(Feature Impact) When school is back in session, it means a lot of coming and going to and from your home – often in a rush. Smooth out those morning scrambles and save yourself some afternoon cleanups by turning your mudroom into a space that feels more organized and less chaotic.

Start with these mudroom organization and habit hacks to make your family’s daily routines a little easier.

Do a Beginning-of-Year Declutter

If the coat hooks are still sporting rain jackets the kids outgrew several seasons ago, that’s your sign to plan a purge. Out with the old, in with the new: collect last year’s coats, too-small shoes, the backpack with the broken zipper, worn-out accessories and that pile of junk mail then figure out what to keep, toss and donate.

Create a “Get-Out-The-Door” Spot for Essentials

“Have you seen my…” is a sentence you can only stand to hear (and say) so many times in one morning. Set up shelves or baskets for important items like keys, permission slips, library books, water bottles, lunchboxes, sports gear and anything else that needs to leave the house with the family. Repetition will build the habit, and even if things still get lost from time to time, this system gives everyone a first place to look.

Choose a Shoe System

Whether you’re a shoe rack kind of family or you’ve got DIY dreams of building an aesthetic wooden bench with shoe storage underneath, lock it in. Shoes are easy for kids to kick off when they get home, and if they aren’t sure where to put them, they’ll remain wherever they land or pile up by the door. Also consider putting down washable mats so grime doesn’t accumulate on your rack or floor.

Give Each Child a Designated Drop Zone

It’s easier for kids to stay organized when they have their own dedicated spaces to hang up jackets, set down backpacks, put shoes and store everyday essentials. Provide each child with their own coat hooks, cubbies, bins or lockers. Build them at kid-friendly heights and make it fun by letting everyone decorate their own zone.

Have Options Ready for Bad Weather

With a little advanced planning, you can prevent your mudroom from living up to its name. Set up a rainy-day corner with an umbrella stand, boot tray, towel basket and hooks or racks to hang damp outerwear. Keep a laundry hamper in the mudroom, too, so wet clothes and dirty uniforms don’t migrate through the house.

Label Storage Areas Clearly

Nearly everyone’s been there: you start a new organization system feeling efficient and optimistic, then over time, memories lapse and it descends back into anarchy. Labels may not stop this from happening every time, but at least they might make kids stop and consider whether their books should go in the basket labeled “Books” or on top of the shoe rack. That’s one step closer to restoring order.

For more back-to-school tips and tricks, visit eLivingToday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

eLivingtoday.com

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Fall Tree Planting: Expert Guidance for Optimal Growth

(Feature Impact) Fall is the perfect season to celebrate trees as they transform the world into vibrant shades of red, orange, green and gold. You can do more than just admire existing trees – because in many areas, fall is also an ideal time to plant new ones.

While spring is often seen as peak planting season, experts say cooler weather and autumn rains provide ideal conditions for seedlings to retain moisture and establish their root systems gradually before winter dormancy, improving their future ability to adjust to summer heat and drier conditions.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, planting trees offers many benefits for the planet, wildlife and humans alike. From an environmental perspective, they help filter air and water, remove pollutants from the soil, slow storm surge and nurture biodiversity. Plus, access to nature can reduce stress and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation, improving overall health and well-being in your community.

This autumn, use these expert tips from Eric North, program manager of urban forestry and ISA-certified arborist at the Arbor Day Foundation, to plan your fall tree planting and add a few new hues to your local landscapes.

Choose the Right Tree

Setting your trees up for success starts with choosing the right species. Before ordering seedlings, take time to identify species that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions and planting site. Also consider the tree’s mature height and how far the canopy will spread – it won’t stay small forever, so make sure you can give it space to grow.

Think About Timing

Although you can technically plant trees until the soil is too frozen to dig a hole, it’s best to schedule your fall tree planting at least six weeks before the ground freezes so the seedlings have time to adapt before winter. If you’re unable to plant your trees immediately after getting them, you can store them in a cool, dry place, making sure the roots stay damp, for up to five days before putting them in the ground.

Don’t Dig Too Deep

A tree planted too deep may develop root and trunk problems that can affect its long-term health. Instead of digging deep, go wide to encourage roots to spread outward. Dig a hole roughly 3-4 times wider than the root system but no deeper than the root itself. When you put the tree in the hole, the root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) should sit level with the soil or slightly above it.

Mulch with Care

Adding 2-3 inches of mulch in a layer around the base of the tree can help insulate the soil and roots, retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, be careful to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself so you don’t create a “mulch volcano” that traps moisture against the bark.

Water Frequently

Cozy autumn rainstorms might share some of the workload here, but when the forecast looks clear, it’s up to you to water your newly planted seedlings. Keeping the soil consistently moist allows a young tree’s roots to stay hydrated and continue growing. Precise care instructions will depend on the type of tree and your location but expect to thoroughly water your trees about once a week until the ground freezes.

Protect Against Wildlife

Small trees are vulnerable to damage from local wildlife like deer and rabbits, who may chew on bark or snap fragile branches. Installing a protective fence or breathable tree guard can help safeguard trees until they’re older and more capable of withstanding scavenging from hungry critters.

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Join the Cause with Trees

Research from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Canopy Report shows most Americans want to live in neighborhoods with more trees, but only a minority report having planted a tree in the past year. However, if you’re feeling inspired to plant trees in your yard this fall, the organization is ready to help.

New members who join during the nonprofit organization’s fall membership drive will receive 10 free trees suitable for their region, along with clear instructions on how to plant and care for them. Whether you’re a first-time planter or a seasoned friend of the forest, you’ll receive ongoing support to ensure success in your efforts to grow a greener world.

“People understand how important trees are for their communities, their health and the environment,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Many just need a simple way to get started. Our fall membership drive puts trees directly into people’s hands and gives them the confidence to plant trees successfully.”

The foundation has engaged tree planters in more than 90% of all American neighborhoods, thanks in large part to the organization’s membership drives each planting season. This fall, more than 2 million new trees are expected to be distributed.

To sign up and choose your 10 free trees, visit Arborday.org/GetTrees, where you can also find additional advice on tree planting, care and more.

SOURCE:

Arbor Day Foundation

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10 Tips to Vacation-Proof Your Home While You’re Away

(Feature Impact) Whether you’re headed toward the beach, the mountains, a new city or your favorite quaint small town, it’s exciting to look forward to a vacation. Making sure all the logistics are planned, prepped and ready before your departure is the tough part, but it’s well worth putting in the effort now to save yourself stress later. That includes taking precautions to protect your home from break-ins, water damage and other unpleasant surprises you’d rather not return to.

“A vacation should end with great memories, not an unexpected repair bill,” said Larry Anderson, director of underwriting operations for Mercury Insurance. “Taking a few simple steps before you leave can help protect your home, reduce unnecessary stress and give you greater peace of mind while you’re away.”

Use these 10 steps as a pre-vacation checklist so you can enjoy a worry-free trip.

Lock Doors, Gates and Windows

You probably won’t forget to lock the front door before you leave, but other entry points can be easier to forget. Check all your windows, sliding glass doors, side entrances and gates. If you have any outbuildings like a shed or detached garage, secure them before you leave as well.

Automate Lights for a Lived-In Look

Although you don’t have to go full “Home Alone,” a home that appears occupied is less of a target for burglars. Use timers or automated smart devices to turn lights on and off throughout the day, ideally varying the schedules in different rooms.

Hold Mail and Packages

Beyond being easy prey for porch pirates, stacks of packages and overflowing mail signal no one is home to collect them. Contact your post office to place a hold on deliveries or arrange for a trusted neighbor to get the mail for you.

Consider Shutting Off the Water

A small leak can quickly become a big problem when there’s nobody home to notice. If practical, shutting off your home’s main water supply can help prevent major plumbing issues – and at the very least, be good for your peace of mind.

Set the Thermostat

It’s important to maintain a safe indoor temperature in your home while you’re away. The usual wisdom is to set the thermostat at 55-60 F during the winter to prevent pipes from freezing, and about 85 F during the summer to reduce energy use while protecting the home from excessive heat and humidity. Smart thermostats allow you to monitor and control temperatures remotely if the weather changes unexpectedly.

Test Smoke Alarms and Other Devices

Make sure your emergency alert systems are ready to do their jobs while you’re gone. Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and any leak sensors, smart devices or security systems. If needed, replace batteries and confirm your monitoring apps are set up to get notifications promptly.

Ask a Trusted Person to Check In

Neighbors, friends or family members will often keep an eye on the place during your vacation (especially if you return the favor during theirs). It’s up to you whether you want to give them a key to check things out inside; otherwise, a quick walk around the property can identify external damage or signs of forced entry.

Be Social-Media Savvy

Even if you trust everyone on your online friends list, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Save the vacation photos to post once you’re safely back so you don’t unintentionally advertise that nobody’s home.

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Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces

Well-maintained landscaping gives the impression someone is home and cares about the property. An afternoon of yardwork before you leave can keep things looking fresh for a while.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance

No matter how well you prepare, it’s smart to have a fallback plan in case something goes wrong. Before your trip, review your homeowners policy to make sure you know what it covers and how to reach your insurance company in the event of any incidents.

For more information about homeowners insurance coverage and ways to help protect your home year-round, visit MercuryInsurance.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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