Posts Tagged ‘interior design’
3 Worst Gifts You Can Give Someone
From the perspective of a purge and organize consultant….
I often work with clients who struggle with letting go of gifts they have received over the years. Even when those gifts do not relate to their current lifestyle, or they’ve become a burden to hang on to. There is a sense of guilt most of us acquire when receiving gifts. So, I encourage you to be a thoughtful gift giver by considering the wellbeing and home of those you are shopping for this holiday season.
Give less stuff. It’s easy to fall into the trap of the hottest trend craze. Or keeping your list simple by just picking up yet another one of those collectable items you think they want. And when you forget to get a gift, there is always a quick option that’s usually already wrapped. Well, I am a firm believer in LESS IS MORE, and that we can truly appreciate what we dohave when we have less of it. Gift giving is more than ‘a thought that counts’. For the receiver, tangible gifts accumulate more stuff, but more importantly can affect us emotionally for years to come.
Here are a few gifts to avoid giving. We see these items often when helping clients ‘let go’ while purging their belongings:
Trinket boxes
Pretty on the outside, but a mystery on the inside. Yes, they are an easy purchase and fit a wide range of folks on your list with various shapes, sizes, colors and themes. However, once the lid closes the contents are often forgotten.
Knick knacks
These dust collectors are the foundation of clutter. A few collectibles here and there on the tables and bookcase can quickly turn into an excessive situation simply by gift giving. Limiting the gifts you give that add to someone’s collection will help avoid overwhelming their home.
Generic gift sets
You know those pre-packaged sets at the end of the aisle in the store. They usually include 2 mugs and hot cocoa, or baking tools and cake mix. They’re great for a last-minute grab when you forget a gift, but often end up becoming trash or re-gifted. Not many of us can fit more mugs or kitchen tools inside our cabinets.
What to Give Instead
When you’re buying this season, think about what happens to those gifts after the celebration ends. Will it sit on the shelf or get lost underneath other things? How about changing it up this year! Give gifts that create memories, such as an experience. Better yet, experience something withthe person you are giving to. Or give a digital gift certificate for them to purchase exactly what they want. Ultimately by giving less stuff, the real gift you’re giving them is a clutter free and peaceful home!
If you or a loved one is struggling and could use help finding relief from excessive stuff, please contact Staci at Another Opinion 314-623-4594.
How To Be More Comfortable In Your Home
Have you ever stopped to think about how your home makes you feel? It’s a very important question. Your overall wellbeing is directly affected by the condition of your home. If you struggle with clutter and home organization, then you certainly know the feeling of a toxic environment. It’s time for a dose of self-awareness. It’s time to reset by connecting your lifestyle with your home. Here’s how to be more comfortable in your home!
First, recognize your feelings
Are you stressed with an unorganized home? Do shut down when you see piles? Have you stopped inviting friends over? Worried that you’re teaching your kids bad habits. When your home negatively impacts your life, you will feel it mentally, physically, emotionally and financially.
Next, learn more about yourself
At one point, your home was organized, and it felt good. But as daily life happens, it’s easy to neglect. To keep your home running smoothly it must remain current with your active life. So, look closely at the piles and pay attention to your patterns. Consider what changes you can make that will positively impact the organization of your daily life. Then, take the time to reset your home.
You’ve heard of creating ‘homes’ for your belongings
Make your ‘homes’ easy to commit to, so that you can expect and trust that items will be where you need them. Try to connect the activities in your home with the people who do them. Also, connect the location of items with the path they move throughout your home. When you take the time to connect your home with your lifestyle you will find a more peaceful environment.
Now, you can nurture a home that makes you feel good
When you nurture your home, you’re fostering change as it happens, so that it will remain current with your active life. But you still have to commit to self-awareness. When you see a pile creeping up, take time to notice and reset the ‘homes’ if necessary. If you nurture your home you will certainly feel it. And the next time you think about the way your home makes you feel, you’ll have an answer… such as, relaxed, calm, grateful, confident, happy, peaceful ….
Get Help From A Professional
Don’t be afraid to call a professional to help you get started. An outsider’s perspective will give you clarity and keep you motivated to get your project completed.
Another Opinion will help you reclaim spaces in your home and find relief from overwhelming stuff. Contact Staci to start transforming your life!
START NOW – Get Your Home Ready for Holiday Visitors
The countdown has started! Time is already running out to complete your home projects before the holidays arrive. So, get your ‘Honey-Do List’ and your Pinterest board ready! Start your projects now to be sure the dust has settled before your holiday visitors arrive. Here are some tips to help you get ready, get the design you want and get it done on time!
TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL
First, since this topic is about a fast approaching deadline, let’s start with thinking about the end. When are visitors coming to your home this holiday season? Now, back that up… What date do you need to have your home projects completed to be ready for the visitors? Then, back that up one more time… When do you need to start your projects?? That thought might have lit your fire of urgency, so here we go!
Plan with a Schedule, Design and Budget
A well thought out plan is critical, not only to get your project done, but to how smoothly your project will run along the way. Think about every detail- from the ugly demolition to the pretty things you want to see at the end. Preparing a schedule, your design and a budget will help you to start your project with confidence and be ready for the unexpected that may arise. These 3 important planning tools will be your guide when selecting materials, planning deliveries and preparing for installation.
Gather the facts
Clearly understand where you are coming from and where you are headed in your project. Measure and document what currently exist in the project area before starting. Also, collect your ideas and photos that represent the new design. Create a detailed project list of action items noting who is responsible for each. Always have this information on hand, especially on time-sensitive projects! You will use this valuable information for focused decision-making. Likewise, reviewing the facts of your project will give you an objective look at areas of concern or while creating a design feature.
Take your time to Select Materials
The design ideas in your head (and Pinterest board) become reality when you start making selections for your project. Take time to do some research and educate yourself on the options. Consider care and maintenance, along with price, style and color. Reading reviews might help you make swift decisions that you will be happy with in the end. For good measure, narrow selections down to 2 options you would be happy with; you know, just in case.
Expect the Unexpected
There are always surprises. Whether they’re behind the wall you’ll be knocking down, or the vanity cabinet that just went on back order. Even the smallest projects have many moving parts that can go sideways in the blink of an eye; such as mis-measures, missing parts, and mishandled merchandise. Unexpected delays are manageable when you are prepared to make decisions quickly. Your well thought out plan will keep these potential hiccups from derailing your project.
Need help? Another Opinion LLC can help you with creating a design, preparing a schedule and budget, and making selections for your project. Contact Staci and start now to get your home ready for your holiday visitors!
Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters
Have you and your spouse just become an Empty Nesters? If your kiddo has left for school or they’ve recently moved out, you are certainly feeling the mixed emotions that come along with this major life event. It’s a bittersweet moment, however, can also become one of empowerment. Your home is ready for a transition, so seize this moment to transform your life! Here are a few tips to help reclaim your space and reinvent yourself along the way:
Your Home Should Fit Your Lifestyle
Until now your home life has revolved around raising a family. So, don’t feel guilty when considering the lifestyle you want in the years ahead. If your home does not support who you want to become, you have permission to change it.
Reclaim Your Space
As an Empty Nester you’ve just been given back square footage of your home. Take ownership by giving this space a new intention! Let your lifestyle be your inspiration…. Such as, that craft room you always wanted, the mancave he’s talked about for years, or maybe an exercise room that would eliminate the monthly gym expense.
Letting Go
You’ve collected, accumulated and been given a lot of stuff over the years. And now you’ve become keeper of things the kids left behind. If your home is overwhelmed with things that do not support your lifestyle, it’s time to lighten your load. Living with less will allow for more freedom in your life to do what you enjoy and to fully appreciate what you have.
Sorting Stuff
Sorting through belongings is overwhelming. But, the relief that you’ll feel after the space is cleared will be well worth your effort. To move swiftly through your sort, make decisions quickly. If you linger on an item, keep it for further evaluation and move on. You’ll get another look when you’re moving the sorted items onward to their final destination.
Moving It Forward
Removing the ‘get rid of’ pile from your home can be a daunting task as well. Give yourself a limited time frame to have everything out of your home so you don’t keep pushing it off. Consider a charity with donation pick up to make it easier for you. For heirlooms that family members aren’t interested in, consider transforming it with a furniture makeover!
Get Help From A Professional
Don’t be afraid to call a professional to help you get started. An outsider’s perspective will give you clarity and keep you motivated to get your project completed.
Becoming an Empty Nester is the time to be empowered and create the lifestyle you want. Another Opinion will help you reclaim spaces in your home and find relief from overwhelming stuff. Contact Staci to start transforming your life!
How to Prepare Your Home for Sale
If your home does not look similar to a HGTV reveal, then you have work to do before listing your home on the market. Potential buyers have high expectations when they tour a home they might want to buy. Taking an objective look when you prepare your home for sale will help you see it from a buyer’s perspective. Below we’ve collected some great tips to give your home a competitive edge and to maximize your profit.
From The Curb – They Will Judge The Book By Its Cover
A positive first impression is critical. What a buyer sees as they pull up to the curb will influence everything they see after that point. Power wash and repair the exterior, tidy up plantings and remove debris and excess from the yard. Add bright colors with flowers and a small seating area if there is enough space.
Clean, then Clean Again
Every inch of your home will be under the buyer’s microscope, especially those areas typically neglected like lights, baseboards and vents. A disgusting bathroom and dirty windows easily distract potential buyers. But, a thorough deep scrub will have them comfortable in that the home looks to have been well maintained.
Let There Be Light
Lighting has a big impact on a buyer’s experience by making rooms look spacious and inviting. Open up curtains and blinds to feature sunlight and maximize outdoor views through clean windows. Enhance light fixtures with bright bulbs of matching color for a consistent look.
Floors Are The Foundation of Preparation
Improving the appearance of worn out and damaged floors will keep buyers from turning away. Overall condition will determine if a DIY repair or replacement is appropriate, but the effort will be well worth the added value and return. Giving buyers a move-in-ready home will give you a competitive edge too.
Give Your House a Facelift
Fresh surfaces will turn back years of wear and tear in your home. Paint walls and trim, update cabinets and counters to give potential buyers the look of new and improved. Look for small ways to make your home more current, such as integrating technology.
Set The Stage
Show off your home’s best features by keeping furniture and accessories to a minimum. Apply home staging techniques to help potential buyers make a connection with the home. And by staying neutral with colors and gender, your home will appeal to the widest audience.
As a seller, seize this opportunity to control how buyers will perceive your home. An objective eye and view from the buyer’s perspective will give you a competitive edge and maximize your profit. Get Another Opinion for help with preparing your home for sale. Contact us today!