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Transform Your Space: Bold Accent Wall Ideas

Accent walls are a creative way to give a room a unique vibe that makes a bold statement. Here are a few ways to turn a not-so-impressive wall into a centerpiece that grabs the attention of the entire room. 

 

Pops of Color – The idea behind any good accent wall is to act as the room’s focal point, and nothing draws the eye away from three bland walls like a wall that has a pop of color. 

 

When deciding on the accent wall, pick a wall with purpose. The eye should be drawn to it as soon as you enter the room. Choose your color carefully, too, as the color in space impacts mood. If the other three walls are a darker color, then go for a lighter accent wall, and choose a darker color if the other walls are on the lighter side. 

 

Create a Gallery Wall – The art gallery is a classic accent wall idea and functions as the perfect showcase for a person’s personality and creativity. Before you start hammering nails into the wall, consider these tips to create a gallery wall that is cohesive. 

 

  • Begin with a large piece of art to act as an anchor for the wall.
  • Aim for a mix of horizontal and vertical frames to keep things interesting.
  • Mix up your frame colors and styles.
  • Don’t be afraid to blend art styles. An oil landscape painting can live harmoniously beside a framed drawing from your kid.

 

Create a Photo Album Wall Family photo walls are a great way to display family moments and add a personal touch to the home. Similar to an art gallery wall, a mix of picture sizes and frame styles can work incredibly well, yet photo album walls are a bit more forgiving if you do want all your frames to be the same size and style. 

 

Black and white photo album walls add a classic touch, but color photos are equally as appealing. Even something as simple as draping a ribbon across a wall and using clothespins to hang polaroids can create a playful photo wall with minimal cost. 

 

Wallpaper – Wallpaper trends come and go (which can be frustrating if you’ve ever tried to remove it), but if you’re curious about it and don’t want to commit to a full room, an accent wall is a perfect compromise. 

 

Using wallpaper for an accent wall creates a striking focal point that adds depth, personality, and visual interest to any room. Peel and stick versions of wallpaper are available in thousands of styles and are easy to apply. 

 

Shelving and Lighting – If space is a commodity, then creating an accent wall with shelving is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Floating shelves create visual appeal and add an element of storage space to a room. They can also be a fun way to showcase anything from art to family photos, memorabilia, or house plants. 

 

Similarly, wall lights are a wonderful way to completely transform a room and compliment the space’s design or furnishings. 

 

A home should be more than just a place where you live, but is an expression of who you are.

If you’re in search of your dream home, contact the Crosswinds team today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips

Autumn Essentials: Leaf Maintenance Tips

As the leaves begin to fall from the trees, it’s important for homeowners to spend some time cleaning up for a healthy yard come spring. 

 

Here are a few autumn essentials when it comes to keeping your yard looking good. 

 

The Right Tools for the Job

 

Whether it’s spring clean-up, summer maintenance, or fall prep, having the right yard tools for the job makes all the difference. When it comes to fall yard work, there’s one tool that is an absolute must – a rake. In regards to rakes, the old adage “bigger is better” applies. A rake with a larger spread will allow you to grab more leaves with each stroke. Chances are that your local hardware store will have a variety to choose from. 

 

Another popular fall yard tool is the leaf blower. Leaf blowers tend to come in both electrical, battery-operated, and gas-powered varieties. Because they can be loud and kick up a lot of dust, it’s a good idea to wear both ear protection and a dust respirator to guard your ears and lungs. 

 

Rake Like a Pro

 

If you have a lot of trees on your property then you’re going to want to use some strategy with your leaf raking. Rather than filling up 20 or 30 giant garbage bags with leaves, consider using a Bagster or a large tarp. This will allow you to easily drag the leaves to the curb or your compost pile for fresh garden compost in the spring. Work smarter, not harder, as the saying goes. 

 

The Final Mow

 

Before you retire your mower to the shed for the winter, be sure to give your lawn one final mow. You’ll want to wait until nearly all of the leaves have fallen off the trees, you’re finished raking, and your grass goes dormant. This typically happens around late November or early December. 

 

Set your mower height a bit lower than you normally would in the summer – around 2.5–3 inches. This height won’t weaken the root system and will help the nutrients from leaf decomposition better get into the soil. 

 

Don’t Neglect the Roof

 

It’s not just the lawn that needs some leaf maintenance in the fall; your gutters and roof will probably need some attention, too. Leaves that remain on a roof can trap water and contribute to ice that leads to roof deterioration. It’s a good idea to blow the leaves off the roof (or hire somebody if you don’t like heights) once they’ve fallen from the trees. 

 

The same goes for gutters, too. They should be cleaned out of leaves and twigs to allow the water to flow out of the gutters without blockage during winter months. 

 

Prune and Trim

 

Last but not least, you may want to prune any out-of-control or dead tree branches once the leaves have fallen off. Especially if they hang over your house. Fallen tree branches due to strong storm winds can do serious damage to a roof, and the best defense against costly roof repairs is a good offense. 

A good-looking yard can make a beautiful home look that much better. If you’re in the market for a new home, reach out to us to learn more about the master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Small Details, Stunning Spaces: Easy Ways to Revamp Your Home

Revamping your living space or even a single room can be a great way to refresh the interior of your home. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas that will never go out of style. 

 

Get Green

 

There’s a certain something that is naturally rejuvenating about having plants and flowers in your home (even the fake ones). Plants can fit any room, big or small, but choosing the right plant for the right part of the room makes all the difference. For example, a potted tree can work great in a large living area but would likely be out of place in a small home office. 

 

Play around with different heights and sizes of the plants you’re considering, and try arranging them in different clusters for balance. 

 

If you’re apprehensive about having to remember to water a plant long-term, consider the occasional bouquet of flowers. The Kyle Flower Shop offers a range of floral bouquets that will add a splash of color to any room. 

 

Get Artsy

 

Every home should have art in it. Art makes for a unique talking point with guests and provides you, the homeowner, a way to express yourself. 

 

If you’re unsure how to go about finding what you like, consider visiting a few local art galleries to get an idea of what grabs your attention. The Inspired Minds Art Center in Buda is a great place to start, as it has rotating exhibits, community art events, and even classes if you’d prefer to make your own artwork!

 

By checking out different art galleries and festivals, you’ll discover an endless world of painting styles, unique sculptures, glasswork, and art mediums that defy convention. Who knows, you may just find that perfect painting from a local artist that gives your space a whole new vibe. 

 

What’s Old Becomes New

 

If you’re looking to give your space a new look, why not consider something old? Antiques have been having a moment for about the last 50 years, and that popularity doesn’t appear to be fading anytime soon. 

 

Of course, a common misconception is that antiques can’t be mixed with modern style. That’s not true; it’s all about finding a balance. Check out the Kyle Flea Market on a Saturday or Sunday, and you’re bound to see numerous antiques that have been refurbished and repurposed with new upholstery, paint, or stain to give them a look that’s both vintage and fresh. 

 

Candles

 

A good candle can find a home in just about any room. Whether you opt for small or large, single candles or a grouping, scented or unscented, the warm glow of candles adds an extra bit of coziness to any interior space.

 

If you’re looking for that next perfect candle for your home or to give as a gift, consider checking out local candle shop Ava & Addi for a selection of premium hand-poured soy wax candles. 

 

Show Off the Family

 

A wall dedicated to photos of loved ones and family memories is a wonderful way to make use of hallways and stairwells inside the home. A large family portrait can also make for a striking visual centerpiece for living rooms and dining rooms. 

 

If you’re looking for a professional-quality portrait of your family, consider contacting local photographer Amanda Lynn, who specializes in family photos of all types. 

The homes within the Crosswinds community were designed with comfort and style in mind, making the interiors the perfect palette for each homeowner’s unique style. Contact our team to learn more.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

Summer Survival Guide: Hacks to Stay Chill and Save Energy

We’re nearing the dog days of summer, which means it’s hot out. Not that it hasn’t been hot for the past six weeks already, but at this point, Central Texas might as well be on the sun. 

 

Don’t sweat it, though; finding ways to keep cool without adding zeros to the energy bill just takes a little strategy. 

 

Thermostat and Energy Efficiency

 

There’s no getting around not using your air conditioner in Texas, but aim to set it as high as you can and still feel relatively comfortable during the hottest hours of the day (2 to 5 PM). Increasing the inside temperature of your home by just 1oF in the summer months can lower your energy bill by as much as 10 percent. 

 

Another thing to consider if you’re in the market for a new appliance in the summer is buying one with a good energy star rating. This will also help lower your summer utility bills.

 

Garage Hacks

 

Garages can trap a lot of heat during the summer. One way of removing some of that heat is installing some ventilation in your garage’s ceiling (remember, hot air rises). If your garage has windows, consider adding a reflective material to help radiate the sun’s rays outward rather than inward. 

 

Another simple trick is to wait a few hours before putting your car back in the garage after returning home. A car’s engine can hold onto heat for a long time, and taking your vehicle straight into the garage will only bring that heat with it. 

 

Outdoors and Watering

 

If you spend any time at all out on the porch or deck during the summer and it’s not covered, buying an umbrella for shade is paramount. 

 

And when it comes to watering your grass or flower beds, do this either in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. This will help to reduce the amount of water that is evaporated by the hot sun. It’s also a good idea to water plants at the base, rather than watering them directly on their leaves or flowers. 

 

Keep Things Cool Inside

 

One of the biggest challenges is keeping the inside of the home cool, but there are lots of small things homeowners can do that make a big difference. 

 

  • Close your blinds on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight
  • Adjust ceiling fans to ensure they are pushing cool air downward (counter-clockwise)
  • Close doors of rooms that aren’t in use. This helps trap cool air in the room
  • If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED, as they give off less heat
  • Buy a cooling pillow or mattress topper
  • Seal off any window cracks that might be letting cool air out and hot air in

 

One of the best things about the homes within the Crosswinds community is that they were all constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. This means a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter. 

If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Tips

Refresh and Renew: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

The flowers are blooming, leaves are covering tree branches once again, and your home… well, it could probably use a little spring cleaning. After months of winter hibernation, putting a springtime sheen on your home can feel a bit overwhelming. 

 

Thankfully, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore that devours your entire weekend. Here are some tips to make spring cleaning your Crosswinds home easy and painless.

 

Declutter First

 

Before you pull out the mop and furniture polish, work on getting rid of all that “stuff” that’s been piling up since last December. This will help you to see better those neglected areas that really need a thorough cleaning, and it will also help to free up storage space. 

 

Separate stuff into three piles: keep, donate, and trash. Don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself. If it’s something that you haven’t used in years, then pass it on to somebody else in the donate pile or chuck it in the garbage if it’s not worth salvaging. 

 

Get the Kids Involved

 

If you have kids in the house, then you know they’re responsible for their share of the dirt and grime that finds its way into your home. Bring the kids in on the cleaning action – just be sure that you assign them tasks that they’re capable of handling. 

 

Small kids often enjoy helping and are great with sorting old clothes and toys or wiping down tables and chairs. If you have older children, you may want to assign them a certain room to clean and incentivize them with a trip to the ice cream parlor after the chores are finished. 

 

Work Room to Room

 

There are two ways of looking at how to organize the spring cleaning – prioritize the rooms that get the most use, or prioritize those rooms that are the messiest. Whichever way you choose, tackling one room at a time will help with efficiency. 

 

If you aim for those rooms that get a lot of use (the bedrooms, bathrooms, living room), then start with things like washing the linens and blankets or scrubbing the toilet before moving on to areas like cleaning the baseboards or tub. 

 

If your goal is to finally tackle those messy areas like a cluttered garage or attic in chaos, then reread the declutter section above and good luck!

 

Don’t Forget the Little Stuff

 

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to focus on those areas of the home that may not get cleaned as often as other spots. A few tasks that you may want to prioritize include: 

 

  • Dusting ceiling fans
  • Shampoo rugs
  • Reseal grout lines in tubs or countertops
  • Spot clean upholstered furnishings
  • Polish wooden furniture like bookshelves and dining tables
  • Wash window screens
  • Dust light fixtures
  • Defrost the freezer

 

Keep Everything Organized

 

Once you’ve checked off everything on your spring cleaning list, some simple organization will help keep clutter down and make routine cleaning that much easier. Utilizing hooks, baskets, and containers can tame even the most out-of-control pantry, and flat storage bins that can slide under beds will free up closet space. 

If at the top of your spring to-do list is to find your dream home, then check out the available inventory of homes in the master-planned Crosswinds community and reach out to us today.

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Blog Homebuilder Homeowner Tips Kyle Texas Tips

Navigating the 2024 Real Estate Landscape: Tips for Homebuyers

Buying a house is a major financial decision, regardless of what’s going on in the housing market. Nevertheless, buying a home in 2024 is a different animal than it was even a few years ago. 

 

While there is some not-so-great news for homebuyers in 2024, there are bright spots on the horizon, too. 

 

Market Trends

 

While 2023 was marked by high prices and high interest rates, there could be light at the end of the tunnel in 2024, according to experts. “Mortgage rates should trend lower throughout the year as inflation pressures ease…,” Greg McBride, CFA, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, said. 

 

Unfortunately, the number of available homes is still low, and home prices are not expected to drop in 2024. Lawrence Yun, the chief economist with the National Association of Realtors, said there’s only a 3.2-month supply of homes on the market, whereas a balanced market has enough homes for a five to six-month supply. However, other experts disagree and predict home inventory will increase in 2024, so be patient and keep your ear to the ground!

 

Home Buyer Strategies

 

Even though it’s a tough market for homebuyers in 2024, all hope is not lost. Some good strategies can still help a savvy homebuyer find their dream home in 2024. 

 

  • Keep an eye on interest rates. They’ve been declining since October and are expected to continue a trend downward. 

 

  • Consider virtual tours. If you’re open to a virtual tour, this could buy you some time to make a fast offer rather than waiting to see a home in person.

 

  • Shop in the winter or fall months. Spring and summer tend to have more inventory, but fall and winter months tend to have fewer bidders and potentially lowered sales prices. 

 

Important Considerations

 

There are some things – like buying in a good location – that will always be a smart move, no matter the market trends. Before you go about picking out new furniture and interior paint colors, consider these important factors. 

 

Affordability. How much house you can afford is a paramount question. A safe rule of thumb is a monthly mortgage payment that’s no more than 25% of your take-home income. 

 

Home buyers should also factor in the cost of utilities in the area, as well as any HOA fees, needed home repairs, and general maintenance. 

 

Consider the neighborhood and school district. A safe neighborhood with good schools is a significant factor that not only impacts the price you’ll pay for a home but your home’s value when it comes time to sell as well. 

 

Crosswinds Benefits

 

With low inventory frustrating many potential home buyers, experts are highlighting the benefits of buying a new home. “With the crazy lack of inventory still causing headaches in the market, building a home becomes an attractive option, and with spec homes and semi-custom-building options,” Nick Bailey, president of RE/MAX, said

 

Crosswinds offers a range of both completed and soon-to-be-completed new homes by some of the best builders in the country, many with customizable home options. 

 

Not only are the homes in the Crosswinds built with the latest designs in home construction innovation, but residents can enjoy resort-like amenities, and the community feeds into a great school district

If you’re ready to find your perfect home in 2024, reach out today to learn more about the amazing master-planned Crosswinds community.

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Blog Design Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Pantry Perfection: Kitchen Organization Tips

Turning your pantry from a messy kitchen closet into an organized central storage hub that would make even Martha Stewart envious isn’t rocket science. All it takes is a little planning and routine maintenance. 

 

Clear the Shelves

 

The first step is to take everything off the shelves and out of the pantry. This will allow you to start with a clean slate. Separate any expired food items or kitchen tools you no longer want

from those that you know you do plan to use. 

 

Organize for Use

 

Items that you find yourself using regularly should get optimal shelf space. If you know, you use canned items daily but only reach for the box of corn starch twice a year, then put it in the back. Pantry real estate is valuable, so any food items or kitchen tools that are seldom used should go in the rear of the pantry or on a higher shelf. 

 

Use the Right Containers

 

One of the most common reasons that pantries become disorganized messes is that people can’t see or forget what they have before buying it again. An easy solution for this is to use clear containers. 

 

Clear, air-tight containers are fantastic for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to keep track of things like cereal, sugar, or dog food, but they’ll keep foods fresher longer than simply keeping them in the original packaging. 

 

Pro tip: Label your clear containers. The last thing you want is to accidentally put a cup of salt in your cake rather than sugar because the container wasn’t labeled. 

 

Group Similar Items Together

 

Don’t make the mistake of simply putting things on the pantry shelf after a trip to the grocery store without a second thought. One of the easiest ways to keep your pantry organized for the long run and make finding things easier is to group similar products together. 

 

For example, you might have all your canned goods on one shelf, rice and pasta on another, and baking products on a shelf in the back. 

 

Add Hooks or Hanging Baskets

 

If you’re unable to add additional shelves in your pantry but still need a little room, you might want to consider adding hooks or hanging baskets on the back of the pantry door. This can be a great way to store extra items that aren’t particularly heavy, such as Ziplock backs, aluminum foil, or spices. 

 

Maintenance is Key

 

Now that you have a well-organized pantry, the key is keeping it in check with each subsequent grocery trip. Before you head to the store, be sure to head to the pantry to take an inventory of what you need and what you already have. Not only will this help to keep you from adding clutter to your pantry with items you don’t need, but you’ll probably find that you’re buying less and saving money in the long run. 

All of the homes in Crosswinds’ available inventory have stunning, thoughtfully designed kitchens. Many of them with pantries for convenient storage. To learn more, contact us today.

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DIY Home Projects That Boost Property Value

The housing market can be a fickle thing. Sometimes, it’s a buyer’s market. Other times, it’s a seller’s game. And still, sometimes it’s a bit of both, depending on the zip code you are looking in. However, a home that’s well-cared for and stylish inside with good curb appeal on the outside will always be attractive. 

 

Here are a few DIY-friendly home projects that will help boost your home’s appeal and property value. 

 

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover: The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points of a home, and prospective buyers always take notice of a nice kitchen. Kitchen remodels can easily cost thousands of dollars, but thankfully, a kitchen can also be spruced up without breaking the bank.

 

One of the easiest kitchen upgrades is to paint your kitchen cabinets and replace the hardware. For an extra touch, consider installing soft-close kitchen cabinet hinges. This can really add some “wow” factor, all for just a couple hundred bucks.

 

If you’re feeling extra DIY handy, you may want to consider adding a backsplash. From super simple stick-on vinyl tiles to elaborate mosaic glass, a backsplash doesn’t have to be complicated but will always impress. 

 

Home Exterior Maintenance: It doesn’t matter how nice your home is on the inside; if the outside is “blah,” many prospective buyers won’t look twice. One of the best ways to improve a home’s curb appeal is with landscaping. 

 

If your flower beds are full of weeds, clear them out, put down some mulch, and plant a couple of low-maintenance shrubs. Add a few planter pots on the porch with colorful flowers, and your home will already look more inviting. 

 

While landscaping can go a long way, don’t neglect your home’s actual exterior, either. If your home’s brick or siding is looking gross, give it a good cleaning with a powerwasher and then touch up any chipped paint around doors and windows. 

 

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Outside lighting can also go a long way in both improving a home’s exterior visual appeal and providing an extra layer of security. An oversized light fixture at the front door will create a welcoming glow for guests, and solar-powered lights can help to illuminate walkways. 

 

Making improvements to interior lighting fixtures will also help to make the inside of your home more appealing. Pendant lights are very in style and work great in kitchen areas, but even simple swaps to existing light fixtures can be a significant improvement. 

 

Consider swapping out frosted glass shades on an old chandelier with clear glass or updating outdated metal finishes with a simple can of spray paint. 

 

Window Treatments: Window treatments not only provide privacy, but they can add an element of style, depending on how creative you want to get with textures, colors, or patterns. 

 

Blinds, whether they’re wood, faux wood, vinyl, or aluminum, are easy to install and can be customized for just about any window size. If you’re looking for something softer and even cheaper, curtains and drape options are nearly limitless and can be outfitted in limitless style possibilities. 

When you’ve found a home you truly love, finding ways to give it your personal touch and make it even more appealing is the easy part. If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Childproofing Your Home

You can never be too careful when it comes to small children in a home designed for adults. This is not to imply that your home is a death trap, but let’s face it: Babies and toddlers simply aren’t equipped to deal with things like heavy cabinet doors, fireplaces, and electrical outlets. 

 

Childproofing your home might seem like a monumental task, but with the right strategy, making it safe for your little one should be a cakewalk. 

 

Create a Checklist

 

You’re going to want to create a checklist of the most dangerous things to secure, as well as those things that may require a bit more effort. It’s often best to repair things that need fixing first and then move on to securing things. 

 

Be sure to repair anything that could potentially be dangerous, such as a broken water heater that could result in scalding bath water or chipping lead paint that needs to be repaired. 

 

Work Room to Room

 

The best way to tackle any home project that encompasses all or at least the majority of your home is to work room to room. Start with the rooms that your family and small child will spend the most time in the living room, kitchen, bathrooms, nursery, etc. 

 

Mount Heavy Furniture

 

Heavy furniture should always be properly secured in a home with small children. This includes dressers, bookcases, TVs, or anything else that could topple over and hurt a child. Even if the furniture is heavy and difficult to move, children can still attempt to climb on open drawers. 

 

The best way to mount heavy furniture is with actual furniture anchors. The anchor should be properly attached to the wall stud, and the restraints should be tight. 

 

Lock it Up

 

When it comes to everyday household objects that can harm a small child, the list seems nearly endless. From choking hazards to sharp objects and household poisons, there’s likely a lot of stuff in your house that should be kept out of reach from children. 

 

Putting things up high and out of reach of children is one approach, but as noted above, children are curious and often try to climb things. A better solution is to keep items like scissors, household cleaners, matches, or any sort of choking hazard in a drawer or cabinet with a secure child-safety lock. 

 

And while we’re talking locks, stove knob covers are also a wise idea. 

 

Cover Corners

Everyone has banged their knee on a coffee table and knows just how much it hurts. Now imagine only being two feet tall and running head-first into the sharp corner of that coffee table – yikes!

 

A good piece of thick foam should do the trick, but plastic corner table guards can also work well if you’re not keen on cutting up some pool noodles. Corners aren’t the only things that need to be childproof; electrical outlets should also be covered for safety. 

Every parent wants a safe home for their children, and the same goes for the community they live in. Contact us today to learn more about all that the master-planned Crosswinds community has to offer.

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Blog Homeowner Tips Lifestyle Tips

Laundry Hacks for Big Families and Busy Parents

Nobody enjoys doing laundry, and if they say they do, they’re probably lying. Only kidding; there are probably a few oddballs out there who genuinely do get a kick out of fresh Tide in the morning. But for the rest of us, the chore of fitting laundry into an already crammed schedule can feel like an annoying hurdle. 

 

Here are a few laundry hacks for all the busy parents out there. 

 

Get the Kiddos Helping

 

Little kids love to help out. Toddlers as young as three can start to learn the value of helping to clean up and do chores. Not only does this make them feel like “a big kid” by helping out, but it helps to plant the seeds of learning to be self-reliant later on. 

 

It’s probably not a good idea to put your kiddo in charge of measuring out the proper amount of detergent, but you can ask them to help with small tasks like bringing down laundry baskets or separating dark clothes from whites. 

 

As kids get older, you can gradually step up their laundry responsibilities. 

 

Create a Laundry Schedule

 

Yes, it might be a little nerdy, but creating a laundry schedule can help with keeping piles of dirty clothes from piling up. If you know that the weekend is going to be full of kids’ sporting events, plan on doing at least a couple of loads on Sunday evening or Monday morning. Then, schedule one or two loads later in the week. 

 

Organization is Key

 

The easiest way of keeping dirty clothes sorted out is the bin method, and there are numerous ways of doing this. You could separate them by darks and lights, or if you’re the sort of person who does’ wash whites separately (gasp!), you may want to have a bin for delicates, non-delicates, and towels. This will make loading time that much faster, and you’ll probably start to realize that certain bins fill up every few days, whereas others may just need a wash once a week.  

 

Work Smarter, Not Harder

 

With the advent of the electric washing machine, we were all saved from having to use a tub and washboard, but there are still plenty of shortcuts. 

 

  • Skip hand-washing and use mesh bags instead. Just toss the more delicate items in the bag and throw ’em in the wash.

 

  • Switch from liquid detergent to pods. It may not be a huge time saver, but cutting out the measuring will still speed up the process a little bit. 

 

  • Use dryer balls to speed up dry time. The balls help to separate wet clothing and circulate air so clothing can dry faster. 

 

  • Consider hanging instead of folding. Folding can be a time-consuming process, but if you have closet space, there’s no reason you can’t opt to hang most of your clothing. If you do like your clothes folded and want to speed things up, a folding board may help. 

Many of the homes in the master-planned Crosswinds community have separate laundry rooms to make doing laundry that much easier. To learn more about the available inventory of homes, reach out to us today.