PatO Homes - the Right Move!

Getting your home organized

Recent Article I sent out to my clients!!! How to simplify, pare down and focuson what’s really important Less is more It’s called the big box syndrome. We buy more stuff at big-box retailers.We drive bigger cars to get all of that stuff home. We have bigger homes to put everything in. And somehow we still don’t seem to have enough room foreverything. Here are some specifics: In the 1950’s, the average woman in the U.S. had four pairs of shoes. Today, it’s thirteen pairs (and many more for a lot of women).¹ In 1970, the average size of a home was 1,400 square feet. Today, it’s 2,340 square feet.² So, if more space and more clutter go hand in hand, even with that additional space, how can you get clutter under control? 1. Pretend that you are moving. It’s time to pare down. If you had to move, would you take it with you? Do you really need three hair dryers? Or what about all of those books; do you really need to keep all of them? Donate what you don’t need. 2. Keep only what you love. Ask yourself, do you really have to keep it? If not, go ahead and get rid of it. Put more focus on using the things that bring you happiness. 3. The benefits of less. Less stuff equals more time. With less stuff, there’s less to clean, organize and dust. With less stuff, your house looks uncluttered and cleaner. Let this motivate you. 4. Learn to love containers. Containers instantly add order to chaos, and are the secret weapon of organizers everywhere. Put all the kids’ shoes in a tub, the newspapers in a bucket, fingernail polish in a basket, and so on. 5. Everything in its place. Yes, this is something your mother always said, but she was right. When everything has a place on a shelf, in a cabinet or in a bin, you’ll avoid counter clutter and junk-filled drawers. 6. Remember the two-year rule. If you haven’t used something for two years, chances are you won’t use it again. This particularly applies to clothes. 7. Don’t get buried under sentimentality. Sure, it’s nice to keep possessions you cherish, but do you really need your high school prom dress? If you are keeping your wedding dress, have it professionally boxed at a dry cleaners and put it in storage. And your children’s collection of stuffed animals? Keep one to pass on to the next generation, then donate the rest. 8. One in and one out. If something new comes in the house, something old has to go out. This rule is pivotal to maintaining the simple, clutter- free existence you’ve worked so hard to achieve. 9. Maximize your storage. There are all sorts of helpful items these days that help you make the most of small spaces. Ottomans with removable tops are the perfect place to store toys, board games or extra bedding. And under-bed baskets are great for storing large or awkward items. 10. Organize by bits. It’s going to take awhile to go through your entire house—after all, it may have taken you up to twenty years to acquire all of your current clutter—so be easy on yourself and try not to attempt too much in one sitting. Start with one closet and give yourself a sixhour limit

Trust...don't buy a home without it!!

TRUST..defined as..1. Firm reliance; confident belief.

Why is it important to have a relationship of trust with a Realtor?? Buying a home is complicated. There are hundreds of things that can go wrong. Finding a Realtor that will keep your best in mind is monumental! Why… you see a home that you like and place a contract on it. The realtor suggest a Home Inspector ( always get a home inspected..I had a $10,000 lesson on this)..and the Inspector does find cracks in the outside brick and points out it may or may not be a problem. He and the Realtor kind of sugar coats it saying that it is typical of the area and you let it go only to find out it is a $4500 problem two years later. Where is that Realtor and inspector today???

I build lasting relationships. I am interested in you today and two years from now, ten years from now. I am constantly working to be of value to my customers before, during and after they buy or sell their home. I plan to be around to answer any questions today, two years from now or ten years from now. Trust...don't buy a home without it!!