When Dads Create Clutter

As #Father’s Day approaches, you may be thinking about ways to celebrate dear old #dad. Depending on his pastimes, a pizza oven, automotive accessory or gadgety gift may be in his very near future. But before you buy, consider for a second how dads create #clutter.

It may be a gross generalization to say that moms probably think about clutter and household #organization more. In a consumerist society, individuals of every gender can accumulate lots of #stuff as time goes by, and that stuff can pile up around the house.

But surveys say that women often spend more time cleaning than their spouses. They are also more adept at planning work-related tasks, travel and holiday celebrations. They largely dominate the professional #organizer field.

Dads may be prone to let things pile up. And they many build vast collections of tools, garden implements, collectibles and other highly specific and specialized #stuff that’s seldom used on a day-to-day basis.

If you have one of those dads, try to make Father’s Day a day free of added clutter. Focus on the experience: buy him tickets to a ball game, a round of golf or an online class. Or go for something consumable, such as a nice steak dinner — in or out — or a bottle of his favorite spirit.

Like with moms, you also can give the gift of #organization by actively helping #clean, sort and consolidate his stuff. Wash his car or have it professionally detailed. Install pegboard organizers in his home office or workshop. Help him clean out a storage closet or the garage.

If you find anything he no longer needs or wants, schedule a free #donation #pickup from ClothingDonations.org. That way, you’ll assist in clearing the extra unwanted #junk from the home environment, which will make dad’s life less stressful overall.

The best gift for any parent is not only #clutter-free, it’s also virtually free: spending quality time together. So whether he’s a hoarder or a neat-freak, that’s the best way to honor dad on Father’s Day. #FathersDay

Keep Your Car Safe in Snowy Weather

To ensure that you can start and drive your car safely throughout winter, check your tire pressure frequently. If the tread is getting low when checked with the using the penny test; replace them if necessary. Test your battery or take it to a mechanic or auto parts store for testing. Top off the antifreeze and look for leaks if it’s low. Replace headlamps if they seem dim, and wax or polish the lens exteriors. Replace the windshield wipers, and refill the windshield washer fluid. Finally, Reader’s Digest recommends, keep a full tank of gas to prevent fuel line freezes.

Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather

As the temperatures plummet, the most important aspect of your car is that it continues to start and handles well even on icy roads. To protect against getting stranded, first check the battery, Consumer Reports says; if it’s five years old or weak already, replace it. Replace your wiper blades to ensure that they can quickly clear away the snow, mist and dirt that will kick up from the road in inclement weather. Check and top off (or change) the oil and antifreeze. And finally, consider investing in new tires — all-season radials or snow tires — if any of the tread on the current tires is getting low.