It’s true that many people love pets, however, your furry family members are a large part of the process of selling your home. Remember to consider how they fit into the equation and how evidence of their presence can affect potential home buyers and the sale of your property. Here are 5 things to consider when you are prepping your pet friendly home for sale.
10 Reasons Why You Should Declutter Your Home This Fall!
Decluttering is something we all dread, however, it is a necessary part of the moving process. If you stay on top of the decluttering process it will be easier to prep and stage your home for showings! These creative tips will help you to declutter your home, simply. 1. Work in 15 minute increments. If you find yourself weighed down by the idea of decluttering your home for an entire day or weekend, try a 15 minute schedule. The short time frame makes it simple to stick with long term, even for the busiest people. 2. Say goodbye to guilt. It is common for people to feel guilty for getting rid of items they no longer need or want. Avoid feeling guilty about “wasting” your stuff by donating items to a local thrift store, women’s shelter or homeless shelter. Giving back is a great way to see the positive in your decluttering efforts. 3. Add decluttering to your to do list. To hold yourself accountable to completing the decluttering process, add it to your ongoing to do list. This will help you to stay on track with what needs to get done. 4. Declutter rooms in sections. Start at the door and work your way toward the centre of the room. Continue with your efforts until you reach the opposite side of the room. This will make decluttering feel like a process broken down into steps and decrease any feeling of overwhelm. 5. Start and finish your decluttering efforts in one room before beginning another. This includes closets, dressers, desks, etc. 6. Minimize your storage space. Keeping storage space to a minimum will give you less space to fill with more stuff once you have removed excess items from your home. 7. Follow the 6-month rule when purging your closet and dresser. If you haven’t worn clothing for more than 6 months add it to your box of donations. 8. Ask for help. Outside sources have no emotional attachment to any of your items and can help your make decisions when items fall into a grey area. 9. Create a designated space for mail and other papers. A junk drawer or a filing system needs to be in place in every home to cut down on the clutter caused by incoming mail. 10. Make it a family affair. Working together on organizing your home is a great way to bond with your spouse or children and a joint effort will ensure the habit sticks. After purging the clutter, you may be shocked to see how much room you have and how many fewer things you need to pack. Looking for support with an upcoming move? Let us do the heavy lifting!
10 Things Making Your Home Feel Outdated
Whether you have just moved, are moving soon, or have been in the same house for 20 years, we all share the same desire to want a home that we can love. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can create or allow our space to become a home that appears old and outdated. More often than not, we don’t even realize what makes it seem so outdated because we learn to adapt to our surroundings as humans. So here are 10 things that could be making your home feel outdated. Carpet Galore There was a time when a house covered in carpet was a luxurious must-have. Times have changed, though, and hardwood is a much more modern option. Carpet does have its benefits with comfort underfoot and absorbing sound, which remains beneficial in bedrooms and some basements. But it would be advised to consider updating your main floor to hardwood for a more modern feel and a much more hygienic option. Hygienic consciousness is a big thing to consider when you are talking about flooring. Remember that even if you choose to keep the carpet in some areas of your home, it may be best to replace it with a new carpet if it has been heavily used. Linoleum Floors Linoleum floors were once a go-to flooring material since it was a cheaper long-lasting material. Unfortunately, linoleum floors dent easily and discolour with time. If you still have linoleum flooring, it may be time to upgrade. If you choose to update the floor with laminate flooring, it can be placed right over the existing linoleum floor and is a budget-friendly upgrade. You can also upgrade with vinyl plank or solid hardwood flooring. In the bathroom, you can use vinyl plank flooring as it is waterproof, or you can go with a slate or slate-like ceramic tile that will match virtually any colour palette that you choose. Laminate Countertops Laminate countertops were once popular for their wipe-clean convenience, durability and low price point. For houses built in the 50s and 60s, laminate countertops were definitely the go-to; Generally, Formica countertops were the most popular during this time. Laminate countertops are still used as they continue to be one of the most affordable options. However, laminate that’s chipped, warped and discoloured will age your kitchen exponentially. A polished look will go a long way in the kitchen, so if you do have laminate countertops in your home, considering upgrading to a natural or engineered stone countertop like marble, granite, or quartz and give your kitchen a much-needed cosmetic lift. Quartz is low maintenance and more affordable if you want a marble look without the cost. Tile Countertops Tile has been a popular choice for aesthetics on the floor, walls, and countertops over different periods of the last century. However, once popular in the 1970s, tile countertops are now very outdated and a giveaway that your home needs an update. This type of countertop is visually unpleasing, and it’s also challenging to clean correctly. Out of Style Fixtures and Hardware Out-of-style fixtures and hardware is a detail that often gets missed in our own homes, so don’t feel bad if it’s something you missed. According to most designers, nearly every finish is in style right now, from chrome, brushed nickel, and brass to oil-rubbed bronze. However, this doesn’t mean that your shiny brass faucets from the 1990s are still in style, newer gold-toned hardware is on its way back into style, but they are more muted in tone. Getting a contemporary look is all about the design and lines of the fixtures, feature rounded or geometrically inspired silhouettes instead of the clunky shapes of 30 years ago. The most important key with fixtures and hardware is to bring consistency. You need to choose a unified finish and match all large fixtures for a less mix and match look. Popcorn Ceilings Popcorn ceilings once provided ceilings with a textured look that created a challenge for anyone trying to clean them. Popcorn ceilings have decreased in popularity over the years. Many homes still have them, since removing these ceilings, which can contain asbestos, can be expensive, messy and potentially dangerous to your health. Wood Wall Paneling Wood wall panelling was popular for many decades, nearly impossible to avoid in any neighbourhood. While most people have phased out the wood panelling for a more modern, brightly painted drywall, many homes haven’t been remodelled in decades and are sporting it. If your home still has this wood wall feature, it is time to change it up! Making this change will update your space, making it more modern and aesthetically pleasing. Floral Accents Now don’t take this out of context. Having some floral accents within the home will most likely never go out of style. I am only referring to rooms with one big floral accent, like the rooms that feel like a nightmare that has sent you back to an 80s living room with floral couches and floral window coverings, heavily accented by floral wallpaper. Mix and match floral accents with solid colours to avoid the 80s flashback. Once Trendy Paint Colors The colour of your wall makes a bold statement about your house as a whole. Updating your paint colour is a quick and inexpensive way to create a more modern appeal to your home. If you’re in the market to sell, all-white walls or a subtle light gray tone wall with the right accent decor can be an excellent option to allow potential buyers a clean slate to imagine their decor style. Stenciling and Sponging In the 1990s-early 2000s, adding texture to walls by hand with either stencil or sponges was popular. It was a time-consuming and tedious task, but it was all the rage for a few years. However, if you still have sponged walls or stencilled paintings on your wall, it is time to grab some paint and cover that up. We all have our personal favourites when it comes to
24 Tips For a Smooth Move
Having been in the moving industry for as long as I have, there aren’t very many moving tricks that I haven’t heard about, both successful and disastrous. So I have taken the time to compile what I believe are some of the best tips to ensure your move is as stress-free as possible! Do it a little bit at a time. Don’t procrastinate on this job because it’s a big one, and you won’t be able to find the time to finish everything that needs to get done if you leave it until the last minute. Declutter before you move! I can’t stress this one enough. You do NOT want to move items that you don’t need. It creates more work, costs more money and utilizes more valuable time. One of the best ways to declutter your space is to put everything into four categories. Pack Now – Prioritize what needs to be packed first. Pack Later – Decide what needs to be packed last. Donate – anything that is no longer of use to you, but may be valuable to someone else. And Throw Away – anything that is broken or has no value to you or others. If you are moving last minute, then your best bet is to have a packing day. The more people willing to help you, the better! Create a moving checklist – In your list, make sure to include all the rooms in your home. Then you can create a row that specifies the following categories: Which colour will be for which room, who is in charge of packing that room, a box to check when that room has been completely packed, and then space for any additional notes. You will want to make sure you pick up good quality moving boxes and have multiple sizes for packing all different sized items. Try to use extra space like suitcases and large totes that may be currently empty to lower your costs and the space needed for moving. Make sure to have lots of storage bags on hand. All variety of sizes you will find come in handy for different things. You can place all those little odds and ends in there, so they don’t get lost. If you choose to colour code the rooms, it works well to place a label outside the room right before entering and then another on the wall inside. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just a big coloured dot on a piece of paper with the room name will do. These colour guides will help your movers know exactly where things need to go. If you have people helping you pack or move, make sure that you have coordinated food and drinks for them. You can make something like finger sandwiches, fruit and veggie trays ahead of time or make it easy and order some pizza. You will want to create a “moving station.” A moving station is a place where all packing essentials are kept. Then anyone can access packing materials as needed, such as boxes, tape, scissors, sharpies, etc. It is crucial to delegate one person to be in charge of managing the packing process. This person will be in charge of the master checklist you initially created with all the rooms. They will also be the go-to person for answering any questions related to packing. If you have more than one person giving directions, then you may have a disaster. Once a box has been packed, it is crucial to make sure that it is labelled appropriately with the right colour of tape or sticker for the designated room, so there is no confusion for the movers. Always write down the contents of each box in great detail; you can do this in a couple of different places: Write the details on the box if that works best, or You can number your boxes. ei. Kitchen could be 100s: So you would label your boxes #100, #101, #102, etc. Living Room 200s: #200, #201, #202, etc. Then on the master sheet, list the boxes contents under the number. The more details, the better. Sometimes we need something sooner than we think when we move, and it may still be packed away. Unpacking 15 boxes trying to find one item is not fun. You will find it much easier to assemble all the boxes at once, rather than only assembling one at a time as you need them. You can either do this before packing day or delegate someone to do it at the beginning of the day. It is easier to pick the appropriate size of box for the items you are packing. It will save you a lot of time in the long run. Use pillows, blankets and towels as an inexpensive way to help provide padding to breakables, valuables and electronics. If you are struggling to find a place for your long-handled equipment (brooms, mops, rakes, etc.), you may be able to utilize your garbage can to move them. Often furniture will need to be taken apart entirely or partially when moving. For any furniture that does get taken apart, place all small parts (nuts, bolts, screws, Allen key, etc.) in a plastic baggy to keep them together; you can either: Tape the bag directly to the furniture so that everyone knows where it goes. Or if that won’t work, You can label each bag with details of what piece of furniture it belongs with and create a general hardware box. If you choose this option, don’t lose that box! Label cords, remotes and other essentials with tape & sharpies and put all of them together in one bucket. Don’t leave loose cords anywhere. This box can go with the hardware box, but remember both are very important boxes, don’t lose them! Once you have finished packing the box and it get’s a label, it is important to move it to the side so that it is out of the way
6 Reasons to Move During the Spring
It’s finally here. Springtime! It’s officially the season of all things new, and what better way for new beginnings than with a big move? Calgary is seeing a growth in the older population in recent times. Are you among them? Where are you heading for your next move? Equally important is when are you relocating? For many, summertime is the ideal time to move. In reality, though, there are many benefits to moving during the spring. In fact, we highly recommend it for these reasons: 1. The Weather is Better People often forget about the debilitating summer heat when they opt to move during the summer months. As for the snow, injuries are possible even when you take strong precautions due to the ice. While the spring season comes with its own challenges, a quick look at the weather report should give you a fair warning to avoid surprise showers. Other than that, you’ll be avoiding heat exhaustion and frozen fingers. 2. The Cost of Moving is Low Because so many have scheduled their moving days for the summer, more moving companies are available to cater to you. According to economics, the higher the supply and the lower the demand, the lesser the price. By moving during the spring, you’re saving yourself a heap of money. Of course, it’s still recommended to give movers notice ahead of time — even if they’re not too busy. 3. The Kids Are Out of School Spring break is around the corner. Whether your kids go to school in-person or virtually, they now have more time to help you with moving. They can clean, pack and prepare for the big move without worrying about their studies. 4. You’ll Have a More Relaxed Summer All moves require work. And who wants to work during the summer? By moving during the spring, you’ll be way ahead when it comes to unpacking your items before the holiday season. You can go all-in for your summer vacation and not feel weighed down by the thought of a move. That’s done with! Spend your first summer in your new home with a carefree state of mind. 5. It Will Encourage You to Do Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning can be a pain. But if you move during the spring, you now have the motivation to get it out of the way. Well, you kind of have to if you intend to sell your home at a decent price. A good home cleanup will also leave you with more money in two ways: The movers will have less to carry, assuming they charge for weight. You can do a garage sale for things you no longer want or need. 6. Spring is the Ideal Time to Sell Your Home Since most people are bent on moving during summer, they need to have a new home to go to. During spring, there are a lot of home buyers looking to find their new beginning, too! The housing market is not like most. When the demand for houses is high, the costs go up — not down! Additionally, you get a wider pick of who you’re going to leave your old home to. Statistics show that this year is especially promising for house selling, with a record 2% increase in sales from December to January following consistent growth in sales over the past few months. Remember This When Moving During Spring There’s no way around it. Spring is a great time to move. But before you do that, remember that spring is allergy season. Keep these tips in mind: Check the pollen count in the air around your moving day. Avoid moving on windy days or take allergy pills if you do. Seal moving boxes well. Take eye drops to thwart pollen discomfort. The Relocate Stress Free team is all set to make your spring move as easy as possible. Give us a call or contact us today to get ready for your new beginning!
How to Best Prepare Your Home for Sale
In 2020, Canadian home sales rose by 7.2% from November to December, cementing the yearly increase in sales for the year. The number of new listings naturally increased. And for the year, more than 550,000 homes were sold, over 12.6% that of the previous year. People are selling — and winning — with home sales in the nation. Even the average house price has gone up by 17% at $607,000. Will you be jumping on the bandwagon? To get in on this profitable real estate trend, it’s going to take preparation. When considering a home sale, you might feel overwhelmed. It’s a daunting task to get everything in order. But it doesn’t have to be. In just about a month — and with a little help from us — you can feel at ease knowing you’ve set yourself up for a successful home sale. First, Declutter Your Home Will your potential buyers go for a clean home or a dirty home? This is a no-brainer. Declutter your home and get that out of the way before anyone shows up to have a peek inside. Let There Be Light Now that your home is clean, make sure there’s a spotlight on it. This is especially crucial for photos you’ll be using to market your home online. Brighter homes with tons of lighting appear more spacious and inviting. Fix All the Things Do your due diligence and make sure your home is inspected prior to putting it on the market. Then fix what needs to be fixed. Even though it’s a one-time process for you, it’s a brand new start for your buyers’ life, so make it a positive experience for them and don’t leave any tasteless surprises. Revamp Your Curb Appeal Just as the inside matters, so does the outside of your home. First impressions are key. So be sure your exterior is as welcoming as the interior. You can enhance your curb appeal by placing flower pots outside, hiring a landscaper to clean your lawn, repainting peeling walls, and clearing your walkway. A colourful wreath can also give more life to your entrance. Have Focal Points Homebuyers are going to remember special areas of the home that catch their attention. So create those and draw them out using bright colours or accents. For example, you can add bright green throw pillows on your window seat, or place a bowl of fruit on your luxurious island. Go Natural To get the effect of focal points, you’re going to want to keep your colours as neutral as possible. Neutral does not mean boring. Quite the opposite. Softer colours are trending now — and for good reason. They help with the minimalist appeal which enhances how large a home appears. Plus, they relax your buyers. Get Rid of Smells Your house should not be a stinkfest when potential buyers arrive. That’s a given. However, you should further consider less noticeable (at least to you) scents that may be lingering around. Once you’ve taken care of the bad smells, what about the good ones? While it’s not necessary, you could put cookies out to have a “homey” baking smell around. This will create a connection with your kitchen. Mind Your Pet Not everyone is a pet lover like you are. In fact, some people are against it. So make sure you hide or place your pet’s things in less conspicuous locations around your home. Toys, beds, food bowls and the like should not be in the way when walking, nor should they be in the buyer’s direct line of eyesight. Rent a Storage Unit Since a minimalist approach is an ideal technique for home sales, you might need to store some furniture, artwork, or other large items. Renting out a storage unit will keep your items safe while you grant buyer’s more space to move around. Get a Professional Clean Don’t want to do the necessary cleaning yourself? Then consider hiring a cleaning company who will do the job right and increase your chances of getting that sale. Remove Personal Decor Remember, buyers walk into the house imagining themselves there in the future. It’s best to take down family photos or kids’ artwork before they stop by. This might not be easy for you, but it’s kind of a must-do if you want to get a sale. Place Plants Inside Bringing nature into your home is an easy way to increase positivity in your space. This applies when you’re ready to sell as well. It can be a vase filled with flowers, or a simple house plant. You can bring in one of your plants from outside and use it temporarily for your viewings as well. Ensure that the plants are thriving and have no bugs on them. Renovate Doing a faux renovation can do wonders for your buyers’ experience while viewing. Maybe your faucet or hinges need some changing. How about upgrading those curtains? Small renovations can make all the difference. Conclusion Your home sale preparation doesn’t have to be a headache. In fact, it can boost morale as you anticipate moving to your own new abode. Downsizing? Read our previous blog post on the three crucial steps you need to take for a successful downsize. There, we also talk about getting the most out of your sale. And don’t forget to reach out to us when you’re ready to make your move to your new home.
3 Crucial Steps to Successfully Downsizing Your Home In 2021
According to one study, nearly half of Canadians have no plans of downsizing their home. Meanwhile, 34% intend to do it eventually while 18% already have. Downsizing is usually considered after retirement. Or, in times like these, when things are tough financially. The idea of getting a large lump sum will appeal to anyone, even at the sacrifice of their longtime sanctuary — or their childhood home. What is Downsizing and Why Do People Do It? Downsizing most commonly refers to purchasing a smaller home after selling a large one. Financial reasons for downsizing are to cut down on the mortgage or to get rid of it and other debt totally. You might also just want to put the money towards retirement. Or perhaps your monthly bills needn’t be as high because of your large home. Persons also undergo physical downsizing because their house no longer suits their lifestyle or family arrangement. New empty nesters or persons who simply have gotten tired of maintenance might also want to downsize. Maybe it’s no longer safe for you to go up or down your stairs due to old age or health issues, or you want to be closer to family and friends. 1. Understand the Costs of Downsizing Downsizing has a lot of benefits, but there are also quite a few setbacks you need to look out for. Luckily, only 9% of homeowners regret downsizing, so once you’re aware, you should be among the majority who don’t. Anticipate the hidden financial costs of downsizing: Real Estate fees Land transfer taxes Condo fees (if applicable) Administration fees Home appraisal Legal fees Moving expenses Furnishing and upgrades for new home Expect emotional costs to downsizing Most likely, moving to a smaller home will mean that you’ll have to part with some of your belongings as they might no longer fit your new living space. The decision of what to keep and what to throw out is often challenging. Of course, if you’re able, you could look into storage unit rentals so you won’t have to give up anything. Or, at least, you won’t have to give up those things that matter the most. However, if you’re downsizing from a home you’ve lived in for a long time, there’s simply no way to get around the loss of memories that were made there. All the life events that took place will now only be in pictures. Understand All the Practical Costs Downsizing might also mean sacrificing a good neighbourhood. Or, at least, one you’ve come to know and love. You’ll no longer enjoy your favourite swimming park or see familiar faces. If you end up moving to a more rural area — which is common for cheaper homes — you also won’t have easy access to cinemas, museums, and amenities you would normally frequent. 2. Get the Most Out of Your Sale If you understand the costs of downsizing and still want to push through, here’s how you can come out on the winning side of the sale: Know that staging your home is not always required. House or condominium staging is typically a good investment, but if you’re looking to save about $4,000, this might be the area to do so. Adopt the buyer’s perspective. Before putting your home up for sale, look at it objectively and be blunt about things a potential buyer might not like. Additionally, make the necessary cosmetic upgrades, changes, and repairs so you don’t lose a good sale. Sell at the right time — and at the right price. If you have a swimming pool, summer might be the ideal time to list your property initially. In certain locations, each city has a “best time” to sell. Research and plan to suit your needs. When you do finally decide to list, be reasonable, otherwise, your house may go stale and end up with a heavily diminished value. Get the right people to do the job. There are many real estate agents and companies out there, but not all of them are the right fit for you. Stack up your options for agents, advisors, maintenance managers, insurance brokers, and tax advisors as needed. Don’t settle. It might take some time to get a sale for the price you want. If this happens, don’t automatically agree when your estate agent suggests you markdown your home. Decide if you want to change your agent, or consider other options. 3. Keep Your Downsizing Options Open While selling your home will offer a lump sum all at once, it’s important to keep in mind the costs mentioned above. You might want to entertain the idea of renting your home instead. By converting your home to an investment property, you could enjoy potential savings of around 30% or more. Costs like new furnishings and moving to a new home can be avoided, but they’re more controllable than, say, agent fees (especially if you choose the right company). A second alternative might be to abandon downsizing altogether and upsize instead. Your local bank might offer a reverse mortgage option suitable for your needs. There are positives and negatives to this choice, however, so make sure you look into it with great care. Conclusion Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or staying right where you are, it’s essential to understand the key elements to a move and other forms of estate planning. Relocate Stress Free is here to help you have a smoother ride for all of it. Reach out to us for your next move, and know that you’re in the hands of trusted, experienced professionals.
Just Moved In? Make Your House a Home for the Holidays
If you’ve moved this Christmas, you’re still getting used to both your outside environment and being inside your brand new home. Things are fresh and, well, it might feel a little strange. If you need Christmas decor, chances are you will want to buy locally. This is the case for 55% of Canadian consumers, who are being more mindful of giving back due to the events this year. Whether you’re shopping local or online, you still have the task of turning your new house into a home and filling it up with the spirit of Christmas. Here’s how you can do that. Realign Your Decor Your new house might be painted in a different colour from your previous location. This means you may have to purchase decor that better fits in with the new palette. Christmas trees, which saw purchases worth over $91.2 million just two years back, are not of the one size fits all type. Make sure you get one that’s suitable for the room you want to set it up in. Watch the Plasterwork Your house may or may not have new plasterwork, which reportedly takes about a year to fully dry. While a lived-in house feels homey, it’s probably better to not destroy any walls right away. It’s not why you went through the ordeal of moving. For the time-being, steer clear of wall-mounted decorations and all heavy items in general. You might not feel at home just yet, but keeping the house as it was when you fell in love with it will help you get there. Take Advantage of New Decorative Spaces While the walls may be off-limits for now, there will likely be other sections of your home you can take advantage of when setting up holiday decor. Perhaps you now have a staircase or a front garden. Liven up the staircase with garlands and bulbs. Put Santa and reindeer decor in your garden if you’re so inclined. Meet Your Neighbours You will want to be on friendly terms with your new neighbours for the holiday season. Take the time to get acquainted, from a safe distance, of course, and share some warmth for the season. Be Active in the Community These days, many small towns and even big cities are holding virtual events as a workaround due to the pandemic. People will always find a way to celebrate what they love. If you’re a Christmas lover, try scouting for activities that might be going on this season and take part. It might be different and odd, but it’s something you’ll likely enjoy in the end. Start New Traditions Your virtual event could turn into a tradition for the family. Who knows? You could also start your own traditions in your new home. Let the family give their best ideas, It’s okay to feel sad about not being able to visit old friends and family this time around, but don’t let it keep you back from having a festive spirit. Have fun trying options for a new tradition. It may not quite feel just right this year, but that’s all part of the fun of having a new home. You’ll get another chance next season. Stick to Your Usual Habits Even as you adopt new traditions, don’t forget to practice old habits. Nothing beats cuddling up around the television and watching Christmas films as you wait for the big day to arrive. Eat your usual Christmas meals, bask in your decor, and embrace your new environment. Get ready for the new year with a positive spirit. About to Move? Perhaps you’re just on the verge of moving and not quite in your new home yet. Maybe that’s what’s going to be your big step to start the new year. If that’s the case, reach out to our experienced team of professionals at Relocate Stress Free to help make your holiday moving experience as magical as Christmas itself.
8 Ways to Reduce the Stress of Moving During the Holidays
Moving during the holidays can be a challenging task. Not only is it the busiest time of the year commercially, but you have to ensure to keep gifts hidden from the kiddos and, of course, watch the weather. There are benefits, however, such as lower rates during what is an off-peak moving time. This is especially helpful considering that the effects of the weather might make it difficult for friends to assist you. If you are among those trying to get in your move before the peak of the holiday season, here are some ways to reduce the stress of relocating in late November or December. Plan Ahead Nothing beats a well planned out move. As early as you can, start packing items you won’t be using soon, and make arrangements to have utilities turned off. Also, secure a moving company way ahead (Go with Relocate Stress Free if you want to dispel the rest of the stressful situations that might arise during a move). Be mindful of the weather when you schedule the move, and have a contingency plan in case you need to stay somewhere temporarily on short notice. Purge Your Home A de-cluttering session significantly cuts down on the stress you might encounter during a holiday move. Deep cleaning your home means you will have less to pack into boxes and move. In addition, you will be making space for the “stuff” that comes along with the season. Gifts, decorations, and more might be on their way to your new home. The holiday season is one of the best times to donate items you no longer use. The entire family can play their part in choosing items to give away, showcasing their holiday spirit. Secure Important Documents Once you’ve planned ahead and don’t have to rush your move, you should have enough time to secure your most important documents. Keep things like birth and marriage certificates, bills, and bank records organized. You are also going to want to have your moving contracts, closing papers, and rental agreements somewhere. A document showing a list of contacts should be kept in a folder close by in case of emergencies. Be Mindful of Cold-Sensitive Items Moving during the winter is vastly different from moving in the summer. Sub-zero temperatures will put items like glass, wooden furniture, electronics, houseplants, and musical instruments at risk of damage. Protect your belongings by placing them in layers of bubble wrap, using thick blankets, and using insulated packing materials. Consider storing electronics in airtight containers. Further, remember to put liquids in containers that will allow for expansion and avoid breakage when frozen. Finally, protect wooden furniture by waxing them no less than two weeks prior to moving. Check the Weather and Adapt Always be sure to stay updated on the weather as you get closer to your move. You may have to change certain arrangements or simply take steps to avoid cleaning stress. The wet sidewalks might see a lot of muddy boots entering your home. Try placing flattened cardboard boxes to prevent a messy floor. Better yet, go with plastic sheets to avoid water. Check Your Taxes and Reduce Costs The financial strain of moving will have you looking for any option to cut costs. You may want to consult with an accountant or use tax software to find out if you’re able to deduct moving-related expenses. Organize Items Intentionally Since you might be decorating as soon as you step into your new home, be sure to pack decor in an easy-to-reach place. In addition to those, put familiar items altogether so that you can brighten up your new place right away. Those items that hold sentimental meaning and truly make your home a home will be needed immediately for the holiday season. You’ll want to make a shortlist so you know exactly what to pack. Buy a vacuum sealer. Just for this time of year, you should purchase a vacuum sealer to store summer clothes since you won’t need access to them for a few months. This will help reduce the moving space you require and protect your items. Conclusion Moving during the holidays should bring about joy, not stress. Enjoy the drive to your new home, bask in the decorated sites, and make it as stress free as possible.
Downsizing Your Home? — 8 Things to Do First
Downsizing to a smaller home is a bigger step than most people think. The benefits are also often overlooked. It’s more economical, easier to clean, and homier. Parents who become empty-nesters are big on downsizing. People also downsize due to divorce, lowered income, or because they have to move for various reasons. Thankfully, only 9% of people who downsize regret it. Whatever the case, downsizing will bring about drastic changes. Some are inherently good – like getting a fresh start. Others are not as great. Avoid downsizing challenges with these tips. 1. Establish the right mindset. You may want to find someone you trust who is a good listener to open up to about moving. The act of packing can draw a lot of memories that might be difficult to dwell on. Having to let go of certain items may also take a toll on you. However, you shouldn’t see it as a loss, nor should you feel too connected to things (family heirlooms are an exception). Instead of looking back with regret, focus on where you want to see yourself in the future and how the items you decide to keep will fit into that bright, new plan. The right mindset also means planning ahead. Make sure you hire a reliable moving company and schedule ahead of time so you’re not left with the headache of doing things on your own when you want to move. 2. Take pictures of your old home. Taking pictures of your old home is great for three things when it comes to downsizing. First, you get to look back at the space where memories were made and know that you will always have a piece of those items you eventually throw away. Second, pictures help you decide what items you absolutely want to keep that you were previously going to toss. If your eyes go quickly to certain items in a photograph, it probably means you shouldn’t let them go. Third, you can use the design and arrangements from your old home to get an idea of how to do the new one. Your new home will, of course, be different, but it will still be you. 3. Pare down items and only keep your favorites. Expand the idea of downsizing to all aspects of your new home. You probably do not need several spatulas in the kitchen, and the “good” grater likely does the job each time. Throw away the rest of each item. Similarly, it might not be the best idea to carry over entire collections. If you’ve received tons of wine over the years, feel free to keep your favorite bottles and sell off or give away the rest. 4. Examine your new home with care. This might be obvious, but it’s tempting to just pick up your favorite large pieces of furniture and pray that they will fit into a smaller home. Instead of doing that, be more precise. Get the measurements for each room of your new home and know beforehand what will and won’t fit. That way, you’ll avoid the headache of struggling to fit something in and possibly having to let it go last minute. 5. Discuss items of value with family. If you’ve lived in your home for a long time, chances are your relatives are attached to certain items of sentimental value. Their feelings will make it easier to decide what to keep and what to toss. 6. Keep, Toss, and Donate — and Start Early. Again, your family needs to be part of this process. You may want to go as far as having them go through their old high school memorabilia and decide what they want to hold on to. Each day, you can set apart some time (about 30 minutes) to clear out a small area of your home. You only need three boxes — labeled “keep,” “toss,” and “donate,” to get the ball rolling. Remember to keep your mind open to alternatives for certain items. You can digitize photos and scan receipts you may need. Be strict but forgiving when it comes to what you throw out. 7. Get Help From Friends Friends can help you both physically and by giving advice. That old attic that’s filled with junk is not a one-man job. Ask anyone if they’re willing to pitch in, keeping in mind any allergies and being mindful of heavy loads. Speaking to persons who have already downsized is a huge help. They can fill you in on what to expect and motivate you about the wonderful realities that come with a smaller space. If you’re not acquainted with anyone who has downsized, reach out to an experienced company for help. 8. Stop ordering and acquiring things. Now is the time to stop any impulsive shopping. Change the way you look at acquiring things. More items typically means more clutter. In a newly-downsized home (or any home), clutter is the last thing you want. A useful rule is to get rid of one thing every time you buy something new. This will keep your home clean and organized and will leave you with no regrets about downsizing. Conclusion The most important thing to consider when downsizing is the reduced space. While you might have grown into your clutter over the years, you will inevitably appreciate the clarity of a cleaner environment. Once you’ve properly prepared to downsize, everything else should be a breeze. After moving, make sure to celebrate in any way you can. Treat yourself, call a friend, or have family over. It’s time for a new journey.