USING PLANT-LIFE TO ENGAGE BUYERS

NOTE: Since I love plants and I encourage their use in both decorating and staging, I thought this was a great article to share with my readers. This is a guest blog post by Madoline Hatter. Her info follows the article. I hope this gives you some inspiration for using plant-life in your home -- whether you are selling or not. And remember, there are plenty of options for indoor plants. Choose those that match your skill level and particularly, those that are low-maintenance.

Enjoy!
Kristen

USING PLANT-LIFE TO ENGAGE BUYERS

By Guest Blogger Madoline Hatter
When you are looking at a comparison of two homes, are you interested in the one that is surrounded by dirt and a fence or are you attracted to the one with a lush green yard, rosebushes, and a towering tree providing shade to the lot? If you're interested in the lot covered in dirt, then you are of a very small minority. When it comes to the home, most people take notice of the plant-life on the outside as well as those on the inside.

1. A Touch of Nature:
   Plant-life connects us to nature, which is the driving force behind many decisions people make when furnishing their homes. Although you don't need a full rosebush sitting in the living room when you develop your staging techniques, a vase of roses can add more to the room than many may realize.
   
   A low-maintenance yet attractive succulent plant.
   Copyright 2011 by Time Anchor
   
   
   When you're staging your home for sale, you are essentially showing the buyer what the home could look like with his or her own furniture. Adding the vase of flowers creates a touch that connects on a subconscious level. Think about it. When flipping through magazines of home decor, how often are you more attracted to a set that features a plant than those that are bare?


2. Sustaining Life:
   A dead plant can make for an unpleasant scene within the room. It sticks out like quartz-crystal rock in an onyx rock garden. The last thing you want your buyers to do is associate that particular room with death and decay. Make sure to check on plants and remove any that are dead or dying.


3. Perfect Addition:
   If your home has specific themes to each room, finding plants to match can give it that extra look that could solidify the buyer’s commitment. For instance, cacti and other desert plant-life can make a great addition to the decor of a room that has been designed Santa Fe.
   Each room can have an accompanying plant in accordance to the designed aesthetics. Many plants are universal and fit in nearly any kind of a design including spider plants and ferns. However, indigenous plants that are related to the style of the room will always have more appeal.


4. First Impressions of the Yard:
   Although many appraisers don't take into consideration certain aesthetics, that doesn't mean that your home is worth less. Simple additions to the right person could increase the value of the home exponentially. For instance, a technological-savvy buyer will appreciate built-in Ethernet over one who doesn't even own a computer. The same goes for the aesthetics of your yard. Many people have been known to buy homes for no other reason than because the front yard was in such immaculate and well-kept condition.

 Plants make buyers feel at home--both indoors or out and whether it's night or day. Who what potential buyer wouldn't want to entertain in a space like this? It would still be beautiful but something would be missing without the plants.

Copyright 2008 by Landscape Design Advisor

Plants can do a great deal for humans that many are unaware of. For some people, the mere presence of a plant can melt away some of the stresses of everyday life - which in your case could help the buyer feel less stress when visiting the locale. While many more are unable to pinpoint why exactly they enjoy having the plant around, they will surround themselves with nature. Providing that same feeling when someone is looking to buy your home can help you entice the sale without much additional effort from yourself.

This article is contributed by Madoline Hatter. Madoline is a freelance writer and blog junkie from ChangeOfAddressForm.com. You can reach her at: m.hatter12 @ gmail.com.

 

SITES THAT MAY BE NEW TO YOU OR THOSE YOU MAY HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT

Well, most of us can’t forget HGTV because it is one, if the not THE station for home and garden topics. But don’t forget to also check out over stations, such as TCL, Discovery, Bravo, and even major network stations like ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX for shows on these topics. I mostly cover HGTV because it is one that most people get, even with basic cable, and it does appear to be the most popular among my readers. 

HGTV has recently come out with a few new resources and I’ve also discovered sister sites that I really didn’t utilize that much, but I find are extremely useful. I'm sure many of you know how that goes. When you need something, you just go to the place you’re used to visiting, just out of ease and habit. Therefore, I thought I’d just point out a few features that you may or may not have noticed before.

• HGTV I just thought I’d share some of the major partner sites that cover various home and garden topics. You’re sure to find lots of helpful information here when staging your home.
  • HGTV Remodels
    This site provides great information if you need to do upgrades or improvements when staging your home. Also, use it when you are looking for a home to determine if homes need major structural work or just some cosmetic updates.
  • HGTV Gardens
    You always want to make sure you stage the exterior of your home. You can find ideas here for creating an inviting yard, as well as ways to bring some of the outdoors inside by using plants indoors.
  • HGTV’s Front Door
    This is HGTV’s real estate site. You’ll find all the information you need about all aspects of real estate, from selling to buying, and even detailed information on topics like first-time buyers. When selling a home, first-time buyers may be your target buyers so you’ll want to learn all about their wants and needs and how they shop for a home. You can find information on FSBOs, hiring agents, questions to ask Realtors and other professionals, and much more.
  • DIY Network
    This channel has been around awhile but it is not part of most basic cable packages. In fact, I have the second level package with my cable company and it isn’t included. However, you can still get all the information you need at this site. Again, this is another one that’s great for helping you complete those routine maintenance tasks or upgrades you need to do when staging.
  • HGTV Products
    This is a great site if you struggle with pulling a room together. You can pick paints or products and get information about other products and paints that will work with your selection. It’s called HGTV KNOW HOW! You’ll find products created by the professional designers, as well as those from other popular, trusted brands like Bassett Furniture, Shaw Floors, and Sherwin-Williams.
  • HGTV Magazine since I did a review of this magazine in my prior blog, I’ll let you head there to read more about this resource.
• Zillow
  While many people have heard of Zillow, they seem to be expanding their range of offerings and are offering more and more features. I like Zillow for lots of reasons. However, be careful when looking at what they refer to as the Zestimate. It is often inaccurate. When you get to the final stage of pricing your home, either get a CMA from a real estate agent, or do one yourself. You can use Zillow, but use data of closed sales and possibly some from current listings. Do not just automatically use the Zestimate. The reasons are beyond the scope of this entry, but one I hope to cover in another blog entry in the future.
• Houzz
  This site is amazing for inspiration and ideas. You can search for rooms, browse, find local professionals, look at IdeaBooks (yes, that’s how they spell it), and engage in discussions. You can open an account and save photos and create your own IdeaBook.
• Pinterest
  While Pinterest isn’t new, it has really taken off in popularity over the last year. You can get tons of information, ideas, tips, tricks, and inspiration by browsing, searching, or following certain people or boards. Ideally, and what you are supposed to do when pinning, each picture, or pin, should link to the actual site where the information was obtained. If you are thinking of moving and getting ready to stage, you can start your own board for ideas that you might want to use. Users create all types of boards on a wide range of topics. I, of course, focus on those related to the home and garden, real estate, and some of my other personal interests. I do have boards that might be helpful to you when staging, including one for staging, along with others for DIY Projects, Home & Garden Products, Organization, Household (which includes info on cleaning your home), and Outdoor Design. If you are interested, please visit my boards for ideas, tips, tricks, and resources.
• Chip-It
  I’ve mentioned this site before, but I felt it was worth mentioning again. There are other sites that provide a similar feature too, but since they basically do the same thing, I’ll just stick with this site, or really a tool, by Sherwin-Williams. If you need help selecting colors, either upload a picture of your own or enter the URL of a picture you find online. Chip-It will pull the top 5 or so colors from the photo and give you the actual names of the paint colors it shows you. Some will also have the option of giving additional colors if the photo contains many different colors.
  HINT: if you see a picture on a webpage, but it’s enmeshed in the page itself, right-click on the photo and choose the option “Copy Image Location” and then on the Chip-It page, right click again in the box for URL and select “Paste”. If you don’t do this, and you just enter the page URL, you will get all the colors from that page. If you can click on a picture, and it’s the only object on the screen, then you can use the actual URL you see.
• About.com Okay, this one is a big promotional, but I still think it’s worth mentioning. If you have been following my blog, you know that while I own a staging and decorating company, I am also an avid reader and writer. I added this blog initially to go along with Style with Comfort.
  However, in September, I was hired by About.com to be the Topic Writer for home staging. They have had real estate, decorating, and buying and selling topics for awhile now. And writers in those areas do a great job covering the topic of staging. However, About.com now has this separate topic page for home staging. I am the Topic Writer for that site. I think it’s great that readers can now get more detailed information about staging, as well as all the other areas related to real estate, buying, and selling. And About.com also has information on just about any topic you can think of. If this information is news to you, make sure to read some of the articles there as well. In addition to the articles, I write several blog entries per month as well, on this blog site, that relate to my articles on About.com. So now you can use About.com to get information, resources, and answers to your questions about home staging, both in the form of articles, blog entries, and of course lots of photos and resources.

I hope some of you found some new resources after reading this, were reminded of old favorites you may have forgotten about, or learned about some of the new resources offered my some of these sites. If you have one you'd like to add, please send me a note in the comments section here, or contact me and I'll cover it in more detail in a future blog entry. Thank you again for all your great ideas and feedback.

LATEST HOME AND GARDEN RESOURCES: USE THESE TO GET IDEAS FOR STAGING

While some of these may not be new to all of you (especially if you are very interested in decorating and design), all of them are ideas or products that have come out over the last year. The best part is that all of these can be resources to use when staging your home.

NEW BOOKS AND/OR MAGAZINES
Note about books: I have not read any of these yet, so these are not recommendations. If you have read any of these, please feel free to leave a comment. I did notice there weren’t many new releases. The top 2 or 3, which sounded good, were only available in Kindle editions. I don’t want to limit what I list here to only those that have reading devices, so these are actual hard or softcover books.

 
Home Selling For Smarties: The Consumer's Insider Guide to Home Selling
By Charles Chaplin

The author is both a managing real estate broker and a certified instructor, so I hope this book is full of up-to-date information. The description states that it will bring readers information directly from the field and includes real life stories. I find both of these things extremely helpful when reading a book. They give it interest and variety. There is also a glossary of real estate terms that are explained in terms that the average person can understand. Check it out and let me know what you think.

HGTV Magazine by Hearst Magazines
I’m sure most of you have heard by now that HGTV has finally come out with its own magazine. I wrote about it in my newsletter as I was anticipating its release. And while I am a decorator and stager and am partial to HGTV, I can honestly say that this magazine does not disappoint.

 
It is everything I expected it to be an more. Perhaps I was expecting the best not only because it’s a project of HGTV, but it’s also published by an outstanding publishing company, Hearst. They also produce Food Network Magazine, which I love, along with House Beautiful. I will never stop wanting the paper versions of magazines. I like to feel the pages, pull them out for ideas and inspiration, and write notes on the pages.

 
I used to subscribe to over 20 magazines, mostly those related to decorating. Over the last 2 years some of my favorites have ceased publication. I am extremely disappointed and I hope HGTV Magazine makes it. I’ll get a magazine in the mail and think, I don’t subscribe to this. Why am I getting it? Did someone order it for me? And usually it’s just another magazine published by that company of course, with a note stating the magazine I subscribe to will no longer be published. But there have not been any that I’ve been happy to receive as a replacement. They do offer refunds on remaining issues, but the amount is so small that it’s usually not worth the effort. 

Here are a few, on various topics, that have gone out of business recently. One that been around for a long time, is Bird Talk. One related to decorating is Fresh Home. Then, most recently, Everyday Food by Martha Stewart has ceased publication.

 
But on to the review for HGTV Magazine … the magazine is big, bold, packed with information, and full of gorgeous photos. How does it differ from other magazines of its kind? I think it does a good job of covering lots of topics at a basic level. It does not go into deep detail ideas or topics. A magazine like House Beautiful has long articles, in-depth interviews, writing that goes deep into a topic, and gorgeous photos -– just to name a few features. 

HGTV Magazine has a more light-hearted tone. It covers a broader range of topics and ideas but in much less detail. The photos are bright, colorful, and pop off the page. They are gorgeous but just in a totally different way than House Beautiful or Coastal Living. The topics include just about everything you see on their TV channel, including decorating, redecorating, design, staging, color theory, real estate, staging, buying and selling, decorating on a budget, gardening, outdoor design, and tips, advice, and columns from the designers on HGTV. They cover topics such as curb appeal, creating a focal point, choosing a color palette, how to find or make high-end items for much less, and even how to choose plants and flowers for indoors and out. In other words, the columns and features are quick reads. It’s fun, engaging, and yet delivers important and helpful information.

 
Now, I love Coastal Living and House Beautiful too. This is just something totally different than other decorating magazines –- in a good way. I would highly recommend this magazine to my readers. And although this isn’t about the others, I also highly recommend the other two as well. You can find about my Top Ten Magazines (for home and garden) in my Sytle with Comfort February 2012 Newsletter. Not a subscriber yet? Sign up for the newsletter. But to get a copy of this issue, send me an email and I’ll make sure you get your copy. My newsletters are ezines.

USING CURRENT TRENDS OR PALETTES WHEN STAGING: TWO EXAMPLES AND WHY THEY WORK

I was recently asked if it was possible to incorporate current trends or styles or patterns when staging. After all, the main purpose of staging is to appeal to the widest range of buyers. What if they don’t like the trend or style?
The key to incorporating these elements is moderation. Use these ideas the same way you’d use bold colors or patterns when staging, such as in accents and in small doses.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there are is one new color palette and one new trend that I’m seeing quite a bit of in decorating. Can you use one of these when staging? And if so, how do you do it?

 

Here is just one accessory showing a current popular color palette -- yellow and gray.

Copyright 2012 by Butterfly Orbs

GREY, YELLOW & WHITE
If you’ve spent any time on Pinterest or browsed in popular home and garden stores and online, you’ll notice that there are quite a few fabrics, décor items, artwork, and other features in a palette that includes yellow, gray, and white (and sometimes small amounts of black). There is nothing wrong with using one or two of these pieces in small doses in your staged home. Just make sure it fits with your current scheme and that you don’t overdo it. In fact, gray is a great neutral to use when staging. You’ll see it in permanent features such as tile and stone, carpet, countertops, rugs, and appliances. It’s also a great color to use in a light tone on the walls, or in a darker tone on an accent wall. Accent walls make great focal points. Add a pillow with this color palette in a living room painted gray, and then add maybe a candle or two in a yellow tone that matches the yellow in that pillow. You most likely already have the white and black in the room in your moldings and light fixtures.

If you really love the palette, you can use these items as a starting point for a room’s palette in your new space. Here are just some examples of items I’ve seen lately that have this color palette. Again, these are only examples. Pick one or two and use them only in moderation. 

 Here are a few products in this palette that I really like. While this palette is appearing on items large and small, I only included items that would be great for staging. All the items are from one store so you can mix and match the pieces and be assured the colors will match.

• Diamond Maize Slipper Chair in Gray/Yellow (from Target)
• Room Essentials Shower Curtain in Gray/Yellow (from Target)
• Threshold Print Pillow with Button in Gray/Yellow (from Target)
• Anya 6-Piece Floral Print Duvet Cover Set in Gray/Yellow (from Target)

OMBRE 
A second popular trend is ombre. In French, Ombre means “shading”. It basically refers to a soft transition of one color, from the lightest to darkest shade. A common example of ombre is if you pick up a sample paint strip. You’ll see how the color starts out very pale and gradually deepens to a darker shade. You can work with any range of shades, which means you can start very light and end up with a light-medium, or you can start a bit darker and end with the deepest shade of that color. Each approach yields a different effect, a different feeling.

You can definitely use these in staging because you can choose how light or dark the tones of the colors are. And believe it or not, it’s quite in tune with nature. Think about the gradations of color in a sunset, or the slight changes in color you see in the ocean in tropical regions. Even some flowers display this trait. For staging, I wouldn’t recommend using it as a wall color technique. Stick with blankets, pillows, or décor items like candles. Pick a color in your room’s palette and toss in an ombre throw pillow in that tone, a blanket, or a few candles.

 Here are a few current examples you can find in stores now. Because this is a technique or a type of pattern, I have included variety in both the color and type of items to show you the wide diversity of products you can find. You can also find items at just about any price range.

•  Threshold Ombre Pillow in Coral (from Target)
• Threshold Ombre Shade Small in Blue (from Target)

So, yes, it is okay to incorporate some current or popular trends. Just make sure to use them in a way that will appeal to a wide range of buyers and make sure to use them in moderation.

HAIKUS RELATED TO HOME STAGING

Just to change things up a bit, I asked a published Haiku author to share some of her selections on real estate and home staging. I also thought it was appropriate, considering one of my articles this month deals with symmetry when staging. In the article I mention examples of symmetry. Well, the traditional form of haiku is an example of symmetry outside of the world design. I hope you enjoy!


I know some of you may be unsure as to what a haiku is, so here’s a quick definition. Mirriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary states that a haiku is: “Unrhymed Japanese poetic form. It consists of 17 syllables arranged in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables, respectively. The form expresses much and suggests more in the fewest possible words. It gained distinction in the 17th century, when Basho elevated it to a highly refined art. Haiku remains Japan's most popular poetic form and is widely imitated in English and other languages. A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count.”


However, today haiku does not follow such strict requirements. Not all haikus have to have the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. As you’ll see below, there are also one-liners, known as monokus. And they are no longer only written about nature and seasons.
I thought it would be fun to add a twist to the blog this month and find some haikus geared toward staging. The following haikus were all written by Karen DiNobile, a published haiku poet, who's had work featured in Frog Pond and Modern Haiku.

1
scent of cinnamon
all lights on
open house

Cinnamon is a great scent to use for staging because it's natural. 

Copyright 2010 by Charles Haynes

 

2
de-cluttering
all our memories
in boxes

De-cluttering is one of the most effective and least expensive staging techniques -- and one that can easily distract you!

Copyright 2010 by Wesley Fryer

3
our home becomes a house
becomes a home again
home staging

 

When staging, you need to think of your home as a house, which is not always easy to do. 

Copyright 2006 by James Thompson

4
displaced cat
trying to find displaced mouse
home staging casualty!

 Luckily, this cat has only discovered a toy mouse!

Copyright 2012 by Joe Thomissen

5
Backyard ... silent swing
waits for new family
house for sale

Tug at buyers' emotions with a hammock waiting just for them in the backyard.

Copyright 2011 by Kit Coo 

6
home stager
helping sell a house
to make a new family's home

A staged house becomes a home for a new family.

Copyright 2012 by Kendyl Young 

Finally, here’s a one-liner, called a monoku:  

7 freshflowersfreshpaintfreshair o p e n house

 

Fresh flowers make all the difference -- especially at an open house.

Copyright 2012 by Kim Alaniz

Thanks again to Karen for her submission of some great haikus about staging. Haikus are a great way to put lots of information into very few words. But as you can see, you don’t need a lot of words to conjure up an image in your minds. 


Feel free to give this form of poetry a try, following the original standards or the newer version, and send me your submissions. I may be able to feature them in an upcoming blog. Other forms of poetry and welcome too. I am also always eager to share other writers’ work, whether it be articles, poems, or even personal experiences. Feel free to send me your work, along with any ideas or suggestions for upcoming blogs at Kristen@stylewithcomfort.com.

 

CROSS COUNTRY MOVING: FINDING QUALIFIED MOVERS

 

I thought I’d share a few unique blog entries this month. Below, you’ll read an article about cross country moving. This is important because it can definitely affect how you pack and de-clutter while staging. You might really think twice about what you want to bring with you when you are paying the expense of moving a great distance. It can also influence what you keep and what you decide to give away if you are moving to a different climate, moving to combine households with a significant other, or moving to downsize due to retirement.

It's important to really consider your movers before you start de-cluttering and packing. They may also have unique requirements or even helpful tips or tricks. They may offer special deals on packing supplies and other resources as well.

You will be using lots of professionals when selling a home, including lenders, real estate agents, home stagers, inspectors and more. It's important to do your research beforehand and interview them thoroughly so you can make an informed decision and select the best possible professionals for your needs.

So this month, I'm sharing an article from Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com. Make sure to also take a look at their site. They have information on a variety of other topics as well. Thanks, Amanda!

Moving is stressful enough, but moving across the country can add even more stress and headaches. Finding a mover you can trust is one step to help reduce some of this stress.

Copyright 2009 by Norman Leventhal Map Center at BPL

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A QUALIFIED CROSS COUNTRY MOVING COMPANY  

By Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com 

Moving is an arduous task in and of itself. The last thing you need is to worry about whether or not your stuff will actually make it to your new home on the other side of the country. Figuring out whether or not a moving company is reputable and qualified isn't always an easy task, though. Thankfully, you do have options when it comes to determining your chosen company's reputation, and ways of putting your mind at ease as you make your way across the nation.

SCOUT FOR REVIEWS
One of the best ways to find the perfect moving company and to find the peace of mind you'll need to send them across the country with all of your belongings is to figure out what others have to say about their services. Ask around town, ask any friends that have had an experience with a particular company and search for reviews online. Be sure the reviews you look at are not all on the website of the moving company itself, and that the information on unbiased sites is just as positive. 

It's not difficult to cherry-pick testimonials for a promotional website, but having a negative review removed from a third-party site is almost impossible. Don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth, either. If your mom’s neighbor used the moving company you’re looking into and half of his stuff got damaged, then you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, if your best friend’s roommate hired a moving company that was efficient and affordable, they may be the ideal choice.

FIGURE OUT HOW THEY CHARGE
If the moving company you’re considering hiring only charges per mile, they may not actually specialize in cross-country or long-distance moves. If they are legitimate movers, they should either charge per pound or by how much space your stuff will take up in the trailer. Some will give discounts if you fill up the whole trailer, or if you’re willing to have other people’s stuff moved at the same time if those people are going in the same direction as you. Don’t worry, though; your stuff shouldn’t be left behind for those other people to enjoy, and you shouldn’t receive random pieces of someone else’s furniture. 

Instead, the company will keep these items separated by belts and with different colored stickers. For example, your things will have yellow stickers, whereas the other person’s stuff may have green. Either way, determining how you'll be charged for the move can give you an idea of the company's reliability and experience in the realm of long-distance moves.

 Make sure to read your contract carefully and if it helps, highlight all the charges. Ask about any additional costs or fees. Make sure everything is in writing. And as Amanda points out, don't ever pay the entire cost in full. 

Copyright 2010 by 401(K)2013

FIND OUT HOW THEY INTEND TO BILL YOU
No legitimate moving company should ever ask for a cash payment up front, and those that do may very well be fraudulent. You could potentially lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars as all of your belongings disappear into the night. One option is to put down some cash up front as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid after safe delivery, but overall, the best thing to do is hold off on any payment until you’ve received all of your stuff at the new location.

ENSURE THAT THEY'RE INSURED
Make sure the company you’re looking into has insurance. While the chances of something happening to your stuff are slim, you want to make sure it will be covered in the event of an accident. If the truck overturns on the highway and your piano fell onto the pavement, the company would cover the cost of repair or replacement. Not only will you be left with no recourse for damages from an uninsured company, but a lack of proper insurance is a good indicator that you're working with a slipshod, fly-by-night operation. Reputable cross-country movers will always carry the proper insurance.
 
CHECK THEM OUT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
The purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to inform the public about companies that are not up to par when it comes to standards of operation and customer service. They keep companies ethical. If the company has a low rating with the BBB, you probably want to steer clear.

 

Make sure to thoroughly research a few moving companies before selecting one. Don't go by price alone.  

Photo courtesy of Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com, author of this article 

COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Don’t go with the first company you come across because you don’t want to spend too much of your time searching for the right company. It’s worth the time and effort to find one that’s right for you. One company may offer a better deal than another, but you’ll never find that out if you don’t give the situation its due diligence. 

Chances are, there are several moving companies in your area. Have them each give you estimates, and ask them how long it might take for them to load the truck, deliver and unload. It might take one company a week to go cross country while another promises to deliver within four days. You don’t want your stuff roaming around the country for an extra three days if it isn't necessary.

Don’t fall prey to a moving company that will run off with your things or damage half of your valuables. Instead, take a few moments to really think about which company will help you the most and give you the best deals. Just because they call themselves “qualified” doesn’t mean that they actually are, so look into your chosen company and make sure that you're making an informed choice.

RESOURCES  (courtesy of Amanda Kostina of Whitefence.com)
United Van Lines
Cost to Hire Movers

 

FOR RENTERS: SMALL SPACE FURNITURE SOLUTIONS

Those of us who live in small spaces don’t have to sacrifice style or function. There are attractive solutions to getting the most out of any space. When you are staging a small home, you don’t want buyers to see a cluttered home with no storage space and not enough living space. Use these tips when staging your small home.

Some specialty companies make furniture to fit smaller spaces, but there are also many popular retailers that offer smaller scaled items as well -- Pottery Barn, Wal-Mart, Target, and JC Penney to name just a few. Another option is to buy modular pieces, such as sectional sofas, modular office pieces, and items that fold or expand. Select chairs that can be pushed under the desk or table when not in use. When choosing furniture, make sure to also measure the depth of the pieces. Even a few inches can make a big difference.

Here a just a few examples. There are also retailers that sell furniture designed for small spaces. 

 

This table can be pulled up to use as a desk for work, in place of a TV tray for eating, and even for storing remotes and other commonly used items that aren't attractive. 

Copyright 2009 by Tom Lianza

 

This piece can be used as an entry table and then both sides can fold up when you need extra dining space.

Copyright 2005 by C. Jill Reed

 

These are great even if you don't have a small space. Use them individually, display them as above, or keep them fully stacked. 

Copyright 2011 by Mid Century Mod

In addition, you can find smaller appliances that function just as well as their larger counterparts. Alternately, you can use pieces in unique ways. For example, instead of getting an apartment-sized refrigerator or dishwasher, you can purchase refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher drawers. These can also be more energy efficient.

Dishwasher drawers take up less space and are more energy efficient. You can use one or two, depending on the size of your space. 

Copyright 2008 by Shawn Henning

Think about how you arrange your furniture as well. You can float pieces instead of pushing them all up against the wall. Floating also lets you use pieces as room dividers. Use wall lights over beds or sofas if you don’t have room for nightstands or end tables, or if you just want to free up space on these surfaces. You can have a room divider, such as a decorative screen, double as a headboard if you have a loft space. There are also lots of ideas for headboards  that don't take up floor space. Curtains and sliding or pocket doors take up less space than standard doors. Finally, as I’ve shown in previous issues, use multi-purpose pieces and utilize vertical space.

In addition, don't forget to add some pops of color. Just make sure these are allowed by the rules and regulations. You don't want to show renters a staged space and tell them they aren't allowed to do half the things that make the space look great. Many landlords are now allowing tenants to paint, as long as they agree to return it to the original conditions when they vacate the place. For tips on painting, make sure to take my quiz, How Paint Savvy Are You?

Add pops of color with throw pillows, blankets, curtains, or candles. This pillow adds not only color, but pattern and texture -- all in one small piece.

Copyright  2013 by Wicker Paradise

HOMEMADE CLEANING SOLUTIONS

It is fairly simple to make your own cleaners at home. They are safer and work just as well as some of the store-bought versions. In addition, most of the ingredients are inexpensive and ones that most people have in their homes already.

Here is a list of common household products used in homemade cleaners: baking soda, lemons & limes (and juice), borax, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch, salt, mayonnaise, and toothpaste.

Here are a few popular alternatives you can make at home instead of buying pre-made products at the store. It's important to have cleaning supplies on hand because you want to make sure your home is in sparkling condition before all showings and open houses, a task many sellers stop doing after awhile.  

 

You don't need to spend tons of money on store-bought cleaners. By keeping a few ingredients on hand you can make just about any cleaner you might need.

Copyright 2010 by Elizabeth4five

• All-Purpose Cleaner:
  Measure ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup baking soda, and ½ gallon of water. Mix well and store in spray bottle, labeled.
• Air Freshener:
  Put baking soda in perforated containers or in dishes, and place around the home. Remove before showings.
• Garbage Disposal Cleanser: 
  Grind up lemon halves in the disposal after you are done juicing them.
• Carpet Stain Remover:
  Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on stain, let it sit for 5 minutes, and scrub with brush or sponge and warm, soapy water.
• Deodorizer:
  Sprinkle carpets with baking soda an hour or two before vacuuming.
• Unclog Drains:
  Pour ½ cup baking soda into the drain. Pour ½ cup vinegar into the drain and allow it to fizzle. Let sit for 15 minutes and then flush with hot or boiling water.
• Mold & Mildew Remover:
  Apply full-strength lemon juice or vinegar with a sponge.
• Rust Remover:
  Sprinkle salt, followed by lime juice, onto the spot and let soak for a few hours, and then scrub.
• Gentle Cleanser:
  To clean surfaces that are prone to scratching, use baking soda with a damp sponge.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner:
  Mix ¼ cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar. Pour into toilet and let it sit for several minutes. Scrub with brush.
• Wallpaper Remover:
  Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Scour wallpaper before applying.
• Water Ring Stain Remover:
  Apply mayonnaise or toothpaste with a damp cloth or sponge. Let sit for a few minutes. Then buff the surface with a soft cloth.
• Window Cleaner:
  Mix 2 teaspoons white vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Tip: Some cleaning professionals recommend using newspapers instead of paper towels to wipe windows and mirrors.

These are just a few basic cleaning solutions. There are tons of them out there, but many contain these basic ingredients, with the addition of one or two others. These are great products to use when cleaning those backsplashes. You want them to shine for showings. A good grout cleaning can keep you from having to replace a backsplash. They are also great for all the different types of flooring you may have in your home. A good cleaning can make floors look almost brand new. 

 

These are just two of the many household ingredients that can be used to make your own cleaners.

Copyright 2010 by Jessica Mullen

One Final Tip 
Having all these supplies in one location, such as a plastic tote/basket with handles, will make quick clean-ups faster and easier.  So now you can no longer use the excuse that you ran out of cleaning supplies as a way to procrastinate the task of cleaning!

PACKING MISTAKES TO AVOID AND WAYS TO CORRECT THEM

Many of us hate packing and start dreading it the moment we even think about moving. Here are some common problems, along with a list of possible solutions. 

PROBLEMS

Boxes and Packing:

• Boxes are packed too heavy. Boxes are not sturdy, not sealed correctly, and are not labeled.
• Items are packed incorrectly, especially valuables.
• Boxes with valuables in them are advertised as such.
• Belongings are thrown in boxes without organizing the contents neatly, or just packing items into boxes with no rhyme or reason, so there is no commonality for the items in the boxes. Movers are not responsible for items that weren’t packed properly.
• Hardware for window treatments or furniture that needs to be reassembled does not get placed in a separate, labeled bag.
• An “Open First” box is not created.
• Sellers don’t find out what your movers will or will not move ahead of time. For example, will they move lamps? Large mirrors? Antiques? 

 

Find out ahead of time what movers will and will not move. Of course, you should never pack your pets! This little guy just wants to help! :-)

Copyright 2012 by Sam Lavy

Preparation:

• There are not enough boxes. Sure, movers will gladly offer you extra boxes -- at quite a mark-up in price.
• No pictures were taken, at least of major furniture pieces, in case they are damaged during the move.
• Sellers are not ready and packed when movers arrive. Remember, they work by the hour.
• The amount being moved is underestimated.
• Budgets are not realistic, which affects how much it will cost for supplies and movers.
• There is no plan for moving the boxes -- will you hire someone or will you use family and friends? Why does this matter? Some companies have packing tips or tricks or requirements and you need to know this ahead of time.
• There is also no plan for where boxes will go while your home is on the market. Storage units, Pods, or the homes of family and friends are possible options.
• Boxes are stored in each room while you are still trying to sell your home. This shows you already have a place to go and this may encourage lower offers.

Movers and Contracts:

• Contracts are not read to find out warranty and insurance information, as well as the amount of any extra charges, what’s included, etc.
• Movers are allowed to do the packing. It costs much more money than doing it yourself.
• Movers are not researched for reliability, quality of service, insurance, and other requirements (which vary by state).

Moving:

• Sellers try to move on their own without a moving company, but also without the help of family and friends. 
• There is no system for where boxes will go, so that movers have to ask where each and every box goes at the new home. This is time-consuming.
• Sellers wait until the last minute to pack or hire a moving van or company.
• Things are packed that sellers know they are going to eventually throw out.
• There is no system for keeping track of all your items, especially important documents, valuables, and paperwork.

 

Make sure all boxes are sturdy, sealed securely, and properly labeled. 

Copyright 2010 by Meathead Movers

SOLUTIONS

• Put all hardware in individual, labeled bags and place in one box or attach it to the back of the pieces. I prefer the former. Examples include headboards or media cabinets and bookshelves. 
• Use small boxes for heavy items so they are a manageable weight -- preferably under 50 pounds. Always pack the heaviest items on the bottom of the box.
• Have one person direct the movers. And have a system for where each box goes so movers don’t need to ask about each box.
• Tape papers on the walls with large numbers or colors that correspond to the boxes, so movers can match box numbers or colors to room numbers or colors.
• Double or triple count the number of boxes you have for each room and the number of boxes overall so you can be assured you have all boxes at the new place when you do move. Of course, you’ll need to wait until you complete packing to do a final count. But keep track after you’re done staging too.
• If you must keep boxes in the house, pick one space, such as the basement or garage, and put all the boxes in one corner of that space.
• Decide on a packing and moving system while you are staging and de-cluttering. Don't wait until last minute to develop a plan.
• While staging and de-cluttering, start making a list of the items that will go in the “Open First” Box.
• Make sure to clean dusty or dirty items before packing them. This will save you lots of work when unpacking.

These are just a few of the many problems that can arise when packing and moving. I'd need a few more pages to hit on every possibility. But for some helpful tips and information, check out How De-cluttering Can Help You Pack.