Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Why Repairing Household Appliances Matters for a Greener Home

You might not think twice about the energy your appliances consume, but what if we told you that maintaining and repairing them could significantly lower your carbon footprint? It’s true! Your household appliances play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Join us as we uncover the surprising ways your everyday actions can lead to a greener, more sustainable future.

Understanding Your Carbon Footprint 

When we talk about your carbon footprint, we're referring to the total carbon emissions resulting from your daily activities. This includes direct emissions like driving your car and heating your home, as well as the emissions needed to produce electricity for your computer, appliances, and HVAC system. Additionally, it encompasses the emissions associated with goods imported and produced elsewhere and then shipped to you. All these factors combined make up your individual carbon footprint.

 Countries also have carbon footprints, which are related to what they produce, import and export, and consume. 

 Finally, you have your primary and secondary carbon footprints. We're not talking about your left and right hands, but instead what you have control over versus what you don't. Your primary carbon footprint is what you have direct control over. Your secondary carbon footprint then has to do with carbon emissions tied to the goods and services that you consume. For example the manufacturing and transportation of consumer goods make up a lot of secondary carbon footprint. 

The Average Carbon Footprint in the US

Per person the average carbon footprint is 14.9 tons per year. On one hand, that's still quite a bit. That means that in a given year, you are contributing that much. On the other hand, as much as it might not seem like it we have actually gone down in our consumption on a per person usage. We are actually back down to what we were in 1949, and we are on a mostly downward trend, which is fantastic. But you're probably asking how did we lower it and, more importantly what the heck does that have to do with your home? 

Courtesy of Andrey Matveev

Both of these are tied together. Most of what we do and consume within our homes directly impacts our carbon footprint, and one of the biggest contributors is our appliances.

Why Should You Care

We’re not here to debate climate change—that's beyond the scope of our discussion. However, we can explain how our carbon footprints, individually and as a country, impact greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

We want to note that household carbon only equates to 20% of carbon emissions in the United States. That leaves the other 80% that are created by other means, primarily industrial. So, while greenhouse gases are all of our responsibility to change, it does not mean that it is solely your responsibility.you can still make a difference by taking action at home and advocating for policy changes. 

How to Make a Difference

Now that you know what it is, and how it can affect you, how can you make changes? 

Surprisingly? One of the big answers is your appliances. From purchasing appliances, to maintaining them, to the question of repair vs replace, all of these affect your carbon footprint. 

When an appliance breaks down, it might seem easiest to just get a new one. However, this contributes to electronic waste, encourages companies to produce new appliances, and requires more raw materials.

By choosing to maintain and repair your household appliances, you can reduce waste, lower your energy consumption (and bills) and help create a greener environment around you. 

Reduces waste and lowers energy consumption

That’s all well and good, but how? 

Let’s take a look at the first one, reducing waste. The obvious answer is if you’re not throwing out an appliance, then you’re not adding waste to a landfill. Additionally though, you’re ensuring that you’re not purchasing all of the waste that comes with a new appliance. The plastic packaging to keep it looking pretty. The foam to protect it in travel. The foam and plastic that separate out different pieces for assembly. You also don’t have to purchase any of the aftermarket additions that you need to make it work for your household.

You also reduce your energy consumption. A poorly maintained or malfunctioning appliance will always eat more energy as it struggles to continue running. The harder it has to work, the more energy it will consumer, and the higher your power bills and higher greenhouse gas emissions. 

Lowers Carbon Emissions In Manufacturing

Courtesy of Pixabay

You continuing to repair your appliances also means that fewer resources are used to produce new appliances, thus creating less waste. Creating new appliances requires extracting and processing raw materials (which requires additional energy as well), the manufacturing process and then transportation. Each step contributes greenhouse gas emissions, waste in landfills, and using more resources. 

Promoting Sustainable Practices

When you choose to repair over replacing your appliances, you’re actively supporting your community, local businesses, and sending a message to appliance manufacturers. 

You support your community by supporting local businesses for repair.
Your need for parts supports the businesses that cater to parts for repair. 

Your choices, and support of local repair businesses, encourages your community, which in turn sends a messag to the appliance manufacturers that we want appliances that are sustainable. That you want ones that can be repaired instead of having to be destroyed instead. 

Courtesy of cottonbro studio

That message? Encourages the development of a repair-focused industry. That then can create more jobs and stimulate your local economy further and promote even more environmentally friendly practices. It’s a snowball effect that starts with you and the people you talk with. 

Encouraging Repairability And Upgradability

By prioritizing appliance repair, we influence manufacturers to design products that are easier to repair and upgrade. We want them to design products that are easier to repair and upgrade. This has the effect of not only ensuring your appliances last longer, but they require less materials to maintain. 

If we can get manufacturers to make it possible to upgrade your appliances with the help of a technician? It would mean that you didn’t need to purchase a whole new refrigerator, just because you want improved seals, or a new oven because you want the air-fryer addition. 

All of this is how your choices affect your carbon footprint, and the effects you can have on your community and the larger industry. What are the companies that make up that industry doing to help though? 

Companies That Are Working To Make A Difference

A final note before we round things out for the week is that there are companies that are trying to make changes just like you are at home. One way you can directly apply pressure to the industry is by supporting companies like these who are making positive changes and telling friends and family to support them as well. On a large scale, we have to try and shift culture towards embracing environmentally friendly ideas, and looking to try and change the problems that are being had on a cultural basis surrounding the carbon footprint.

Miele has promised to be carbon dioxide neutral across all its locations starting in 2021.  ((Check email to see if they got back to me)) 

Samsung has also been running a carbon offsetting campaign since 2019 to offset carbon emissions from customer usage. (This means that they are looking to find ways to balance out against all Samsung product usage, not that they're looking to change their manufacturing output.) 

LG has a zero-carbon initiative that has been running for five years at this point. It is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions from its global operations by 2030. As of 2023, it is working hard to decrease carbon emissions, boost its renewable energy, and support other companies in making the switch to renewable energy as well. 

The business that we were most impressed by, though, is Bosch. In 2019 alone, Bosch launched more than 1000 different projects that generated enough electricity to bring power to 65,000 households in Germany for a year. (And while Germany is a long way off from us here in Texas,   by supporting companies like Bosch and demanding involvement like that here, we can make our wants known.)  Bosch is a company that has taken responsibility for combating the problems we’re facing, and are working to not just net zero, but to become carbon neutral. 

 Bosch launched 1000 different projects back in 2019 that generated enough electricity to power 65,000 households in Germany for a year.

This company in particular is one that really has taken up a lot of responsibility for combating the problems that we face with climate change. They intend to become carbon neutral in the immediate future, and this would make them the first big company in the industrial world to do so.

By prioritizing the maintenance and repair of your household appliances, you're not just reducing waste and saving on energy bills—you're actively contributing to a more sustainable future. Each choice you make at home echoes beyond your walls, influencing manufacturers to prioritize repairability and driving a shift towards eco-conscious living.

At Appliance Rescue Service, we believe in extending the lifespan of your appliances through reliable repairs. Our expert technicians specialize in ensuring your appliances contribute to a greener environment without sacrificing convenience. Join the conversation on sustainable living and discover how Appliance Rescue Service can be your partner in creating an eco-friendly home. Contact us today to schedule your next repair and take a step towards a more sustainable future.

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Wondering How to Clean Your Appliances Sustainably? Eco-Friendly Methods Unveiled

The Planned Obsolescence Debate

Sustainability Unveiled The Complex Process of Recycling Your Appliances

Fact Check: Common Appliance Maintenance Beliefs Debunked

Avoid common pitfalls with our debunking guide

Keeping your home running smoothly can feel like a juggling act, especially when it comes to your appliances. With so much conflicting advice out there, how do you know what’s true and what’s just a myth? In this true/false guide, we’ll clear up some of the most common misconceptions about appliance care. Whether it's knowing when to clean your dryer or understanding why overstuffing your fridge can backfire, we're here to help you navigate the world of appliance maintenance with confidence and ease.

Do you think cleaning your appliances just once a year is enough?

Unequivocally false. Certain pieces of your appliances only need to be cleaned once a year; many of them need to be cleaned at least once a quarter. For example, your dryer’s vent hose needs to be cleaned every 6 months to a year. But the inside of your dryer should be cleaned quarterly, and the lint catch on the inside of the dryer should be cleaned every time you do laundry.

Can you chuck those boring manufacturer’s directions after setup?

We know they're boring. Unfortunately, we are not the ones tasked with writing and making appliance manuals clean and easy to read. But we do not advise chucking them in the trash. Many of them come with important warranty information as well as what different errors or sounds can mean or how to set up and use some of the various features. So, instead, we suggest sticking them into a file with all of your other appliance manuals.

Does stuffing your appliances to the brim save you cash?

Many of us make this mistake. Whether it's the washing machine or the refrigerator, stuffing it to the gills does not help your electric bill. In fact, by putting too much into any of your appliances, you can often end up damaging them in different ways. The impact varies from appliance to appliance, and we’ll provide additional reading links at the bottom to explore this further.

Can all maintenance tasks be done by you, the homeowner?

While the more skeptical reader might say, “Of course an appliance repair company would say no,” there's a valid reason. Many times, specialized tools are required for appliance repairs. Manufacturers design their appliances with this complexity to necessitate professional servicing. There's also a safety concern, especially with electronics. Unless you are experienced with electronics, we do not recommend DIY attempts. While many repairs can be done yourself, there are some that should be left to professionals.

Do you think any old cleaning product will do the trick?

Hahahahaha. Excuse us while we catch our breath. If you have ever tried cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator with the same Lysol wipes that you use to clean your counters, you will know that this is not the case. Different cleaning formulas are designed for specific tasks. We wish there was a one-size-fits-all solution, but even we haven't found one yet.

Is regular maintenance really the key to dodging pricey repairs?

Absolutely true, and that’s why we offer maintenance services. By regularly maintaining your appliances and having them inspected, either by yourself or a professional, you can identify issues in their early stages before they lead to major breakdowns.

If the cost of materials, time, and tools is 50% or more than the appliance, should you call a professional?

This is about saving time and money. Before attempting a DIY repair, consider the tools needed, time required, and cost of materials. If these costs exceed 50% of the appliance’s original purchase price, it's wise to call a professional. Technicians have expertise and tools on hand, minimizing the risk of costly mistakes.

Is it fine to keep all appliances plugged in during repairs?

No. Even if the repair seems unrelated to electronics, always unplug appliances before starting repairs. It’s not just a safety precaution but also practical. A simple slip or twist could inadvertently activate a component or cause a mess, leading to further issues.

Is protective clothing for repairs: Overkill or essential?

Essential. While the necessity varies by task, protecting your hands and wearing gloves minimizes exposure to contaminants and ensures safety.

Can a hammer and Phillips head screwdriver handle all tasks?

Remember how we mentioned specialized tools invented by appliance manufacturers? This one is obviously false. Different appliances require specific tools designed for their components and mechanisms.

Should you diagnose the issue before starting any appliance repair?

Absolutely true. Professional repair services always perform diagnostics before proceeding with repairs. It’s crucial to identify the root cause accurately, even for seemingly straightforward issues.

Is taking notes during repairs a smart move or a waste of time?

While experienced technicians may not need notes, documenting your findings during repairs is beneficial if the project becomes overwhelming or needs professional intervention. It ensures accurate communication with technicians, aiding in efficient repairs.

Can you immediately resume using an appliance after fixing it yourself?

False. Always ensure proper functionality after DIY repairs. Whether it’s running a test load in your washer or checking replaced parts, confirm everything operates smoothly before regular use.

Should you call professionals if a repair project takes more than a few hours?

Absolutely. Some repairs, especially involving multiple appliance components, can be complex and time-consuming. If you’ve invested hours without progress, it’s best to seek professional assistance to ensure a proper fix and save your valuable time.

Keeping your appliances in top shape doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can ensure your appliances run smoothly and efficiently by debunking these common myths and following the right maintenance tips. But remember, some repairs and maintenance tasks are best left to the professionals. At Appliance Rescue Service, we’re here to help with expert repairs and maintenance services that keep your home running without a hitch. Contact us today to schedule a service and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your appliances are in good hands.

Website
Phone: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard

Test Your Refrigerator IQ

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

Colorful Summer Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

 Enjoy The Best Of Summer’s Bounty With This Vibrant And Tasty Salad.

Welcome to a fresh, colorful, and delicious adventure! This vibrant salad is packed with crunchy cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed together with a creamy avocado dressing that’s sure to please. Perfect for those warm days when you want something light and satisfying, this salad is a celebration of summer’s best flavors. Let’s get chopping and bring a burst of freshness to your table!

Ingredients:

For the salad:

2 cucumbers 

3 roma tomatoes

1 orange bell pepper

1 yellow bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 12 ounce bag frozen sweet corn

2 tablespoons parsley

1 tablespoon cilantro

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dressing:

2 ripe avocados

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon freeze dried chives

1 teaspoon cilantro

Black pepper, to taste

Jalapeno slices or jalapeno hot sauce, to taste

Tools:

Knife

Cutting board

Large bowl

Food processor

Measuring cups and spoons

As always, begin by washing your produce!

Toss the bag of frozen sweet corn on the counter to defrost; we're not planning to cook it, so allowing it to thaw while prepping the other veggies is the simplest approach.

We started our chopping with the cucumbers because they took up the most space on our cutting board. If you're using anything but the mini cucumbers, we suggest seeding them for this salad. That way they don't end up squishy and damp and make the rest of the salad soggy.

We’re going to quarter and seed the cucumbers before moving on to rough dice them. Either discard the seeds, or put them aside as part of the trash to get rid of later. Next, grab your bell peppers, quarter them and slice out your seeds and pith. Now dice up your pepper, don’t worry about it being perfectly sized, a rough equivalent is fine. Toss your cucumbers and peppers into a big dish. You'll see in the photos that we used several of the mini sweet peppers rather than regular yellow and orange bell peppers.  Mostly this was because the regular bell peppers at the grocery store were awfully sad looking this week.  If they’re what you have on hand, or you just grabbed them from your garden, they’ll work just fine. 

We saved the tomatoes for last on the cutting board, since they tend to kind of squish and get tomato juice everywhere no matter how sharp the knife or delicate the pressure. (Maybe you don't have this issue; you're just nicer to your tomatoes than we are.) They were given the same treatment - quarter, seed, chop, and lob into a salad bowl.

By now, the bag of corn should have defrosted. Tear or cut it open, drain out any excess water, and add it to the other vegetables.

Measure in your parsley, cilantro, garlic and onion powders, give everything a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed, and taste test. In our opinion, pepper was a must but salt wasn't necessary - but this is your salad now, so make your own call on that.

Once the salad is mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover it and put it in the fridge so it doesn't get all warm and sad while you make the dressing for it.

Remove the skin and pit from two avocados, chop them into whatever shape fits best in your food processor, and toss them in. Add your Greek yogurt into the processor on top of the avocado pieces. If you're so inclined, you can pulse a couple times to start breaking up the avocado, but it isn't necessary. 

Measure in your dry spices - the garlic powder, cumin, chives, cilantro and pepper. Run the food processor until they're thoroughly mixed in, then add your lemon juice and either jalapeno or hot sauce and give it all another whirl to evenly distribute.

Drizzle the dressing lightly over the salad before serving, and serve immediately. You can also keep extra on the side for your dinnermates to enjoy, and they most certainly will. 

And there you have it, a fresh and vibrant salad that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at! This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a star addition to your next picnic or potluck. The creamy avocado dressing adds a unique twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're trying to eat healthier, impress guests with a colorful dish, or simply enjoy the bounty of summer produce, this salad fits the bill. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with some  grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. This salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fantastic way to make the most of seasonal ingredients. So go ahead, whip up this delightful dish and bring some sunshine to your table.

Remember, a well-functioning kitchen makes meal prep a breeze. If you ever run into trouble with your appliances, don’t hesitate to call Appliance Rescue Service. Our expert team can handle everything from minor fixes to major repairs, ensuring your kitchen is always ready for your next culinary creation. With our reliable service, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying delicious meals and making memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your salad and happy cooking!

Website
Call: ((214) 599-0055) 

Additional Reading
Layered Veggie Bowl

Sweet Veggie Tropical Curry

Building a Tea Garden 101

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly

Expert Advice on Maintaining Your Washing Machine

Courtesy of amine_tadri

Maintaining your washing machine is essential for ensuring it enjoys a long and productive life. While it’s common knowledge not to wash flammable substances or oils, there are lesser-known tips that can make a big difference. For instance, did you know that dishwashing soap, although excellent at stain removal, needs to be rinsed out by hand and isn’t a substitute for laundry detergent? These nuances often get overlooked, but understanding them can significantly impact the lifespan of your washing machine. Let's explore how your habits can directly affect the health and longevity of this indispensable household appliance.

Load Sizes Directly Impact Machine Health 

At its most basic, a washing machine is a motor that turns a drum filled with water to agitate your clothes and then rinse them. That motor can die more quickly if it is used to the maximum consistently. Being able to identify the different sizes of loads appropriately and vary them is far better than constantly pushing for the maximum load size.

Small - this is approximately 1/4 of the size of your washers drum. Typically this is going to be a few small items like t-shirts or a week’s worth of  socks and underwear. Or you might do one large item like a jacket or a blanket.

Medium - this should be, half the drum. This would fit maybe a week's worth of summer clothing for one person. 

Large - this is 3/4 of the drum and is capable of fitting multiple bedding sets or a fair bit of clothing. 

Extra Large - if you're washing machine is completely full then you are running an extra large load. 

However large you choose to have a load, ensure that it is properly balanced, as that is also going to play a significant role. If the load is not properly balanced, the machine is undergoing more wear and tear as different parts of the drum or pushed down or up. Additionally, an imbalanced load can result and often does result in the machine vibrating, shaking or even walking.

How To Clean Your Washing Machine 

Like many tasks, cleaning your washing machine is best done in smaller stages. Rather than cleaning everything once a month you can take 5 minutes here or there and knock out one part of it. This is the exterior, the drum, the detergent drawer, and any of the filters that your machine might have. 

When it comes to the interior, making it a regular practice will affect not only the life of your washing machine but also the life of your clothes. Having dirt and detergent buildup in the drum will lead to poor washing results and even the machine malfunctioning. Worse is when water remains in the drum after running a load. If that's allowed, you can end up with mold, and at that point, you need to call in a professional. 

Regularly Maintaining The Outside Of Your Washer Is Just As Important 

You might notice that we didn't explain much about cleaning the exterior of your washing machine. That's because cleaning the exterior is a simple task. On the other hand, carefully going over the exterior to check for issues is its own kettle of fish. You need to check the hoses, connections, and the power line. The hoses need to be gone over to make sure there aren't any cracks or swelling, or kinks. If they start showing signs of wear or damage then you need to replace them before they lead to leaks. The connections also have to be carefully checked for any cracks or leaks. It only takes a minute or two to go over these but you can prevent major problems by doing it.

Anticipating And Replacing Failing Parts When Possible And Calling A Professional When Not

Courtesy of Counselling

Many of the issues that you can run into with your washing machine can actually be anticipated or discovered long before they become a full problem by paying attention. By doing regular checks, you will notice when things aren't working the way that they're supposed to. 

Unusual noises—If your washing machine starts grinding or banging not just once when you have something heavy in the load but all the time, regardless of what you have, it can be a sign of a worn-out belt, damaged bearings, or a problem with the drum.

Water leaks - A water leak means you must look closely at the hoses, the connections, and the gaskets. Any of these could be misaligned 

Or deteriorating.

Excessive vibration—A washing machine is going to vibrate, due to its nature. Excessive vibration, though, such that the machine is walking or vibrating the whole room, is concerning. This means either that you have a worn-out suspension or that the load is imbalanced. 

Unresponsive control panel - If your control panel is unresponsive or is flashing or is showing error codes all of these are signs that there is an issue with the electronics of the washer.

Incomplete cycles—Incomplete cycles can occur due to a loss of power from a black or brownout, but they can also be a sign that there is a short within the machine. Once you've ruled out loss of power, it's time to consider that there is an issue with different components of the washer.

Courtesy of stevepb

Subpar cleaning - The entire point of the washing machine is to wash your clothing properly. So if it's not doing this, we question why. The easiest answer, and one none of us likes, is that it's user error. Did you treat the clothes or stains before running the load? Did you choose the right detergent and wash settings? If the answer to both of those is yes, then we will look at the machine. Human error has been ruled out, it could be an issue with the water levels within the machine or the drum. 

Now, you can see how regular maintenance is important for the health and longevity of your washing machine. The great news is that you can treat some of these problems yourself. Replacing a hose or a connection, re-leveling your washer, or rebalancing a load are all things you can do with a little bit of googling. Then, it's just a quick trip to the hardware store and a few minutes of your time to get the job done and taken care of.

But when it comes to things like replacing electronics or fixing issues with the bearings or the drum, that's when a professional is necessary. You might also consider calling a professional if you've tried fixing an issue multiple times, but it hasn't solved it. Or if you're having major or consistent leaks. You don't want to guess and test in those situations because it can cause damage to the rest of your home.  These are all times when it's important to get a professional in so that you can get your home running smoothly again. That right there is the key motto for Appliance Rescue Service: getting your home functioning and running smoothly again. Whether it's a major problem like your control panel not working or you want to get ahead and schedule regular maintenance, not just for your washer but for all of your major appliances, we are here for you. If you live between Frisco and Dallas or Allen and McKinney, we want to work with you to help get your home back on track. 

You can contact us via our website or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We will work with you to set up a date and time that works with your schedule and find the best time to send our expert technicians.

 

Additional Reading

Energy-Efficient Washing Machines

Places to Avoid: The Paw Version!

Why Is My Oven Smelling So Strange?

Unlocking Home Harmony: The Role and Benefits of Professional Organizers

How Professional Organizers Can Transform Your Living Spaces

Ever found yourself staring at a cluttered room, overwhelmed by the thought of organizing it? Enter the Home Organizer—a professional wizard of order and functionality. These experts aren't just tidying up; they're transforming spaces, whether it's a chaotic closet or an entire home in disarray. But how do they work their magic? And more importantly, how can they turn your stress and clutter into serene, organized bliss? Let's delve into the world of Home Organizers and discover how they can bring peace and clarity back into your life.

What is a Home Organizer? 

A professional organizer is someone that is trained to help get the physical spaces in your life organized. This might be a specific room like a craft room or a guest room, or you could hire them to help with your entire home. A professional organizer will talk with you to figure out what you need and what will work with your home and value in order to create a strategy that fits you. You might also see them advertised as clutter coaches or home organizers.

The best home organizers will take into consideration what matters to you, how much space you have, and what will best utilize this space. But I'll also look at how much clutter you have in comparison to the amount of space you have. Their job is to come into your home and get the space that you requested their help for organized in a short period of time. This helps you avoid burnout and decision fatigue, which many of us end up with when trying to organize ourselves.

Is it regulated? Or is it just a thing people do? 

It's a little bit of both. There is the National Association of Professional Organizers. However, you don't have to be certified to become a professional organizer. This means that while the (NAPO) boasts 32 chapters and 4,000 members, that number is most likely much higher than the number of people who actually do the work of a professional organizer.

How does a Home Organizer benefit me? 

Do any of the following sound like something you struggle with?
You struggle to keep your home tidy and clean. No matter how much you work at it, you just can’t keep everything organized.

You feel overwhelmed by all of the stuff. Your house would be clean, but there’s just so much to be done! 

You’re busy! You’ve got a career and a family, and keeping the house neat and tidy is just too much to expect on top of it.

You’re moving or remodeling already. In the middle of trying to move houses or doing remodeling work, things go EVERYWHERE, and trying to find or keep track of it all is next to impossible. 

You feel like you can’t get anything done because your life is chaotic and stressful. And because your brain is chaotic and stressful, you can’t get anything done. It’s a vicious cycle that never ceases and it drives you mad. 

You’re tired and need a major change in your home. You’re tired of the clutter and chaos and want to make a clean break. 

You’re going into a new stage of life. Whether that’s moving in with someone, having a new baby, getting married, moving to a new state, or downsizing, life changes are a great time to change up your home. 

If any of these had you nodding along, then a Home Organizer would be of help.  All of these are good examples of times when they can help you get your home back into shape or into shape for the first time in a long while. 

How does a Home Organizer work? 

To start with a Home Organizer will schedule an in-home consultation with you. This way they can see the space you want them to work with and, more importantly, get an idea of what your vision of the space is. They’ll ask you questions about your day to day life, your pain points, the things that frustrat you, and what your core goals are for the space and your home in general. 

From there, they’ll help you figure out how how they can best work with you and your budget. Some home organizers might suggest work on an hourly basis or on a per-project basis. Another option you might discuss is a DIY model. If you can’t quite figure things out but you don’t want someone going through everything for you, this might be for you. Some Home Organizers will offer a roadmap plan that you can implement rather than going through it all with you. 

This is also the stage to discuss what your goals are and what milestones would be for the project. Is this something they think will only take a few hours? A few days? Or will it take more time than that? If so, what can they point to that will help you see the progress? You’ll also want to ask questions about exactly how involved you’ll be in the process. Will it be during the decluttering stage only? Or will they expect you to be there every step of the way? Every Home Organizer will work differently, so it’s an important thing to bring up before you start the work. 

Courtesy of Liza Summers

Many Home Organizers mention that their clients are nervous about bringing someone in without having cleaned beforehand. Don’t be. They’ve seen all sorts of homes, from ultra sparse homes with nothing to organize, to hoarders who can’t tell the difference between clutter and sentimental items.  They’re not here to judge you, they’re here to help. That’s part of what you get by enlisting professional help; no more than a doctor would judge you for having a broken bone.

Here’s one thing Home Organizers won’t do, though: Clean your house. That’s just not what they’re there for. They might help with the decluttering process, but that’s about sorting through ‘things I have to keep because they hold sentimental value or use” vs. “I never use this, but I MIGHT, someday” sorts of things. 

If you do opt to look for a Home Organizer, here are the three things that you absolutely want, and three that you need to avoid.  You want to look for someone who has credibility and experience and is able to show it. You also want someone who is able to communicate with you exactly what they see as the starting place and how they’re going to help you. Finally, you want someone who is flexible and puts making you comfortable first. 

These are the three things that you need to avoid, however. You don’t want someone who claims to have a ‘magic’ system. If they’re saying that it’s ‘magic,’ it’s likely they aren’t going to be willing to explain just how that system works. At that point, what good does it do for yo, if you don’t know how that system works?  Next up, avoid anyone who wants to do the work without you being part of the process. It won’t help you to have a system in place if you don’t understand why it is there or how it’s supposed to work. Finally, decluttering is just as important as organizing. If there isn’t any space to organize, how can you organize what you own? All of these are things that you want to avoid when you’re searching for a Home Organizer to help you. 

As you embark on your journey to a more organized and harmonious home, remember that professional guidance can make all the difference. Whether you're tackling a single cluttered space or transforming your entire living environment, a Home Organizer can bring clarity and peace of mind. For more tips and insights, join the conversation on our Facebook page, where we discuss all things related to maintaining and enhancing your home. And if you ever find yourself in need of expert care for your major home appliances, remember that Appliance Rescue Service is here to ensure your home runs smoothly, from organizing solutions to reliable appliance repair and maintenance. We’re here to help you get your home running smoothly again. 

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