Skip to main content

"WINNING THE CLUTTER WARS" PART 1

If you have bought a home recently, I hope you have found some time for fun and relaxation now that you are settled in your new home.  

As a longtime homeowner I have had to deal with my #1 enemy-the monster that lurks under every bed and in every closet-CLUTTER!  


Nothing will interfere with your enjoyment of your home as much as disorganization and clutter.

Since you have only been in your new home a short time, I imagine you were forced to deal with most of that clutter at moving time.  So, for the moment at least, your closets should be pretty orderly and your garage should actually have room for the cars.  But this blissful scenario won't last beyond the first year if you don't take a firm stand right now against the clutter monster!  And heaven help you if you committed the act of mindlessly boxing up your clutter and bringing it with you to the new house!!!!

In this three part series: "Winning the Clutter Wars" I will be sharing some tips on how to simplify your household and get organized.  But first, let's look at some ways to prevent the clutter in the first place.  You can call this your Homeowner's Declaration of Independence.

-----

Garage sales are events you stage, not events you attend.  Unless you are a professional junk or antique dealer, there is no reason for you to ever attend a garage sale.  Think of them as the entry level drugs offered by the clutter “drug lord” to get you hooked.

Discover the joys of borrowing.  Let's be honest.  There are some things you might only use two or three times a year (fondue set, espresso maker, sewing machine, Super Dooper Foot Spa, etc.).  You don't need to buy these things!  Your friends will be happy to dig them out from under their beds and loan them to you upon request.

Throw away those full-color store ad inserts in your newspaper and the mailbox-do not browse them first.  I'm talking about the good ones from Walmart, Kmart, Target, Kohl's, etc.  Those ads exist for one reason only-to make you think you need more stuff.  I know, you think you are just window shopping, but that is the first step to buying a juicer with ten attachments, a second George Foreman Grill, or a desktop fountain like the one in your attic.

Treat eBay (and other internet shopping sites) like disaster sites-steer clear of them.  You will not escape unscathed.  Clutter will leap into your shopping cart of its own volition!

Finally, if you absolutely must buy something, do it only to replace something you already have.  It's OK to replace your grill, the refrigerator, your coffee table-just don't multiply them!

-----

I look forward to sharing more Clutter Fighting Tips with you in part 2 & 3 of this series.  Don't forget to email me with your real estate questions and concerns!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect?  Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separati
Post a Comment
Read more

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a
Post a Comment
Read more

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

  (Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1  package cream cheese 1/4  tablespoon garlic powder 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2  lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup fine
Post a Comment
Read more