11 Things People With Spotless Houses Do Every Day

Let's face it: No one wants to — or has time to — make a second job out of cleaning their home. And that's okay. We polled home bloggers and other busy folks to find out what little things they do daily to keep their places presentable. Good news: Each of these tasks takes a few minutes at most.

1. THEY TAKE THEIR SHOES OFF.

Shoes are not allowed past the front door in Danielle Lackey's Carrollton, VA, home. "I have three children who frequently play on the floor. Our shoes carry germs and dirt!" Her family knows the rule by now, and a cute wooden sign in the entryway alerts guests, so she doesn't have to.

2. THEY MAKE THE BED.

Before she even thinks about leaving the house for the day, Amy Bell, makes the bed. "Even if the rest of the room isn't picture-perfect, a neat bed instantly makes the whole space look pulled together," the Cary, NC, mom says.

3. THEY WIPE DOWN THE SHOWER.

"We squeegee the shower door after every shower to prevent water spots and grime," says Deanne Goodman, 33, from Oceanside, CA. "It only takes about 20 seconds, and it keeps the glass looking clear and bright." Her go-to tool? This All-Purpose Squeegee> ($7, oxo.com).

4. THEY CLEAN THE BATHROOM SINK.

Keeping a container of wipes (baby wipes work just fine) under the sink. "Just pull out a wipe and give the sink a quick cleaning." Try it and you'll never have to look at toothpaste dribbles again!

5. THEY WIPE DOWN THE KITCHEN COUNTERS.

"I wipe down our kitchen counters nightly with a homemade solution — one part vinegar, three parts water and a squirt of almond oil dish soap — that I store in a spray bottle,"  "The vinegar cuts through grease and also does a great job clearing up the smudges on our stainless appliances."

6. THEY CLEAN AS THEY GO.

Never go to bed with a dirty kitchen. The trick is cleaning up while she cooks. "If I have something in the oven, I wipe down counter tops and wash dishes while I wait for it to finish," she says. "I try to have almost everything cleaned up by the time dinner is ready, so that all we have to do after dinner is stick our dirty dishes in the dishwasher."

7. THEY SWIFFER BEFORE BED.

Spending seven minutes (give or take) every night Swiffering her way through the downstairs rooms. A quick pass prevents dust bunnies from taking over the house.

8. THEY DO A END-OF-DAY CLEAN SWEEP.

Before bed, Fabbri gets everyone to pitch in for a quick tidying up session. The family of four picks up the dog toys, puts away the mail, hangs up jackets and puts items back in their place. "With everyone helping, it usually takes less than five minutes, and I feel so much better when I come downstairs in the morning and the house is organized."

9. THEY PUT THEIR CLOTHES AWAY.

Almost every master bedroom has one chair that starts off empty on Monday and is covered with clothes by Friday. Unless you follow this daily tip from Debra Johnson, a home cleaning expert from Merry Maids: "Before you go to bed, put dirty clothes in the hamper or re-hang clean ones in the closet. And in the morning, fold your pajamas and store them in their proper place."

10. THEY OPEN A DOOR OR TWO.

"I throw open the front and the back door to air out the house every day, even just for a few minutes if it's cold outside," says Sherry Petersik, who, along with her husband, wrote the upcoming book Lovable Livable Home. "It helps to fight off stale air — or any random lingering odors from dinner — and it makes the house feel fresh and breezy."

11. THEY CLOSE A DOOR OR TWO.

Another easy one! Knowing that the entire house will never be clean and organized at the same time — especially three kids' rooms. "I've come to accept that and I just shut their doors." "If the main floor is tidy and I can just close off the mess, I'm likely to invite people over more."

How to Keep Our House Clean & Dust Free

1. They put away their clothes every night.
When you're changing into your pajamas, it might be tempting to just toss your clothes on a chair or even on the floor, but don't fall prey to that lazy trap. It takes a couple of seconds to put them in your laundry hamper or return them to your closet. You'll be thankful that you won't have to spend extra time rounding up stray socks all over your room when it's laundry day. Same could be said when you're trying on an outfit or when you've just finished doing your laundry.

2. They don't own extras.
What are you going to do with a dozen sets of sheets or five cheese graters? If you don't need it: Edit, edit, edit. You'll be saving much more space.

3. They keep a paper trail to a minimum.
It's easy to leave stacks of junk mail, delivery menus, and old newspapers on every surface of your house. Create a good filing system to save the important documents and toss the rest.

4. They wipe down every surface after use.
Let's be real, the less grime build-up, the easier it is to clean. Mildew, grease, and food stains are not a good look for your house.

5. They don't have beds piled up with too much stuff.
Sure, it's nice to have some decorative pillows and throw blankets to maintain a perfectly styled bed, but let's keep it to a minimum. The fewer steps it takes to make your bed every morning, the more likely you'll actually do it.

6. They put their shoes and coats away.
It's common for an entryway to have a shoe pile-up or for coats to be haphazardly placed on the entry bench, but it sure doesn't look tidy. Put your shoes in your closet or place a shoe rack near the door. Make sure to hang your coat as soon as you take it off.

7. They never let dishes pile up.
This one's pretty much a no-brainer, but taking a few minutes to do three or five dishes is way better than doing 15 at the end of the week.

8. They put things back where they came from.
If you do this, you won't have a precarious stack of DVDs, magazines, books, and toys on your coffee table. This habit makes the panic-filled, 5-minute clean-up before guests arrive a little better.

9. They dust and vacuum on the regular.
A few minutes of dusting or vacuuming at least 2-3 times a week will save you from doing a deep clean on the weekend when you could be relaxing.

5 Steps to Organizing Your Closet

No matter what kind of closet you're planning, take the time to think ahead and really consider what you need to store and where you want to store it. Taking a hard look at what you have will help you understand the kind of storage you need.

Step One
Designate a staging area and empty your closet out. You can use your bed or a cleared-out corner of the room. This important first step requires you to remove everything: clothes, hangers, boxes, folded blankets or piles of old magazines.

Use a collapsible clothing rack to hang clothes so you can clearly see and sort exactly what you have. The rack is a nice addition for your laundry room once the closet project is over. Take your time with this process, maybe play some of your favorite music and ask a friend or family member to help if heavy items need to be moved.

Step Two
Organize items into specific categories and take inventory. You can place like items in cardboard boxes, plastic containers or in piles, and use labels to help keep track of each group of items. Some organizers suggest starting with "keep," "toss" and "donate" piles, while others prefer their clients to start with broad categories (clothes, shoes and linens) and then divide everything into smaller subcategories (sweaters, winter boots and sheets).

During this stage, take the time to group small items like batteries or toy soldiers together in bags or jars, so they don't end up "lost" among the boxes or piles of larger items.

Step Three
Eliminate items that don't belong in that particular closet. One of the big causes of clutter and disorganization in the home is items that belong in the kitchen or bedroom, are found hiding in closets all over the house. Over time, the temptation to stuff something like a box of appetizer plates in a bedroom closet or extra towels for the bathroom in the entry closet can cause you to make some bad storage decisions. This is the time to return out-of-place items to their rightful home. But try to stay focused on planning one closet at a time. You can turn your attention to other closets at a later date.

Step Four
Remove unwanted items. This might be the most difficult part of the closet planning process. It helps to establish some basic rules up front, like anything with holes or pairs of shoes or socks missing their partner must go. Ask yourself some questions:

• Have I worn this shirt or skirt in the last year?
• Does this jacket still fit?
• Do I really need 12 baskets that look exactly the same?

The answer to many of the questions will likely be "no" and then you can decide if you want to donate items to charity, try selling items online, hold a garage sale or take unwanted items to a local consignment store.

If you don't want to sell your used goods, hold a swap meet with friends and neighbors who want to eliminate clutter from their home. Many times a beautiful sweater that looks snug on your daughter can be a perfect fit for the child down the street. Just avoid the tragic storage mistake of leaving the swap meet with items you don't need. Remember; Keep your eye on the prize!

Step Five
Clean the closet itself. While you might think an empty closet is "clean", now is the time to wipe down the closet walls and vacuum or mop the closet floor. Once items are removed, you will probably find stray clothing tags, store receipts or dust bunnies. If the walls need painting, choose a paint that is specifically formulated to be mold and mildew-resistant. If you find your closet walls have mildew or mold after you remove items, have a professional examine your walls and properly clean and paint them.

Moving and Packing Tips

Looking for moving and packing advice from the experts? You’re in luck! We’ve spent more than thirty years collecting tips and tricks to save you money and improve your moving experience!

Moving tips

• Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your move day.
• For large appliances be sure to check your owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving.
• Don’t try to get rid of your children’s favorite things before the move – even if it makes it easier. Kids sometimes have a hard time dealing with the change of the move itself.
• By law, a moving company can’t transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, bottled gases and other flammables, ammunition and explosives.
• Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately after the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck.
• Clean out closets, the attic, and the basement as soon as you decide it’s time to move.
• Make a “survival closet” of things for the last cleanup before you move out – broom, dust cloth, dust pan, mop.
• Remember to get snacks for move day.
• Schedule disconnect times for about a week before your move day -- you don’t want to have to pay for cable, phone and utilities when you aren’t even there!
• Cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, cleaning help, lawn services about a week before the move.
• Mail in your change of address forms about week before your move date.
• Clean your stove before you move out.
• The day before your move, defrost the fridge.
• Make sure to get enough cash to get you through move day.
• Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors before your busy move day.
• If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show.

Packing tips

• Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
• Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack. Clothes in drawers can be placed in suitcases.
• Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast.
• Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.
• Always stack dishes upwards when packing.
• Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
• Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
• Don’t pack with food or supermarket boxes. You never know what little critter is hiding – or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.
• Don’t use used boxes. You don't know if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.
• Never use duct tape – use packing tape.
• Clearly label all boxes on top and side.
• As you take apart furniture and other items make sure to tape all parts to the main base.
• Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing these items.
• Start packing items you will not need ahead of time.
• Always pack and unpack breakables over a padded surface.
• Always tape boxes. Don’t interlock the tops.
• Don’t use boxes without tops. No tops make it impossible to stack properly in the truck.
• Use custom-designed boxes when packing fine china and clothing.

Regal Towers: Pets Welcome

Regal Towers understand the importance of a family to feel at home!!

So its Community is Pet-Friendly, because we believe every member of the family deserves to enjoy living at Regal Towers.

 

 

Should you have any questions about our pet policy, we are happy to assist you!

 

 

On-site Convenience Store-How Convenient!

This for sure has happened to you before...

Your buying  at the store, and even though you have a grocery list, you forget the item/s you were going for... the only thing is you are reminded of this; only till you get home!

With an On-Site Convenience Store at Regal Towers, you won't run into any more trips to the store, which can be a mile or two away!!

Regal Towers- "City within a City"

http://www.regaltowersapt.com/

Labor Day is right around the corner!

With a BBQ Area & Outdoor Pool space at Regal Towers

Labor Day party location is set!!

Because Family is the greatest blessing!!

At Regal Towers we have specialized our communities amenities

so the entire family feels at Home!!

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Why is Exercise Important?

 

Helps Prevent Diseases

Our bodies were meant to move -- they actually crave exercise. Regular exercise is necessary for physical fitness and good health. It reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes and other diseases. It can improve your appearance and delay the aging process.

Improves Stamina

When you exercise, your body uses energy to keep going. Aerobic exercise involves continuous and rhythmic physical motion, such as walking and bicycling. It improves your stamina by training your body to become more efficient and use less energy for the same amount of work. As your conditioning level improves, your heart rate and breathing rate return to resting levels much sooner from strenuous activity.

Strengthens and Tones

Exercising with weights and other forms of resistance training develops your muscles, bones and ligaments for increased strength and endurance. Your posture can be improved, and your muscles become more firm and toned. You not only feel better, but you look better, too!
Enhances Flexibility

Stretching exercises are also important for good posture. They keep your body limber so that you can bend, reach and twist. Improving your flexibility through exercise reduces the chance of injury and improves balance and coordination. If you have stiff, tense areas, such as the upper back or neck, performing specific stretches can help "loosen" those muscles, helping you feel more relaxed.

Controls Weight

Exercise is also a key to weight control because it burns calories. If you burn off more calories than you take in, you lose weight. It's as simple as that.

Improves Quality of Life

Once you begin to exercise regularly, you will discover many more reasons why exercise is so important to improving the quality of your life. Exercise reduces stress, lifts moods, and helps you sleep better. It can keep you looking and feeling younger throughout your entire life.

How Often Should I Exercise?

The benefits of any exercise program will diminish if it's disrupted too frequently. A "stop-start" routine is not only ineffective, but can cause injuries. Being consistent with exercise, therefore, is probably the most important factor in achieving desired results.

People often assume that more is better. Wrong! Doing too much too soon or performing intense exercises on a daily basis will have deleterious effects, such as muscle/tendon strains, loss of lean tissue, and fitness-level plateaus.

Cardio

If you are a beginner, start off slower than you think you should. Three days per week is realistic, safe and effective. If you are experienced, do cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises such as walking, jogging and bicycling for no more than 200 minutes per week with no more than 60 minutes per session.

Lifting Weights

Weight training should be done no more than three times per week targeting the same muscle groups. Exercise the same muscle groups on non-consecutive days because muscles need adequate time to recover and cannot be effectively trained if they are tired or sore.

Stretching

Many people forget to stretch or make the excuse that they don't have the time. Flexibility is important, so make the time! Stretching can be done every day, but stick to a minimum of three times per week in order to reap the benefits. When the body is warmed up, such as after a workout session, perform five to 10 stretches that target the major muscle groups. Hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds.

That's why at Regal Towers we want to make sure our tenants stay healthy. So we've provided a Community Fitness Center, which is open for all tenants!

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Nearby Schools

Planning to move in with the Family? That's why Regal Towers is located near great schools like Southfield High School, McIntyre Elementary School Thompson K-8 International Academy & Southfield Lathrup High School, to mention a few!! #family #RegalTowers #MI #Southfield #Apartments #Homes #School

Nearest Attractions

Regal Towers Apartment Homes are located in the heart of Southfield, MI; close to AMC Star Southfield Theater, Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, Pebble Creek Park and the Adventure Park at West Bloomfield....

Welcome home at Regal Towers in Southfield MI

Welcome to Regal Towers

REGAL TOWERS APARTMENTS--BEST LOCATION, BEST VALUE! Known for our unique upscale "City within a City" environment, we have everything to offer... Luxury, Convenience and the BEST rates in the area! Located in Southfield, the heart of Oakland County, we are near shopping, entertainment and transportation. Our convenient location is only moments from I-696, M-10, I-96, I-275, Royal Oak, Detroit, Farmington Hills and Oak Park. Our gated community has amazing 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes that have fully equipped kitchens with heat and water included! COME SEE WHAT'S NEW FOR YOU!

Let us know how we're doing

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Happy 4th of July!

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July! From your friends at Regal Towers!

Schedule a tour today!

REGAL TOWERS APARTMENTS--BEST LOCATION, BEST VALUE! Known for our unique upscale "City within a City" environment, we have everything to offer... Luxury, Convenience and the BEST rates in the area! Located in Southfield, the heart of Oakland County, we are near shopping, entertainment and transportation. Our convenient location is only moments from I-696, M-10, I-96, I-275, Royal Oak, Detroit, Farmington Hills and Oak Park. Our gated community has amazing 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes that have fully equipped kitchens with heat and water included! COME SEE WHAT'S NEW FOR YOU!

Schedule your tour today: 248-356-8020

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Apartment Maintenance Tips

Most tenants are more than happy to leave maintenance to the landlord. After all, maintenance service is a primary benefit of renting. That said, service calls are intrusive. And in the long run, you'll pay for damage to your unit caused by neglect. Protect your peace of mind and your security deposit by following a few basic apartment maintenance tips.

Keep the Refrigerator Working Efficiently

Dirty coils hold in heat and make your refrigerator's motor work harder to cool the inside compartments. Keep coils clean by removing the cover from below the door and vacuuming out the dust that has accumulated. While you're there, remove the drip pan from underneath the coils. Wash it well, and check the drain for clogs before replacing it. Next, check the freezer. It needs to be defrosted if more than 1/4 inch of ice has accumulated on the walls. Don't chip away at it with a sharp object. Instead, remove the contents to a cooler, place a pan underneath the ice to catch the drips, and either let the ice melt at room temperature or help it along with a blow dryer.

Take Care of the Flooring

Dirt is a floor's worst enemy. When embedded into rugs and carpets, it wears out the fibers. On harder surfaces, like wood, laminate and vinyl, dirt causes scratches. Place mats inside and outside your door to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your apartment. Vacuum low-traffic carpets at least once a week; vacuum high-traffic areas more frequently. Protect wood, laminate and vinyl floors by sweeping every day and mopping weekly with a product recommended for the floor type. Use the minimum amount of fluid needed to clean wood and laminate, as saturation damages wood's finish and causes laminate to warp.

Keep Heat and A/C Dust Free

Preventive maintenance of the heating and air-conditioning units is all about ensuring proper air flow. Vacuum vents before using the units for the first time each year, and then inspect the vents periodically to make sure new dust hasn't accumulated. Change filters as soon as they become soiled. Finally, keep furniture and window coverings away. In the case of heat vents, this is as much a safety issue as a maintenance one. Don't turn off your heat or A/C when you leave for the day. Instead, turn the heat down or the A/C up just a few degrees. You'll actually save more energy by maintaining a steadier temperature.

Prevent Plumbing Problems

Keep drains flowing freely. Avoid pouring oil, coffee grounds or other solids into the kitchen sink. In the bathroom, remove hair from the sink and tub promptly so they're not washed down the drain. Sink and toilet clogs usually can be unstopped with a plunger. Fill the clogged vessel with water and then push the plunger straight down in a quick, firm motion. You may need to repeat a number of times before the clog is removed.

Know When to Seek Help

Sometimes it's best to leave the work to the pros. Report malfunctioning appliances, water you can't turn off and clogs that don't respond to plunging. Also report broken or missing grout in the bathroom. Grout isn't just cosmetic--it keeps water from seeping into walls and floors.

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How to maintain your wood furniture

Wood furniture is relatively low maintenance, but life (and stains) happen. Unfortunately, improperly cleaning wood can lead to further damage, too. Here are the best ways to maintain these pieces of furniture:

First, know what kind of wood you’re dealing with. Different types require certain cleaning fluids or methods. If you aren’t sure how to clean a piece, clean in stages. Start out with gentler tactics, gradually strengthening them until you find one that works.

For a basic clean, dust frequently. Airborne particles quickly build up and, over time, scratch the surface. Use a soft cloth to wipe dust off the wood as a feather duster will only kick the dust into the air and allow it to float back down.