According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM), the average American family does 8 to 10 loads of laundry each week. A single load takes 1 hr, 27 minutes from wash to dry so the average family spends 12 to 15 hours per week doing laundry. This article explores ways to organize laundry so it takes you less time …

Okay, we all try to use our time wisely so there’s overlap when the washing machine and dryer are running at the same time … but aren’t there lots of times when we get busy or forget? What we want to talk about here are shortcuts you can take when doing laundry to save time, and everyone could use more time these days. These tips will help you share laundry tasks with every member of the family, to either eliminate steps or do them more efficiently. Let’s get to work gathering the laundry, from the floor through the laundry room and back to the drawers/closets

Get Everyone to Sort Their Own Dirty Laundry

It’s not really fair for everyone to leave their dirty laundry for one person because that can grow into a huge pile of clothes. It’s much easier to sort a few clothes at a time, so why not ask everyone to sort their clothes as they put them into the hamper, separating by color and type of clothes?

• Put a divided hamper in each child’s room and let them decorate it any way they want.  Younger children really can separate colors from white.
• Teens and adults can use the same divided hamper. Let them know if the laundry isn’t in the hamper, it won’t get done.  Better yet, teach your teens how to do their own laundry which they’ll have to do when they go away to camp or college.
• Keep several baskets in your laundry area and ask family members to bring their laundry to the laundry room. They can easily empty their hampers into the appropriately marked baskets.

Keep Laundry Supplies at Your Fingertips

Once the laundry is sorted, it’s time to get the washing started. Here are tips for organizing your laundry area to save time while washing and putting clothes away as who likes hunting for that missing sock. In my house, I often think there’s a hidden sock house where they take vacation as I’ll go out and buy new socks and a few weeks later, I’ve got more socks than the drawer will hold?

• Pin loose socks together so you don’t end up with single, lost and forlorn socks. Maybe you have a missing sock basket to stop wasting time hunting for missing socks? This tip saves time -  no more sorting sock, then pairing them up and searching for the missing ones.
• Keep a basket near the washer with supplies you use for laundry. You’ll save time when you don’t have to look for the stain remover, clothespins or hooks for hanging items that don’t go in the dryer, mesh laundry bags for small or fine lingerie, etc.
• Keep a small bag or hamper nearby for dry cleaning items that get mixed in with laundry.  When you have several items collected, you can take them to the cleaners in one trip.

Avoid Doing Things Twice

When you buy your next washer or dryer, get one with an alarm that tells you when the laundry is ready to be removed. Once you hear the dryer buzzer, you’ll save time by removing and finishing up the job right away. How many times have you turned the dryer on again, to get rid of wrinkles?

• Avoid doing things twice by hanging things up right away versus putting them in a basket, to be hung or folded later.  Keep hangers in your laundry area and if you have room, a rack near the dryer so you can put those things on hangers immediately. If you’re short on room, use one of these door hanger bars.
• Invest in a few small baskets, one for each family member.  Fold and put clothes in the basket by person, in effect sorting as you fold.  Then ask family members take their baskets and hanging clothes to their rooms, and put them away … in their drawers!

These tips are meant to help you work smarter, not harder, when it comes to household laundry. We hope you found something helpful and please, share your own time saving ideas by leaving a comment below.

Why is this important? Maybe you have a family member with allergies or worse, asthma which is increasing in the US even though smoking and air pollution are dropping. This article outlines what homeowners can do to reduce air pollution inside their houses, and introduces the top 10 pollutants commonly found in our homes.

Reducing Indoor Pollution in Your Home

There isn’t one easy solution to improve your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) as there are many different problems. The term “indoor air pollution” covers a wide array of things in the air that affect the human body, many which can’t be seen. The EPA released Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades to focus on air quality as homes are made more airtight and energy efficient. Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation says “… These protocols will help the home energy retrofit industry deliver high quality work while protecting the health of families.”

There are 3 ways to reduce air pollution in your home and depending on the severity of the problem, you’ll want to use a combination of these.

• Reduce the number of pollutants you introduce into your home by learning what to avoid like VOCs in paint and formaldehyde in home furnishings.
• Install a mechanical ventilation system that proactively exchanges fresh air from outside with stale indoor air that harbors pollutants.
• Be more diligent in changing filters already in your home, and consider adding some type of air purifiers to filter out pollutants remaining in your home.

Top Air Pollutants in Our Homes

Radon – is a radioactive gas found in the ground. It enters your home through cracks in floors and walls touching the ground. It’s colorless, tasteless and odorless, so you have to test to find the problem. Once identified, ventilation (most often in the basement) is used to remove the radon.

Secondhand smoke – comes from burning tobacco products. Secondhand smoke affects anyone exposed, and it causes cancer and serious respiratory illnesses. Unfortunately children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke so you’ll want to ask smokers to do so outside.

Combustion pollutants – are gases or particles that come from fuel burning appliances that aren’t vented properly — wood stoves, gas stoves, water heaters, dryers, fireplaces and space heaters. The pollutants vary depending on the type of appliance and how well it’s installed, maintained and vented. Carbon monoxide detectors are critical as it’s colorless, tasteless and odorless and … poisonous. Other gases while not deadly, cause health problems.

Biological pollutants - include mold, mildew, dust mites, dander and more. While you can’t avoid them entirely, you can reduce the risk of mold by inspecting and repairing water and moisture problems quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Wash bedding in hot water to kill mites and dust, vacuum and wash regularly to control pests.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – are gases emitted by many different things including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, varnishes and waxes, pesticides, building materials, furnishings, air fresheners, and dry-cleaned clothing. VOCs evaporate into the air when used and sometimes when stored.

Formaldehyde – is found in the home in glues, textiles and building materials. Look for formaldehyde free products when buying drapes and carpeting and use exterior-grade pressed wood products (particle board, medium-density fiberboard, plywood)  which use less formaldehyde in their resins. Formaldehyde is also found in urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), in homes built in the 1970s.

Pesticides – are used outdoors to maintain landscaping but they’re dangerous. Only purchase what you need to avoid remaining chemicals giving off fumes in your house and it’s better to store pesticides outside rather than in your home or garage.

Asbestos – was once commonly used in home construction because of its ability to insulate houses and resist fire. The fibers are so small they can be easily inhaled and most forms are banned by the federal government so the risk lies mainly with older homes built after the EPA issued its ruling on asbestos containing products.

Doors are fascinating as they’re used for 2 opposing functions

Barn doors are rather unique as they don’t swing when you open and close them. This probably has a lot to do with their weight as they’re typically very wide and really heavy so finding hinges to support the weight is a challenge. So let’s explore the benefits of doors that slide versus swing, and the many ways in which we can use these to save space in our homes.

Sliding Doors at Home

Barn doors aren’t the only type of sliding doors found in homes. Barn doors are known more for outdoor applications, for barns and garages but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used indoors as this story is meant to illustrate.  Here are the sliding doors found in homes and if I’ve missed one, let me know so I can add to the list.

• One of the most common sliding doors is the closet door, with either 2 or 3 panels, where one panel slides in front of another.
• Sliding glass patio doors are also very common and incredibly functional — great views of your backyard, easy access from the house to a deck or patio without losing any space for a swinging door.
• Rolling shower doors for combination shower/bathtubs provide easy access in the smallest rooms we have, and play an important role in keeping the water inside the tub.
• Garage doors sometimes adopt the barn door style where there isn’t enough room for swinging doors and the homeowners don’t want to use today’s
• Pocket doors are similar to barn doors and use similar sliding hardware. They slide inside a wall cavity left open to hold the door when open. Pocket doors are tricky to repair when they get off their tracks inside the wall or when small children hide things in the opening … and beware, you cannot hang kitchen cabinets or other heavy wall hangings on these walls (we had to move our microwave).
• Japanese shoji screens are beautiful and practical. They provide privacy while letting natural sunlight shine through the rice paper and they’re used as doors for rooms, closets and more decorative uses.

Barn Doors Slide Over a Wall

Barn doors are really practical as they don’t require the traditional space you see on floor plans, dedicated to the door swing. These doors slide open and closed so you simply need enough wall space on one side of the door and rather than try to explain how it works, you can watch this video where I’m talking to Chris Corson, EcoCor Design/Build … as he designed and built this super-insulated house along with these wonderful barn doors.

Insulation is like the lining of your coat, it stops the heat your body generates from escaping

Insulation isn’t a new concept although the focus on insulating our homes really started after the oil crisis in the 1970s.  Houses built hundreds of years ago had thick, solid walls made of timber (think of log homes), adobe, plaster, etc and these materials offered insulation in addition to their structural value.

How Insulation Works

Heat flows naturally from warmer to cooler spaces. That means the heat you generate in the winter moves from heated living spaces to the outdoors and unheated space in your home like the attic, basement and garage. In summer, air from outdoors moves into your home because it’s warmer than the air conditioned air inside your home. The problem is you run your heating and air conditioning systems longer to keep your home comfortable, because you have to replace the lost air and this wastes energy.

By insulating the floors, walls and ceilings that surround your conditioned space, you provide resistance to the flow of heat in either direction. When less heated air flows into or out of your home, you don’t have to run your heating and air conditioning systems as long and that results in lower energy costs.

How Much Insulation Do You Need

You can’t see most insulation in your home. Insulation fills the cavities between the lumber framing your floors, walls and ceilings. Only where these surfaces are unfinished like your basement ceiling or attic floor, can you see the insulation. That’s why adding insulation to the attic floor is the most common project done to existing homes. Wall insulation is difficult to add, except when you’re replacing siding and then you do get easier access to the walls.

How well an insulation product resists heat flow is designated by it’s R-value. R-values are based on the type of insulation (Department of Energy, Types of Insulation), it’s thickness and density. If you use multiple layers of insulation, you add the R-values of each layer together for your total R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness.

How much insulation you need varies based on where you live. Energy Star provides the following recommended insulation levels for retrofitting existing wood framed houses (similar tables exist for new construction). You can also get detailed recommendations for your home based on the first 3 digits of your zip code and the type of fuel your house uses for heating.

Laboratory measurements won’t always accurately reflect conditions in the real world. Most insulation materials lose their effectiveness when installed incorrectly, i.e. crammed into a tight space. Temperature can also make a big difference where some insulation works better in colder temperatures, while others work best in warmer environments.

Note: Double pane windows provide resistance to heat loss, similar to insulation. The air or gas (higher density) acts as a barrier and slows the loss of heat through the window glass. This is important to understand as a window will allow up to eight times more heat to escape compared to the same area of insulated wall.

Besides enjoying my open door, there are lots of practical reasons to install one or more storm doors at your house. Storm doors protect exterior doors from the elements which is great if you’ve got a beautiful wood door. Storm doors act like double pane windows, with the air between the 2 doors adding an insulating layer to reduce the loss of heated or cooled air.

Most of the storm doors you buy today come with screens so when the weather is nice, you can use the screen door to circulate fresh air through your home without risking flying insects coming inside.

Types of Storm Doors

When buying a storm door, the key decisions are which door style you like best, the material the door is made of and quality which should be relative to the frequency of use. A door used many times each day by a busy family, needs higher quality materials and construction to insure it continues working smoothly for many years.

• Full-view storm doors – include a full, glass panel along with a screen panel that you exchange with the changing seasons. When available, a full-view door with a taller kick panel at the bottom is better because it lowers the chances of the screen being kicked out (we replace lots of screening at my handyman business).
• Ventilating storm doors – include a fixed full or half-screen panel so you don’t have to swap the storm glass and screen panels as the weather changes. The glass panels move when you want cross-ventilation in your home.
• Retractable screen storm doors – have the screen connected to the top of the door. When not in use, it rolls up on a tensioned dowel at the top of the door. It’s practical because it’s the screen that most often gets damaged when it’s stored.

Tips on Buying a Storm Door

Storm doors are made from several types of materials which offer different pros and cons. In all cases, the thicker the storm door, the more rigid and durable the door will be. When picking your storm door, you should try to

• Wood storm doors – were the original material and remain the most appealing but require painting or another form of sealing to protect the wood from the elements (sunlight, water and wind). Wooden screen doors are less than one inch thick, making them lighter but unable to support the weight of a full glass panel.
• Aluminum storm doors – resist corrosion so they don’t need to be painted repeatedly. Aluminum doors come in a range of thicknesses which call all support glass panels. The risk with aluminum doors is the corners can crack if the door gets blown open during a storm, and this affects the strength of the door so look for a brand that offers replacement parts.
• PVC storm doors – like aluminum doors, are corrosion resistant and don’t need to be painted or sealed. They can be molded to look like wood and with welded corners (meaning no screws), they’re more durable than aluminum. PVC however is a controversial material, because it can release toxins into the air while fiberglass is more expensive.
• Fiberglass storm doors – are similar to PVC doors. They’re more expensive but don’t give off toxins. Both PVC and fiberglass doors have chemicals added to the material to slow the effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which makes plastics more brittle … so thicker doors have an advantage.

Other items to consider when buying a storm door include screen color and the door locking hardware which often includes a pneumatic door closer to prevent the door from opening/closing too fast. If you have lots of insects where you live, look into a door sweep which fills in any gap at the bottom of your door. A door stop (see details at VintageDoors.com) surrounds the sides and top of a door if you’re not getting a really tight seal.

For those homeowners with security concerns, there are many options like these wrought iron storm doors from MetalexDoors.com and many doors can be ordered with laminated glass. Theses doors can provide security and do it with style so the doors add to your home’s curb appeal.

Photo credit goes to Harvey Building Products and I have their storm doors at my house.

Eric wanted to hold band practice at and Marguerite wanted to explore what their options were and how much the project might cost. They were existing clients of my handyman business so they gave us a call to see what advice we could offer.

Homeowners & Home Pros Working Together

The homeowners appreciated our attention to detail during the project planning phase. “When we started researching the soundproofing project, you who really helped us get our bearings and guide our research. We were able to identify exactly what would provide the best results and what we could accomplish within our budget,” reflected Eric after the project was completed.

Marguerite added “… having heard others say they spent more than they planned on soundproofing, we appreciated your caution. You told us the project could quickly turn into a bottomless money pit if it wasn’t properly planned and managed. We knew we were in good hands when someone told us soundproofing isn’t a destination, you stop when you run out of money.”

A Soundproofing Solution

We learned that sound and vibration travel through points where materials come in contact with each other –  the ceiling, walls, and floors. The best resource we found for soundproofing is SoundIsolationCompany.com. There are a variety of ways that rooms are soundproofed depending on the level of quiet you want to achieve (and budget). Some of the more common methods include:

• Installing specially designed channels between the studs and drywall to deaden vibration.
• Installing multiple layers of drywall joined with a soundproofing glue called Green Glue.
• Filling air pockets in walls and ceilings with foam insulation.
• Using Homasote boards instead of traditional drywall for their sound barrier properties.
• Using acoustical doors and windows with sound deadening properties.

Over the course of three weeks, my handyman company helped Eric and Marguerite refine their project goals, budget and project plan. The couple agreed that they weren’t attempting to make the room completely soundproof, but rather they wanted to minimize, not eliminate, the transfer of noise to the living spaces on the other side of the walls from the music room.

To help manage costs, they decided to focus their soundproofing efforts on the two interior walls and the ceiling and leave the exterior walls untouched.

Creating a Soundproof Room for Band Practice

To stay within budget, Eric (our homeowner) volunteered to do the demolition work, which included removing the dropped ceiling and wood paneling on the two interior walls. We also also suggested Eric act as the “helper”. He could learn how to hang drywall from an expert and because we prefer using 2 people to put drywall up on a ceiling, they would save money (you can do it with 1 person using a temporary sling or special tools only a drywall company has).

Working with our technician John, was a great experience for Eric. “He was great to work with and learn from, and he always helped with minor decisions for the space we were working with.”

The construction phase of the project achieved its desired results, finishing on time and on budget. Future phases will include installing new flooring and a soundproof door, things in our plans but not the immediate budget. “We know it isn’t easy to find a contractor who can do everything that your company did at such a high level of quality,” reflected Marguerite. “We hope to work with you in the future for any project too daunting for us to tackle on our own.”

Preparing your home for sale is challenging. If you need to sell your home quickly and want to get top dollar, you should hire a home stager to help you remove clutter and personal things. They can also identify each room’s key selling features and help you rearrange furniture to create a feeling of spaciousness.

Kitchens Features That Sell

It is unlikely you can change the basic layout of your kitchen. You can however, show off its best features by dressing them up to enhance the overall feeling of the room. You might be surprised by a few of them but the list is based on running my handyman business for 8 years.

• Replace counter tops to update the kitchen. One home owner who did this said “… now I love my kitchen so maybe I don’t need to move.” A less expensive alternative is adding a pleasing back splash that wows buyers.
• Change hardware to update cabinets that are in good condition. You can also replace cabinet and drawer fronts if the current style is dated but in good shape.
• Replace light fixtures and/or windows to add light or maybe you can change the window coverings to let more light in.
• Frequently realtors recommend new appliances, i.e. stainless changes the look and feel quickly. There are reasonably priced packages which include a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave.
• Flooring is another feature that creates the mood of the kitchen. Consider replacing if your current flooring is worn and dated and the rest of the kitchen is in much better shape.
• A fresh coat of paint (don’t forget the ceiling) is popular. Home stagers offer color consultations to help you identify the best colors for your kitchen based on current trends.
• Routine maintenance items should be taken care of. Repair leaky faucets and drawers/doors that are difficult to open and close. Replace grout that is crumbling and re-caulk the back-splash if it does not sparkle.
• Create a feeling of  spaciousness by removing clutter from surfaces, drawers, cabinets and the pantry so when buyers inspect them they feel like you have boundless storage.
• Make sure the room looks and smells clean. Wash appliances and cabinets, counter-tops, sinks and faucets. Don’t forget the garbage areas and remove all evidence of pets.

Make Your Bathrooms Sell

After kitchens, bathrooms are the next most important rooms to sell a house. They need many of the same touches as your kitchen, only on a smaller scale.

• Assess your fixtures and update those most dated. Faucets should be clean and shiny, along with all other metals from light fixtures to the sink and bathtub/shower.
• Add lighting with a new fixture, or possibly a new medicine cabinet with built in lighting.
• A fresh coat of paint and coordinated towels, hung on updated towel rods/hooks are inexpensive ways to give the room a new look.
• Routine maintenance items should be taken care of. Repair/replace caulking around the sinks and tub/shower,  repair/replace grout as needed and repair/replace leaky fixtures.
• Clean everything so it sparkles, It’s a small room with lots of features that you don’t ordinarily clean – toilets, sinks, faucet hardware, mirrors, soap dishes, etc and keep towels, shower curtains and bath mats clean.

Setting the Mood for Buying

Once you’ve dealt with the bigger projects and you are ready to list your home, you’ll want to create the right mood for buying. Here are some ideas to help you complete the task:

• Light rooms up by opening drapes and blinds during the day and turn on all lights for evening showings.
• Clear the hallways, stairs and closets of all clutter. Every buyer wants lots of storage.
• Arrange furniture to create a spacious look and clean/organize closets, storage, etc to create visual space.
• Make sure your home is warm or cool according to the season.
• Ensure carpets and floors are always clean.
• Make sure the house smells nice with potpourri or fresh flowers around the house.

Good luck selling your home!

For every inch of rain, the average roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water. You can imagine how much standing water will pool around your foundation and find ways to get into your home. Gutters are key to catching and directing this water away from your home. There are many other things that help keep your basement dry.

Keeping Your Home and Basement Dry

Don’t look at this list and think you can pick one or 2 items. If you don’t have basement windows below ground, then you don’t need window wells. Otherwise you need to implement all of these solutions as they work together to minimize the chances of water entering your basement from above. For water that gets through your foundation wall because the water table rises above the floor of your basement, see the Building Requirements for New Construction below.

• Gutters – direct water to downspouts which direct water to the ground, and ideally away from the house. If your ground doesn’t slope enough, use a diverter or consider adding below ground drainage pipes.
• Grading - the area around the house so it slopes away from your foundation. You need at least a 6 inch drop over 10 feet for good drainage.
• Foundation cracks – in masonry walls can be repaired using hydraulic cement.
• Window wells – need gravel for good drainage and/or covers to divert excess water away.
• Driveways/walkways – should always slope away from the house
• Landscaping – should be designed to allow water near the foundation to evaporate.

When Water Gets Inside Your Home

When water gets inside, you want to remove it quickly to minimize the risk of mold, mildew, termites and other unhealthy side effects. Many of the following projects are fairly easy to implement:

• Dehumidifiers – remove water from hot, humid air. Save time by installing the unit on a wall near the utility sink so it can drain continuously.
• Insulation – should be wrapped around cold-water tanks, water pipes and cold air ducts to reduce water condensation.
• Waterproofing – can be accomplished by painting concrete walls and floors with 2 coats of a water-locking, masonry paint like Drylok. There are lots of color choices but make sure you get right product, i.e. walls and floors have different requirements.

Keeping Your Basement Dry

When you find inches of water in your basement, a sump pump can remove the water quickly. A portable pump works well if this happens rarely, i.e. when the hot water heater breaks. If you get water every few years, a sump pump provides cost effective peace of mind. All pumps use some type of float activated switch that turns the pump on when the water reaches a certain height. They should also have a check valve to insure water doesn’t flow backwards from the water outlet pipe.

• Selection – permanent pump choices include upright or submersible, plastic or cast iron and electric powered versus water powered (sometimes installed as a backup system). Pick one based on the frequency and volume of water you anticipate – a 1/3 horsepower pump is satisfactory for most homes. For more details, visit the Sump Pump Info web site.
• Installation – requires a sump pit (roughly 2 feet square and 2 feet deep) in the  basement floor, a discharge pipe (into a dry well or storm drain at least 20 feet away from the house), an electrical outlet with GFI. A sump pump cover helps eliminate odors and keep debris from falling on top of the pump.
• Maintenance – should start with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Typically you want to test the pump every 2 to 3 months, or right before each rainy season. Make sure the float is not restricted, that the pump is discharging water and clean all screens/openings. Listen for any strange noises from the motor.

Building Requirements for New Construction (and Serious Water Problems)

These techniques are best implemented during new construction or when remodeling. Existing homes with significant water problems will need a specialty contractor to add one/more of these solutions to an existing home.

• Footing drain – is a 4 inch diameter perforated drainpipe embedded in gravel. The pipe needs to sit on top or alongside the footings and below the basement slab
• Foundations – should be waterproofed below ground level which is easily done before the site is backfilled
• Perimeter/interior drains – involve perforated drainpipe, installed over gravel, around the foundation. Water collected should be directed to the sump pump for removal.

Do you know much about your home systems? They support your home and lifestyle, yet they’re not visible as they hide in your basement, attic, garage, sometimes a closet or sometimes outdoors (where it’s warmer). Your home systems are your heating, cooling (air conditioning) and ventilation systems, hot water, plumbing and electrical.

Our seasonal checklists (any ideas for more checklists?) offer suggestions for inspecting many home features, common repairs for problems and ways to update your home to eliminate/minimize problems. We hope you find this Winter Home Maintenance Checklist helpful and there’s a one page checklist you can print to keep track of your progress completing tasks.

Keep Your Family Safe

Winter offers the opportunity to sit down with your family and go over home situations you might have to deal with. Involve the children and make it a family activity while teaching them home safety. For example: what should they do if a water pipe or valve fails and suddenly the kitchen is getting flooded? Show everyone where shutoff valves are located and how to use them. Practice these things and make sure you have a plan. Prevention and preparation take time now, but they’re worth peace of mind.

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

Water plays a key role in our lives but let’s keep it where it belongs – sinks, shower/bathtub, washing machine, etc. When you have water leaks, the water combined with wood or other food sources, creates an environment that supports living creatures we don’t want like carpenter ants and mold. The worst part of the problem is you often can’t see the problem until it has gotten really bad. A leak behind the shower head can take a few years before the stain comes through the drywall. That’s why we say inspect and fix water problems immediately.

Save Energy, Money and the Environment

A focus on home energy costs always starts with heating and cooling. You can focus on large or small projects and the results will add up year after year. You can install programmable thermostats or replace your single pane windows with double pane, a few rooms each year or the entire house. We’ll continue to offer green, energy saving tips here and if you want to do more research, here are some websites that provide more information on energy efficiency products and tax incentives.

• State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
• Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Programs
• Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency

We hope you find this Winter Home Maintenance Checklist helpful. We’re also providing a one page summary checklist to save ink and paper. Good luck maintaining your home and please, share your input as to how we can improve this checklist.

That’s where the concept for Dream Dinners, a new business that simplifies meal preparation, fits in. They enable families to continue the tradition of family dinner time in spite of our hectic schedules. They do the planning and the preparation so you can spend less time cooking, and more time catching up with family members over the dinner table.

Keeping the Family Connected

Keeping your busy family connected is no easy task. Making a difference in your children’s lives requires face time, and there is no better way to do it than having dinner together a couple of times a week. Several organizations have published studies on the benefits of family meals. Here are just a few of the documented benefits from regular family meals:

• One study in 2004 with 4,746 children ages 11 to 18, published in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found that frequent family meals were associated with a lower risk of smoking, drinking and using marijuana; with a lower incidence of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts; and with better grades.
• A 2006 survey of 12 to 17 year olds, by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), found that teenagers who reported eating two or fewer dinners a week with family members were more than one and a half times as likely to smoke, drink or use illegal substances than teenagers who had five to seven family dinners.
• A study from the University of Minnesota found that adolescent girls who reported having more frequent family meals and a positive atmosphere during those meals were less likely to have eating disorders.

Help with Meal Planning & Preparation

I know what you’re thinking, “These are great facts, but how am I supposed to pull together dinner with the little time I have?” Some families resort to take out, but that can get expensive and is generally not the healthiest. Other families make easy to prepare meals, like macaroni and cheese or other pasta, but these aren’t very nutritious. So what can you do?

A new and emerging option is the meal assembly industry. Some call it “Assemble and Freeze”, others call it “Make and Take”, but whatever it is called it all works on the same principal. Here’s how it works according to Tina Gleisner, local handyman business owner in Hampton, NH.

• At a time that fits your busy schedule, you go online to plan next months dinner menus. You have 14 main dishes to pick from – chicken, beef, pork, pasta and fish … my husband is thrilled that we can now eat fish at home. You also pick the most convenient time to get your meals, including evenings and Saturdays.
• When you arrive at the store … all the shopping and prep-work has been done for you. You are given recipe cards based on what you ordered, and all you have to do is assemble your meals according to your family’s taste (omitting onions for my husband). It is fun going to each meal station – the ingredients and correct measuring utensils are waiting for you, along with the zip lock bags you use to take the meals home and freeze them until cooking time.
• The last step in your meal preparation is applying the instructions (printed on sticky labels) to one of the food bags and putting all bags for one meal into one large bag for safe storing.
• You can assemble a months worth of meals in about an hour for 2 people; under 2 hours for a family of 4 to 6). I love not having to clean anything up. When you finish your last meal, a Dream Dinner team member helps you load all your meals into a cooler for transporting home.
• The hardest part is remembering to take a dinner out of the freezer in the morning (defrosting just takes more time). The first person home can easily follow the cooking instruction label that is right inside the bag. Best of all, it’s a nutritious meal that you have made yourself!

The 14-meal menu changes monthly, so you can provide your family with a variety of great meals. They give you great tips on what to serve with the main dish plus the nutritional content of each meal. What does it cost? The price of each meal varies, but is generally between $3 and $4 per serving, which is a bargain compared to eating out.

This article was contributed by the team at Dream Dinners in southern NH. Dinners are a breeze because they do all the planning and food preparation. You simply visit your local store and pack up your meals, take them home and they’re ready to cook — it’s that easy, and compared to buying more food than you need at the grocery store, you might save money too.