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John S Realty Blog

Tuesday, December 3, 2019   /   by John Schlanbusch

Quick Tips to Minimize Clutter

Over time, most people have acquired a lot of food storage containers. Some aren't used, have missing lids or are stained. 
In the kitchen, use 10 minutes to pull everything out of your container shelves. Keep only those you often use and have lids that fit. Discard the others and nest the saved containers to save space.

In 10 minutes more, check every lid that has a container to make sure it fits. Toss the stray ones, but don't keep more than two lids for any container. Stack lids of similar shape under their nested containers, or place lids together on their sides in a single storage container so they stand up vertically.

Use 10-minute time chunks to clean an area of the refrigerator. Pull all items out of the area you choose and place them on the kitchen table or counter. Throw out any questionable food, produce and leftovers if you wonder whether they're still good. Wipe the shelf or drawer with a clean damp sponge sprinkled with baking soda. Dry with a dish towel and r. ...

Thursday, November 14, 2019   /   by John Schlanbusch

WAYS TO SAVE ON HOUSEHOLD BILLS

Changing your day-to-day habits might not seem like it would be impactful, but it could translate to big savings when it comes time to pay your utility bills. Here are four things to stop doing around the house now that could save you money in the long run.

 

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

It used to be that washing machines required hot water to really get clothes clean, but as washers and laundry detergents have improved, the recommended water temperatures have decreased! Unless you’re cleaning garments or linens that are heavily soiled or that have been in contact with a sick person, your laundry will get plenty clean with cold or warm water, which require much less energy.

 

Limit Thermostat Shifting

Whether you’re turning up the heat in the winter or turning up the AC in the summer, it’s tempting to just set your thermostat to your ideal temperature and let it run. But by compromising a few degrees and putting on a sweater or turning on a ! ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019   /   by John Schlanbusch

Best Lighting to keep plants alive through the fall!

It can be difficult to provide enough light to your houseplants due to seasonal changes or lack of window space.

Incandescent Lights
Incandescent lights are good for lighting up a room or growing low-light houseplants, such as vines, ferns or dracaenas. They have limited utility for growing plants with higher light requirements. These lights put out only about 10 percent of their energy as light while 90 percent is heat. So, unless you want to cook your plants, they aren't ideal for light-loving plants like many tropical, cacti or succulents.
Fluorescent Lights
Fluorescent lights are ideal for plants with low to medium light requirements, like African violets. They are also good for starting vegetables indoors. These lights typically come in long, tubelike bulbs in a range of sizes including T5, T8 and T12.
 The narrower the bulb, the more efficient and brighter it is, due to the smaller surface area. In addition to this, fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy than i! ...

Tuesday, October 29, 2019   /   by John Schlanbusch

Want to give your Forever Home a New Feel and Planning on Hiring an Interior Designer? Top 4 Questions to Ask Yourself?

Whether you’re styling a new room, renovating an existing one, or simply hoping to bring some fresh style to your home, putting together an aesthetically pleasing space can be a challenge. That’s when some people will start to consider hiring a professional to help them out. If you’re looking at working with an interior designer, here are four questions to ask yourself first to make sure it’s the right decision for you.
What’s your style? Do you want a Scandinavian style? Industrial? Shabby chic? Mid-century modern? Your interior designer can provide guidance if you’re not sure what kind of look you’re going for, but knowing what styles you like and dislike can offer some important guidelines to make sure you end up with a finished product you’re happy with. Here are 10 interior design style quizzes to help you narrow down what you like!
What do you need help with? You can do it yourself or you can hire a full-service interior designer ! ...

Tuesday, October 15, 2019   /   by John Schlanbusch

Making Your Home A Forever Home

Your home may have been perfect for you when you moved in, but everyone’s needs change over time! Thankfully there are plenty of changes you can make to your home gradually to ensure that you’re happy living and being active in your property for many years to come. Here are a few accessibility upgrades to consider working into your furniture and décor.

Opt for lever-style door handles. Regardless of your age or lifestyle, lever-style door handles are just more convenient! No longer will you need to worry about not being able to get a door open if your hands are slick or you’re carrying something.

Have a ground-level bedroom. Many homes have a master bedroom at the top of a flight of stairs, but if mobility becomes an issue for you or your family members, it’s smart to put the essentials (like the bedroom!) on the main level. Swapping out your guest room or home office for the master bedroom is a good way to prevent issues if stairs ever beco ...
John S Realty
John Schlanbusch
2315 N. 30th St.
Tacoma, WA 98403
253-381-5608
253-370-2112
Nova Home Loans
Elle Zimmerman
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS# 1546785
253-617-1555

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