Hello Reader! Daylight saving time ends next Sunday, November 1. And while we're all looking forward to that extra hour of sleep, there's another little task I'd love for you to tackle this week. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms! It's one of those home maintenance tasks that's easy to forget because, hopefully, you never have a reason to think about them. Here's what I'd like you to do: Walk through your house and test each smoke and carbon monoxide alarm using its test button....
10 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! I have a little question for you today. If a pipe burst in your house right now, would you know how to shut off the water? Hopefully, that’s something you’ll never have to deal with. But a few minutes of preparation now could save you a whole lot of stress later. So here’s your homeowner assignment for this weekend. Find your home’s main water shutoff valve. Depending on your home, it might be in the basement, utility room, crawlspace, or near where the main water line enters the...
18 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! October is here, and we're getting closer to the time of year when we start noticing all those little drafts around the house. You know the ones. That cold spot by the front door. The chilly hallway. The room that never seems quite as warm as the rest of the house. Before you start turning up the thermostat, I have a little assignment for you this weekend. Check the weatherstripping around ONE exterior door. Close the door and look carefully around the edges. Can you see daylight...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Fall is officially here, which means there are leaves to rake, cooler nights ahead—and a few things around the house that are worth taking care of before winter arrives. Your October Home Maintenance & Safety Checklist is ready! This month's list includes six simple jobs to help you take care of your home now—and start getting it ready for winter. Download it here: October Checklist.pdf Print it, put it somewhere you'll see it, and work your way through it this month. This month...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi friend, Fall officially arrives next week, and I have one very unexciting—but very useful—thing for you to do this weekend. Go check your furnace filter. Actually pull it out and look at it. If it's visibly dirty, replace it. If it still has life left, great—you've at least confirmed it rather than wondering. And while you have it out, here's a little trick that will make Future You very happy: Take a photo of the filter size with your phone. No more standing in the filter aisle trying to...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Happy Labor Day! Hope your day is filled with family and fun. I’m popping into your inbox with a quick little Labor Day treat. For TODAY ONLY, everything in my this HOUSE | your HOME Etsy shop is 20% off! If you’ve had your eye on a home maintenance planner, renovation workbook, interior design tool, or one of my other resources for making your home work better for you, today is a great day to grab it. 🏡 20% OFF SHOPWIDE⏰ Labor Day only — ends tonight Shop the Labor Day Sale! And...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! September always feels a little like a reset. The kids are back in school, the days are getting shorter, and even if the weather is still warm, you can tell the seasons are starting to shift. It’s also one of the best times of year to take care of your home. Not because you need to spend every weekend working on projects—but because a few things done now can prevent bigger problems later and make next spring a whole lot easier. Download the September Home Maintenance Checklist now!...
2 months ago • 2 min read
It’s officially college move-in month! Hi Reader! Whether you’re helping your own student prepare for campus or know someone who is, setting up a dorm room can feel like a strange combination of exciting, overwhelming—and a little emotional. A dorm room may be small and temporary, but it will still be where your student studies, relaxes, makes new friends, and begins building an independent life. With a little planning, it can feel comfortable, organized, and personal from the very first...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi friend, I had one of those little parenting moments recently that completely changed the way I think about organizing. For years, I thought the answer to a cleaner kids' room was more reminders. "Put your laundry in the hamper." "Pick up your backpack." "Hang up your clothes." There had to be a better way! What are these piles trying to tell me? LOL If the dirty clothes always end up at the foot of the bed...maybe the laundry basket belongs there. If backpacks always land by the back...
3 months ago • 1 min read