First Impressions
When people mention that they will be stopping by your house, do you go in panic mode? Are the first words out of your mouth, “Please excuse the mess”? Many people are embarrassed by the state of their homes because there are items in “non-standard locations,” or to put it bluntly: there is clutter everywhere.
People do form impressions when they go to others’ homes. Here are some suggestions to improve the first impressions of your guests:
- Have a clean yard. Do not leave toys or yard equipment in the front yard.
- Draw attention to the front door. Have flowers near the entrance and a pretty wreath on the front door.
- The foyer is the first indoor area guests see. Put away shoes, coats, backpacks and mail. If you have a table in the entranceway, keep it clear of items that may be put there “temporarily.”
- In the kitchen, keep a minimal number of items on the countertop. Kitchen counters should not be a drop off place for children’s schoolwork, piles of mail, and food items.
- Great rooms are welcoming when there isn’t clutter on the furniture or floor. Have a place for your guests to sit and relax.
- Having a place for everything and putting everything in its place should be a daily habit for the entire family. Make a goal: everything needs to be put away before bedtime; nothing should be on the floor.
Regular cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens, and vacuuming the floors sends out the feeling of a clean home. Reducing clutter and having a minimal number of decorations imparts a feeling of spaciousness and impression of, “This home is clean, warm and welcoming.”
Getting rid of clutter eliminates 40% of housework in an average home. Eighty percent of the clutter in most homes is a result of disorganization, not lack of space (as reported by the National Soap and Detergent Association.) Keep these facts in mind when you do your daily straightening.
Copyright © 2008 Ultra Organized, LLC