Home improvements can be an exciting time for any homeowner, however the cleanup is something we all dread. I’ve been delivering DIY improvement ideas for awhile now, but sometimes those projects can be messy. Below, I’ve outlined some quick and easy ways to minimize cleanup as much as possible. Who doesn’t want less mess and more time?

LABEL EVERYTHING. You may be boxing things up for just a few days or weeks, but don’t wait until the last minute to get it done. Rushing can lead to losing things. You need to take your time and make sure you know exactly what goes where.

Here’s the good news: unlike most de-cluttering projects, this is a temporary situation. No need to get fancy with it. Forget your labeling machine and don’t worry about your handwriting. Just get a permanent marker and make sure it’s legible. But most importantly: make sure it’s on there. If boxes will be moved around multiple times, write the contents on several sides, so no matter what way it’s facing, you can see the label.

UTILIZE STORAGE SPACE. Often, home improvement projects can involve moving pieces of furniture around into rooms where they don’t usually live. That can make for a cramped living space. Instead, consider what furniture is really a necessity – and what is more for looks. We all have an arm chair that isn’t used or an armoire that’s filled with heirlooms that are pulled out once a year for Christmas dinner. Move those items into a self storage unit for the duration of the project, and you’ll have a lot more room to work with.

Also, consider putting items that are delicate or expensive in storage as well. That way, you don’t need to be worried about protecting them. They’ll be safe and sound away from the mess.

GO WITH DISPOSABLES. Kitchen remodels can be the most intrusive projects. After all, you only have one kitchen, and it serves an important function multiple times a day. You can try to still make use of your dishes and cups, but it’s not easy. Maybe your dishwasher will be functional for part of the project, or perhaps you’re planning to make your bathroom sink the new place to wash them. Let me tell you, it’s a lot easier to put those dishes in some boxes and forget about them until the project is over.

Instead, create an area outside the kitchen that serves as your temporary eating area. Stock it up with paper plates, plastic cups, and plastic-ware. Do you have a picnic basket? Make use of it now to keep them all organized. If it’s the traditional kind with a cover, even better, because you can keep it closed while construction is going on to keep the debris and dust out.

UTILIZE OLD BLANKETS AND TOWELS. Speaking of debris and dust, it will get everywhere, so don’t put those blankets in storage! Before the project begins, pull out the ones that you don’t mind getting dirty (and possibly ripped). Start every day by protecting areas that might be affected by that day’s work. Then at the end of the day, you can just take them off, and you still have a clean home! It will save you lots of time and headaches constantly wiping down surfaces for use.

 

 

Don’t forget…IAN BUYS HOMES!!! I am always looking to expand my personal portfolio. If you’d like to meet with me about your property, please submit your inquiry HERE! I look forward to hearing from you!