We are often asked by clients how long they should keep various types of paper. These are general guidelines that we use when working with people. But remember, it is always important to check with your accountant or tax advisor about your individual situation before shredding any documents.

There’s no longer a need for each surface of your home to have its own special cleaner. Get back to the basics with soap and water! Soap and water can actually take care of cleaning dishes, window screens, hand-washable silk materials, most hard-surfaces, floors, stainless steel sinks/appliances, and porcelain fixtures.

Even with all the technological advances in the world I don’t think our society will ever truly be paperless. Over the next three weeks we will learn how to overcome paper clutter and learn what to do with paper that is necessary.

Many people who choose wood or vinyl flooring often buy rugs to decorate the living area, bathroom floors, and sometimes even bedside to keep their feet a bit warmer in the mornings when crawling out of bed. If you choose to spend good money on a rug, you need to know how to properly take care of it. There are three simple rules for taking care of your rug.

Picture the one space in your home or the one area of your life that just makes you cringe or that you avoid because it is so overwhelming. The thing that you really want to change but just don’t know where to start. The space in your home that bothers you the most. Start there.

Try an enzyme product. You’ll find enzyme products at pet stores, RV or marine stores. Pour enough over the stain to saturate the pad and the entire area twice as large as the stain.

Having a plan is your road map for change and if you try to make changes to the way you have been doing things (changes to habits) and you don’t have a clear idea of your destination, you will have a much more difficult time staying on course.

Most food stains can be cleaned by spraying shaving cream over the stain and letting it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with a vinegar and water solution. For more stubborn food stains, pull out some brake cleaner.

Changing your air conditioner’s filter regularly will keep your air conditioner functioning properly, keep the air in your home clean and free of dust, spores, and allergens, and help you save on utility bills by not making your air conditioner work harder than it has to.

Just because someone asks you to do something, be a part of a committee, donate your time, money, whatever DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO SAY YES!