#1 Home and Life Improvement Tip: Removing Shoes in the House

 In my recent client meetings assisting folks with choosing flooring options for their home improvement needs, one of the biggest challenges shared by all is how to keep their carpets clean. Aside from regular vacuuming and professional cleaning, a very simple and the most effective solution is to REMOVE YOUR SHOES IN THE HOUSE.Granted I've grown up with this healthy habit,  but as I tell all of my clients, consider adapting the Asian Lifestyle: don't wear shoes in the house. In many parts of the country, the real estate community has adopted this habit.It's a sign of respect for other people's homes.  It's a sign of respect for your own home.  And quite frankly, it's a health choice.The same reasons why you wear shoes outside of your house is the same reason why you wouldn't want to wear shoes in the house. There's dirt and a long list of unmentionables that you wouldn't want to track into your private living space.  Imagine if the high traffic dirt paths were eliminated, mystery goo disappeared, rocks, sand, and other sharp objects, including heels and cleats didn't cause additional and ongoing damage to your floors.  How much time and  money would you save on cleaning, maintenance and replacement costs?When I mention it, it's agreed that it's a good idea, but the ones who express the greatest challenges about maintaining their carpet or other flooring are also the ones who make every excuse about why they can't do it or that their kids won't do it or they can't ask their guests do it, and the list goes on.Here are a few quick tips to make it easier for you to incorporate this into your everyday lifestyle:1) Hang a sign at your front door. This is a reminder for your family as well as your guests that this is your expectation.  There are many fun sign options available...pick one that works for you.2) Have a shoe shelf or somewhere to put shoes at the entrance. This reinforces what your sign suggests.3) Have a basket of house slippers or loaner socks available for your guests near the shoe drop-off point for those who are not comfortable walking around in their  bare feet.4) Practice what you Preach.  Make sure you do as you're requesting of your family and guests.5) ENJOY a cleaner, healthier living environment...aah!!!