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Back-to-School Routine

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

In most parts of the US this time of year, there is a lot of groaning by kids who are heading back to school, and some parents as well, because they dread the busyness of the school being in session.  Take the dread out by getting organized and staying organized so that it becomes a routine for you and your kids. 
 

  • - With sales and coupons abounding at every store this time of year, we usually end up with more school supplies than we need.  Have a dedicated storage spot for everything for easy access when it’s time to replenish.  Donating some of those extra supplies to the school or organization who help kids in need is a good thing, too. 
     

  • - If your school requires uniforms, go through old ones, and if they’re not worn or stained, take them to your school office so other students have a change of clothing in case of spills or accidents.  
     

  • - Getting ready for school begins the night before.  Set a bedtime, get a good routine going, and stick to it.  It can help reset your child’s body clock so that even when things get busy, they’ll be ready for sleep at their set time. 
     

  • - Even if they haven’t yet learned to tell time, get your child an alarm clock.  Set the alarm and help them be responsible for getting themselves up.   
     

  • - Have all their school clothes for the week hanging on a wreath hanger on the back of their bedroom or closet door or folded on their dresser.  This way, they can decide what to wear each day without staring at a closetful of clothes. 
     

  • - Let the kids pitch in with lunch prep.  Have their lunchboxes, storage containers, plastic bags and drink containers all in one easily-accessed spot in a kitchen cabinet. Good Housekeeping has a video with some great tips for packing up lunches. 
     

  • - Breakfast on the go can be so much more than a toaster pastry and juice box.  Mique from Thirty Handmade Days has compiled a list of links of 31 healthy make-ahead meals that kids will love! 
     

  • - Whether you have a mudroom or not, place some baskets or totes near the door for shoes, bookbags and sports bags.  It certainly helps with “I can’t find…” when it’s time to get them out the door. 
     

  • - After-school routines can vary, with extracurricular activities, sports, and lessons.  Keep a white board in a prominent place and have everyone’s schedule listed by days of the week.  Have the kids go over their schedule the night before so they’ll be prepared for their activities the next day. 
     

  • - Sometimes children come home from school and can’t wait till dinner and want to eat a full meal.  Have some snack bags of sliced fruit or veggies keeping cold in the fridge.  Add some fruit dip or ranch, and they’ll have a yummy snack that will tide them over until meal time. 

 

Getting in a routine doesn’t mean there won’t be mishaps or struggles or lost socks.  Go with the flow and remind the kids of the importance of putting things in their place or having things ready to go.  When they see you getting things ready beforehand, they’ll pick up your habits, get used to it, and it will soon be second nature.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: 01 Insurance

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Hoarding Habits and How to Stop Them

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Most of us have seen the television show by the name of Hoarders. The reality of the lives these people struggle with is terrifying.  Have you ever given any thought to the fact that perhaps you are a hoarder yourself?  Maybe even just on a smaller scale?  There are a few items that even normal people tend to hoard.  Below is a list of a few items that you might be hoarding in your home and how to stop doing it.  

 

  1. 1. In this day and time most of us have all of our photos either saved to our social media pages or saved on our cell phones.  However, some of us have boxes of photos from the past that we keep just in case we want to look at them some day.  There is nothing wrong with having some photos in a box to look at but if the boxes of photos are overtaking your closet space there might be a problem.  The best way to stop this hoarding problem   is to go through the pictures you have stored in boxes a little a time and pick out those you simply cannot live without.  Once you do this, use these photos to make a small scrapbook that can easily be stored in a bookshelf that is easily accessible to anyone whenever they want to take a trip down memory lane with photos.   

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  1. 2. Another typical thing that many folks tend to hoard is magazines.  If you have a subscription to a magazine then you are getting these delivered in your mailbox once a month.  If you have more than one subscription it won’t take long before these magazines can begin to overtake your house.  The best way to stop hoarding  magazines is to throw them out as soon as you look through them.  There is no reason to keep holding on to magazines once the month has passed because no one wants to look at old outdated news.

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  1. 3. If you have children then you are likely hoarding some of their artwork somewhere in your home.  If you have more than one child you probably have a lot of it.  The best way to stop this kind of hoarding is to go through the art work and pick out your favorites.  Put your favorites into a small container that can easily be stored and looked at anytime you feel like it.  No need for hundreds of art projects lying all over the house. 

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These are just a few tips for you to get rid of items you might be hoarding in your home.  There are many others you may need to work on as well.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Tips for Creating a Perfect Kitchen Pantry

Wednesday, July 26, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

The typical household kitchen pantry is full of items that are needed and some items that may have been in there way too long that are no longer needed or good for that matter.  Perhaps you have tried in the past to clean out your pantry to make it more efficient to no avail.  Below are a few tips for a perfect kitchen pantry that may help you clean and organize yours once and for all.  

 

  1.  The best way to start organizing your pantry is to clean everything out of it and start from the beginning.  It may make a mess at first when you begin taking all of the items out of your pantry but sometimes you have to make a mess in order to get rid of a mess.   Be sure to look through all of your items throwing out anything that is outdated or spoiled.   

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  1. Another tip for a creating a perfect kitchen pantry is to install shelving that makes it more efficient.  You can purchase shelving for your pantry at most local hardware stores or you can build them yourself out of wood, whichever works best for you.   You can make the shelves stationary or you can choose to make them where they will pull out so that you can get things out a bit easier.   

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  1. Putting all your staples such as flower and sugar into air tight containers then labeling them is a great way to organize your pantry and make it more user friendly.  Once you get all of your staple items into containers you can then more easily organize them.   

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  1. Another good tip for creating a perfect kitchen pantry is to use one shelf for each type of food.  For example you can put cereals together all on one shelf,  spices on one shelf and  items that you use daily on a shelf that is eye level.   

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  1. If your pantry is dull and dreary, you can always paint it a light color to brighten it up after you organize it all.   

 

Once you get your kitchen pantry all organized exactly like you want it you will likely want to spend more time in the kitchen creating fantastic meals for your friends and family.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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A Guide to Yard Sale Success

Wednesday, July 12, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Having a successful yard sale means putting some effort into your setup. Just tossing things on tables or in storage containers in the driveway may be easy, but if you truly want to get rid of unnecessary stuff plus make extra cash, you will want to follow these tips: 

 

  • Make sure all items are clean and free of stains, tears, or breakage. Launder all washable items and wipe hard-surface items with a disinfectant wipe.  
     

  • Set prices low and at twenty-five cent increments so items move quickly and to help avoid bargaining with shoppers. Not pricing your items will take up your time at the sale and may turn some people away. 
     

  • Bundle miscellaneous items, such as jewelry, small toys, and other children’s items, or holiday decorations, in appropriately sized clear plastic bags. Sell the bundles of children’s items as “grab bags.” 
     

  • Have a “FREE” table for items that are not in the best condition. 
     

  • Check your lawn the day before: trim the grass, fill in any holes, and clean up after pets. Do not forget to have a clear “Not for Sale” sign on items not included in the sale. 
     

  • Display colorful balloons or other party decor to attract attention, play upbeat music in the background–make it a pleasant experience for everyone! 
     

  • Make sure shoppers have plenty of space to walk around and can get around safely. 
     

  • High-interest items and large/heavy items should be closest to the street to draw shoppers. This will also make it easier for buyers to load them. 
     

  • As the day wears on, slash prices or have a “bag” incentive: whatever shoppers can fit in a grocery bag you provide is theirs for five bucks.  

  

When the day is over, schedule a pick-up by a non-profit that will take your things away for free. It may take a few weekends to prepare and organize for your yard sale, but keep in mind that decluttering and extra cash are your goals, and it will make the effort worthwhile.  

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

Photo credit: prestigestoreit.com

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Pet Summertime Safety

Wednesday, July 5, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

When we’re enjoying the warm weather, our pets usually are, too.  When we’re spending time outdoors with family and friends, we usually include our pets.  Keeping our furry family members safe should always be a priority, and these tips may be a refresher course for some, but it never hurts to make sure all our loved ones are kept out of harm’s way. 

 

In the Backyard 

  • - Fencing should be examined to make sure there are no gaps at the bottom, and that all materials are in place and secure.  You don’t want Fluffy taking a neighborhood excursion by himself. 
     

  • - The garden and landscaping bring us great satisfaction, and animals like to take a bite of growing things occasionally.  Check these lists for cats and dogs from ASPCA to make sure you keep your pets from chewing on them. 
     

  • - Keep any swimming pool chemicals and mechanical lawn tools sealed and out of your pets’ way.  Some of these products have a scent that is enticing to animals, and they wouldn’t hesitate to give them a try.   
     

  • - It may sound sensational, but if you have an animal that is a toy breed, or weighs five pounds or less, keep an eye and ear out for any predatory birds.  Owls, hawks, and eagles have been known to attack small pets, mistaking them for a wild meal. 
     

  • - Sometimes it’s necessary to leave your dog or cat outside while you’re gone for a while.  Make sure they have adequate shelter to keep them cool, and plenty of cool water to prevent heat stroke or dehydration. 
     

  • - Allowing your cat to roam in the yard is great for them, as they are natural hunters, and they find great pleasure in all the sights and sounds.  Keep an eye on them in case they see a bird they’d like to get to know better, or find a snake in the flower bed.  Protecting wildlife and your feline friend go hand-in-hand. 

 

Out and About 

  • - Does your dog go with you for exercise while you’re biking or jogging?  Some active pet owners take a water bowl with them, so they can offer a cool drink to their pet, and you can train them to drink directly from the bottle using an adaptor created especially for dogs. 
     

  • - Going fishing or water skiing?  Make sure you have a life jacket for them, as well as an overboard plan.  If you think Fido would enjoy jumping into the water, maybe you should leave them at home or at the kennel for their safety as well as your own. 
     

  • - vetSTREET offers some great tips for taking your dog to the beach.  Heat, waves, and hot sand can all play a role in just how much fun everyone will have--or not. 
     

  • - It’s vacation time, and you’d like to bring your pet with you, so call ahead for information on pet-friendly lodging, and where they can stay for events where pets aren’t welcome. Make sure you have a vehicle safety harness or seat belt for them or their carrier while you’re traveling. 

 

Summertime brings water fun, cookouts, and don’t forget the insects!  Keep your pets safe from biting insects, and be sure they get a flea and tick repellent treatment and heartworm prevention to avoid any diseases these insects can cause down the road. Pets need to be kept as safe as small children, so take preventive measures so you can have a fun and healthy Summer with the whole family.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

Photo credit: Pets Animal Hospital 

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How to Make Your Outdoor Space More Inviting and Fun

Wednesday, June 28, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Make your outdoor space more inviting and fun for family and friends using the list below with ways in which you can accomplish this: 

  1.  If you already have landscape lighting, why not purchase a few fun colored lights to use in them for different holidays.  This will defiantly make your outdoor space a lot more fun.
  2. If you are getting tired of mowing your grass then you may want to replace your grass with a garden.  You might want to add a garden of flowers or a garden of vegetables or even put in a koi pond.  Any of these ideas will help to keep you from spending your summer evenings mowing the grass all the time, therefore making your outdoor space more fun.
  3. If your patio furniture is old and outdated, now is the time to go out to purchase some that allows you to show your style more effectively.  Outdoor furniture always makes outdoor spaces more inviting and fun.
  4. Adding a new doorbell to the outside of your home may seem like a small thing, however if you find a nice one that lights up the front door area it can do wonders towards making your home seem more inviting at night. 
  5. If you don’t already have a swimming pool, summertime is a great time to add one.  Not much can make your outdoor space more fun than a swimming pool for all to enjoy. 
  6. If you do add a swimming pool why not go out and make it really fun and cool by adding an outdoor shower to the mix.  This type of thing is pretty rare unless your home is at the beach, therefore your outdoor shower may quickly become the talk of the neighborhood.  

There are so many ways in which to make your outdoor space more inviting and fun; these are just a few of them that you may want to try.  

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Maintaining Your Home's Exterior

Wednesday, June 14, 2023
by Tucker Robbins


We spend more time inside our homes than outside, and regular cleaning and maintenance of the outside of our homes is not something we think of as often. Taking care of the siding of our homes extends its lifespan and keeps our homes looking great! 
 

  • - Warm water and mild detergent are your first defense in keeping any siding material clean. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles, and working in small sections, scrub from top to bottom to avoid streaks.
     
  • - Pressure washing is a great way to clean the outside but take care because you do not want to put a hole through vinyl or damage wood. Bob Vila offers a wonderful guide on the best use of a power washer for exteriors.
     
  • - Inspect your siding before you begin cleaning. Take care of any problems as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs. 
    - All siding: check for water or insect damage, foundational cracks 
    - Wood siding: look for peeling paint, cracked caulking boards, and trim 
    - Brick: crumbling bricks or mortar, and foundational cracks 
    - Vinyl: loose, warped, or cracked sections 
    - Stucco: cracks and holes  
  • - Painting the siding does not have to happen often, it simply depends on the material: 
    - Wood siding: every 3-7 years, or every four years if it is stained 
    - Aluminum siding: about five years 
    - Stucco: every 5-6 years 
    - Cement fiberboard siding: 10-20 years  
  • - Wood siding needs a little extra care for preventing insect and water damage. It should be treated with a sealer every two-five years, depending on where you live.
     
  • - Tougher grime, such as mildew or algae, may need more than soapy water. Hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar will remove algae and mildew, and both are better alternatives for landscaping and your lungs than chlorine bleach. Peroxide cleaners are available in most home stores. 

While the home’s exterior is a large job to tackle, once it is done it will be easier to maintain over time. Regular inspection is more important, as the elements and other factors are always present. Proper maintenance and cleaning will not only add more life to the exterior materials, but it will also maintain the value of your biggest investment! 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

 

Photo credit: pressureperfectcleaning.com

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Fun Rainy Day Things to Do Inside Your Home

Wednesday, June 7, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Don’t get bored being stuck inside; below is a list of a few rainy day things you can do inside your home.  If you have small children you know all too well how easily they can get bored when they are stuck inside due to bad weather.  Get them and read this list together to get started on some fun! 

 

  1. 1. One fun indoor activity you can do with your small children is to have an indoor scavenger hunt.  Write down some clues to where you have hidden items in your house and set your children out on an indoor hunt to find them!  This can be fun for you as well as you watch your kids trying their best to find what you have hidden. 
     

  1. 2. Another fun rainy day thing to-do inside your home  with your family is to go camping inside!  Get your tent out and set it up right in the middle of your family room.  You and your family can sleep in the tent together all night long!  If everyone doesn’t fit you can use sleeping bags to make it a full fledge family event.  A super fun way to make your indoor camping event even more real is to make smores in the microwave!   
     

  1. 3. Yet another fun rainy day thing to do inside is to gather all of your board games and get the entire family involved in playing them together!  If you don’t have any board games you can likely find some type of game for all to play online.   
     

  1. 4. If you don’t want to have to create something fun to do with your family, why not bake some cookies together!  It is always fun to get your little ones together in the kitchen to bake.  Have each child create their own cookie with the ingredients you have available, then let the rest of the family be judges to give the best cookie award! 

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These are a few fun rainy day things you can do inside your home that is sure to make everyone have an enjoyable time even if they can’t go outside!   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Smart Gadget Ideas for the Home

Wednesday, May 31, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Smart Gadgets are quite fun to look at and try out but have you ever considered purchasing a few for your home?  Why not take the plunge to make your home a more interesting place to be by purchasing a few or all of the gadgets mentioned below. 

 

  1. 1. Many of you may have already seen or perhaps even tried the smart vacuum.  If you haven’t tried it you need to do so.  Just imagine pushing a few buttons and sitting down to relax while your vacuum cleaner does all the work for you.  What a revolution!  Be prepared to dish out $700 to $900, but it will likely be quite worth it in the end.  

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  1. 2. Smart trash cans have perhaps not been as heard of as the vacuum cleaners but they are just as cool none the less.  If you are the type of person that cannot stand to touch the top of the trashcan due to the fact that it is loaded with germs, this may be just the thing for you!  Not only will you not have to touch the lid but some of these gadgets even tell you when the trash is full and needs to be taken out!  How do you like that for smart?! $150 to $200 will buy you this luxury item!  

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  1. 3. Washers and dryers have had intelligent features for years but are beginning to add more and more as each year passes.  Some of them now have phone apps that let you remotely control them.  Some will sense when you are home and instantly begin using their quiet mode so as not to disturb you.  These types of machines will run you $1400-$1800 each but are well worth the money if you have it to spare.  

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  1. 4. Even air purifiers have been added to the list of smart gadgets folks are buying these days.  These items puts your homes air through different filters, then analyzes the data and sends it to your phone to tell you what types of things are prevalent in your air such as pollen, dust, pet dander, etc.  These cost from $200 to $750.   

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You may have thought that your home couldn’t be this smart but it can if you have the money to make it happen.  These items are so amazing that if you don’t currently have the money to buy them, you may want to consider saving up for one at a time.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Small Ways to Save Money At Home

Wednesday, May 24, 2023
by Tucker Robbins

Just because your home doesn’t have any major issues such as a leaky basement or a floor that is about to cave in doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot of little ways you are losing cash each month.  Below are a few small tips to help you save money at home that may eventually add up big.   

 

  1. 1. If you have yet to change your lights over to energy efficient ones you should do that right away.   This is an easy way to save a little bit each month that doesn’t take long at all to accomplish.  LED lights are going to cost you a bit more than regular light bulbs but in the long run they will be a big help to your budget. 

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  1. 2. Big ticket items such as air conditioning systems can cost you and your family a lot each year if you don’t do your part to make sure they work to the best of their ability.  Make sure to change your air filters on a regular basis and clean all the vents as well.  This type of maintenance should be done before the heat of the summer begins so that all will work correctly when it is needed most.  

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  1. 3. Another small way to save money at home  is to make sure you eat what you put in your refrigerator.  Wasting food is a big money pit that affects many Americans today.   If you buy a lot of produce and other perishables you need to be sure to put them at eye level so that they don’t get lost in your fridge only to have to be thrown out later.  If you have a small family you might want to purchase smaller amounts of foods that don’t have a long shelf live to avoid wasting each week.  

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  1. 4. If you haven’t already done so, get rid of your landline phone.  Most everyone these days has a cell phone and the need for a landline phone has almost become obsolete.  Save that $40 per month and put it towards something of better use.  You may be surprised at just how quickly $40 each month can add up.  

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  1. 5. Before you decide to bring a furry family member into your home, realize that they are quite expensive.   If you are trying your best to save money perhaps buying a pet might need to go on the back burner for a while.

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These are just a few ways in which your pocketbook can get a bit of rest  on a regular basis.  Use the ideas you like and see what a difference they can make.   

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins.   

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Tucker Robbins
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
3838 Kennett Pike
Wilmington DE 19807
(302) 777-7744 (direct)
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