fresh bag inside the trashcan.
  • Kitchens may have an odor; light some candles to freshen the air before guest arrive.

Room Four: The Main Bathroom. Time Limit: 20 minutes.

  • Pour toilet bowl cleaner into the toilet bowl and let it sit for approximately five minutes.
  • Remove all dirty clothes and towels from the bathroom and place them into a laundry basket. Store the basket in either your bathroom closet or in your laundry room.
  • Take everything off of the countertop and begin to wipe them down with a disinfecting spray.
  • Using a sponge, scrub the inside of the sink and then use water to rinse away leftover disinfectant spray.
  • Grab some glass cleaner and spray your mirrors to remove all fingerprints and dirt.
  • Go back to your toilet and scrub out the bowl. Flush the remaining solution.
  • Take a disinfectant wipe and wipe down the toilet seat before your guests arrive.
  • Straighten the bathroom rugs and close the shower curtain.
  • Take out the trash and replace the bag.

Voila! You are done and ready to enjoy the company of your guests.

How to Style Throw Pillows Like a Pro

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From vibrant, bold hues to jazzy patterns, throw pillows are a fabulous way to accent or spice up the bed or sofa. Whether you are decorating the couch in the living room or the bed in the master room, putting together the right combination of throw pillows can be much harder than it looks. In fact, mixing patterns and colors is an art. Here are some secrets for styling throw pillows like a professional:

Don’t Make This Mistake

Perhaps the biggest mistake that homeowners make when selecting throw pillows is playing it too safe. The great thing about such an accent piece is that they are typically used sparingly which means that you have room to play around with pattern and color without overwhelming the space. As the most significant piece of furniture in the room, the sofa or bed is usually a neutral color. Using neutral colored throw pillows can create a whitewashed effect. If you have a neutral bed or couch, we recommend throwing in some pops of color to brighten up the space and add style. 

Meshing Throw Pillows With Your Decor

Are you worried that a specific throw pillow will not work well with your room’s decor?  Vibrant colors and patterns work well in any space as long as it harmonizes with something else in the room such as a piece of artwork, the rug or even a chair.  A throw pillow can look out of place in a space if it does not match well with anything in the room. Create a cohesive look by seeking inspiration from another element in the room.

The Secret to Mixing Patterns

The key to tastefully mixing patterns is finding a common link between the patterns. Different patterns can look great together when they use a similar color or tone. Solid colored throw pillows mesh well with both large and small scaled patterns. Mixing solid hued throw pillows with patterns creates a balanced yet playful look. Avoid mixing more than three different patterns together in one setting. 

Where Should You Place Throw Pillows?

So where is the best spot for throw pillows? This largely depends on the set up of the sofa or the bed. Most designers will recommend placing throw pillows at the end or the corners of the seating area or bed. For a large couch or bed, you will need at least two throw pillows at both opposite ends. Leaving the midsection provides ample room for sitting or laying down.

Remember to keep functionality in mind as well as have fun with it. Designing is a unique expression of style. Do whatever makes you happy and you will not be disappointed.

How to Hang Mason Jars

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Have you ever desired to have more storage in your kitchen, but do not necessarily have the room to add more cabinets? Your solution is here: hanging mason jars underneath your cabinets adds style and function to any space. Plus, it is super simple to do! Let’s see how.

Supplies:
Mason Jar
Piece of Wood
Hammer
Nail
Screw
Screw Driver

Depending on the amount of space you have available under your cabinets, you can choose the number of mason jars you will use for this project.

*You will need one screw and one nail per one mason jar you use.

Want to Add Color? You can even paint the mason jars if you would like to add a pop of color. Remember to paint your mason jar before attaching them to your cabinets. If you want a distressed mason jar look, decorate the mason jar with color chalkboard paint. After it is finished drying, you can run sandpaper over the areas you want to look distressed.

How to Hang Mason Jars:

Step One. Take the lid off of your mason jar.

Note: Mason jar lids have two parts associated with them. You will have the physical “rim” and “the flat top.”

Step Two. Grab your piece of wood and set your lid onto of it. Have the lid facing up in a bowl-like resemblance.

Step Three. Take your hammer and nail and create one small hole in your lid.

Step Four. Remove the nail and lid from the piece of wood.

Step Five. Take your lid over to the cabinet that you wish to hang it underneath.

Step Six. Place your screw inside the hole you just created. Screw it into the bottom of your cabinet.

Note: It is essential that you make sure your lid is on tight because your jar will be hanging from it.

Was not that easy? It is a quick and simple way to add style and function to your kitchen or any room in your house. Try this hack anywhere in your home to add extra storage to your space. Just remember to always make sure your lid is screwed into your cabinet tight!

Seven Genius Ways to Reduce Clutter

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Are you looking for ways to reduce clutter in your home? Look no further! We have gathered a list of seven ways you can eliminate unwanted clutter in your home. Let’s take a look!

Seven Ways to Reduce Clutter:

Switch to Glass Containers. Often times, our pantries are filled with plastic and cardboard containers from the store. To eliminate clutter, switch your items over to a glass jar and recycle the cardboard boxes. By eliminating boxes, you can create a clean, sleek look while providing more room.

Sort Through Shoes. Do you ever pass over certain shoes thinking that there “may” be a time that you “might” wear them? Honestly, there may never be a time because you will get better, new shoes in the future. Donate old shoes that you never wear, and free up some closet space.

Donate Old Toys. The older your children get, the more they do not want to play with certain toys. Go through the toy bin with your children to determine what toys they still use and which ones you can give to charity.

Missing Sock Pairs. We have all heard the saying that the washing machine ate my socks. Sometimes socks just disappear. Whether you left one at the gym or it is behind your dresser, you can completely start over. Get rid of all socks that you have not found the pair for in over two months. This is a good cleanse, because who does not love brand new socks?

Expired Medication. Sometimes our medicine closets hold expired medication, and we do not even realize it. Sort through all your medications to make sure they have not reached their expiration date. If they have, make sure to dispose of them safely so that pets and small children cannot get to them.

Holiday Cards. Do not get us wrong, holiday cards are very meaningful and sweet, but after the holiday season is over, you should probably recycle them. This will help free up space in your home and eliminate paper clutter. Be sure to write down any addresses in your address book before you recycle the envelopes.

Receipts. If you like to keep all your receipts, try digitizing them. Just scan them onto your computer and store them in a folder labeled “receipts.” This way they are not taking up space in your home.

Getting rid of stuff is difficult, but it is vital to happy living. You will feel a lot better once you cleanse your home.

For more expert tips and tricks, be sure to visit us at Fulton Homes. Thanks for reading!

Saving Money on a Move

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You are moving into a new place. Whether you are moving into soon or in the future, moving costs are probably consuming your mind. A lot of money can go into moving into a new home from boxes to transportation. You already spent enough money on your new place, and now you have to spend more money just to get there? We understand your frustration, and we want to help you cut costs during your move to help save you money. Here are our tips for saving money on a move:

Get Rid of Stuff Beforehand. Do not bother moving stuff that you are going to sell, throw out, or get rid of eventually. Take some time to set aside items that do not need packed and donate them or throw them out.

Get Multiple Quotes from Professional Movers. Moving companies all have different prices and packages. Shop around before you set your mind on one mover. It is better to be aware of several companies’ rates before you agree on one company and make your decision.

Ask for Recommendations. Movers are moving some of your most valuable possessions; therefore, you want to make sure that they are a good company. Ask friends, family or neighbors for their moving company recommendations.

Try to Pack with What You Already Own. Think inside the box. What box-like things do you own that can hold other materials during the move? For example, if you own luggage, fill the suitcases with clothing during your move. This simple hack will save you from purchasing more boxes.

Ask The Moving Company Questions. If you decide on a moving company, ask them questions about their costs for heavy items, repacking, stairs, and their wait time. Sometimes moving companies like to hide these fees from customers. It is best for you to have an overall view of costs before you begin.

Use Portable Storage and Delivery Companies. Portable containers are perfect if you are willing to pack up the container yourself then the company will deliver it to your new place for you.

Rent a Moving Truck. If you are not interested in a moving company, rent a truck for the day and do it yourself. Ask your family or friends to help you with the moving process in exchange for a pizza dinner. Be sure to read the moving truck company’s fine print for mileage allowances and fuel surcharges before you sign your name.

Purchase Moving Insurance. Things happen, stuff breaks. If you are worried about your belongings, purchase moving insurance for more significant items.

Moving Expenses are Tax Deductibles. If you are moving at least 50 miles away, save all of your receipts from the move. The cost of packing, transporting, or storing your things can be deducted from next year’s tax return.

We hope that these tips will help save you money during your move, and we are so excited that you choose Fulton Homes as your forever home. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.

How to Clean Your Couch

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Couches are magnets to unwanted dirt, hair, and lint. Cleaning them can become an overwhelming task for homeowners. If you are curious about how to properly clean your sofa, we have the perfect guide for you! The best part is you can do this all on your own before resorting to a professional cleaning crew and here is how:

How to Clean Your Couch:

Pro-Tip: Before we begin, if you are planning on using any cleaner or solution on your sofa, it is a smart idea to apply it on a small section of your couch to see how it reacts. Try using it in an unseen place and let it sit before continuing to use it on the rest of your couch.

1. Food crumbs and dirt can be hidden underneath your couch cushions. Remove the cushions and start to vacuum up any leftovers.

2. Fabric couches are more prone to lint and hair; therefore, you want to make sure you remove all of it. Try using a dryer sheet to remove hair and grab a lint roller to get leftover lint. Bonus: the dryer sheet will leave your couch smelly fresh and delightful.

3. Each couch needs to use a particular solution type for the most successful results. You can find your couch’s cleaning needs on its fabric tag. You will notice that a letter is associated with the couch. Here is the cleaning codebook to help you find the right cleaning solution for your furniture:

S: Dry cleaned or cleaned with a water-free detergent.

O: Washed in cold water.

W: Cleaned with water-based detergent.

WS: Water-based detergent or dry cleaned.

X: Only should be cleaned by a professional.

4. Steaming your couch can help loosen up dirt and particles for a more efficient clean. Turn your iron on “steam” mode and rub it back and forth on the dirty areas. You will find it easier to clean after doing this.

5. Remember to always blot and never rub when you are trying to remove a stain. If you are looking for a stain remover, make sure to test a small area first and that it matches with your couch’s cleaning code.

We hope you enjoyed these tips for cleaning your sofa! Be sure to check back next week for more expert advice. Thanks for reading! 

Trendy Ideas for Wall Decor

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Do your walls feel bare and ultimately make the room feel uninviting? It is totally okay! We have all been there. In order to master your room’s potential, you need to take advantage of that bare wall space, and we have six trendy ideas for you! Let’s take a look.

Trendy Ideas for Wall Decor:

1. Up in The Air.

If you are looking for a wall decor idea that is as functional as it is stylish, floating shelves can be the perfect choice for you. They provide additional store and the ability to display unique decor pieces on them. Plus, if you are looking for the most recent floating shelf trend, we recommend letting your shelves expand from wall to wall. This brilliant idea creates clean lines and provides an excessive amount of storage. It looks great in dining rooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.

2. Galleria.

Upon the classics, a gallery wall never goes out of style. Each year, we learn new ways to make it up more updated and trendy. This year, we recommend using the same type of frame for all of the photos. This helps to create a clean, consistent look that is absolutely breathtaking. That being said, the size can differ in each frame. 

3. Framed.

Frames are not just for pictures nowadays, but you can include things like fabric, wallpaper, graphic prints, or postcards inside of them.

4. Sketch.

Wall stencils can be a great way to add stylish detail to your walls. Plus, they are easy to do! With a paint of can and a stencil, you can completely reimagine your bare walls.

5. Jetsetter. 

Maps are not just for gathering directions. You can use a map as a piece of decor that displays all of the fun, unique places that you have traveled. We recommend adding colorful pins to mark the destinations that you have been. You can even add photos of you in that location near or on the place. This helps to add a personal touch to the art.

6. Found Treasures.

Antique shops are a great place to find unique treasures that can make your home a little more special. You can incorporate rustic keys in a gallery wall or hang old artwork to spice up your walls.

Do you have a trendy idea for wall decor that you would like to share with other readers? We would love to hear below in the comment section!

The Key to Storing Your Keys

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We would be lost without our keys. Your keys can be an extreme asset to your life. Not only are your keys essential for transportation, but also allow access into your home, work, and even in some cases, your place of education. Where would we be without our keys? Too often people misplace or lose them due to oversight. Establishing a designated area in your home is the first proactive step in not losing your keys. We put together our top most convenient places to store your keys so that you never find yourself without them again. Let’s take a look!

Key Hook

The key hook is a phenomenal resource to facilitate storing your keys inside your home. Our team of experts has found it to be the most beneficial to place your key hook near your primary entrance and exits of your home. For example, if you exit through your foyer, your keyholder should hang closest to your foyer door. Whereas in some households, residents may exit their home via the garage. Establishing what the best location in your home is essential to keep your keys from never being lost.

Key Drawer

A key drawer has also been found to be helpful in family homes. Like anything in life, developing the habit is crucial to success.  Assign a drawer in your home where you keep all of your keys.  Make sure it is the first place you go when you come home to put your keys away.  The closer your key drawer is to your entrance and exit the better.  Not only is does this grant more convenience but also prevents you from getting caught up or distracted from putting your keys away.

Your Nightstand

So, this one may not be the closest to your door but serves a valuable second purpose.  Having your keys near your bed allows you to have instant access to your car alarm.  You would use this clever hack if you were to need quick access to your car alarm, for example, a home intrusion.  Just reach over and turn on your car alarm and you have your own home security system.  This is also probably where you are charging your phone at night making it easy to grab both before you get up and start your day.
Having your keys always in an assigned location will prevent you from losing them.  This is an easy habit to develop that can prevent a ton of unnecessary hassle and stress.  Also, creating spare keys and hiding them outside your home is an excellent preventive measure you can take to stay proactive from losing your keys or any spontaneous situation where someone else may need into your home.  For more great tips and tricks, visit us at Fulton Homes.

Must-Have Home Accessories & Decor Pieces

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A room can appear rather dull without accessories and decor pieces. What was once boring can be brought to life with a few key pieces. If you are searching for design inspiration, we have created a guide of seven must-have home accessories/decor pieces. Let’s take a look!

Must-Have Home Accessories/Decor Pieces:

1. A Natural Element.

Plants can create a beautiful feature piece within a space. From succulents to flowers, plants provide a delightful, refreshing twist to the classic decor pieces. Plus, with plants, you can bring in natural elements. The things that we all love about the outdoors are featured when you incorporate a plant in your decor. The plants will help to create an inviting, refreshing space that cannot be mastered by any other decor piece.

2. Window Treatments.

The stylish treatments that you use for your curtains can help elongate the space while incorporating a vast amount of natural lighting. Curtains can be a great accessory piece for all homes because whether you choose patterns or a pop of color, it can provide a flattering finish to your space.

3. Light The Way.

Lighting is essential for setting the mood and overall tone of the room. Not only can you incorporate stylish fixtures, but you can install light options that help create a sense of completeness. For example, you could install dimmers for the night time or track lighting in dark areas of your room. Lighting is all about your perspective and personal opinion.

4. Added Comfort.

There is something oh so comforting about a cozy area rug. Area rugs are great ways to add that homey look you desire without taking away from the current flooring. Plus, they can help dress up the space. They provide a much-needed backdrop to your furniture pieces while blending into the overall decor.

5. Wall Pieces.

Do not let your walls be bare this season. Walls are the perfect opportunity to add a little bit of flair and fun. From large mirrors to stunning artwork, your walls can express a fun, creative nature and add to the overall decor.

6. Make a Statement.

No matter what, we recommend finding a focal piece to make as the statement of the room. Whether it be dressing up the fireplace or framing the gorgeous bay window, find your focal point and run with it.

7. Play with Texture.

Texture can play an important in the overall design scheme. Most homeowners breeze past the thought, but it can help create a sense of comfort. Try adding pieces that incorporate unique textures into your space. It does not even have to be an area rug or blanket; you can add texture through artwork, light fixtures, etc. Get creative with it.

What accessory could you not live without having? We would love to hear your feedback in the comment section.