As the leading experts in Covid compliant sanitation practices, a local source for vendor referrals with access to the industry’s leading technology, we want to share 3 Non-Toxic Truths Behind Operating a Short-Term Rental on Cape Cod.
Whether your short term rental home is quaint and cozy or large and luxurious, your guest expectations don’t differ when it comes to cleanliness. The value of a professional cleaning service for your rental property is priceless. In today’s market you can find a million eco-friendly cleaning products. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of the trend and advertise your vacation rental property as “Green?” This article is for anyone dreaming of or is already an owner, operator or manager of short-term rental properties. Contact me at https://cleaningcollaborative.com/contact/ for more information about Non-Toxic Cleaning and Short Term Rental Property management.
Excerpt & true story from, The Cleaning Diaries
“Dear Diary, I’m super excited to have been promoted to the HR position here at work. Interviewing students enrolled in the J1 work and travel program for the house cleaning position. Meeting these incredible people from around the world via Skype as been an incredible experience. I’ve assured them and their families a fun and safe experience here in Wellfleet, MA, USA.
My hires have arrived, safe and sound. However, something isn’t sitting well with me. As we completed the last hour of in-house training, I realized I had just handed them a bucket of cleaning chemicals and asked them to go poison themselves. Sigh.
There is a better way.“
-Mel
Non-Toxic Truth #1: Its notable if they notice.
Non-toxic cleaning products are important to Cape Cod visitors. As vacation rental property managers we receive hundreds of inquiries each year specifically about the products that are used for cleaning. This is important to your clients when operating a short-term rental on Cape Cod. Whether they are passionate about supporting the movement or making health & wellness a priority, it’s important to ensure your guests feel at home and safe during their stay.
We know consumers are shopping for safe cleaning options. Why not stock the shelves with what they want? Providing chemical free cleaning solutions for your guests to use during their stay will not only encourage them to clean up after themselves but it is a common notable mention in positive guest reviews! Its notable if they notice. How will you stand out in a sea of rentals?
If you’re not sure what to stock in your Cape Cod vacation rental home and would like a complete list, check out this post, Shop & Stock, it’s a great place to start!
Non-Toxic Truth #2: On Cape Cod fish are friends & food.
Protecting our fragile ecosystem here on Cape Cod is a priority. Investment property owners and property managers should consider as many eco-friendly products as possible. You will be aiding in the protection and preservation of the groundwater, plants, landscape, and marine life. Choose to purchase more environmentally friendly products, as a result, you are making a positive impact on the future of your investment home. For example, choose biodegradable dish soap.
Travelers love to eat local, fresh food, no matter their destination. In this fishing community, fish are friends & food! To make this easier to understand, imagine the specials menu at one of our most popular seafood restaurants reading, Cape Cods Favorite Clorox-Clam Strip Roll or Lobster ala Lysol. Protecting our local resources will allow this vacation destination to continue to thrive.
Non-Toxic Truth #3: Safe cleaning products are affordable.
Green cleaning products are a great way to market your business. But did you know they can be cost effective too?
Safe cleaning products are affordable. By making your own cleaning solutions you will one, decrease your carbon footprint. Two, you cut down on the number of containers you buy. Thirdly and equally important… you will save money! Your shipping and product expenses will decrease. Less plastic, fewer shipping containers and cardboard and less transport emissions.
Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative uses a chemical free product and I keep them no secret. I encourage homeowners and PMs to watch this demo at https://thecape.cloud/KangenDemo. Here, you will learn more about how we make our own cleaning products in house.
The real estate market and short-term rental industry continues to dominate on The Cape & Islands. Short-term rentals are competitive. We rely on seasonal visitors more than ever, however, let us not forget it’s the natural beauty that attracts our visitors to Cape Cod. Be sure you are presenting your vacation rental home in its brightest and most natural light.
Are you operating or thinking about operating a short-term rental on Cape Cod and want to level up your visibility, guest satisfaction and profits? Book a 20 complimentary coaching session with me! I look forward to finding out how I can effectively help you streamline your vacation rental business.
Is spending so much time inside making you go stir-crazy? Well with life outside seemingly on hold, this may be the perfect opportunity to make a few easy home improvements to transform your house into a nicer and more refreshed place to spend your days. From adding a pop of color to your front door to cleaning out your closet, here are 20 DIY home projects you can tackle to spruce up your space while you’re hunkered down.
Put leftover paint to use
Many of us probably have an extra can or two of paint lying around. So why not use it to add some pizzazz and depth to your rooms with these DIY home projects.
1. Give your cabinets a makeover
Painting kitchen cabinets a fresh new color is a fantastic way to completely transform your kitchen. If you tend to be more adventurous when it comes to color, your cabinets are a great place to have some fun. If you already have a lot of color in the room or if the space doesn’t have much light, it’s best to go with white or neutral cabinets.
2. Make your mailbox the star of your front yard
Your mailbox is one of the first things people see when they pull into your driveway, so why not give your visitors a great first impression. Whether you live in a ranch-style house in Phoenix, AZ or you just bought a craftsman style home in Portland, OR, you can instantly boost your curb appeal by adding a fresh, vivid coat of paint to your mailbox.
3. Add a pop of color to your front door
Changing out your front door can be expensive, so painting your exterior door is an easy way to give the front of your home a makeover and also save some money in the process. Painting the inside of your front door is also a fun way to add a bold pop of color and some character into your home.
4. Give new life to old furniture
If the paint is chipped or wear and tear has gotten the best of some of your older furniture, a quick paint job can give it a new life. Transform a dated (but functional) dresser, nightstand, or bookshelf with this fun DIY project for a fraction of the cost it takes to replace it.
Clear the clutter
Getting organized can feel like a major undertaking, which is probably why a lot of us tend to put it off, and then put it off again and again. But since you can’t go anywhere, you might as well spend a morning or afternoon tackling the clutter you typically ignore.
5. Maximize the utility of unused corners with shelving
Running out of storage space? It’s time to finally make use of the corners in your rooms. Installing floating shelves is one of many DIY home projects you can try to create more space. It’s a simple way to spruce up your wall decor while adding more storage in your home.
6. Clean closets
Chances are, you’ve opened up your closet and grabbed one of the same few items since spending most of your time indoors lately. Now’s the time to carefully clean out your closet and decide what you really need from those you haven’t touched in a few years. Start by taking every item out, setting aside the items you don’t need, and cleaning the inside of the closet. If you’re organizing a closet full of clothes, sort clothes into piles by season. Put clothes that you’re not currently using in the back of the closet, like that holiday sweater. Keep frequently used items in the front for easy access.
7. Organize photos
In a digital age, it’s likely that most of us have our photos stored online. But for those that still have hundreds of photos stored away in boxes, now’s the time to organize them. Start by grouping photos by date or event. Use leftover flashcards or cut up pieces of printer paper as an easy way to separate groups of photos in boxes. If you already keep your photos organized, think about digitizing them. You can use Google’s PhotoScan app to scan old prints and upload them. Organize your photos online into albums to better keep track of them and finally find that picture of your puppy when someone asks.
8. Rearrange bookshelves
Bookshelves may not initially come to mind when organizing, but they can easily make a space feel brand new. Think about taking some of the books you’ve got hiding away in a back closet and swap them with the current selection on your bookshelf. Wondering what to do with that collectible mug? Add it to your bookshelf for a fresh take on your decor. Best of all, it’s a free way to change up your space.
9. Tackle under-sink storage
The last place you probably think to organize is under your sink. From the bathroom to the kitchen, it’s likely filled with near-empty cleaners, dishwashing soap, or even makeup wipes. Set aside 10 minutes to toss out those old household supplies, instantly freeing up space to make way for all that hand-soap and disinfectant you just bought.
10. Organize your pantry
You may or may not have months’ worth of groceries in your kitchen right now. Before things get too cluttered, take this time to reorganize your pantry – move things around to maximize space, group like items together, and throw away expired items. You may want to break down the work into smaller parts to avoid being overwhelmed. For example, instead of cleaning out the entire pantry, just do one shelf or area at a time. It will be so refreshing to see the pantry all neat and tidy with everything in its place.
Transform your space with lighting
Nothing can change the look and feel of a room quite like choosing the right lighting. The perfect lighting can lift your spirits and make your home a more comfortable place to spend time.
11. Replace your lightbulbs
If you have a few extra light bulbs lying around, go from room-to-room and replace any that are burned out. You can also completely change the ambiance in your home simply by replacing any harsh white bulbs with calming yellow ones.
12. Switch up lamp shades
Lamps are commonly overlooked in the design of a home, but they add a lot of character and style to a room. So take a look at the shades on each of your lamps. If you have a similar size lamp in another room, swap the shades to give your space a new feel. You can also update a boring old lampshade with a few DIY home projects such as adding fun print or pattern, or a coat of paint.
Tackle those forgotten about cleaning projects
Since you’re spending so much time inside, you’re probably noticing all of the overlooked cleaning projects around the house. If you tackle them now, you’ll be rewarded with a living space that feels brighter and refreshed.
13. Restore rugs and carpets
By now, you’ve probably noticed that your carpets and rugs might not be in the same state they were when you moved in or had them replaced. Maybe you don’t even remember the last time they were properly cleaned. Even if you can’t hire a professional to clean your carpets, you can likely rent a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store or carpet cleaning company.
14. Clean under your bed
When was the last time you looked, let alone cleaned under your bed? This is one of those DIY home projects that everyone needs to tackle. The space under your bed is a breeding ground for everything from dust to forgotten items. If you use the space under your bed for storage, like seasonal clothes or extra bedding, make sure you’ve stored those items in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture and mold buildup. Bed skirts also collect dust so throw those in the wash while you’re busy vacuuming underneath.
15. Refresh tile grout
Refresh your entire bathroom by cleaning and brightening your tile grout. Cleaning grout requires two things: a grout brush or sponge and a suitable cleaner. While there are plenty of store-bought grout cleaners available, it is just as easy to do this with ingredients you already have on hand, such as vinegar and baking soda.
16. Pressure wash your home’s exterior
Get some fresh air and restore your home to its former beauty by pressure washing the exterior of your house and hardscape areas. You can even bring back to life patio furniture and cushions.
17. Deep clean the refrigerator
With the extra groceries you’ve probably bought lately, it’s time for a refrigerator clean. First things first, throw out any leftover takeout or expired items. When cleaning your refrigerator, use a surface-safe all-purpose cleaner for the exterior and warmer soapy water for the interior. Be sure to wipe down surfaces before putting your items back inside. Keeping similar items grouped together when refilling your fridge will make finding your favorite condiment or coffee creamer easier to find.
Rethink your wall design
Redoing your wall design is a fast way to transform the look of your living room, bedroom, or really any space in your house.
18. Rearrange or hang up a gallery wall
If you’ve always wanted to try to create the perfect gallery wall, this is the time to go for it. If you already have one, change it up to revive the space. Try pieces here and there: a new mix-up might surprise you and showcase your photos and art in an entirely new light.
19. Use empty frames
Go through the house, pull out any empty frames and put them to good use. Dust off those old photographs and display them proudly or find some printable art online. Hang your frames throughout your home or place them on tables, dressers, and desks.
20. Put old fabric swatches to use
When we think of fabric, we usually think of curtains, linens, or pillows, but there are plenty of DIY home projects you can do to turn a basic piece of fabric into a statement piece of wall art. So dig up any fabric swatches that you have laying around the house and put them to use. You can wrap the fabric around a canvas, hang it in a frame, and much more, letting your creativity soar.
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause a vast array of physical ailments including breathing difficulties, coughing, disorientation, eye damage, and brain fog, just to name a few. Due to its extremely toxic nature, it is essential that you learn how to prevent black mold growth in your home so that you can protect the health of you and your loved ones.
In order for it to become a problem, black mold first needs something to grow on (carpets, showers, wood, or just about anything else in your home will do), and moisture. Mold typically takes 24 to 48 hours to grow, so limiting the amount of time a surface is exposed to moisture and humidity is the most efficient and easiest way to prevent black mold growth. Opening windows throughout the day and turning on your bathroom’s ventilation fan after showering are effortless ways to keep your home properly aerated and thus greatly reduce the chance for mold to grow.
If you notice any recurring water damage or prevailing water leaks in your home, get them inspected and repaired immediately. Ignoring water that is pooling up or constantly dampening various surfaces in your home is asking for black mold to grow and quickly become a rampant problem. While it is understood that not everyone has access to emergency funds for water damage upfront, it is important to realize that allowing mold to become a problem will be more costly for your wallet and health down the line. Just take a deep breath, set aside some money from your next paycheck or take out what you currently have in savings, and get it taken care of now.
If something spills on the carpet, you come in soaked from the rain, or a considerable layer of snow has built up on the wall around your window and is beginning to melt its way inside, take care of these things immediately. Remember that moisture is one of the main culprits of mold growth, so it is important to nip it in the bud as soon as possible, in all circumstances. It can be tempting to head straight for the shower first or convince yourself you’ll get to it in a few minutes, but even that is risky. When you take care of problem areas immediately, you are able to more effectively remove more of the moisture, and you also eliminate any possibility of you accidentally forgetting about them (we are all human, after all).
Black mold can be scary and have damaging health consequences if left to its own devices. Luckily, preventing black mold growth is as simple as following the tips presented here. By limiting or preventing moisture altogether and promptly addressing water damage, you can help ensure you and anyone else in your home stay healthy and safe.
The biggest energy wasting substance on the planet is plastic. That’s right, plastic. For all the good that comes from plastic substances, it has more downsides than upsides.
The worst part about plastic is that it is made from petroleum. Gas, oil, and other fossil fuels are also made from petroleum, so every new piece of plastic further cuts into petroleum reserves.
On the upside of this equation is the fact that plastic is 100 percent recyclable. If everyone recycled all of their plastic goods, petroleum wouldn’t be needed to make new plastic. The unfortunate problem is that less than 20 percent of all plastics are recycled. The rest of it is thrown away and sent to landfills, which is a completely different problem all its own.
Non-Biodegradable
Plastic in landfills is not easily biodegradable. In fact, as the plastic begins to deteriorate, the chemicals used to make plastic leach out into the soil. As this happens, the soil around a landfill becomes akin to toxic waste, which is why no one wants to live near or around a landfill.
Plastic bottles and plastic grocery bags are the two main sources of plastic use. Once again, both the bags and the bottles are easily recyclable, but most of the time it is just a lot easier to throw them away in the regular trash than to separate them into individual containers. Consequently, the more plastic gets thrown away, the more energy is wasted to make more plastic.
Now, nobody can knock plastic as a useful substance. Plastic that has been used in the medical field has saved countless lives. Plastic is cheap and easy to mold, making it an incredibly versatile material. But plastic seems to be taken for granted, as though it is an infinite resource, yet that is the exact opposite of what it is.
Everyone can do their part to stop this waste of energy and raw materials.
Alternatives to Using Plastic
Here are two simple things that anyone can do, which is less expensive for the bank account, saves energy, saves petroleum products, and makes you feel good about doing it. Firstly, get a reusable grocery bag. There are many types out there, from canvas to nylon, and even heavy-duty plastic types that can be used for years. Using (and reusing) these is far better than getting new plastic bags every time you go to the store. In most cases, the reusable bags can be washed and dried with regular laundry, and they will be clean and good to go for the next shopping trip.
Another way to end plastic waste is to stop drinking bottled water and purchase an inexpensive faucet filter. Numerous studies have shown filtered tap water is as good as bottled water. Fill up your own bottles with filtered water, put them in the fridge to cool them down, and take them with you the next day. This is a huge money saver, as the cost of a water filter will pay for itself within a week or two, and it probably won’t need to be changed for months. Reusable plastic or aluminum bottles are available everywhere for about the same price as one 16-ounce bottle of “designer water.”
Stop wasting energy the plastic way. There are easy, money-saving alternatives to the plastic lifestyle, and they all begin with you.
Have you ever dreamed of having a clutter free household? Perhaps having a little extra time and money on your hands? Now ask yourself this: Have you ever thought that minimalism might be the step you need to take in your life to get all three? Many have discovered the wonderful benefits that a minimalist lifestyle can bring. And though the minimalist lifestyle may not be for everyone, you might want to check out if some of these advantages might be for you!
More Space!
Once you’ve tossed most of your unused and unnecessary clutter you’ll begin noticing areas of your house you haven’t seen in a while. With all those old shoes gone you might get a glimpse of your closet floor. All that shelving you installed in the garage last year? Now you really can appreciate the handiwork and effort you put in! While it may be difficult to part with some of your stuff, you’ll come to realize that less of it laying around will mean more space for you.
More Time!
Guess what you don’t have to do when you don’t have excess things sitting around? You don’t have to spend your time cleaning them! If you’re trying to keep a tidy household you’ll save yourself tons of valuable time if you’re not having to pick up every single thing sprawled across your counter tops or dusting objects lying around on shelves. Each odd and end you have to move or pick up during vacuuming is just adding to the numerous hours you’ve already lost over the years to these chores.
More Money!
If all your clutter was once cash and if time means money think of what you’ll be saving when you switch to minimalism? That’s right! The more you emphasize that “window” in “window shopping” the more change you’ll keep in your pocket! One of the great things about minimalism is how much you save when you’re not buying extra, unnecessary things. Do yourself and your wallet a favor by staying off the buying bandwagon.
A little extra space, some more time and money can all be yours when you consider adding a little minimalism into your life. And the best part of the minimalist lifestyle? You get to choose how much you decide to keep and what you decide to lose. So take a moment and look through some of those old boxes sitting around. Breeze through that spare bedroom piling up with unused junk. You might just surprise yourself with how much you are willing to throw away.
Time spent outdoors is invaluable for kids. Outdoor activities increase physical activity levels and improve fitness among children, enhance their mental wellness, aid social and emotional development, and may promote greater academic achievement. Spending time outside also boosts vitamin D levels, which not only strengthens their growing bones, but may help to reduce kids’ risk of future health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. However, while UV light is essential for vitamin D production, it is important that your children don’t burn in the sun, as just a few episodes of burning can leave them vulnerable to skin cancer as an adult. To protect your kids’ skin this summer, follow the easy steps outlined below.
Avoid the midday sun
Ultraviolet rays are strongest between 11am and 3pm, so during this time, indoor activities are a better bet. If your kids are outside around the middle of the day, get them to stay in the shade by using a sun umbrella, tent or tree.
Choose sun-savvy clothing
Dress your kids in long-sleeved tops and pants, choosing tightly woven materials and darker colors for greater sun protection. You might also like to invest in some clothing for your kids that are certified to offer protection against UV rays. Don’t forget that your little ones should wear a hat too, with hats shading their scalp, ears, neck and face offering greater protection than baseball caps.
Remember sunglasses
If your children wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV light, they are less likely to develop cataracts when older. Wraparound sunglasses are ideal and choose those shades that offer complete protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Apply sunscreen
You should use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 on your kids’ skin, considering an SPF closer to 50 for babies and children with a fair complexion. Make sure that the sun block you choose also protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If your youngsters have sensitive skin, consider using one of the hypoallergenic sun creams available. Besides applying sunscreen half an hour before your kids go outdoors, make sure you reapply the sunblock every couple of hours, particularly after going in the water or being active. You might be surprised to hear that even water-resistant sun creams are less effective once the skin is wet. Finally, when using sunscreen, don’t forget to apply it to your children’s ears, hands and feet, and use a lip balm that offers sun protection.
Kids tend to burn when you least expect it. A classic example is when youngsters spend a day outdoors when it’s cloudy, as clouds only filter out a tiny proportion of UV rays. Therefore, always have sun protection to hand, so whether you’re at home or out for the day, your little ones will stay safe in the sun.
With most modern households consisting of two busy working partners, keeping a clean house can become something of a struggle. Putting small routines in place can really make a difference to the cleanliness and general appearance of your home and can help to take the fear factor out of tackling those daunting cleaning tasks.
Make your bed every morning. Starting the day by leaving a messy bed sets the wrong tone for a tidy home. Straightening the bed signifies a commitment to keeping your household in check, remembering to do this every day is a good reminder to yourself that you want your environment to be better.
Clean your bathroom after you use it. You go in the bathroom every morning right? Always keep a cloth and spray bottle of cleaner in there and wipe surfaces once you are finished. Always keep your toilet brush in a container filled with a mix of water and cleaner and give the bowl a quick scrub before you leave the room.
Unload your dishwasher in the morning. Ensuring the dishwasher is empty and ready for the next influx of dirty dishes is important to stop plates and pans piling up on the side. Nobody wants to have to empty the dishwasher before they can fill it at night, so doing it in the morning will remove any possible excuses once dinner is done.
Put a load of washing on every day. Before you leave the house, make sure there is a load in the washer. This will prevent laundry from piling up and becoming an insurmountable task.
Do the drying as soon as you arrive home. Before you get stuck into whatever is planned for the evening transfer the day’s laundry to the dryer. Folding and ironing can wait for the weekend.
Clean as you cook. When preparing an evening meal ensure you keep an eye on the contents of cupboards and fridges or freezers. Throw anything out of date and wipe up any stains or spills you spot.
Load your dishwasher every evening and put it on. This way the dishes are ready to unload in the morning allowing you to stick to the first rule of this list.
Pick up once the kids are in bed. As tempting as it is to sink into that sofa, take ten minutes once little ones are settled to put away toys and other child related clutter. This prevents the mess from multiply day after day.
Vacuum before you ‘veg out’. Ok, so you are almost there. But before you climb into that easy chair, grab the vacuum and buzz around the exposed areas of floor. You will be able to enjoy the results as you relax rather than stressing that it needs to be done.
Use weekends wisely. If you currently find yourself rushing around at the weekends to get everything done, following the tips here will put an end to that. Weekends should be used for jobs not included in the other instructions. Iron or fold laundry, vacuum the areas you didn’t reach in the evenings, empty waste baskets and change bedding.
Excess dust in your home is a major nuisance, but it can also be a health hazard. Individuals with breathing conditions like asthma and COPD, those with compromised immune systems and people with preexisting medical conditions are at particular risk, but high levels of dust can trigger allergies and breathing difficulties in even healthy individuals.
Regular vacuuming (we recommend Miele!) is important, but it is only one way to keep excess dust and dirt out of your home. Here are some other smart ways to keep dust at bay and help your family live a healthier indoor lifestyle.
. Install an indoor air purifier. Indoor air purifiers are quite effective at pulling dust and allergens from the air. Just be sure to check the filters often and change them as needed.
. Deep clean your carpets at least once or twice a year. Dust and allergens can hide deep in the fibers of your carpet, beyond the reach of normal vacuum cleaners. Steam cleaning and other deep cleaning methods can pull that hidden dirt out of the rug and reduce the amount of dust in your home.
. Change your bedding even if it looks clean and fresh. Dust mites love to hide in blankets, sheets and other bedding. Be sure to use mattress protectors.
. Keep your home free of clutter. Those knick-knacks are called dust-catchers for a reason, and having too many of them in your home will vastly increase the amount of dust that settles on the surfaces in your home.
. Replace your carpets with hardwood floors. Carpeting is notorious for trapping dirt and allergens. If your rugs are looking old and tired, consider replacing them with hardwood floors, which are attractive and much easier to keep clean.
. Use a dusting rag instead of a feather duster. Feather dusters may look cool, but they simply spread dust from one surface to another. Spray a dusting cloth lightly with your favorite furniture cleaner and use it to wipe your surfaces free of dust.
. Beat your throw rugs in the great outdoors. It only takes a couple of minutes to take your bathroom rug and other throw rugs outdoors for cleaning.
. Use the top to bottom cleaning method. When cleaning your walls and other surfaces, start at the top and work your way down. That way you can capture any dust you missed on the first pass.
Keeping your home clean and free of dust is not an easy task, but there are things you can do to make the task less daunting. Simply changing the way you clean can have a huge impact, as can increasing the frequency of cleaning for bedding, rugs and other surfaces.
Have you taken the time to really look around your office? How clean is your office? We all take the time to maintain a clean home because that is where we live, however we tend to neglect thorough cleaning at our offices or workplaces. There are a few ways that professional office cleaning can help you and your entire workforce!
Improved Efficiency and Productivity
Your employees are able to work much more efficiently when their desktop is not cluttered. Having a regular professional cleaning service, like Cape Cod Collaborative Cleaning, can come to your office. Having this service will ensure that your workers have an area where they can do their work in an efficient, focused manner. When they are not distracted by clutter, your workers will also be more productive. The combination of increased productivity and efficiency helps to ensure that your company can become more profitable.
Better Health
Professional cleaning of your office removes not only dust, dirt and grime, but also bacteria and germs that can make your employees sick. The law requires that you protect the “health, safety and welfare” of your employees. That is one reason that you need to pay close attention to the routine cleaning of your office space. Your office is in essence a public space. Germs hang around on many surfaces which are touched by your employees, you and your customers. Dust can also contribute to increased sick days especially when employees struggle with allergies. Cleaning helps prevent “sick building syndrome” from happening at your place of work.
Improved Office Impression
You have heard the expression “First Impressions are everything.” When a client enters your office, a messy or dirty space can give them the wrong impression about your level of professionalism. Make sure that you look professional and organized from the moment someone walks in. This starts with a clean floor, dust free desks and file cabinets and moves on to clean bathrooms.
Tips for Keeping the Office Space Clean
Let’s face it, asking employees to clean up the office space never works! Beyond asking your employees to keep their own workspace neat, the deep down cleaning should be handled by someone else. Unfortunately, some employees resent being asked to do cleaning work, and few are trained in professional cleaning methods. Looking into hiring a professional cleaning company like Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative is the best move you could make.
If your office space needs a little attention, consider professional help. From a professional carpet cleaner, window cleaners to professional cleaning companies like Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative, you can keep your office space shining with the help of people that are trained to do the dirty work and allows you to leave your employees to focus on the work they do best.
Would you like a cleaning consultation at your office? Call Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative today at 508-507-7500 or email [email protected].
Have you been thinking of renting out your home this Summer? Would you like to take advantage of the weekly summer rental rates in this area and have your home work for you? It’s not too late, but it will take a little bit of planning and an experienced rental agent to make it happen for you!
Whether you’d like to permanently convert your home into a vacation rental, or just rent out your home for a few weeks while you’re on vacation, there are people out there who will want to rent it from you, and local real estate agents that will help make it happen. It is important to know what you are getting into and to prepare accordingly. We are here to help with some helpful hints to make the process an easy one!
Getting your Home Ready to Rent
1. Keep careful records. Rental income is taxable, but many of the expenses you will incur as you prepare your rental are tax deductible. Keep detailed records of the money and time you spend getting your home ready to rent so that you can maximize your deductions at tax time.
2. Apply for a rental permit. Permits are not necessary in all areas, especially for short- term rentals, but many cities are responding to the growth of new rental trends by creating new forms of regulation. If a permit is required in your area, give yourself plenty of time to get through the application process before your first guests arrive. Remember that permitting and inspection fees, like all other expenses you incur while preparing your rental property, are tax deductible so be sure to keep careful records.
3. Acquire landlord insurance. Call your local insurance agent and ask if your current homeowner’s policy will cover the kind of rental situation you will be offering. Many policies will cover the occasional short-term rental, but for more long-term arrangements, you may need special coverage.
4. Prepare your home to rent, inside and out. Make sure that all appliances work, that furniture is comfortable and in good repair, and that everything is clean and neat. Ensure that safety equipment like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order and are clearly accessible. Remove all precious personal belongings to a secure location, such as a storage unit or primary home. Do the same with all toiletries and anything else you wouldn’t want a stranger snooping through. Put clean linens on all of the beds (if you are planning on supplying linens), and make sure that bathrooms are stocked with clean towels, soap dispensers are full, etc. The requirements for safety equipment in rental properties vary widely by region. Smoke detectors are the bare minimum in most places. You will be informed of further requirements through the permitting process. Unless you are going for a very high-end rental, do not furnish your rental with extremely expensive furniture, linens, towels, etc. These items are likely to get damaged or disappear. Look for items of decent quality that are not too expensive but are still comfortable.
5. Hire a reputable cleaning service. Some property owners are able to minimize costs by performing rental clean-outs on their own, but this can be a very time-consuming and difficult process, so it might be better worth your time to hire a professional service. Be sure to do some research first and hire a reputable company that is licensed and insured such as Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative. Check with the cleaning company about non-toxic and chemical free cleaning as so many renters suffer from allergies to cleaning chemicals.
6. Hire a landscaping service. As with cleaning, some property owners take on landscaping chores themselves, but you may be better off hiring a landscaping service to take care of routine lawn maintenance and care. Landscaping services, like cleaning services and other maintenance costs are all tax deductible, and a well-maintained yard is more likely to get good reviews and repeat renters.
7. Create a system for providing a key or entry instructions to your guests. This is something that can be handled by your rental agent should you choose to use one. The check in and checkout instructions will be detailed with the lease and any inquiries etc. can be directed to the rental agent and their office, freeing you up to enjoy your time!
8. Create a welcome book or informational packet to give to renters when they arrive. Include information about the home and the local area. Providing information on local attractions and dining options, as well as emergency contact information is an option that guests love. Leaving a welcome gift like a fruit basket or bottle of wine is another great way to welcome guests and keep them coming back year after year.
Renting your home as a vacation rental can be a great opportunity and a source of income. The key is surrounding yourself with people you trust that will help and guide you through the process. Why deal with typing leases and collecting deposits when your rental agent can handle that for you?
If you’re thinking of renting your property, buying or selling on Cape Cod, we’re happy to talk through your goals and point you in the correct direction. Email your inquiry here.
your employees sick. The law requires that you protect the “health, safety and welfare” of your employees. That is one reason that you need to pay close attention to the routine cleaning of your office space. Your office is in essence a public space. Germs hang around on many surfaces which are touched by your employees, you and your customers. Dust can also contribute to increased sick days especially when employees struggle with allergies. Cleaning helps prevent “sick building syndrome” from happening at your place of work.
Let’s face it, asking employees to clean up the office space never works! Beyond asking your employees to keep their own workspace neat, the deep down cleaning should be handled by someone else. Unfortunately, some employees resent being asked to do cleaning work, and few are trained in professional cleaning methods. Looking into hiring a professional cleaning company like Cape Cod Cleaning Collaborative is the best move you could make.
Have you been thinking of renting out your home this Summer? Would you like to take advantage of the weekly summer rental rates in this area and have your home work for you? It’s not too late, but it will take a little bit of planning and an experienced rental agent to make it happen for you!
Renting your home as a vacation rental can be a great opportunity and a source of income. The key is surrounding yourself with people you trust that will help and guide you through the process. Why deal with typing leases and collecting deposits when your rental agent can handle that for you?