Small businesses do so much to support the communities that they're a part of, and during times like these it's crucial for communities to show the same support in return. With so many small businesses in Seattle forced to change their business models, stop serving customers in person, or drastically limit hours due to coronavirus precautions, your favorite local businesses need your support now more than ever. Even though visiting local businesses in person has become difficult, there's still plenty you can do to help! Our brokers know how important Seattle small businesses are to every neighborhood, and we've put together 7 ways that you can support your favorite local businesses right now.
Support Neighborhood Restaurants by Ordering Takeout or Delivery
While they currently cannot serve dine-in customers, many restaurants located near Seattle homes for sale are still turning out great food from the kitchen. You just might have to pick it up in a different way than usual. There are a ton of Seattle restaurants still offering delivery, takeout, or drive-thru service, so it's easy to support your favorites while getting access to great promotions in the process. Remember that tips are a major part of the income for many service workers, and tipping can go a long way. Even though you can't dine in, you can still leave a tip when you pick up your food in order to help the staff.
Behold, the sure signs of spring: forsythia in bloom, robins on the wing, a mop, a bucket and piles of microfiber cloths. Yep, it's spring-cleaning time. Seems like only yesterday we were decorating Christmas trees. But with the start of National Cleaning Week the fourth Sunday in March, now's the time to get ready for a full-on cleaning blitz.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, on average, we Americans spend roughly six hours each week cleaning our homes. Of those chores, our least favorites are cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the kitchen, dusting, mopping and doing laundry. I hear ya!
But come springtime, it's a deeper dive we're after. It's time to do what the Germans call luften, meaning to open the windows and let stale winter air out, so clean, fresh air can infuse our spaces. So, how do you get started?
You probably know your regular house-cleaning routine well enough to know which areas could use a little more attention. But if you don't, consider drawing up a checklist of the spaces you'd like to see cleaner or clutter-free. For example, when was the last time you gave your baseboards a good wipe-down? What about the slipcovers in the living room, is it time they were washed? And those tubes of mascara … how long have they been lingering in your cosmetics drawer? Definitely time to purge.
Once your checklist is set, you can shop for the supplies you'll need. In addition to the requisite cleaning tools – mop, broom, dust cloths, scrubbing brushes, cleaning products, etc. – you may also want to pick up storage accessories, like boxes and bins, to help as you "keep, toss and repair" your way through the clutter zones to a newly organized and orderly home.
Everybody's spring-cleaning list will look a little different, but here, in no particular order, are a few of the items on my to-do list: dust my ceiling fan; disinfect my knife block (yeah, who'd have thought?); vacuum my mattress and launder the mattress cover; disinfect the garbage can; run a vinegar cycle to refresh my dishwasher; launder my shower curtain and buy a brand-new liner; dust all lamp shades.
Frankly, I'm exhausted just thinking about this list. But here's a secret: Spring-cleaning, like the building of Rome, doesn't have to be done in a day. In fact, it would be hard to do so. The cleaning chores alone will easily take from three to eight hours. Tack on cleaning out and reorganizing drawers, cabinets and closets and, well, let's just say you'll need to order a lot more pizza. If you like music, consider creating a spring-cleaning soundtrack to keep you company and make the time fly by more enjoyably.
Of course, if none of this is your cup of tea you have an alternative: Outsource it! Many house-cleaning companies offer one-time services for events like spring-cleaning or move-in/move-out assistance, so take advantage. Hey, I won't tell if you won't!
There's nothing quite like spending a warm, spring day with your hands in the soil, tending to a garden that will bring you joy throughout the coming seasons. Gardening has many health benefits, from reducing stress to burning calories, along with the incredibly satisfying feeling of watching all of your hard work come to life. As our brokers can tell you, a beautiful garden can also be a big help when selling your home, since curb appeal is a key component in making the all-important positive first impression. No matter what draws you back to your garden each year, rest assured that Seattle has greenhouses with everything you need to exercise your green thumb.
To our Valued Clients, Brokers, Staff and Guests:
Thank you for your continued loyalty to Coldwell Banker Bain. We are grateful for all the support and loyalty that have allowed us to prosper in Washington and Oregon since 1985.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world. As COVID-19 continues to have an increased impact in our community, we feel it is important to connect with you directly to share more about the steps we are taking to help keep our valued clients, team members and guests safe and healthy.
The health and safety of everyone have always been and will continue to be our top priority. In each of our locations, our dedicated staff is sanitizing the offices and keeping shared areas as clean as possible. We have required any team member who shows any sign of illness or has had any exposure to COVID-19 to self-quarantine. We ask everyone to wash their hands upon arrival and often afterward, and we have hand sanitizer located throughout each location.
Our brokers are taking additional steps to consult with our clients on the best way to sell or buy property during these unusual circumstances. As of today, there is significant demand in our market for homes. We will continue to support our clients while protecting the most vulnerable among us.
As always, Coldwell Banker Bain is here for you.
Is it time for spring break already? If you're searching for fun, family activities to enjoy with your kids over spring break, you're in luck. The Portland area is filled with amazing attractions for families with kids, as our brokers and so many long-time residents can attest. Prepare for an unforgettable spring break filled with family memories, with our guide to 6 great things to do with your kids this spring in Portland.
The benefits of reading go far beyond the classroom, and Read Across America Day is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to get lost in a great book. Of course, this holiday is primarily geared toward children, which is why it falls on March 2 – aka the birthday of Dr. Seuss – every year, or on the Friday before if March 2 falls on a weekend.
Whether you have a young child or you're looking to reconnect with your love of reading, our brokers are happy to report that Seattle neighborhoods are filled with local bookstores where you can celebrate Read Across America Day this year.
Living in Seattle makes it easy to connect with literature, art, and culture, with so many neighborhoods that still know the value of a beloved local bookstore. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the area.