Garage Cleaning Tips

 

Garages: Expectations vs. Reality

Garage Cleaning Tips

You know, the basement or garage is one of those spaces you can quickly put off organizing for many years until a big move or significant life change finally forces you to face the clutter. Now that we're spending more time at home, there's never been a better time to tackle these long-avoided storage spaces.

Today we’re sharing seven things you can declutter from your garage or basement that you won’t even miss.

1. Old Paint Cans: Once opened, a container of paint usually only lasts for about 1-2 years because when stored in the basement or garage, the temperature changes can cause the color to go bad more quickly.

2. Outgrown Sports Equipment: If the equipment is in good shape, consider donating it to your neighborhood recreation center or contemplating selling your items on a website dedicated to used sports gear and fitness apparel.

3. Baby Gear: Even if you know you'll never use it again, getting rid of cherished baby gear can be difficult for emotional reasons. Giving these items to a colleague, family member, or charity who can use them may make it more peaceful to let go.

4. Holiday Decor You Haven't Used in Years: Look through your holiday stash, and if you haven't touched that garland or doilies in the past few years, it may be time to pass it on.

5. Old Electronics: Take a look at the old electronics and determine if you'll ever use them again. If not, check online for a listing of retailers or recycling stations that will take them.

6. Never-Used Kitchen Appliances: If you haven't used an appliance in the past few years, it's safe to say you may never use it. If they're still in running condition, consider giving them to your local Goodwill. If not, some appliances may be recyclable.

7. Unfinished Projects: The cellar or garage is a likely spot to store in-progress projects, but seldom do those projects stop. When decluttering, it's a good time to let go of any projects you don't intend to finish – be honest with yourself!

 


Grandparent’s Day

September 13 is Grandparent's Day, so today we're sharing some fun facts about these beloved family members.

 

  • The medium age of a grandparent is 48, and more than half are Baby Boomers.
  • The world's youngest grandma is believed to be Rifca Stanescu, a 23-year-old from Romania.
  • The record for most living descendants goes to Pennsylvanian Samuel S. Mast. When he died in 1992 at age 96, Mast had 11 children, 97 grandchildren, 634 great-grandchildren, and 82 great-great-grandchildren for 824 direct relations.
  • About 75% of grandparents think being one "is the single most significant and gratifying thing in their life."

 


September Recipe

Slow-Cooker Balsamic Chicken

We love a recipe with five or fewer ingredients, mostly when you can cook it in the slow cooker! Today's is a 5-Ingredient Balsamic Chicken recipe – add the ingredients, then set it and forget it! Add starch and a vegetable, and dinner is made!

  • 2 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 12)
  • 1 ¼ cups balsamic vinaigrette dressing
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
  • ½ cup grape tomatoes, quartered
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Spray a 3½ - to a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs in a slow cooker, layering if necessary.

Top with ½ cup of the dressing, and sprinkle with garlic; refrigerate the remaining dressing for later.

Cover and cook on Low heat setting for 4 to 4½ hours or until the juice of the chicken is clear when the thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).

Remove the chicken to a rimmed serving dish and discard the cooking liquid. To serve, drizzle the remaining ¾ cup dressing over chicken; top with tomatoes and basil.

 


We hope you and your loved ones are healthy and happy!

Sincerely,