It's a Proven Fact
Clutter and disorganization has become a serious problem. Some call it "chronic disorganization" and others call it, simply, being a packrat.
But the thing is...it's not your fault.
You see, our parents never had to deal with everything we have today.
Most people own too much stuff...and have too little time to deal with it.
We get thousands of pieces of mail...bills and paper piling up while we sleep.
Clothes we have trouble saying goodbye too...and boxes of stuff we got as gifts, all creating clutter, stealing the space right from under our feet.
And it doesn't matter what size house, condo, or apartment you have...you might never feel like you have enough room to store all this "stuff."
So…………How can we deal with clutter? And how do i learn to de-clutter and just re-organize my home?
Keep reading, I’ve done this and so have many of my friends. Give this a try, it may just work!
1. Deal with your clothes. Clean out closets and dressers. Sell, consign, give away or toss anything that you no longer love or that no longer fits you. If it’s beyond repair, out of style, unflattering, or useless (like one sock only), then let it go.
2. Clear out your attic and cellar clutter. Let go of those old love letters, broken chairs, 10 year old tax records, old baby clothes, moldy rugs, useless tools, old towels and sheets, extra blankets, anything you no longer need. If you haven’t used it for the past 2 years, chances are you don’t need it, and perhaps someone else could make use of it.
3. Address the kitchen clutter. Remove everything from your kitchen counters that is not essential for every day cooking (blenders, mixers, jars of dried beans, rice, flour, etc.). These items should be stored in cupboards. Clean out the food storage areas and refrigerator to make sure nothing is expired, moldy or rotten. Clean out under the kitchen sink.
4. Organize your desk & office area. Keep your desk cleared off at the end of each work day. Create active files for all paperwork. Eliminate paper clutter by keeping one notebook for all notes, rather than post-its.
5. Recycle paper clutter. Magazines, junk mail and newspapers should be tossed out weekly. Books that you’ve read can be donated to the library. Keep only books that are essential and irreplaceable. Old textbooks, paperback classics, children’s books (when your children are grown) can be given away, garage sales, libraries and friends.
6. Clear away garage clutter. Broken items, scraps of wood, rusty tools, parts of appliances, electrical equipment that no longer works are all candidates for the recycle bin, trash it & let it go. My dad keeps everything, but I do have to admit he’s well organized.
7. Put consciousness into bathrooms. Clean out medicine cabinets often. Keep a minimum of towels out. Make sure the linen closet is up to date and neat. Toss out any "dead soldiers" (empty shampoo, hairspray, and cologne bottles stored on the shelves). Keep magazines to a minimum of 1 or 2.
8. Stop clutter at the front door. Only buy what you need and have a predestined place for. Stop going to garage sales, throw out junk mail before it settles on the kitchen table. Accept other people’s stuff only if you really need it!!! If you acquire a new piece of furniture, let go of a piece of furniture that someone else can use. Recycle cans, bottles, papers, and plastic at least monthly. Don’t be a junk rat!
9. Clean out your car. Since most of us spend considerable time in our vehicles, I know I do, it is wise to apply these guidelines to your car.
10. Before dumping, ask yourself these questions:
o Do I realllllllly love it?
o Do I reallllllly need it?
o Is it essential? (Be Honest with yourself)
o Does it enhance my life?
Then: Sort your things into 3 piles – (boxes)
o Yes – I lovvvve it and I need it, it works and it’s still useful
o No – Someone else can have it and enjoy it
o No – Toss it out because its taking up too much room
There you go Done! Now wasn't that easy?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Once You’ve Sold Your Home Then What?
Once You’ve Sold Your Home Then What?
Keep copies of all the paperwork related to closing and settlement. Although it might be tempting to run the mountain of paperwork through the shredder or tuck it away in storage, it would be safer to have it placed in a safe place for a while.
Choose your next home carefully. Scope out a variety of areas and housing options that meet your family's needs. By now you must have a better vision of what your preferences are.
Don't feel pressured. Take your time purchasing your next home; rent for awhile if you'd like extra time or want to try an area out first before buying. Take small steps. Remember that buying a home is already stressful, take your time and shop smart.
Reevaluate your personal finances if things change. If your situation changes before you buy another house, or maybe get a promotion at work, have another baby, go through a divorce, you'll need to rethink your finances and how much you can afford to pay for your new house.
Think about what you need from an agent to help you buy. While the agent who helped you sell your house might fit the bill to help you buy, you should carefully consider whether he or she can meet your needs when buying. Buying and selling require different skills. And, if you're moving to a new area, you may want someone familiar with the area.
Happy Shopping Everyone!
Keep copies of all the paperwork related to closing and settlement. Although it might be tempting to run the mountain of paperwork through the shredder or tuck it away in storage, it would be safer to have it placed in a safe place for a while.
Choose your next home carefully. Scope out a variety of areas and housing options that meet your family's needs. By now you must have a better vision of what your preferences are.
Don't feel pressured. Take your time purchasing your next home; rent for awhile if you'd like extra time or want to try an area out first before buying. Take small steps. Remember that buying a home is already stressful, take your time and shop smart.
Reevaluate your personal finances if things change. If your situation changes before you buy another house, or maybe get a promotion at work, have another baby, go through a divorce, you'll need to rethink your finances and how much you can afford to pay for your new house.
Think about what you need from an agent to help you buy. While the agent who helped you sell your house might fit the bill to help you buy, you should carefully consider whether he or she can meet your needs when buying. Buying and selling require different skills. And, if you're moving to a new area, you may want someone familiar with the area.
Happy Shopping Everyone!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Don't Turn Off The Buyer -By Anita Rozenblat
PEELING PAINT
• Many a home sale is made or lost as the buyer approaches the house for the first time. Even a few patches of peeling paint make a house look sad and neglected. And, it makes an otherwise sound home look like it's falling apart.
OFFENSIVE ODORS
• Maybe you're used to it, but when a prospective buyer walks into a home that smells of cigarette smoke, fried fish, wet dogs or dirty diapers, the offensive stench is impossible to ignore. And as a result, the showing rarely lasts more than a few minutes.
MOLD AND MILDEW
• Slime growing on walls isn't only nasty looking, it's a health hazard. As a seller, you can scrub surfaces clean, but until you discover-and stop-the source of the moisture, the problem will return.
WALLPAPER OVERLOAD
• A little wallpaper, no matter how ugly or outdated, isn't likely to kill a deal. However, a house filled with wallpaper can discourage the most interested buyer.
DIRTY, SMELLY BATHROOMS
• Need I say more?
DAMP BASEMENTS
• Water or excessive moisture in a basement renders the space useless for storage and its smell can permeate the whole house.
WATER-STAINED CEILINGS
• These stains aren't always caused by a busted water pipe or leaky roof, but their presence alone is enough to raise a buyer's suspicions.
BUGS
• An ant here or there is okay. The occasional spider or web is no big deal. But nothing will send buyers sprinting for the door faster than opening a kitchen cabinet and seeing an army of bugs creeping out every direction! Ouch!
• Many a home sale is made or lost as the buyer approaches the house for the first time. Even a few patches of peeling paint make a house look sad and neglected. And, it makes an otherwise sound home look like it's falling apart.
OFFENSIVE ODORS
• Maybe you're used to it, but when a prospective buyer walks into a home that smells of cigarette smoke, fried fish, wet dogs or dirty diapers, the offensive stench is impossible to ignore. And as a result, the showing rarely lasts more than a few minutes.
MOLD AND MILDEW
• Slime growing on walls isn't only nasty looking, it's a health hazard. As a seller, you can scrub surfaces clean, but until you discover-and stop-the source of the moisture, the problem will return.
WALLPAPER OVERLOAD
• A little wallpaper, no matter how ugly or outdated, isn't likely to kill a deal. However, a house filled with wallpaper can discourage the most interested buyer.
DIRTY, SMELLY BATHROOMS
• Need I say more?
DAMP BASEMENTS
• Water or excessive moisture in a basement renders the space useless for storage and its smell can permeate the whole house.
WATER-STAINED CEILINGS
• These stains aren't always caused by a busted water pipe or leaky roof, but their presence alone is enough to raise a buyer's suspicions.
BUGS
• An ant here or there is okay. The occasional spider or web is no big deal. But nothing will send buyers sprinting for the door faster than opening a kitchen cabinet and seeing an army of bugs creeping out every direction! Ouch!
I’ll Envy The Family That’ll Buy My Home
I've had such an amazing life in this home. My kids were raised here! Such great memories, I can't believe its time to sell.
I'm not happy about having someone else enjoy my garden that i've worked on for over 25 years!
I've invested time and money and I hope the buyers appreciate what I've done!
You're anxious, worried and feeling as if you've lost all control. Your stomach is in knots and you have no appetite. You sit by the phone nervously, waiting for it to ring. These are the unmistakable symptoms of someone who has either: 1) fallen in love for the first time, or 2) put a house up for sale.
If you happen to be lovesick, you're on your own. But, if you're selling your house, there are steps you can take to ready the property--and yourself--for the sale.
First, you need to prepare psychologically. Once your home is on the market, the sign goes up and the neighborhood knows your selling, you then need to learn to think of it as a commodity of certain value. Your job is to organize and present that commodity so it's attractive to potential buyers.
Unfortunately, letting go of a home can be an excruciating experience, I can understand that! It’s where your kids were born & raised. Remember, "The sellers' motivation plays a key role in their emotional attachment to the house. The emotional ties can be extremely difficult to break."
Keeping sentiments in check is advisable because it allows you to make smart, clearheaded decisions. Buying and Selling a home are easily the largest, most nerve-wracking transactions you'll ever complete. So, in order to sell your home quickly and at the highest price, keep your emotions under control and work closely with an experienced real estate agent.
I'm not happy about having someone else enjoy my garden that i've worked on for over 25 years!
I've invested time and money and I hope the buyers appreciate what I've done!
You're anxious, worried and feeling as if you've lost all control. Your stomach is in knots and you have no appetite. You sit by the phone nervously, waiting for it to ring. These are the unmistakable symptoms of someone who has either: 1) fallen in love for the first time, or 2) put a house up for sale.
If you happen to be lovesick, you're on your own. But, if you're selling your house, there are steps you can take to ready the property--and yourself--for the sale.
First, you need to prepare psychologically. Once your home is on the market, the sign goes up and the neighborhood knows your selling, you then need to learn to think of it as a commodity of certain value. Your job is to organize and present that commodity so it's attractive to potential buyers.
Unfortunately, letting go of a home can be an excruciating experience, I can understand that! It’s where your kids were born & raised. Remember, "The sellers' motivation plays a key role in their emotional attachment to the house. The emotional ties can be extremely difficult to break."
Keeping sentiments in check is advisable because it allows you to make smart, clearheaded decisions. Buying and Selling a home are easily the largest, most nerve-wracking transactions you'll ever complete. So, in order to sell your home quickly and at the highest price, keep your emotions under control and work closely with an experienced real estate agent.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bringing Back Some Old Memories
Hello Anita
My name is Marie and I purchased some Mosskito Fashions from the shopping channel. I e-mailed them recently to ask when they would get your fashions back on TV. After doing some checking I found out that you have changed careers and are now in Real Estate.
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed you & your fashions ---stylish, comfortable and affordable.
Congratulations on your new career!!!! You were a terrific salesperson on television and i'm sure your doing excellent in real estate!
All the best,
Marie
My name is Marie and I purchased some Mosskito Fashions from the shopping channel. I e-mailed them recently to ask when they would get your fashions back on TV. After doing some checking I found out that you have changed careers and are now in Real Estate.
I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed you & your fashions ---stylish, comfortable and affordable.
Congratulations on your new career!!!! You were a terrific salesperson on television and i'm sure your doing excellent in real estate!
All the best,
Marie
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Anita Rozenblat-Life Before Real Estate
Anita Rozenblat was only 5 years old when her family moved to Montreal from Israel. Growing up, she had a hunger to learn everything and excelled at whatever she tried. “I think I may have invented the concept of multi-tasking,” Rozenblat said. “I love to be very busy and succeed in creating good outcomes even from the most challenging situations.”
Rozenblat has always had a passion for fashion. She married and for 17 years worked with her husband in the fashion industry, all the while raising their two daughters.
One of Rozenblat’s goals was to penetrate Canada’s Shopping Network. After five years of trying, she succeeded. Rozenblat designed and launched her own clothing line and appeared on TV, marketing her clothing. After seven years of this she was ready for a change.
“Throughout my life, so many people I met told me I’d be a natural for real-estate sales,” she said. “My older daughter had just turned 16 and I wanted more time at home.”
While continuing her day job with her husband, she decided to study real estate in the evening.
“When I placed my first call to the Collège de l’Immobilier du Québec, to find out what becoming a real-estate agent entailed, the woman told me there was no way I could get into their next course, which was starting the following week,” Rozenblat said. “I said that I didn’t like her answer and asked what I had to do to help her get me in.”
The woman liked her enthusiasm and found a way to squeeze her into the course. When she got her licence, Rozenblat joined Century 21 Vision. That was less than two years ago. Today she is their top-selling agent. On Feb. 4, Rozenblat received one of Century 21’s highest honours: the Centurion Award for Outstanding Achievement of Excellence. As busy as she is, she still finds time to blog (http://www.anitarozenblat.blogspot.com/).
Rozenblat has always had a passion for fashion. She married and for 17 years worked with her husband in the fashion industry, all the while raising their two daughters.
One of Rozenblat’s goals was to penetrate Canada’s Shopping Network. After five years of trying, she succeeded. Rozenblat designed and launched her own clothing line and appeared on TV, marketing her clothing. After seven years of this she was ready for a change.
“Throughout my life, so many people I met told me I’d be a natural for real-estate sales,” she said. “My older daughter had just turned 16 and I wanted more time at home.”
While continuing her day job with her husband, she decided to study real estate in the evening.
“When I placed my first call to the Collège de l’Immobilier du Québec, to find out what becoming a real-estate agent entailed, the woman told me there was no way I could get into their next course, which was starting the following week,” Rozenblat said. “I said that I didn’t like her answer and asked what I had to do to help her get me in.”
The woman liked her enthusiasm and found a way to squeeze her into the course. When she got her licence, Rozenblat joined Century 21 Vision. That was less than two years ago. Today she is their top-selling agent. On Feb. 4, Rozenblat received one of Century 21’s highest honours: the Centurion Award for Outstanding Achievement of Excellence. As busy as she is, she still finds time to blog (http://www.anitarozenblat.blogspot.com/).
Monday, March 23, 2009
What Can I Do To Improve The Look of My Home
Paint the rooms in your house in neutral colors: This will appeal to the broader market. Imagine having 100 viewers in your house and your rooms are painted in bright vibrant colors. You may get 5 % who have the same taste in colors as you but what about the other 95%; they will be put off by the amount of work they have to do to change the color scheme. Painting your house in neutral color’s is one of the most effective ways of adding value to our house and one of the cheapest and easiest to achieve.
Depersonalize your home: If you have a lot of personal photographs on the wall and throughout your house take them down and box them for your new house. Prospective buyers want to imagine themselves living in a new house and find it harder to do this when you have the family photos all over the house. This is purely psychological but it does make a difference. Trust me!
Let the Sun Shine in! Open curtains and blinds to their maximum or in some cases take the curtains down altogether. This will let a lot more light in and make it feel more airy and spacious. Some buyers feel claustrophobic when they walk into some homes, don’t let that happen to you!
Kerb appeal: A home to me is like falling in love! If a home is attractive on the outside, I’d be curious in seeing the inside. Clean the front yard, add a few large pots & some greenery. Your garden can be a major selling factor, make sure it’s clean, tidy and presentable. First impressions are key in selling your home!
Depersonalize your home: If you have a lot of personal photographs on the wall and throughout your house take them down and box them for your new house. Prospective buyers want to imagine themselves living in a new house and find it harder to do this when you have the family photos all over the house. This is purely psychological but it does make a difference. Trust me!
Let the Sun Shine in! Open curtains and blinds to their maximum or in some cases take the curtains down altogether. This will let a lot more light in and make it feel more airy and spacious. Some buyers feel claustrophobic when they walk into some homes, don’t let that happen to you!
Kerb appeal: A home to me is like falling in love! If a home is attractive on the outside, I’d be curious in seeing the inside. Clean the front yard, add a few large pots & some greenery. Your garden can be a major selling factor, make sure it’s clean, tidy and presentable. First impressions are key in selling your home!
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