The Woodlands Edition | July 2022

2022 REAL ESTATE EDITION

ASK AN ORGANIZATION EXPERT

Classy Closets has locations in 11 states and has been organizing closets and other home spaces for customers for over 35 years. Steve Reed is the general manager of The Woodlands location opening this year. HOW CAN SOMEONE GET STARTED ORGANIZING THEIR HOME?

When looking to downsize or clean up, there are several tips homeowners can follow. ANNUAL CLEANING TIPS FROM A PRO

shelves, and then the items that they use on a daily basis they’ll keep on the lower shelves obviously. I’m also seeing people using baskets in their closets more as a trend for items like scarves and loose items that don’t hang or fold somewhere naturally. DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSISTENTLY KEEPING YOUR SPACE ORGANIZED? One thing is, in the areas that are most accessible in your closet, that’s where I would suggest, you know, obviously putting your most commonly used items. And then another thing for a closet if you like it to be aesthetically pleasing is to color coordinate your clothes. It does look nice to the eye; it makes it feel more organized.

We have some phenomenal designers. ... They’re very skilled at looking at a space and creating an organized space, whether it’s a closet or pantry, home oce or entertainment center. So my biggest piece of advice would be to hire or consult with a professional. And we do oer ... free in-home design consultations. ... Our designers are not high-pressure salespeople. They will actually come into your home and look at your space, and they can come up with a beautiful plan that works for you. It’s functional and all that. ARE THERE ANY ORGANIZATION TRENDS THAT YOU’VE BEEN SEEING IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO? There is a housing shortage right now, so people have been really looking at their interior space in their homes and trying to reimagine it and ... make the best of what they have. What I’m seeing ... with closets is that people are going with built-in cabinets and doing things like running shelves all the way up to the ceiling. That’s a big thing to give them extra space. ... The items that they use the least they’ll put on the top

Donate unused winter items to Goodwill or another charity. Store away unused winter items on the top shelves of the closet or in another room. Use a fabric softener to wipe down shelves, getting rid of the dust and leaving the closet smelling fresh. Keep baskets in the closets to organize items like scarves.

Commonly used items should be placed on more easily accessible shelves.

Color coordinating clothing can make a closet more aesthetically pleasing.

Steve Reed General manager, Classy Closets 2002 Timberloch Place, Ste. 200,

Store items used less frequently and large items on higher shelves.

The Woodlands 832-990-0834 www.classyclosets.com

EMPHASIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional assessment of a home’s energy eciency, it is also possible for homeowners to perform one on their own. Here is a list of areas to check when assessing a home’s energy usage.

AIR LEAKS Air leaks can save up to 20% on energy per year if addressed. In

INSULATION Depending on building ages, insulation may not be up to standard. Checking attics, walls near outlets and basements can ensure heat losses are kept to a minimum. Wall insulation may require a thermographic evaluation. APPLIANCES Energy use for appliances can be estimated using the energy guide label on the appliance itself or by using an electricity usage monitor. Unplugging appliances in between uses can keep them from drawing unused electricity.

LIGHTING When replacing bulbs, residents can consider LEDS as well as energy-saving incandescent bulbs. Electric utilities may oer rebates for purchasing energy-ecient lamps. HEATING AND COOLING The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading systems older than 15 years. Checking ductwork for dirt streaks can reveal air leaks, which can be sealed.

addition to leaking windows and doors, check for leaks on baseboards or where dierent building materials meet. Leaks can be sealed or plugged with caulk or weather stripping.

SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYCOMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER

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THE WOODLANDS EDITION • JULY 2022