Spring is ...

THE Perfect Time To PURGE!

As winters' end draws near and signs of spring are evident by the buzz of activity in your neighborhood, you realize you are not alone in the required duties of owing a home. There's nothing better than a warm spring day to get a jump start on yard detail...specifically taking down Christmas decorations. We all know there will be enough time spent on mowing the lawn and maintaining the pool in the days ahead. But you can be better prepared the next time the decorations are needed by taking the time now to do these few simple things.

Inspect the quality of your decorations and decide now if they really should go back into storage. Are they dated, worn, or unable to be repaired, then now’s the time to toss them. There's nothing worst than putting up a string of lights to find that half of them have burnt out! If you have hung onto things because they were "donated" to you by a relative but you don't really like them "donate" them to someone else. They are not worthy of your precious storage space for another year. Try to replace items in their original boxes for storage and if you don't plan to re-use the boxes send them packing. Once you have pared down your collection think about purchasing a few large storage containers, which can be found at Canadian Tire, Zellers or the local hardware store. They can properly protect and extend the life of your decorations, especially if there are stored outside in a lawn shed or cabana. Remember to label your containers with a permanent marker so when you go to pull them out in the Fall you will know exactly which ones to handle. It's also a good idea to put a few moth balls into the container to discourage little critters from setting up home in them for the summer. I strongly recommended not to use moth balls for indoor decorations...I know from experience...it won't be smelling like Christmas so much as it will be moth balls!

Lastly, it’s not always evident where to put everything and you may be overwhelmed with having to deal with organizing and storing it all. There are professionals that can help simplify your life , make the necessary decisions and be an extra pair of hands to help pack away and lift heavy containers.

So, remember the time will soon be at hand, the warmer days will bring yet warmer ones with it. Help is just a phone call away.