What is your clutter really doing to you? According to psychologist Sherrie Bourg Carter, messy spaces and clutter can have some nasty effects on a person’s well-being. For one, it can cause anxiety. When the mind is constantly distracted and over-stimulated, it can be both physically and mentally difficult to relax. Believe it or not, avoiding that pile of clothes or papers can also cause you feelings of guilt, frustration and even embarrassment. Who knew an overflowing countertop or messy living room could do all that!

So, what’s the solution when you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start?  Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. What needs the most attention? When you look around your home or space, where is the first area or items that jump out to you?
2. Focus and head straight for it. Give yourself 10-15 minutes to work on that space and don’t stop. Even a small amount of progress can be satisfying and help with momentum!
3. Have a mountain to conquer? Ask for help. If you can, get the kids, spouse or your significant other involved. Round up the troops and give them specific tasks to do.
4. Overcome the urge to “hang on” to things. If you haven’t read the stack of magazines that have been sitting there for 6 months, toss them!
5. When you have difficulty throwing items out, opt to donate or pass them along. Create a donate bag or bin and give your self a set timeframe for the items to be delivered or picked up. If they are still in your home after one week practice some tough-love and get rid of them.

Experts agree that freeing yourself and your space of unnecessary items can lower stress levels and give you a calmer sense of well-being! And don’t worry, once you are finally able to relax and put your feet up, you can always download that favorite magazine!

With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the weather and give your home some much needed TLC.  Often, we get so busy with work, family and schedules, we take for granted that our homes will remain in their current conditions for years to come! This could be a costly mistake! Our homes need attention too. Here are 8 home maintenance tips that you may be overlooking that could save you heartache and money!

MY TOP 8 ITEMS TO CHECK THIS SPRING:

#1) Check for Broken or Missing Roof Tiles:
Living in Las Vegas, we all know how easily wind gusts can reach 60 mph here in the Valley. This can leave our roofs vulnerable to flying debris and shifting roof tiles, which in turn can lead to leaks and water damage. Before the “spring showers” arrive, you may want to have your roof checked for any damage from the previous months or years.

#2) Have your A/C Serviced:
How many stories have you heard about people having their air conditioning unit going out right in the middle of summer? Talk about heartache! Having your unit serviced before the extreme temperatures put them into over-drive… just may prevent a “sticky” situation.

#3) Seal Cracks and Gaps:
Homes have a tendency to settle over the years. Vegas, having extreme temperature swings from cold to blazing hot, can add additional expanding and shifting. Windows and doors, once perfectly secure, can find themselves separating and leaving gaps or cracks. These gaps can be the entryway for rain and water, or the loss of heating and cooling efficiency.

#4) Check Under Sinks:
Be sure to remove everything under your sinks and inspect for any minor drips or moisture. It’s amazing what a tiny drip can do to drywall and cabinetry over time!

#5) Inspect Sink & Bath Caulking:
It is becoming apparent that “water” can be our worst enemy! Check the caulking around all sinks, showers and baths and reseal any gaps or deterioration.

#6) Seal Granite Countertops:
Many homeowners are unaware that their countertops need maintenance too. Experts recommend sealing granite annually, but you can also do a simple water drop test to see if it’s time to re-seal. Sealing prevents the absorption of liquids, smells and stains from permanently setting into the stone. Find out how to do a simple water test on your granite here: https://www.granitegold.com/water-test-for-granite-sealing/

#7) Replace Smoke Detectors & Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Most people are aware they should replace batteries annually for smoke detectors and twice a year for carbon monoxide detectors. However, did you know the units themselves have a shelf life? According to experts, a smoke detector is susceptible to failure after 8-10 years and should be replaced. Carbon Monoxide Detectors have an even shorter shelf life of approximately 5-7 years!

#8) Clean Dryer Vents:
People often get this confused with cleaning the removable lint screen on their dryers. While its recommended the lint screen be cleaned after every use, that’s typically not the issue. The real culprits are the unchecked dryer vents and exhaust ducts. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the #1 cause of dryer related fires is the failure to clean them!