If you’ve been parking on the street all year because there is no room in the garage, it’s time to start getting organized. The most important elements to think about when organizing your garage are storage and safety. Tools, chemicals, and supplies should all have designated spaces in your garage to avoid accidents and maintain a neat and clean look. Here are a few ideas on how to maximize storage and safety for a more efficient garage.

Building Storage Cabinets

The trick to keeping your garage in good shape is to make sure everything in it has a place. Building storage cabinets will give you the extra space you need to stash your garage supplies.

You first need to determine how large you want your cabinet to be, and how many cabinets you would like to have. Cut ¾” plywood to form the pieces of the cabinet (2 sides, top and bottom, back, shelves). Paint the pieces and let dry completely before assembling. Use wood glue to form the pieces together and then secure them using a nailer. Set the structure on its face to nail the back wood panel in place. Use a measuring tape when installing shelves to ensure that they remain level. Slide in the shelves and secure with nails. To install the doors, cut two equal pieces of wood to create double doors. Sand them down and paint them before attaching hinges. Once you move the cabinet into place, secure it to the wall studs.

Installing Lock-Tile Flooring

Lock-tile flooring is great for the garage. Not only is it durable and resistant to most solvents and chemicals, but it’s quick and easy to install. Lock-tile flooring will stand up to garage projects and keep you safe while doing them because it’s anti-slip.

Before you install the tiles, make sure you leave the tiles in the garage for at least 24 hours. The temperature of the garage should be maintained at 70°F (+/-5°). This is not a project to work on in the middle of summer or the dead of winter. Once the tiles have adjusted, sweep the floor to remove any dust and debris. Start installing the tiles from the center of the room, working outwards to the walls. Use a rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit between the tiles. When you get close to the perimeter, tiles can be cut to size using a utility knife or jigsaw. Be sure to leave ¼ in expansion gap at the walls.

Adding Pegboard Storage

Keeping your garage organized is easy when you have enough storage space. Make use of empty walls by hanging pegboard for additional storage. Pegboard allows you to hang tools or supplies from hooks that slip into the board. Keeping supplies here allows easy access to all of the supplies you need without having to search through boxes, cabinets or shelves.

The first thing you’ll want to do is measure the space where you want to be covered by the board so you know how much you need to purchase. Sometimes you can find boards that are pre-framed, if not taking the time to frame your board will give you a much cleaner looking finish. If you want to paint the board, the frame, or both it’s a good idea to do so before you assemble it. Attach the frame to the board using an air nailer. Find and the studs on the wall using a stud finder and mark the location before you go to hang the board. The board can be attached to the wall using four screws, two on top and two on the bottom.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter for more updates on home improvement.

Most of us only know that when we wipe a countertop or wash a few dishes, a few seconds later they turn shiny and clean (except perhaps for that stubborn bit of dried food.) Cleaning with certain household products is actually a more harsh, and physically harmful, process than you might think.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) has a guide to the secrets of the cleaning chemical world. Here’s a bit how it goes: Thousands of children and adults are harmed each year through contact with regular household cleaners. Each time you wash your dishes, cleanser residue containing chlorine is left to eventually consume come next meal. Laundry detergents containing phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, and phenol can cause rashes, sinus problems, and a collection of other complications.

Then comes furniture polish, oven and toilet cleaner, carpet and upholstery shampoo, and more- all containing potentially harmful chemicals that are often than not, overlooked.

We often use what’s convenient. So those who shop at regular grocery stores, you’d think, choose the chemically-driven supplies due to their availability. But that conventional way of shopping could no longer be a viable excuse.

While the cleaning supply business is one the few industries that consists of shelves stocked with toxic materials, that may be changing due to the increasing amounts of safer, affordable alternatives. Manufacturers like Earth Friendly Products and SimpleGreen offer products marked with the guarantee of environmental responsibility. Some states are even starting to restrict the use of certain cleaning chemicals in dry cleaners and public laundromats.

Is it finally time to ditch the old, familiar cleaners? Research continues to back up this notion. Though for many of us in the past, clean has meant fresh scents of pine or fresh lemon, real clean is far from a scent definition. The actual act of cleaning, may in fact, be what is causing several of experienced health problems.

Put your home in environmental rehab by replacing familiar store brands with a fresh supply safe supplies. Here are 7 basic do-it-yourself cleaning ingredients that are found right on the shelf:

1. Baking Soda- It’s multipurpose, cheap, and non-toxic. Provides grit for scrubbing, reacts with lemon or water by fizzing.
2. Borax- Disinfects, bleaches, and deodorizes. A laundry-booster as well as multi-purpose cleaner.
3. Distilled white vinegar- Breaks up dirt, disinfects. Effective in killing most mold and bacteria.
4. Lemon- Cuts grease. Carries a natural disinfectant.
5. Olive Oil- Picks up dirt, polishes. Even makes a great facial and skin conditioner.
6. Hydrogen Peroxide- Disinfects, bleaches. Can be used to destroy many harmful germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
7. Washing Soda- Stain remover, general cleaner, helps unblock soap (caustic so wear gloves!!)

Everyone – whether or not they’re the ones cleaning in the household – need to learn about healthy living and optimal chemical safety. The health of your family, especially young children, is just one of several reasons to switch from toxic to non-toxic.

Sandra Harris is a writer for all things family-oriented.  She also helps seniors find Houston assisted living.

Solar energy, heat and light from the sun, is one source of energy that humans have been using since the beginning of time. The evolvement of technology has resulted in different ways of harnessing solar energy. The most popular way of doing so is to utilize solar panels. A solar panel is an interconnected congregation of photovoltaic or solar cells that can be used to capture energy from the sun to be used as electricity. Since one solar panel produces limited power, you will need to install several panels to really be able to utilize solar energy. The more panels you install the more solar energy you will be able to harness.

In today’s society where our bills are getting higher and higher it is vital that we find ways to maximize our natural resources. One way to do so is by installing solar panels. Here are some of the benefits of using solar panels.

• Save on electricity. By installing solar panels you will get to save on electricity. Even if you do not amass enough sunlight to cover for all your electric needs you can still collect enough to considerably decrease what you use. The more solar panels you install the more energy it can gather.
• Environment friendly. Using solar panels will not only help you save on electricity, it can benefit the environment as well. There are many ways to create energy. And one way is by burning fuel. The disadvantage here is that fuel emits a by-product that is harmful to the environment. You would be doing mother earth a favor by using alternative energy sources such as solar energy.
• One time installation – a lifetime of savings. Unlike electricity where you regularly have to pay the bills, you only need to spend once with solar energy. Solar panels do not come cheap. But you only have to buy them once. The moment they are installed you can enjoy “free” energy for as long as you want.
• Sets a good example. By using natural energy like sunlight you will set a good example to others. People today are slowly feeling the wrath of Mother Nature. There are climate changes happening all over the globe. There are earthquakes, tsunamis and floods occurring in different countries. At least in a small way we are helping save Mother Earth. In this way we can show other people that we can help save nature where we are.

There are many ways to generate energy. And one way to do so is by harnessing what is naturally there. Why spend a fortune on electrical bills when we can use solar panels at home and save a lot of money? In the end it’s not only about being frugal. It is also about helping our environment.

“Amy C. is an interior decoration aficionado and online marketer.  She also likes testing and trying new home and office decorating themes.  In addition to being an interior decoration hobbyist, she enjoys designing calming solar fountains and glass art.  Amy invites you to browse her delightful collection of glass vases”

October is officially known as Fire Prevention month. Created to remember the Great Chicago Fire tragedy that occurred in 1871, October is now used to help educate people on fire prevention and safety. A furnace can be very beneficial and enjoyable when it is running how it should. However, if a furnace isn’t running properly, the effects can be life threatening. Carbon monoxide is released when incomplete combustion occurs or when the supply of air is limited. When large amounts of carbon monoxide are released it can cause flu symptoms, disorientation or even death. As the cold weather starts to roll in, try to emphasize fire and furnace safety to your family and friends.

Safety Tips

• Make sure all furnace controls, shutoffs and equipment are in proper working condition before you use them. Check them at the beginning of the season before it gets too cold.
• With more and more electronics in our everyday lives it is common to find extension cords in a home. Be aware that these should not be placed near a furnace. With such a high current, the cord could melt and start a fire.
• Make sure you inspect the walls and ceiling around the area in which the furnace is sitting. If discoloration of the wall occurs or the wall is hot, a professional will need to look at it to prevent further damage.
• Make sure that the room in which the furnace sits is properly ventilated. It can produce deadly fumes when the ventilation isn’t good.
• If your furnace should need repairs and maintenance, make sure you get professional help. Don’t try to fix a furnace if you are not accustomed to doing so.
• Don’t store gasoline, paint thinner, clothes, papers, decorations or any other combustible materials near a furnace in order to prevent a fire.

Energy Efficiency and Heat Conservation

The comfort of your home doesn’t have to be jeopardized in order to be energy efficient. In fact, you can save money and energy all while helping the environment. Following a few simple tips when it comes to being energy efficient in your home will have many long and short-term benefits.

• Be sure to change your furnace filters. Dirty filters can stop the airflow and increase energy demand. When you have clean air filters, the furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home warm. It is safe to replace these filters every few months during the cold season.
• One of easiest ways to conserve energy is to cover all of the places where air can sneak in. The more heat that can escape, the more air that can come in, and thus the furnace must work harder to keep your house warm. Sealant, door protectors and even towels can help limit a draft.
• Consider hanging curtains in your home. They can keep the heat in, allowing you to keep and conserve a living area warm. The more heat you can conserve, the less you will need to use, which in turn helps our environment.

This guest blog was written by Alabama Propane Exchange, a locally owned and operated provider of propane in Mobile, Alabama. Specializing in residential and commercial propane exchange and propane tanks for forklifts, Alabama Propane Exchange ensures top notch service with quality products.

This is the third installment in our Spring Cleaning series.

Without a doubt the place people spend the most time in their homes is their bedroom. This small (or large) oasis is an escape from the hassles of work and carpooling, the craziness of pets and children, the insanity of mortgages and mothers-in-law. The bedroom is where you unwind each night and where you start a fresh day each morning.

For all the time spent here, your bedroom deserves to be a place you look forward to returning to at the end of every day. In the spirit of spring cleaning, dedicate a few hours or even a weekend to sprucing up your bedroom to create a place you’ll enjoy all year round.

A clean - almost spa-like - bedroom

Start your bedroom makeover with a thorough cleaning, first going over the floor, vents and curtains with a vacuum. Be sure to use the crevice tool to get in any pesky corners that are usually missed during regular cleanings. Use antibacterial cleaning wipes or a damp cloth to dust and clean all surfaces, including electronics, bookshelves, windowsills, dresser tops and doorframes.

While you’re in a cleaning mode, take this opportunity to discard all old magazines, newspapers and debris that have been collecting bedside. Make a clean sweep and toss everything in the trash, or find a basket to corral loose items into. Once all dirt has been banished from the space, strip the bed of all sheets and blankets and toss them in the laundry or schedule a trip to have them dry-cleaned. Flip the mattress to ensure even wear and maximum support for your back, and put fresh linens on the bed.

If you don’t already have some, invest in a few sturdy plastic tubs that will fit under the bed or in a closet space and sort out-of-season clothing and accessories into them. While you are sorting, make a separate pile of things you no longer wear to donate to a charity or consignment shop. Cleaning out this extra space in your closets and dressers will make more room for organizing and arranging the things that need to be kept in there. To shake things up a bit, take this opportunity to rearrange furniture, making the space as efficient and welcoming as possible. Something as simple as changing the direction the bed faces can alter the dynamic of the room. To help you get out of bed more quickly in the morning, find the area of the bedroom that gets the most morning light and position the bed to catch these early rays.

For maximum impact with minimal investment, pick up a can of paint to give your walls a new look. Choose a comforting neutral taupe or beige color for the entire room, or pick an accent wall to go with a bold pop or color. Cool shades of blue, green and lavender will help promote sleep while darker shades of red, orange and brown create a sensual mood. Whatever you do, though, avoid harsh shades of yellow, which color experts say can irritate the eyes and cause sleep issues.

Once the space is clean and organized, hang some new art on the walls or bring in an arrangement of fresh flowers to decorate the space. If your bedroom seems to be dark and dreary, swap art for framed mirrors and hang them on any wall opposite or near a window. The mirrors will reflect light around the room, multiplying the natural light and lessening the need for extra lamps.

After a hard day’s work of cleaning and revamping your bedroom, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Or just lay down and take a nap.

As temperatures slowly start to creep up the thermometer, the promise of summer and enjoying time outdoors is almost within reach. Set aside a weekend now to clean and seal your deck to make sure it is in peak condition for barbeque season.

Look at that water get repelled!

Most decks need to be resealed every 2-3 years, but a quick test can let you know if it is time to attend to your outdoor space. Take a cup of water and sprinkle some on the deck surface. If the water quickly soaks into the wood, the deck is ready for a resealing; if the water beads up, however, it maybe not be time yet.

Deck sealing can generally be tackled over the course of a weekend, depending on the size and condition of the deck. Choose a weekend with a clear forecast so rain won’t interfere with the process. While this project can be managed by one person, having a second set of hands around makes for much smoother results.

Begin your resealing project by taking a few hours to clean and repair the deck. Remove all furniture from the deck and sand down splintered areas. Take a putty knife in between boards to remove leaves and debris that have gotten stuck in small crevices. Once the wood is free from noticeable dirt, use a deck cleaner or bleach solution to scrub the boards, removing all signs of mildew and mold from the surface. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly after being cleaned.

Just takes a little weekend effort.

In choosing a sealer, there are several options to consider:

• Clear water repellent: the most basic option, requires annual resealing
• Wood toner: similar to water repellent, but with a hint of color
• Clear wood preservative: UV protection prevents graying and can last up to two years
• Semi-transparent stains: oil-based stains provide maximum protection and longest life
• Solid stain: wears quickly in high traffic areas, requires frequent upkeep

When you are ready to start sealing, cover any nearby plants or shrubs with plastic draping. Do not shake the stain to prevent bubbles forming, but instead stir it thoroughly. Use a paint roller or a sprayer to apply thin, even coats to a two-board section at a time.

You'll have a healthy looking, beautifully sealed deck in no time.

Make sure as you are moving along that stain does not puddle behind you. If you have a second person helping, have them follow behind you with a broom or extra roller to even out any puddles. Work across the entire deck, and then use a small paintbrush to go back and get any corners or crevices that may have been missed. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly, and apply a second coat as needed. After 2-3 days of drying time, replace deck furniture and prepare to enjoy your beautiful deck! Now if you would only do something about those countertops…

Part II of our Spring Cleaning Series

Regardless of your daily, weekly or even monthly cleaning habits, when spring rolls around it’s time to give the house a good once over. Dedicate an upcoming weekend to banishing dust, dirt and grime from your home to ensure you’ll start with a clean slate for the warm summer months. Beyond basic vacuuming and wiping down sticky surfaces, there are lots of things that need to be done around the house to make sure your home is a clean and healthy family environment.

It's after March 21! Get to cleaning!

Tackle each space listed below and your house will be ready for entertaining in no time. If the thought of so much cleaning makes your eyes start to glaze over, pick a room or two each week and slowly work your way around the house over the course of a month.

Kitchen: Take this annual opportunity to dust refrigerator coils at the bottom of the unit using a vacuum attachment or coil brush. Reseal grout lines on floors, walls and countertop tiles with a penetrating grout sealer. Defrost the freezer and clean it thoroughly with a baking soda solution.

Living Room: Vacuum and shampoo all rugs and carpets, taking caution with Oriental rugs that may need professional cleaning. Remove cushions from all furniture to vacuum underneath. Beat cushions outdoors to remove dust and crumbs before returning to their locations. Clean all window treatments, including machine washable curtains and draperies.

Bedrooms: To extend the life of your mattress, flip it seasonally for even wear. Wash all bedding and pillows to rid of mold, bacteria and odors. Thoroughly dust all bookshelves and trophy cases as well as ceiling fans and other hard-to-reach areas.
Bathrooms: Discard old or unused makeup and bath products to avoid skin irritation. Update your first aid kit with fresh products and current emergency phone numbers.

Office: Organize files of insurance, contract and household inventory paperwork, discard old or irrelevant information. Clean computers, printers and other technology with a lint-free cloth and compressed air.

Attic and Basement: Sort through old or unwanted items and donate extras to charity. Double check for any signs of moisture on cardboard boxes and elevate items using concrete blocks if necessary.

Outdoors: Wash house siding with a pressure hose and all-purpose cleaner. Use a solution of water and bleach to treat mildew spots on any decks, patios or walkways. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean off outdoor furniture.

Taking on these chores once a year will serves as a basis for maintaining a clean home until next spring.

This is the first installment in our Spring Cleaning Series

Weekend projects and tackling that honey-do-list can seem daunting at times, but when you have a clean and organized space to complete projects in, those projects become almost fun. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your garage into a cleaner, work-friendly environment.

Park a car in here? Not even close.

Down and dirty

The first logical step, and the least enjoyable, to any garage project is a thorough cleaning. While a quick round with the leaf blower will take care of most dirt and dust, actually sorting through piles that have accumulated in the garage will be a huge help in organizing the space. If the kids’ toys are taking over all usable space, let the youngsters go through their belongings and discard old and unused items. Cash in on your junk pile by joining in a neighborhood yard sale, or start your own. Use any profits to invest in some new garage organization supplies.

They can't always be this clean.

Start with shelves

Most garages have unused space on those wide expansive walls, so begin your organization by installing sturdy shelving that will provide you with plenty of storage space. Precut wood or metal shelves can be easily found at any home goods store, or, for a custom look, cut your own basic shelves to maximize storage space. Regardless of the shelving material, be sure to use strong brackets when attaching shelves to the wall and always screw brackets into studs to make sure they hold.

If wall space is already at a premium in your garage, consider installing some simple suspended shelves overhead for extra storage. To make suspended shelves, build three identical U-shaped shelf supports out of 2×4s. Cut one long 2×4 to the desired width of the shelf, and cut two shorter 2×4s to the desired height, attaching each short piece to one end of the longer board. Use metal corner braces to hang the short sides of the U-shape from the ceiling, and suspend a large piece of plywood across all three supports.

After installing your shelves, search for bins and baskets to organize miscellaneous items you don’t use every day, like the children’s baby clothes that your wife isn’t ready to part with or seasonal sports equipment. Large plastic tubs provide a uniform and weather-proof way to organize things in the overhead shelves and keep your possessions safe from damp conditions.

Something to strive for...

Hang Loose

To free up additional floor space, take advantage of extra ceiling and wall square footage. Simple screw-in hooks make it easy to suspend bikes, scooters and skateboards when they’re not in use.

For the avid handyman, a wall organizer keeps tools easily accessible while corralling them all into one place. Premade modular storage centers are widely available at hardware and home goods stores in a variety of sizes and materials. These systems require minimal assembly and allow your most frequently used tools to always be within reach. Beyond just hammers and wrenches, a good organizational system will allow you to keep extension cords, paint brushes and loose nails all in one place.

To scrimp on cash but not organization, make your own storage center with a few inexpensive supplies. Use plenty of nails to hang a large pegboard on an empty wall. Wood or cork varieties are generally the cheapest options, but for a few extra dollars a galvanized steel pegboard will hold up better over time. Fit wooden or metal hooks into the pegboard to hang your most frequently used tools. Add a shelf on top of the pegboard and a hanging crate or two on each side for larger or bulky items.

Tackling a garage revamp as your next weekend project will ensure you have a usable, workable space at the ready all summer long.

Installing custom granite countertops in your home is a prominent way to define the style of your unique space. While creating a customized counter might make your wallet start to tremble, there are some easy and affordable ways to create a custom look without breaking the bank.

Pick a countertop that fits.

Traditional countertop installation involves giving up use of your kitchen while a team of contractors rip out existing furnishings and mount new counters in the space, possibly damaging your floors and walls during the demolition period. This installation process can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. Time is money, and more time spent kicking up dirt and dust in your home is certainly less money you have to spend on achieving the custom look you want.

On the other hand, custom granite overlays are pre-cut to fit directly over your existing counter space. This process means you can have beautiful new custom countertops in as little as 2-4 days with no demolition or aggravation required. By cutting down on the project time, overlays also dramatically cut down on cost, meaning the same custom granite look can be achieved for much less.

A kitchen decked out in countertop overlays and refaced cabinets.

For ease and convenience, glass mosaics are hard to beat. Custom blends of glass tiles can be assembled to perfectly coordinate with existing color schemes in your kitchen or bathroom. After installing new flooring or putting up a fresh coat of paint, creating a custom countertop to match adds a polished look to the whole room. Glass mosaics also create a perfect accompaniment to new granite countertops. Granite counters can be finessed with a coordinating glass backsplash to unify the entire space.

With the money you will have saved by choosing granite overlay or glass mosaic, you can even consider a cabinet refacing to complete the new custom look. Instead of replacing your existing cabinets, a refacing process allows you to have full use of your kitchen during the installation time. Cabinetry experts are able to take your current cabinets and give them a complete makeover, molding them into a style and finish that matches your new custom look. This process cuts down on the cost of furnishing all new cabinetry while allowing for maximum dramatic results.

Pick any color you desire.

Expanding a custom countertop search to include these new installation methods makes it possible for many people to find affordable design options. The desire to have a custom granite countertop in your home should never have to be compromised by exceptionally high installation costs. Doing ample research before committing to any product or company will ensure you get a beautiful custom countertop that lasts for years to come.

You might be sporting a pristine new kitchen or a set of appliances that would put the Food Network kitchens to shame, but that’s simply no excuse for a cluttered, disgusting fridge. Many of us can become light hoarders when it comes to certain items that upon evaluation seem so ready to be thrown away its not even funny.

Fix it! Fix it!

Let’s break down a list of things that could use some disposal.

1) Condiment Evaluation – Do you have more than two bottles of ketchup sitting in your fridge? Do you have condiments you don’t even like in your fridge? Worse yet, do you hoard condiment packets like duck sauce and relish? Well, if that’s the case you simply need to unclutter. Condiments are generally inexpensive and no one likes a crusty, back of the fridge mustard that no one knows when the last usage date was. Toss em!

2) Freezer Food Purge – It is most certainly true that when we freeze things they last quite a bit longer, but that’s no excuse for laziness. Sometimes we just keeep piling things into the freezer (it will never go bad!) and we forget about the older items. These ancient items tend to become freezer burnt, exposed to viscious artificial cold, and will end up tasting pretty gross.

3) Produce Prudence – When buying produce make sure you don’t buy too much. Make sure you plan on eating what you buy because things like lettuce, spinach, and countless other vegetables don’t have a very long shelf life. The crisper can get very dirty very quickly. Make sure it’s clean or it can become a completely contaminated zone.

4) Dairy – Try to adhere to the “sell by” dates as if they were legal law. They are generally not only in your best interest, but they protect you from the sour flavor of days old yogurts and milks. Throw it out!

5) Leftovers – Yes, yes, we know – you’ll eat it eventually…but eventually it will go bad. Try to cook in manageable portions. When you lay all the ingredients out on the countertop stop and think, ‘how much food does this yeild, and will it go bad? Letting old meals stagnate is a great way to ruin other foods you have stocked in the fridge.

A quick way to acheiving kitchen zen is by keeping a tidy and well organized fridge. Finding the fresh foods you want to prepare and eat will be much easier and worry free when you don’t have piles of extraneous items from some past occasion or expired foods you once thought of eating. Keep it clean, people!

Ah, organization at last.