By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, March 22, 2003
IT'S TIME to shake off the winter blahs and start an important
outdoor organizing project. Put on your rose-colored glasses for
spring, and give your home's entry a fresh look.
Start curbside, checking the street gutter for debris. Check
the driveway for weeds popping through the cracks, as well as
drifting advertisers. If you have a nonworking car, truck, boat
or RV, seriously consider donating it for a tax deduction.
A broken garage door will keep your car in the driveway, not in
the garage where it is protected from weather and theft. Does
the door need to be replaced, or would a routine service call
make it operational? True, parking the car in the garage causes
a domino effect -- now you need to make room for it. Don't lose
your focus. Getting the garage organized can be Phase 2 of your
spring organizing fling.
Is the walkway to your front door inviting, or do you need to
dodge overgrown plants, spent blossoms, forgotten toys or rusted
bikes? Maneuvering around such things creates unnecessary struggle
and blocks the flow of energy to your home, say feng shui experts.
Confine hoses with a wall hanger or hose pot, or opt for a compact
coil hose.
Make sure light fixtures are free of cobwebs, and consider replacing
those that are weathered. Tip: If your fixture has clear glass,
use clear light bulbs for a cleaner, brighter look. Make sure
you have adequate wattage to provide bright -- but not glaring
-- light to your porch. Remove dead potted plants, and relocate
unhealthy ones to a less visible spot for care. Install hooks
for items like the dog's leash. Shake or vacuum the doormat, or
splurge on a new mat. Sweep and spray the area with water to wash
away dirt and leaves. Wash down the porch walls and walkways to
freshen the area. If your entry is enclosed, and your family removes
shoes before entering -- the best way to minimize dirt indoors
-- tuck a shoe rack out of sight, perhaps under a bench.
There are several ways to improve the front door without buying
a new one. During our remodel, we painted the door, upgraded its
hardware and added a brass kick plate. My friend Michelle saved
her door by removing the decorative brick-a-brack, sanding, painting
and replacing hardware for a more current look. Does your door
have glass sidelights or cutouts? Clean the glass, and replace
any cracked panes.
A broken doorbell tells visitors you lack respect for your home
and yourself. If you or a handyman can't fix your doorbell, visit
the hardware store and get a new one; it's fast and easy to install.
If your bell works, consider upgrading the button plate with a
fancier brass or lighted style.
Whether patriotic or decorative, replace flags that are torn or
faded.
Repair or discard broken sculpture or water fountains; fill empty
bird feeders; pick up and make a rack for garden tools; tidy remnants
from the kids' (or your) last project and fill or store empty
plant pots.
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