Congratulations! Your business is so successful that you’re reoptimizing your workplace! However, remodeling your office is no easy task. Many people struggle to plan an efficient commercial improvement project. Preparing a successful office renovation takes innovation and organization. With these tips, you’ll be back to smashing goals in your reimagined workspace in no time! Declutter Your SpaceFor an efficient remodel, there’s no time to waste! Getting rid of unnecessary items is your very first step. Take time to declutter your space so that obsolete items don’t slow you down. Remove any damaged equipment and furniture. Go through documents and shred anything old or irrelevant. Anything that will get in your way needs to go; once your renovation is complete, you’ll have a fresh environment to work in. Identify Productivity ObstructionsOffice remodels are supposed to work for you. Identify productivity obstructions and address them during your renovation. Most common problems have simple solutions, like: • Fixing confusing floor plans with an open-style layout• Boosting morale by adding windows to let in more natural light • Prioritizing comfort by eliminating restrictive, uncomfortable spaces Recognize Helpful Existing FeaturesWhile you’re looking for issues that disrupt productivity, find areas that work well. Recognize helpful existing features and keep them in your new office design. Knowing these strengths will help you prioritize areas of improvement. Does your building already have an attractive curb appeal? Are most areas naturally sound-proof? Do your accessibility features function well and adhere to local guidelines? As the saying goes, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!” Hire Reputable ContractorsPreparing a successful office renovation means assembling the right team. Hire reputable contractors to handle construction, electrical work, plumbing, and waste disposal. These experts have the knowledge and resources necessary to complete your remodeling project efficiently. Attempting an office remodel on your own is a bad idea. From falling for common misconceptions about hazardous waste to causing serious structural damage, failing to consult with professionals will have dangerous consequences. Talk to references, read reviews, and ask questions before finalizing your team of experts. Make arrangements so you don’t have to stop working while renovating your space. Your office remodeling project won’t be a massive distraction with the right prep work. Get ready to reach new heights in a building that encourages productivity! Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff
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![]() Everyone has that one or two messy family members. The house is full of clutter and things that pile up, spread around and accumulate. And while sometimes that is not that big of a deal, in some cases, that can be an indicator of a more serious issue. Thankfully there are always obvious signs your loved has a hoarding challenge. Learning how to recognize hoarding behaviors is important because over-collecting can cause damage to homes and lives. Perpetual hoarding behaviors will negatively affect your loved one's quality of life. So, to help you recognize your loved one has a problem, we made a list of signs to recognize. When you do notice your loved one is having difficulty managing their home understand it can lead to dangerous falls, and a poor standard of life. Don’t delay getting professional help when you see the signs below. Look out for the signs your loved one has a hoarding challenge
Seniors are the age group that often has cluttering issues. Don't ignore the clutter A house full of clutter is one of the signs your loved one may have a hoarding challenge. To be clear, it's not unusual for someone's house to be messy and cluttered at times. You can tell when a messy home situation is a temporary thing. Clutter occurs in every household from time to time, and it rarely takes more than a few hours to clean everything up and put away things nicely. However, when you walk into someone's home and see a piles of random objects that prevent a clear path, and stuff piled onto furniture that could be deemed as hoarding. You will also notice that with time the mound of things is not getting smaller. The havoc in a hoarding situation is getting progressively bigger, not better. When your loved ones are open to the prospect of decluttering, you can offer to help and organize everything. Let them know that you won’t force them, but that they can have a helping hand when it comes to moving furniture and heavy items. The last thing you want is for seniors to get injured while decluttering. Remember that it’s important to offer them support and understanding. According to research, hoarding is an issue that affects seniors the most. So, when confronting them about this issue, be delicate. Chances are they already know they have a problem; they simply don't know how to fix it. Approach them gently and give them advice about strategies for decluttering instead of attacking them. If you are unsure how to help them, there are many tips and online guides you can show them about getting rid of unnecessary possessions. The most important thing is that you offer them understanding and support. The book The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff is a guide and the most revolutionary way to get decluttered without any drama. Throwing things away causes emotional pain There is a psychological element to hoarding that's very visible. People who over-collect things can form extreme emotional attachments to the stuff they collect; however, those items can go unused, they don’t serve a purpose, they’re not sentimental and the person doesn’t love them anymore. They keep stuff many times because the items symbolize things that happened to them in their lives. When they don't throw away or donate those unwanted items the home become impossible to manage and stops functioning as a home. Instead the house is more like a giant storage unit. You will also notice that people with hoarding behaviors are very reluctant and evasive to any suggestion of getting rid of certain items. They will become visibly anxious and start showing signs of emotional distress. The term hoarders is not a nice term, so be sure to approach the subject without using that word. People with over-accumulation will offer many different excuses to keep their belongings. So the best approach to help clean up the situation is to not talk about getting “rid” of stuff. When you start out talking about getting “rid” of their things, they will very often turn their anger toward you. In their mind, you are forcing them do something they don't want to do. The first important step is to help them realize that nothing will leave without their permission. Talk about making the home beautiful again, and arranging pretty things in an organized way. The collectors have emotional pain or trauma, and that triggers the collecting. When you don’t have a plan that involves keeping everything and thinking of storage possibilities the decluttering, and organizing will never get accomplished. The next step to getting organized is to read a great book called "The Clutter Remedy: A Guide to Getting Organized for Those Who Love Their Stuff "by Marla Stone that will guide you through decluttering a home in an orderly manner. A room with a lock can be one of the signs your loved one may have a hoarding problem There is always that one room you are not allowed in. Another thing that may signal that something is wrong with your loved one is that they may want to hide hide their cluttered habitat. They start collecting items in one room and don't let anyone in. You will notice that they give you a different excuse as to why you can't go into that room every time you visit. They will start to panic knowing you are going to visit. That evasive behavior is the first stage of hoarding issues, where people hide their treasures and pretend everything is ok. It's best when you intervene quickly before the situation escalates. Eventually the whole house will be full of whatever is being collected, and the entire process of decluttering will be much more time consuming. Social anxiety is common in hoarding disorder One thing that goes hand in hand with hoarding disorder is shame. People are ashamed because they know they have a problem with no control over it. Shame can be incredibly destructive. It will ruin a person's self-respect and confidence. So people tend to isolate themselves from the outside world. They think everybody can see that they have an issue when they go out in public. Isolation from other people pushes one deeper into their hoarding habits. So someone suffering will create stronger emotional attachments to things and bring more junk into the house creating a toxic circle of abuse. This situation is a challenging situation. When you notice your friends and family becoming isolative and skipping social events and gatherings, that is signal something is wrong. Don’t hesitate to get professional help. These are some of the more common signs your loved one may have a hoarding challenge. Signs like your loved one shopping compulsively, renting secret storage units and never letting you borrow any of their stuff. You have to be vigilant and pay attention to their behavior. The good news is there is a way out. The first step is recognizing there is a problem. And remember, hoarding is also a mental health issue. So, it would help to get clear on what triggers the behaviors. Then be supportive and non-judgmental. Don't rush and demand a loved one or friend to get organized. A forceful approach will cause emotional distress. Notice something strange about your friend? Find out the signs your loved one may have a hoarding problem!!! Whether your home is new or old, gases can leak into your living space and make it difficult to live comfortably. Dangerous gases inside your house can wreak havoc on your family's health, and it's not always easy to detect their presence. While you may be able to smell some gas leaks, others are nearly impossible to discover. Here's what to know if your house has a gas leak and what you should do about it. Natural GasNatural gas is the most common gas that can leak in homes because appliances like stoves, dryers, water heaters, and furnaces run on it. Natural gas doesn't have an odor, but gas companies add a smell to ensure easy detection. Keep a look out for these signs of a natural gas leak. Sulfur SmellAlthough natural gas doesn't have an odor, the frequently added smell resembles sulfur or rotten eggs. If you smell rotten eggs inside your home, there's a chance you have a natural gas leak from an appliance. Dying HouseplantsJust as natural gas can be detrimental to your health, it can also ruin your house plants. If you notice browning or dying plants, you may have a gas leak. Hissing SoundsIf you notice a hissing sound coming from a gas-powered appliance, it's a telltale sign of a gas leak. Hissing sounds indicate a larger leak, which can be extremely unsafe. Aside from these signs of a leak, you may also experience physical symptoms. Natural gas exposure is a strong possibility if you have a combination of the following symptoms:
• Dizziness • Shortness of breath • Nosebleeds • Chest pain • Drowsiness • Ear, nose, or throat pain • Mood changes Even though natural gas leaks are the most common, they aren't any less dangerous. If you notice these signs and symptoms, evacuate your home immediately and call 911. Radon GasRadon gas is different from other harmful gases in your home because it occurs naturally, meaning it doesn't come from an appliance. Instead, radon comes from the natural decay of uranium in soil and rocks. Unfortunately, radon gas is undetectable by human senses; therefore, testing is the only way to know if your home has high levels. The effects of this gas are harmful to your health; the fact that it's a leading cause of lung cancer is just one of the unique things to know about radon gas. Because it's odorless, tasteless, transparent, and causes no immediate symptoms, you should test your home for radon at least every two years and proceed accordingly. Carbon Monoxide GasCarbon monoxide gas is another common type of leak within homes, and it's also impossible to detect with your senses. Fortunately, many smoke detectors are also equipped to detect carbon monoxide. However, you may experience these symptoms as a result of excessive exposure:
• Dizziness • Headache • Fatigue • Blurred vision After learning what to know if your house has a gas leak, you'll be better prepared to handle the situation. If you think your home has any of these leaks, evacuate first and ask questions later. Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Bedding doesn’t have to be complicated, but if you want a complete bedding set, it helps to know what you should get. The different parts can make all the difference. So what are the important bedding elements you should know? Read on to find out. The Fitted SheetThe fitted sheet is the first part of the bedding we’ll discuss. It’s the closest part to the mattress and provides a “buffer” between you and the bare mattress below it. It has elastic around the edges to secure it around the corners of your mattress. It fits snuggly on the top, and if you have a mattress protector, it goes on top of that. Ensure that you’ve secured it properly around the edges before you move on to working with your flat sheet. The Flat SheetFlat sheets are laid between your main duvet and the fitted sheet. It’s meant to keep you warm, especially on winter nights when you might need a bit of extra insulation. Additionally, it can be useful to take it off entirely. The ability to “layer” has many advantages. Additionally—like the fitted sheet—they come in different textures and materials. This is an excellent way to customize your bed based on what you want. For instance, cotton sheets are a good choice for summer since they’re more breathable and have moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry in the heat. The PillowcasesPillowcases help protect the pillows from wear and tear. You can choose any texture you like. However, we recommend you choose something breathable so your head isn’t too warm throughout the night. Pillowcases are an excellent way to complement the colors of your bed because they come in several different patterns. This is an underrated element of bedding that you shouldn’t forget. The BedspreadThe bedspread is the part of the bed that goes on top of the fitted and flat sheets. It’s typically heavier, but it can also be light. It’s meant to insulate you against the elements, whether a sweltering summer day or a cold winter evening. It would be wise to get multiple comforters and duvets for your needs, which will change through the seasons. In short, there are many different elements of bedding. By breaking down the parts, you are better equipped to choose what’s right for you. We hope we have helped you make the right decision for your needs. The right bedding is right around the corner! Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 | Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff Your creativity and style play a big role in transforming your space; everything you add and change reflects your personality. To achieve your ideal space, there are different elements you can incorporate that will stand out and make your decorations more artistic. For instance, you can use metal in unique ways in interior design to enhance your space and provide a better experience. Metal Light FixturesLights not only illuminate your space but also give your home a personality. Light fixtures are a subtle way to use metal, and they provide a lot of flexibility with design; you can choose from a wide range of shapes to better fit your home and creative vision. These fixtures are a great option because you can get creative and craft your own or buy a pre-made design that matches your style. Table LegsA dining room table is an essential piece of furniture in your home that you can upgrade at any time; this means you can incorporate different elements to make it unique. You can use metal legs on your dining room table to give the whole space a new look. These elements are resistant to damage, easy to make, and add value to the room. Personal ProjectMany creative people choose to make custom-made pieces of art using metal. If you have a special project in mind, such as a sculpture or unique piece of hardware that reflects your style, you can use different metals to help you achieve your artistic vision. In these artistic endeavors, cutting metal with precision is important to ensure your safety and achieve your desired look. If you want a piece to stand out, getting a perfect cut will make all the difference. Wall ArtUsing metal in unexpected ways for your decorations is the best way to achieve a contemporary style in your house. Wall art is very versatile; you can use the small pieces of metal or large chunks to decorate your home, depending on the message you want to transmit. Whether you’re going to create unique pieces or purchase something from a store, don’t be afraid to play with sizes and proportions. Kitchen BacksplashThe elements in your kitchen need to be useful and add to the versatility of the space. A kitchen backsplash is a perfect way to incorporate metal elements into your home’s design. Use a long metal sheet to cover the backsplash area in your kitchen; this will prevent grease and other elements from staining the walls. This is a great way to incorporate different metals and make your kitchen stand out for all the right reasons.
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff
If one thing’s for sure, it’s that everyone loves a great gallery wall! They fill up blank spaces and transform them into aesthetically pleasing areas that illustrate your most cherished moments and treasured quotes. Also, the trending home décor look is versatile, meaning you can position and display what your heart desires to liven up your home this summer. In this article, you’ll gain inspiration from three gallery wall design ideas you can try in every room. Continue reading below to get started! Color SchemeA gallery wall with a heavy focus on a specific color theme is an appealing way of adding to a space without clashing with the existing room design. For example, when decorating a room with various blue hues, you’ll want to incorporate prints and artwork with the same aesthetic. Consider focusing on your pieces’ composition, shape, and art content to ensure that you have a cohesive color theme and story that blends with the space. Antique and VintageIt’s difficult to go wrong when paying homage to the past. Displaying antiquated artwork, photos, and memorabilia is an innovative way to store prized items while keeping them in your line of sight. For this idea, you could frame keepsakes like your first concert ticket, your favorite painting from the Impressionism era, an antique cake pan, or vintage postcards passed down over the years. Pro Tip: Consider selecting monochromatic photos and placing them in vintage framing to embrace the vintage aesthetic. Personal Art CollectionSpeaking of art, if you are passionate about painting, why not showcase your best work? Producing prints of your artwork allows you to display your portfolio and spark conversation with guests during events and get-togethers. While you can hang artwork on a standard white wall, there’s no better way to draw attention to your framed work than placing them on a dark wall. You can frame paintings with white matting to create separation and introduce contrast to the display’s appearance. Undoubtedly, gallery walls are a trend that’s here to stay! Whether displaying your most memorable photos or prized artwork, trying these gallery wall design ideas in every room of your home can add endless visual interest. How’s that for a conversation starter?
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff
Stairs can cause a lot of concern because they can be dangerous. This is especially true for seniors who might have issues with mobility and/or balance. That’s why making your stairs as accessible as possible for seniors is important for any building or home. Here are a few ways you can do exactly that. 1. Add a RailingA railing on your stairs can prevent falls and gives good handholds to anyone climbing up or down. Even for people with perfect mobility, a railing can prevent incidents with trips or falls while using the stairs. 2. Install a StairliftA stairlift is one of the most essential at-home mobility devices for moving between floors. These devices take away a lot of the danger because you don’t climb the stairs yourself but rather sit in a lift system to travel between floors. This makes it far less dangerous to travel between floors as you don’t use too much of your own strength. 3. Use Non-Slip StripsA lot of accidents on stairs happen because of slips . That’s why non-slip strips on each step can help grip your foot and give the footing you need when climbing the stairs. Install these strips on every step to improve your stairs accessibility for seniors. 4. Increase VisibilityDark or unlit areas can be very dangerous for navigation, especially when there are different heights for each step. Improving the lighting and adding different colors to each step makes your steps safer to navigate. 5. Landings With SeatingClimbing up a whole flight of steps in one go can be exhausting, and climbing stairs while tired can be dangerous. That’s why installing seating on your stairs can make climbing a lot more approachable. This is just a few of the ways you can make your stairs easier to climb and utilize. Any building with a second floor can use these methods to improve their accessibility, making it easier for more people to access the area.
Marla Stone, MSW REALTOR® License ID: 01823712 Nora Gallogly Group Beverly & Co. DRE#02078273 i-deal-lifestyle.com | Direct (949) 709-7000 |Connect with Marla on Instagram & Facebook! Marla is the Author of The Clutter Remedy: A Guide To Getting Organized For Those Who Love Their Stuff
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Here you will find an array of blog articles about decluttering your home, life and how to improve your business strategyMarla is known as the Declutter Your Strategy™ expert. Marla earned her BA in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work and is the founder of |