Whether you are decorating, organizing or staging (or staying in your home) here are a few of my favorite tips to help reduce the stress and enjoy your surroundings more.

Before we start, there is nothing that brings cheer and uplifts a room like fresh flowers. I usually recommend that folks bring a fresh bouquet into their homes in the middle of winter. But with all the quarantining, now is as good a time as any. There may be plenty in your garden or stop by or contact a local florist for a modest arrangement. It will help a local business and add color and liveliness to your home.

A bookcase is always a fun task to re-decorate. A good rule to follow is 1/3 should be covered in books, 1/3 in accessories and 1/3 white space.

If your book case is overstuffed, now would be a good time to purge. Books, once read should be passed on for someone else to enjoy. So, hold on to your one or two absolute favorites and pass the rest along.

If you are taking my purge 2,020 in 2020 challenge, this can really add to your tally. Here's the link

Also, consider putting a book case in your family room. It creates a warm environment that emphasizes learning and literary adventure. Just don't stuff it with games!

Many of us have experienced the despair of having our printer run out of ink just when we need it. One way to avoid this stress is to purchase a spare. Keep it where you store your printer paper or office supplies. When you run out of ink, simply replace it right then and there. Once you have installed the new ink, quickly purchase a new one and store it for when you run out again. Always have a spare handy.

Clients always ask me what is the best scent of candle I should use when showcasing my house. The best smell is clean and it’s hard to get it from a candle.

Instead of infusing the house with some artificial scent, clean the carpets, open the windows for a few minutes each day, air out your pet’s bedding and remove the kitchen trash.

Also baking soda can be your new best friend. Here are two tips I always use:

To help drains smell clean, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and pour down the drain, followed by a pot of boiling water. This trick can even help with small clogs.

Sprinkle some baking soda on the your carpets and then vacuum it up. It helps remove some of the carpet odors.