'Stitching' in Time

Ever wonder about a practical application for the phrase “a stitch in time saves nine”? Look around your house and you’ll likely see plenty of examples – fraying rugs, torn blankets, even broken windows can apply. Start avoiding the extra work created by negligence and check out these tips for getting your house under control, and fast.

• Take inventory of everything that needs to be fixed or replaced, then put it all on one big list, categorizing each task as either “fix” or “replace.” Start tackling one to two tasks each week.

• When starting a job, make a list of necessary materials and steps for completion. If you’re repairing a blanket, you may need a certain color of thread or a certain size of needle, and if you’re doing a bigger project, you will probably need to make a list of things to buy before starting.

• Create a “fix-it” basket with commonly used tools, including scissors, nails, rubber bands, wood glue, tape, a hammer, a screw driver, spackle, and a clean cloth. Keep a simple mending kit in this basket as well, containing materials like small scissors, a seam ripper, different colors of thread, a few needles, and Velcro. This way, if you ever see something small that needs to get done, you can grab what you need and take care of it in minutes.

• After your main list is done, keep a running list of repairs as you see them. Resolve to take care of simple tasks A.S.A.P., so that they don’t make extra work for you later.

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