Get organized & prepared now so the holidays can be less stressful and more enjoyable.  

Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas cookie baking and holiday cooking are just around the corner.  Let us help you make it the most enjoyable time of the year with these simple tips. 

Prepare Your Kitchen 

• Reduces Clutter. Think about your counter space, and how to maximize your working surfaces. What items do you “need” on the counter top and what could be stored away or given away if not used. 
• Check Your Spices and Ingredients. Spices do go bad. If you smell them and they no longer have a distinctive odor, throw them. Check expiration dates on canned goods, oils, basic baking supplies. Plan ahead and restock items needed for your holiday baking needs. 
• Easier Access. Really stop to look at how your kitchen items are arranged. Are they in the most practical places to be most efficient for your cooking processes? Maybe now would be a good time to empty cupboards and take inventory of what is stashed away. Are there items that are not being used and could be donated? Keep like items together and the items you need the most in the most accessible location. Consider using mounted door organizers for small items like spices or seasonings. Use labels to help keep things organized. 
• Consider Storage. The holidays usually come with MANY leftovers. Keep all your storage containers together and plan ahead for easy left over storage options. 
• Clean The Appliances. Now is a great time to clean your stove, microwave and fridge. Take inventory of what you have in your refrigerator, discard any outdated condiments, keep like items together and consider investing in clear plastic bins to help organize your food and space. One good example is to use a bin to store soda cans or to keep kid friendly snacks at eye level. 
• Make Room To Move. Holiday cooking usually involves a number of people in the kitchen. Make as much room for people to move as possible. Plan ahead for the use of extra outlets for things like crockpots and pressure cookers. Have a plan for space to allow cookies to cool and to be decorated. 
• Prepare Dishes and Utensils. Wash your holiday dishes, glassware and utensils ahead of time so things are ready to go when needed. Sharpen knives, locate electric knives, mixers, measuring cups, and all of the parts and pieces needed for the heavy duty cooking to come.
• Add Some Festive Colors/Decorations. Make your kitchen festive for the holidays by adding some colorful seasonal items such as hand towels, potholders, table runner/linens, candles and soap dispensers. 
• Get Shopping. Start a grocery and shopping list for items you know you will need. What are your go-to family favorites? What is something fun you can try this holiday season? Start watching for specials or discounts and buy ahead as you can. 

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Are you wishing your home had more kitchen space or that it functioned better? Maybe now is the time to start looking for something that might work better for your family. If you are interested in learning more about our options or about why now is a great time to buy, we will be happy to help you find a modular or manufactured home that meets your needs and expectations. 

We are excited to announce that we have three additional model homes decorated and on display!

Hurry! These won’t last long!

Contact us today at 320-587-4990  for more information about our model homes or stop buy to tour these beautiful homes during our business hours.

HIGHLAND KINGSBROOK 483AS

1,440 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

This classic 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home features a master suite to give you space and privacy. The Highland Kingsbrook 483AS home is a valuable option. This 1,440 square foot home has an open floorplan kitchen, dining, and living room and includes a utility room.  With the open concept feel of this home, this could be the perfect home for you. Choose from two kitchen layouts, both featuring islands.

Learn more about Highland Kingsbrook 483AS

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HIGHLAND KINGSBROOK 563AS

1,680 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

A large country kitchen is a highlight in this home featuring a large island, pantry, and open eat-in area. This 1,680-square-foot home has plenty of space and abundant storage throughout, including a utility room with exterior entry.  The master bedroom features a master bath and a large walk-in closet. With the layout of this home, this could be the perfect home for you. Included in this design are three spacious bedrooms and 2 bathrooms including a master suite.  

Learn more about Highland Kingsbrook 563AS

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SCHULT LIFESTYLE 202

1,568 Sq. Ft. – 3 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

This floor plan has over 1500 square feet of living space including an open living room, country kitchen, and dining area. If you are looking for a kitchen with plenty of workspace and storage, this floor plan offers just that! The kitchen also features a large island with a snack bar to seat at least three people. The Lifestyle 202 also includes a spacious master suite that has a large walk-in closet and master bath. The master bath has a bathtub, perfect for relaxing in, after a long day at work. 

Learn more about Schult Lifestyle 202

We have a few more model homes that will be ready soon and on display.

In the meantime, if you’re interested in learning more about our model homes or about why now is a great time to buy, we will be happy to help you find a modular or manufactured home that meets your needs and expectations.

Contact us today to set up a tour!

Before winter comes in like a lion, homeowners should consider thinking about winter home preparation.  Take advantage of the moderate weather to get your home and equipment ready for winter.  

Winter Home Preparation Checklist

• Schedule a heating service tune up to make sure furnace and fireplaces are in working order.
• Check that your smoke alarms and/or carbon dioxide detectors are in working order.  Replace back up batteries if needed.
• Consider a programmable thermostat to save on heating costs.  Wifi thermostats ensure your furnace is working.  Notifications are e-mailed when temperatures are not within specified parameters.
• Replace furnace filter monthly.
• Reverse ceiling fans. 
• Caulk around windows and doors and add weatherstripping as needed around the doors.  Make sure you cannot see any daylight from inside your home.
• Remove screens and store for the winter.  Add storm doors and windows.  
• Turn off outdoor water system and store hoses. 
• Clean and dry all patio furniture.  Make sure you cover with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect them from the elements.
• Bring ceramic planters inside to eliminate cracking.
• Clean the leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards to prevent mold and mildew growth on your decks. 
• Clean out the gutters to remove leaves.  This will help prevent ice dams.  
• Prepare to stow your lawn mower and other garden equipment.   
• Make sure your snow equipment is ready to go.  Prepare your snow blower for the first snowfall by changing oil and spark plugs.
• Purchase ice melt or sand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.

Winter home preparation could help lower energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home and its components, and even make your property safer!  The Excelsior Homes team wishes all a cozy, happy winter!  

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

~Edith Sitwell

View our home maintenance checklist ideas for more ideas and timelines for maintaining your home.