Making the Most of Your Garage Space

If your garage isn’t doing much apart from storing your cars and outdoor gear, it’s time to get organized and put it to better use. Making the most of your garage’s square footage could be as simple as updating your storage and organization solutions to allow more room for vehicles and yard tools. But, if you’re outgrowing your garage, have you considered transforming this space to entirely suit your lifestyle and interests? Check out how to get started and learn about some amazing garage upgrades that will give you the ability to make productive use of the space.

How to Get Started

First things first, it’s extremely important to declutter and organize before starting a project. But as we know, it can be overwhelming to prepare for decluttering knowing that you have a lot of work ahead. A tip that may help you get the decluttering process rolling is to sort your items into 3 different categories: keep, get rid of, and storage. This method is beneficial as it forces you to make a decision item-by-item and helps you avoid making a bigger mess than the one you started with. If you’re trying to tackle a space that needs a little extra focus, or the thought of decluttering in general seems overwhelming for you, it might be a good idea to look into home organizing services. Working with a decluttering professional can help you meet your goals which will take a lot of the stress off you. Once you have your belongings organized, you’re now able to take on any home project!

Garage Remodel Options to Consider

Move the Mudroom into the Garage

If you’re constantly overflowing the closet with jackets or tripping over shoes in your house, it may be a good idea to turn an unused corner of the garage into a mudroom. Putting a mudroom in the garage is a great way to start utilizing this space that otherwise would be filled with clutter. The garage is the ideal place for a mudroom especially if it’s usually the way you come into your home, providing you and the rest of your family a designated space to put your muddy shoes and wet jackets. Finally, you’ll have somewhere to put the vacuum and broom after decluttering the coat closet.

A mudroom in the garage can create a transitional buffer space between the hustle and bustle of the messy world, to the calmness of your clean home. The best part about garage mudrooms is that they don’t need to be complex to be practical. They can actually be created very easily near the door leading to the house. A couple of wall hangers and storage options might be all you need to create your perfect garage mudroom.

If you’re looking to keep things clean and neutral but want a little more warmth and personality, try adding a wood paneling shiplap accent wall. This design addition can be easily installed and is a quick way to add texture to a wall. Additionally, it’s a great way to hide previous wall imperfections that might have been in the garage. You can check out some shiplap accent wall inspiration to get a better idea of how to install and what your final product will look like. What’s more, shiplap wood can easily be stained or painted if you wanted to give the garage a bit of color. Whatever you decide, this space will help you and your family stay organized and know exactly where those everyday items are.

Create an Indoor-Outdoor Entertainment Area

If you think that your current home is feeling a bit small, turning your garage into an indoor-outdoor living space is a great way to give you and your family more room while making use of the square footage you already have. A simple living space can easily be designed with comfortable furniture, adequate lighting, and a source of garage heating. You can spruce the area up even more with finished walls, a TV, and a fireplace. Either way, creating this completely revamps the unutilized space in your garage to become the versatile living or entertainment space you’ve always wanted.

Before diving in, assess the space you’re dealing with and figure out exactly what you want. It may be a good idea to ask yourself a few questions such as:

What are my goals for the space?
What will I use this space for?
How big is this space?
How much natural light does it get?
Can I do this myself, or will I need to hire a professional?
What is my budget?

After assessing the space and answering these questions, you should now have a good idea of your vision as well as what it will take to turn this area into a comfortable living space. The next step is to design the space with the room’s primary purpose in mind. Thinking about the purpose of the room allows you to build in features that will increase the room’s functionality.

When you’re planning your new indoor-outdoor space and how to take full advantage of it, there are some essential design elements to consider. Many of these elements you will be able to use from your existing garage, but others you may want to upgrade in order to improve the overall livability, organization, and balance of a hybrid space. Some of the design elements you may want to consider are:

Flooring
Furniture
Windows and doors
Lighting
Insulation

The best part of turning your garage into an indoor-outdoor living space is that you can turn it into anything you want. With new design elements, you can turn a dark, cold garage into a bright, warm living space perfect for guests and entertaining, a game night, or a cozy movie night in.

Design Your Very Own Home Gym

after professional decluttering plenty of space can be created to cnvert a part of your garage into a great small personal gym A garage can be a great place for working out if it has all the right features. Having a convenient home fitness space in your garage allows you to have intense workouts and throw weight around without scuffing or damaging the inside of your home. It also reduces the clutter and equipment storage in your home which frees up space for other hobbies. Creating a gym in your garage might also allow for larger and more organized fitness equipment, machines, and overall more space to move around in. You can even get creative with this project and complete your garage gym with built-in speakers, mirrors, and whatever elements that will inspire a motivational environment for you.

Equipment and Storage

Equipment pieces don’t have to be bought within the first week, month, or even year of using your new space. Gym equipment isn’t particularly cheap and especially if you prefer to vary your workouts, it can add up quickly. Fortunately, equipment can be accumulated over time depending on your workout interests and abilities. Some basic essentials you may want to have for your new workout space include:

Dumbbells
A cardio machine
Mats
Mirror
Workout bands

As far as equipment storage goes, there are many customizable options, meaning it’s completely up to your preference. It’s a good idea to have some racks or bins to keep your home gym organized while providing a quick clean-up after each session. Installing wall hooks or shelves might also be helpful to easily hang bands, jump ropes, or store yoga blocks and towels. As you accumulate more equipment, you can continue to shape your storage routine. However, remember, it’s a good idea to have some initial organization so things don’t get out of hand.

Flooring

A crucial part of creating your home gym is deciding on what type of flooring you want. Epoxy garage floors might just be a great solution to complete your home gym. Not only do they look more inviting than concrete floors, but they’re also extremely durable and long-lasting. You can help avoid scuffing up your floors in your home and finish your garage by learning how to paint your garage floor with epoxy. The smooth and even surface is easy to maintain and can make your life a lot easier when it comes to cleaning up. Since not much debris sticks to this type of flooring, sweeping or cleaning up after your sessions will be a breeze.

There’s no better feeling than turning a space that isn’t used effectively and tends to collect junk into a new, comfortable space that the whole family can enjoy. By combining these organization tips with these unique upgrading ideas, you can make the most of the square footage in your garage while freeing up some space in your home. By taking an organized approach to any of these projects you can have the look and feel of a completely new design that fits your lifestyle.

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Guide to Handling Sentimental Items when Downsizing

Boxes that you can use to handle sentimental items while downsizing.

When it comes to relocation, especially senior relocation, which entails downsizing, you need to expect quite a few tearful moments. Since you’ll need to give up some of your belongings for the sake of comfort and personal space, you’ll need to acknowledge the importance of some of your pieces. Handling sentimental items when downsizing isn’t something that you’ll just know how to do. Sometimes we’re overcome with emotion, and our judgment is clouded. Luckily, many have gone through a similar experience before you, and you can learn from their mistakes and successes. Let’s dive into this guide that should help you know what to expect.

Don’t rush into anything

The first important thing you should keep in mind when handling sentimental items while downsizing is taking your time. Depending on how emotional you are, you’ll need to find a way to deal with your feelings during this period. Merely pushing through and not allowing yourself to feel is never a good idea. Before you get to the practical part of parting with your belongings, you should dedicate some time to emotional preparation.

Invite your family

One of the best ways to deal with items with sentimental value is to call up the people that will feel the same way. Even if they’re not as attached to a particular prized possession as you are, they’ll still offer emotional support and help you go through this period with as much ease as possible.

A big family having lunch and discussing ways of handling sentimental items when downsizing.

Invite your family over and decide how you’ll handle your sentimental items.

Make an inventory of your home

Make sure to have a plan set in motion before you start handling sentimental belongings when downsizing. It’ll not only help you be productive and finish faster, but you’ll also be more likely to focus on the purpose and remember why you’re doing this. Making home inventories sounds a bit frightening and overwhelming if you’ve never done it. However, it’s really not. These are the three most essential tips you should follow:

Begin as early as possible
It’s imperative to take as much time as you need. Handling sentimental items when downsizing can be overwhelming enough on its own; you don’t have to add fuel to the fire.
Start with a rough sketch
Don’t list all your items one by one right away. Instead, make sure to divide them up into categories and work your way up from there.
Find a place to store your items for the time being
Be it a storage unit or your basement, you need to have a room where you’ll keep everything so that it doesn’t get in your way during the relocation.

Organization is key

If you’re not great at organizing and creating lists and plans, that’s okay. We can’t all be great at everything. That’s why there are organizing services that could be of great assistance. They can help you prepare and execute any decluttering job in no time.

Go down memory lane

Know that this doesn’t have to be a very dark and sad period. You can invite your children and grandchildren to come by and create a fun and enjoyable day out of it. Exchange some stories from your younger days and memories that you hold dear. Take this time to reminisce and say goodbye to some experiences. These stories will live on and take on a different dimension once you share them.

When downsizing many inexpensive itmes might have very high sentimental value, there use a proper Estate clearing service

Moving can be stressful

Although handling your belongings with sentimental value will probably be the most emotionally draining aspect, you still need to relocate. Moving is a process that takes a lot of time and effort, so hiring relocation specialists and employing move management services is often advised. This way, you’ll get to properly say goodbye and let go of your past while professionals handle the technical things.

Hire packing services

If you don’t want to deal with the packing part of your relocation either, that’s fine as well. Hire packing services, and you’ll have everything packed before you know it. Be very specific about what you want, the timeframe, and the price you’re willing to pay. Being direct will help both you and the people you’re hiring.

Cleaning and clearing are essential when downsizing

Seeing how our outdated items are usually somewhere in the back of the closet or the basement, you’ll need to take some time to clean these areas. Once you’ve done that, you’ll also need to declutter, organize and clear out anything you no longer use.

Hire clearing services

If clearing is yet another thing that you cannot fit into your schedule, there are always estate clearing services at your disposal. Hiring these professionals is somewhat different from hiring a moving company since they’ll spend a lot more time in your home. For this reason, make sure that your schedules are aligned.

Gifts of sentimental value can be created with a Professional Estate clearing service like A Clear Path when downsizing.

If you need to part with your sentimental items when downsizing, give them to your family or friends.

What to do with your sentimental items

Give to your family and friends

If these items are a family heirloom or something of that sort, why not give them to your children and grandchildren? It’ll be much easier to part ways with objects that mean something to you if you give them to people that mean something to you too.

Recycle or donate

It’s important to either recycle or donate these items. Don’t simply throw them in the trash; someone might get some use out of them.

Keep in a storage unit

Handling sentimental items when downsizing can be too hard at times. If you absolutely cannot imagine ever saying goodbye to the things that you cherish dearly, keep them. Nowadays, it’s easy to rent out a storage unit and keep your things there.

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Streamline Your Life: Tips for Downsizing to a Smaller Home

Streamline Your Life:

Tips for Downsizing to a Smaller Home

downsizing can be a very emotional task and using a move manager from the start can create a safe environment

Downsizing to a smaller home is a natural part of life for many adults, but it’s also considerably challenging. Suddenly, you’re in the position of having to decide which of the belongings you’ve accumulated over the years will be thrown out or given away.

It’s more than just a matter of purging and eliminating the excess – you have to downsize because you now have less square footage. Forcing yourself to get rid of treasured belongings is an emotional ordeal that can be overwhelming for many people. The experts recommend you take care of it before you move and things get really chaotic and continue working on it after you’ve moved. The last thing you want is to move a bunch of clutter from one home to another.

Organization

Being organized is essential if you want everything to go smoothly. Begin by planning how you’ll approach downsizing. Many people make lists of what items they’ll throw away, what can be donated and which possessions they’ll take with them. Go room by room as you assemble your lists, physically placing everything into piles according to what you plan to do with them.

This can also be a great opportunity to host a yard sale — moving is expensive, and selling unneeded items can help cut the cost. If you find it hard to part with things, establish a set list of criteria that will help you decide. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I used this?,” “How and why would I use this?,” “Do I have something else that does the same thing?,” “Do I love this item so much that it would trouble me emotionally to part with it?,” and most importantly, “Can I do without this?”

Plan of attack

Have a plan in place for when you move. That means knowing where your furniture will go, and how it will be arranged when you move into your new home. Take pictures of the layout of your new apartment or house, and identify where everything will go ahead of time. You can also use a color coding system as you pack up your belongings so you know what room each box should be placed in.

Change your thinking

Downsizing means you need to rethink how you live, or at least how you acquire new items. If you’re used to living in a house with plenty of square footage, you probably haven’t had to worry about limiting your purchases based on available space.

Now that your circumstances and square footage will change, you need to adapt. The biggest part of downsizing is adapting to the mindset. It’s a new start, a way of simplifying your life without the encumbrances that dictated how and where you could live.

Stay clutter-free

Once you’ve settled into your smaller space, consider a new approach to keeping your home clutter-free. When things get messy, clean them up immediately, don’t put it off — that’s how clutter builds up. By keeping a strong sense of organization, it will be easier to continue to live clutter-free. You’re also less likely to regret having downsized if you don’t allow clutter to become a problem.

Your aesthetic can help too
Having an overall aesthetic or a specific look for each room will not only show off your preferred style, but it can also help maximize the space. This can be done through lighting, using minimal furniture, and being mindful of wall colors. For example, a small room feels smaller if every wall is painted the same bold color. Rather than paint four walls red, consider three light-colored walls with one bold accent wall. Alternatively, if you really want to add some flair, try wallpaper. With so many colors, patterns, themes and textures, you’re bound to find the perfect way to dress up your room. Plus, with modern wallpaper, you can easily swap out your choice if you opt for the peel-and–stick variety.

Think of downsizing as an opportunity to streamline your life. Now that you’ve gotten your possessions under control and organized, maintain that mindset as you begin your life in a new home. It’s an excellent way of making sure you’re living within your means.

Moving Management: Organizational Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell

Moving Management:

Organizational Tips for Staging Your Home to Sell

Moving can be a stressful process, particularly when it comes to selling your home. With summer on the horizon and so many looking for new homes across the country, staging has become more important than ever. When potential buyers enter your home or virtually tour photos on a real estate listing platform, they not only want to see a future there, but they also want to be sure that the space is clean and organized. A tidy home can make it sell for more money as well as attract more buyers. While hiring a moving manager or home organizing services can take some of the work off your plate, there are ways you can both organize and show off the space yourself, too.

Organize the exterior

for large properties it is important for involve a professional move manager

The first impressions of most homes on the market come from the outside, which makes a neat, attractive exterior all the more important. Any red flags on the outside of the home can send a buyer in the other direction before even entering the house. That said, fresh landscaping, flowers, groomed trees, and any paint touch-ups can make a home look brand new. This will also hint to buyers how dedicated you’ve been in terms of maintenance, inside and out. Outdoor furniture, a freshly sealed driveway, or an updated porch can help the home sell faster and for more money.

Highlight home office space

In this new age of remote work, home offices have become staples to everyday life for many. Creating a designated, productive workspace can help a buyer who works from home see their lifestyle fitting with the house. Keep in mind that professionals prefer certain aspects of a home office, like natural lighting, storage space, and distance from heavily trafficked areas of the house. You can also stage a multifunctional space that can serve as a home office, craft room, laundry room, or spare bedroom.

Cut back on furniture

Believe it or not, some of your home’s most valued furniture pieces may not be beneficial throughout the staging process. Extra end tables, coffee tables, or chairs can make the space look cluttered and claustrophobic. Remove these to open up the space. Avoid putting furniture in front of focal points like fireplaces or built-ins so they’re easily visible and accessible. When choosing which pieces to keep or stow away, think about buyers walking through the home and how easy the space is to tour.

Coordinate closet space

Organized closet space is a high priority for many buyers. Before they tour the bedrooms, remove any unnecessary articles of clothing and other clutter to make the closet appear larger. Add shelving where necessary to maximize the space, and stage with storage bins or compartments that show visitors how it can be efficiently organized. Shoe racks, drawers, and over-the-door storage can also help buyers see how much of their belongings they can store in the closet. Don’t forget to keep the home well-ventilated for great air quality and a fresh aroma for in-person tours.

Deep clean

A tidy home isn’t as effective without a deep clean. A major factor that turns buyers away from homes for sale is cleanliness. It indicates how well you tend to the home, and is instrumental in the visitors’ experience. Cleaning every square inch of the home is vital before allowing your home to be photographed or toured in person. Dust or scrub every square inch from the floor to the ceiling so that buyers will have no critiques. Also remember that pets, their toys, or their furniture can store some unpleasant smells that a handful of buyers will disapprove of, so be sure to take those out of the house and eliminate any pesky pet odors.

De-personalize

While staging, be sure to reduce the amount of personal items in the home. Family photos, mementos, art projects, personal hygiene items, and clothes can all add to a cluttered home. Not only that, but having these items visible can make it very difficult for buyers to imagine the home as their own and connect to the space. Instead, fill some of the space with neutral decor, books, plants, etc. Arrange any built-in storage, shelving, or wall space with items that illustrate how the space can be used, while leaving it a blank canvas for potential buyers.

Hire a professional

If you’re inexperienced when it comes to moving, thankfully, there are a number of moving and organization experts that can make the transition smoother every step of the way. To make the process easier, here are some examples of professional services you can use:

Packing and unpacking services: carefully packing items, trash removal, delivering packing boxes and materials, etc.
Senior moving specialist: guiding your downsizing/transition while catering to the special needs of your senior loved one
Estate clearing: providing itemized lists of keepsakes, shipping items to family members, selling valuable pieces, etc.
Virtual organizers: online sessions with organization experts to tackle your home one room at a time

Selling your home doesn’t mean simply listing it on the market and hoping for the best. It takes a lot of thought and hard work throughout the staging process. Maintain an organized home, take advantage of experts, and consider some of these organizational tips for an efficient home sale.

How to Successfully Buy a House Remotely

By Scott Russell

Today, it’s amazing how much business we can conduct in the comfort of wherever we are. People can shop online, carry out banking activities, and work from home remotely. Things have gone a step further because you can now even buy a house remotely.

There are many reasons why someone would want to buy a house remotely. According to the New York Times, about 63% of buyers made an offer on a home they hadn’t seen in the months of November and December 2020. In addition, 75% of millennial homebuyers are now working remotely because of the pandemic, and 63% of this population admit that their home search is motivated by the fact they have become remote workers.

If you’re a buyer looking for your next home, this spells wonderful news in many ways, but of course, you need to be cautious throughout the process. The convenience of online transactions is often tempered by its risks, but it’s possible to secure a positive outcome if you do your due diligence and you have an experienced real estate agent assisting you.

With that in mind, here’s what you need to know to buy a house remotely and successfully.

Partner With the Right Agent

The importance of finding the right agent can’t be overstated, and this is typically the first step if you want to ensure a successful home-buying experience. That’s because when you’re buying a house remotely, you still need an agent that can vet the place for you and give you the first-hand details you need to know. In a nutshell, here’s what you need to consider when choosing the best agent.

Local agent. The agent should be closely familiar with the neighborhood and the community, the available amenities, and other interesting tidbits. They can also help provide information about the best local lenders and home inspectors in the area.
Experience. The agent should have sufficient experience with the remote home buying process. This ensures that the agent will be able to walk you through the process and explain any technologies that may be needed to make the process smoother. Experienced real estate agents are more likely to find the most suitable properties and negotiate a better price for you.
Availability. Buying real estate remotely requires a lot of back and forth, so it’s essential that the agent should have enough time for out-of-town clients. The agent needs to be available both during business hours and after hours so that everything can move forward quickly.

communication with your RE agent and move manager is important Once you have established that the real estate agent will be available as your proxy during crucial times and they have the right experience and knowledge, be sure to communicate with your agent as much as possible. No matter how experienced your agent is, they won’t be able to find the perfect property for you unless you’re very specific about your preferences and what you’re looking for when you buy a house remotely.

Therefore, it’s important to sit down and come up with a detailed wish list. When you share this wish list with your agent, they should be able to narrow down the search using factors such as pricing, square footage, the style and age of the home, and location. Other details like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and whether or not the home has a basement also matter.

Be sure to also communicate about your deal-breakers so the agent doesn’t waste time chasing after the wrong listings. If your wish list changes at any point or you have any other concerns, don’t hesitate to let your agent know.

Find Out What Every Step Entails Before You Buy a House Remotely

While it’s true that an agent can be very helpful when you’re buying a home remotely, it still doesn’t hurt to do your own research. Here are some things to keep in mind.

The offer. Be sure you understand the necessary offer terms for your state. You can review these with your agent so that when the time comes to make an offer, you’re already thinking about what to include in the offer. It’s very possible for negotiations to happen when the buyer and seller are long distance. Again, technology plays a crucial role and offers many communication channels, such as email, phone calls, and video conferencing.
Appraisal. Your lender will also need to do an appraisal to secure financing when you buy a house remotely. Fortunately, the appraisal process isn’t too complicated and can be done without your physical presence. Usually, the value of a property is determined by comparing it with similar properties in the area that have recently sold or are on the market.
Home Inspection. Your agent can schedule a home inspection without you being present. Be sure to ask the agent and inspector to call you at the end of the inspection to discuss any major findings. You can also review the inspector’s report to get a better understanding of all the physical aspects of the home.
Title review. You will also need to do a title review so you are aware of the property’s ownership history and any restrictions that apply.
Closing. This is the last step in the home buying process, and if you’re doing it remotely, you’ll be able to sign some paperwork online. The good news is your electronic signature is as legally binding as if you had signed the papers in person. Once your e-signature is in place, the documents are sent back to the other party. If a physical signature is required, such as in the case of notarized documents, the necessary documents will be FedExed. The most important part of the closing process is the wiring of funds to complete the transaction. From there, you will be ready for the move!

trus your RE agent to understand the local market place and choose wise for pack & unpack Even when all is said and done, be sure to do a final walkthrough – either yourself or through your agent’s camera – to confirm that the home is in good condition and everything is above board. Before you close on your home and after you make your offer, you’ll have time to do a final evaluation and be sure any agreed-upon repairs have been completed.

Some states allow an official due diligence period for home buyers. However, if your state doesn’t, you may have other contract contingencies that will protect you in the event you find a major issue with the house or the appraisal.. That way, you’re free to back out of the contract or renegotiate with the seller.

The good thing about this contingency period is that it allows you to review title documents, complete the financing process, and do other tasks before closing. You can also take this time to visit and view the property in person and conduct a thorough inspection before committing.

Learn the Tips and Tricks for Online House Hunting

To buy a house remotely in the past was unthinkable, but now it’s more than possible. Beyond the official steps you need to take, it’s also important to learn all the tips and tricks that help this process become a success. For instance, before you make your offer, your agent will give you a virtual tour of the property.

You need to be alert and vigilant during this process. Instead of trusting the photos, make sure the agent walks you through every part of the property during your video chat. Make notes so you can go over them later. Don’t be shy about asking your agent to go over a certain area again or open doors, check appliances, and test light switches.

Since nothing compares to an in-person inspection, you should also ask your agent to point out other details, such as musty odors and temperature details. Another thing you should do ahead of time is create a house hunting checklist so you don’t miss out on anything important in the process.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home remotely works well for out-of-state real estate investors, those who are buying a second home, and anyone buying a home on behalf of a loved one, such as in the case of senior relocation. Plus, when the home-buying process is over and ready to move in, you can hire organizing services and relocation specialists to help make your move go as smoothly as possible. Overall, finding the right real estate agent and learning all you can about the home-buying process is key to a successful deal.

About the Author

Scott Russell is the owner and broker-in-charge of Freestone Properties located in Asheville, NC. Freestone Properties has the ability to help you buy a beautiful mountain home in Asheville or Black Mountain remotely, so contact us today!

How to help a friend with a hoarding disorder move into a new place

OLd stuff can pile up in a home, but there comes a time that decluttering must begin

Every move is stressful and a challenge. For someone who hoards, it will be more difficult to manage the situation. Their home is probably filled with unnecessary things and even junk. However, someone with a hoarding disorder will find it difficult to part from almost any type of possession. Although many people consider moving a perfect time to declutter and get rid of the unwanted things that are always in the way, it’s not the same for hoarders. They have a strong attachment to their belongings and don’t want to throw or donate them. Therefore, if you want to help a friend with a hoarding disorder move, you will need a lot of understanding and organization.

What is hoarding?

First of all, let’s make sure you understand your friend’s situation. It is crucial to make the difference between chronic disorganization and the clinical definition of hoarding.

People with chronic disorganization can have clutter in their living space, but not the same way as hoarders do. Chronic disorganization can cause a mess in one’s home or office due to time-management issues rather than long-term planning. Additionally, chronic disorganization may result from ADHD, ADD, dementia, or some other health condition.

To illustrate the difference a bit further, let’s look at how people with this condition are likely to behave.

They are always lagging;
Their homes or offices can be filled with clutter like paper, boxes, or bags;
They attempt to organize but lack the energy or time;
They don’t seem to focus on long-term planning, and they focus on minor issues that come up while not focusing on the big picture.

Ultimately, people who have chronic disorganization can be described by the following:

Persistence of severe disorganization over a long period of time;
A daily undermining of one’s quality of life by disorganization;
A history of failed self-help efforts.

On the other hand, people who have a hoarding disorder show chronic difficulty throwing things away. Hoarding is associated with the physical activity of bringing or purchasing unnecessary items into a home. They will cling to personal belongings and compulsively collect different kinds of things. At the same time, they have a strong perception that keeping those items is of vital importance.

People with a hoarding disorder may:

Purchase things compulsively;
They don’t seem to be able to prioritize the things in their house, which reflects in their life decisions;
Fear to lose an item or information, like a newspaper;
They see value in every object, even trash or in some specific type of item.

SOmethings can be called collections, but they might just be things that need to be decluttered

Additionally, their collection of items can cause hazardous clutter and unhealthy living conditions. It’s also common for them to say they are collectors, but it’s essential to know the difference between a healthy and unhealthy collection.

Tips to help a friend with a hoarding disorder relocate

Someone who hoards will certainly fear being judged once they need to start their moving process. They often don’t like having guests over and are pretty anxious when others are handling their possessions. Therefore, your role as a friend will be crucial to help them go through this kind of change.

Even though you might consider this a fresh start for your friend, moving to a smaller house or an apartment is no easy feat for a person struggling with hoarding. After all, remember that downsizing is a challenge for everyone. For example, it will be tough for someone with a hoarding disorder to declutter and choose what stays and what goes. Fortunately, we have created a list of ways to assist your friend with a hoarding disorder relocate to a new home to help you both along the way.

show understanding
stay positive and patient
set reasonable expectations
remove junk and clutter whenever possible
seek help from professionals

Show understanding

Educating yourself on hoarding disorder and understanding your friend’s problem will help you develop a better solution.

If you prepare in advance that you will experience difficulty during the moving process and that it won’t progress all the time, it will be easier for you to be gentle and understanding.

Also, it’s better to be aware that it’s unrealistic to convince them to throw everything out. You can instead talk to them, show compassion, come up with compromising ways of how you can help, and discuss the best way to solve conflicts.

Stay positive and patient along the way.

Although an average person can think there is a simple solution to hoarding: throwing everything away can only worsen the problem. Their anxiety can reach very high levels, and you won’t go anywhere by trying to convince them to part from everything they firmly believe they need to keep.

Alternatively, try being patient and supportive. Since hoarding is a psychological problem, bear in mind that throwing things without your friend’s consent can only lead to more significant hoarding issues in the future.

You can help your friend out by sorting, packing, and making tough decisions about their belongings together. This way, you can help them make more reasonable decisions about their possessions while acknowledging their feelings. For example, your friend can determine which items are of the highest emotional value for them. This way, you will create a path for something to be thrown while leaving space for feeling contentment for keeping certain items. Additionally, you can relieve the stress of packing and relocating by dealing with some things later and not requiring your friend to make instant decisions.

Set reasonable expectations to help a friend with a hoarding disorder move

Hoarding is a long and ongoing process that doesn’t just happen overnight. And neither will the recovery from it happen quickly. That is why you should set some reasonable goals with your friend and celebrate even the most minor victories to motivate them to keep going.

Declutter can take time and should not be rushed when there is also a hoarding issue

Help a friend with a hoarding disorder move by making careful decisions, one item at a time.

So, if you recognize change and celebrate even the slightest progress, be sure to mention it. It will help encourage more significant changes in the future.

Remove junk and clutter whenever an opportunity arises

This is a must-do part of every relocation. You need working space to pack and move successfully. Therefore, cleaning the place and removing the junk will enable your friend to control what stays and what goes.

Caption: Remember to stay protected when clearing the junk and dirt from your friend’s house by wearing gloves and a mask.

Alt tag: A house with a large pile of junk in front of it as a way to help a friend with a hoarding disorder move

decluttering when there is a hoarding issue involved can take time It would be best to develop a system of sorting through belongings by having bins of what stays, what will be donated, and what is to be thrown away. Our advice is to work room by room and once you pack a particular bin or box, carry it out. This way, you will avoid possible changes in decisions.

Seek help from professionals in the field

It’s not a bad thing if you are thinking of getting professional help. Even though you love your friend deeply, the whole process can be overwhelming for you too.

You can consult your friend’s therapist and ask for possible ways to help them through distress. There are also professional organizers and consultants you can reach out to and seek a consultation.

The takeaway

Hoarders are people that compulsively collect items and consider holding onto them of vital importance. It is not uncommon to see them living in unhealthy living conditions due to large amounts of clutter. Therefore, it’s essential to know your friend will find the downsizing process difficult and prepare accordingly. Be prepared and patient when you help a friend with a hoarding disorder move and live a happier life.

Photos used:
https://pixabay.com/photos/toilet-paper-background-sold-out-4958068/
https://pixabay.com/photos/shelf-old-stock-container-industry-3190116/
https://unsplash.com/photos/VSXT9AV19Is
https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-going-down-the-stairs-with-box-of-books-and-plants-7218670/

How to hire the right Estate Clear-out Company

boxes packed for an estate clearing and move with unpacking after the move

When faced with the departure of a loved one, there is a period of acceptance. During this period, you want the transition to be less stressful and emotionally hard on the rest of the family. However, there are certain legal and financial matters you have to take care of. One of those matters is the obligation to clear the home of the deceased. In such a case, the less emotionally involved you are, the better. If you want to make this transition as painless as possible, opt for estate clearing services that can do the job professionally, with no strings attached. If you think this is the best choice for you but wonder how to hire the right estate clearing service, we can help with a few valuable tips.

Clearing house estates is a complex process

If you think about the number of things people acquire during a lifetime, you might feel a little bit overwhelmed having to clear the house of all those possessions. Before even deciding to hire professionals, you have to understand the process. Estate clearing should involve a whole team of people who are assigned to different tasks to do a successful job. Sorting through all the personal belongings, making home inventories, packing, transporting, and shipping items are a few of them. There has to be excellent communication between the estate clearing service provider and the client for a complete clear-out. The clients are the ones who ultimately decide on the level of involvement, and the professionals are there to make the process as straightforward as possible.

A proper estate cleaning service can ready a home for sales as part of the estate settlement

Before you can sell the house or apartment, you need to clear it from all personal belongings

Benefits of hiring estate clearing professionals

One of the advantages of choosing estate clearing services to assist you is to emotionally detach yourself from the situation. In most cases, people opt for clearing services after losing an elderly member of the family. Many choose not to get too emotionally involved with the personal belongings left after the person has passed. And with good reason. If you are emotionally involved, you might lose focus and make fewer objective decisions on what to keep, what to donate, and what to sell. As a result, you might find yourself taking not only the family albums and heirlooms but items that don’t even have a sentimental value.

a messy garage means that declutter is needed

Having professional assistance in clearing heavily cluttered rooms is essential

In all that clutter, you might feel more stressed than you expected. So, invest some time in finding ways to remove stress from household junk removal. One of the ways is undoubtedly giving the job to trained professionals who don’t have an emotional bond with the things they need to clear. They will go through the possessions, sort unwanted items, items for donations, items for recycling, something to sell, and things to dispose of. If needed, they will consult with you on valuables and family heirlooms they find, but otherwise will do a quick and efficient home clearing operation, leaving you more time for healing and spending time with your loved ones.

Wondering how to hire the right Estate Clear-out Company is perfectly normal

You might be having trouble deciding on a particular Estate Clear-out Company to partner with, given all the emotional distress you are experiencing. The best way to look for the right people is through word of mouth. If some of your friends, colleagues, or neighbors had the assistance of a reliable and reputable team, be sure to ask them for a referral. You can also search the web for positive reviews and testimonials of satisfied clients. Reading personal stories from people who were once in your situation might seem like something you don’t want to do. However, it may prove to be helpful to get a clear picture of what to expect and what to seek from professional clearing services. After all, you will be hiring someone to take care of your loved one’s personal belongings, so investing some time in finding the right company for the job is something you ought to do.

Prepare before hiring estate clearers

To have a successful clearing estate experience, you have to prepare. A good starting point is to go through the documents first. Sort out any legal documents you need to keep and move along to valuable items and items that have sentimental value. When you have acquired all the belongings you deem useful and want to keep, look for a good storage provider where you will keep them. Then, you can locate things you would like to sell and set those aside as well. Pack some of the items you want to keep or sell and transport them to safe storage. Label each box and make sure all boxes are properly sealed. Once in storage, your belongings will be secure and easily reachable if and when you decide to act on your decision to sell or use.

After you have gone through things you want to keep or sell, you can call estate clearing services and acquire a quote. State the rooms you want to clear and give the Estate Clear-out Company precise instructions on what to do with the rest of the items. You don’t have to have all the answers. These trained professionals who deal with decluttering and organizing every day will undoubtedly suggest how to deal with electronics, recyclable items, unwanted furniture, and similar.

Time to make the decision

When you feel confident that you know how to hire the right estate clearing service, you should do it. Use the time to spend with your family and friends, and leave all the daunting tasks to trained specialists. Don’t hesitate to acquire the needed assistance because clearing another person’s house can be more than you can handle. However, if you still feel reluctant to let strangers in your loved one’s house, you can research ways to make the job less stressful for yourself.

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/empty-apartment-with-packed-carton-boxes-before-moving-4246119/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-realtor-putting-up-a-sale-pending-signboard-8292779/
https://unsplash.com/photos/onnJOfF-okU
https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-man-taping-carrying-box-with-scotch-4246120/

Moving Management: Organizational Tips for Staging A Home to Sell

staging a home for sale is part of the tasks a clear path executes through is senior move management process If selling your home is on the horizon, here are some moving management and organizational tips to help you stage for a quick and successful sale.

Moving can be a stressful process, particularly when it comes to selling a home. With summer on the horizon and so many looking for new homes across the country, staging has become more important than ever. When potential buyers enter a home or virtually tour photos on a real estate listing platform, they not only want to see a future there, but they also want to be sure that the space is clean and organized. A tidy home can make it sell for more money as well as attract more buyers. While hiring a moving manager or home organizing services can take some of the work off your plate, there are ways you can both organize and show off the space yourself, too.