Moving brings a lot of changes, including a fresh start. With a fresh start, you can add new habits with your routine. One of these habits is tidying up your new home on a regular basis.

It’s important to divide your home (and each room) into zones to help make it easy to spend less than an hour a day tidying your spaces. Any family that has recently relocated or moved into a new home, knows the importance of time saving organization and cleaning tips. Lets start with the busiest room in the house-your kitchen.

Preliminaries

Before working in each zone, take heed to a few preliminary tips. According to www.flylady.net, you should carry a timer with you before you start cleaning. Also have on hand three baskets or boxes labeled as “throw away,” “give away,” or “put away.”

The FlyLady also suggests working in clockwise order in any room. This helps you focus on one area at a time.

Here, then, are a few strategies for getting the clutter under control in your kitchen, zone by zone. If it makes sense to re-order your zones according to the clockwise pattern mentioned above, do it.

Zone 1: Cabinets

Set your timer for 15 minutes, and have your boxes nearby. Open each cupboard door one by one. If a family member has put a kitchen or food item in the wrong cupboard, take it out and put it in your “put away” box. Don’t actually put it in the correct location yet! Just stick it in the box.

Next, take out any food items that are over six months old (pay attention to expiration dates) and put them in your “throw away” box.

Give your cabinet doors a quick wipe down. Stop when your timer goes off, even if you haven’t finished. You can do the rest of the cabinets another day, starting where you left off. This helps keep you from burning out on your tasks.

Zone 2: Under the Sink

Set the timer for 5 minutes. That should be enough time if you’re doing maintenance; if this is the first attempt, it will take you longer. Just try to work for 5 minutes and see how much you can do.

Throw away old cleansers and rags. If you have few items under the sink, take them out and wipe down or sweep the cupboard floor. Then wipe down both sides of doors with a damp cloth and return all items.

To streamline future organization, look into stacking baskets or adjustable-height shelving-you can get even more organized space this way.

Zone 3: Hanging Storage Areas

Set your timer for 5 minutes and have a wet cloth and duster handy. You’re going to tackle the overhanging pots rack, if you have one, plus any areas where you have dishcloths or towels hanging off the stove or fridge. Quickly scan all the areas where you have hanging items, then you’ll be more efficient.

Remove and quickly wipe down each item to remove dust or grease, then replace. Throw dirty towels or dishrags in your “put away” box; those will go to the laundry room later.

Zone 4: Drawers

Set your timer for 10 minutes. Keep a cordless vacuum and damp cloth/dusting cloth handy as you go along.

Working in a clockwise fashion, wipe down drawer fronts and pulls, then remove items that may be in the wrong location (just as yo u did for your cupboards). Put these items in the appropriate box and move along quickly. Don’t be tempted to dawdle over a given drawer; just take out what doesn’t belong, throw away trash or junk, and take care of anything you want to donate.

If you see lots of crumbs or dirt, use a small cleaning brush attachment on your small vacuum to get rid of the dirt. If it’s not problematic, though, save the deep cleaning for another day. Just move along quickly.

Zone 5: Work Surfaces & Countertops

Set your timer for 5 minutes (if you get really good at this, it will take you probably 2 minutes). With a damp cloth, quickly wipe down spills, dust, or grease on your counter-tops and back-splash areas. Replace counter-top items as you go rather than taking them off the surface first. This will save time.

If you notice misplaced items as you go, put them in the appropriate box.

Zone 6: Refrigerator & Freezer

Set your timer for 5 minutes. This is not a deep-clean; you’ll have to set aside an additional 30-60 minutes for that task another day. Right now you’re simply getting rid of clutter and doing a quick wipe down.

Begin by throwing out all spoiled food (in both the refrigerator and freezer)-just put it in your regular garbage can or your “throw away” box.

Wipe down top, sides, and doors, then gently wipe the door seals, as they tend to collect dust, crumbs, food spills, and grease over time.  That’s it-you’re done!

Zone 7: Pantry

If your cupboards basically are your pantry, you can skip this step. If you have a separate pantry, set your timer for 10 minutes.

Follow the suggestions listed for zone 1!

Zone 8: Kitchen Table

You don’t even need to set your timer for this one; just wipe down your table with a damp cloth, removing and replacing items as you go. If you have a wood table, you can use a dusting spray now and then to maintain the wood finish.

Enlist the help of family members to take care of the “put away” box. Once that’s done, congratulate yourself on a job quickly done, then go put your feet up and relax.

Tagged in: Declutter, Kitchen, Tidy

When you move to a city, you encounter a myriad of new opportunities, from the people you meet to the locales you frequent.

Your new housing also represents an opportunity. When you move to a new city apartment, whether it’s a SoHo studio or a Georgetown townhouse, you use design to define the space and even redefine yourself.

In the city, design often comes down to optimizing space in an impactful way. The color palette you choose determines the entire atmosphere of your apartment, whether you want simple and chic or bold and vibrant.

Learn how a specific color palette can help you achieve specific atmospheres below.

1. Artsy Adventure

Rich or warm colors stimulate the mind and imagination. If you want to create an air of artistry and adventure, choose one of these palettes.

•    Dark: Choose a deep foundation color, like blood red, and elevate it using earth tone or urban complementary colors.
•    Light: Keep the walls a subtle, warm pastel and use a more saturated color version in your decor. For example, use pale pink paint with daring fuchsia or maroon accents.
•    Cool: Rely on deep eggplant or navy, accented with a bright teal or Kelly green.
•    Warm: Pair bold reds or oranges with stark whites or eggshell tones.

2. Casual Bohemian

Light, natural hues give the illusion of wide open spaces and outdoor oases. Whether your inner bohemian longs for the forested mountains or sweeping beaches, showcase your connection in one of the following palettes.

•    Dark: Surround yourself with chocolate browns and emerald greens. If you opt for a dark palette, use colors that appear in nature or ones that exaggerate natural hues. Choose a single light accent color to open up your space.
•    Light: Hint at ocean waves or seasonal breezes with sea foam greens, stormy grays, or stimulating yellows.
•    Cool: Create a beach paradise using varying blues, beiges and tans, and hints of distant purples.
•    Warm: Fill your apartment with light using a spectrum of warm colors and earth tones.

3. Delicate Sophistication

Intricacy and subtlety create understated class. Create an air of sophistication in these color schemes.

•    Dark: Pair royal purples, crimsons, or blues with complementary metallic accents for Old World elegance.
•    Light: Choose an unobtrusive alabaster or mother of pearl. Highlight your main color’s subtleties with a single dark accent, such as smoky gray.
•    Cool: Blend lavenders, grays or silvers, or white for simple grace.
•    Warm: Rely on bronze or gold to craft an inviting air of sophistication.

4. Modern Minimalist

To find beauty in simplicity, create a distinct, stark palette like those below.

•    Dark: Find your inner minimalist using black, white, and a dark accent color like Tyrian purple.
•    Light: Use a steel gray rather than black to create bold, geometric designs. Pair your chosen gray with white and a light accent, like powder blue.
•    Cool: Don’t hesitate to call on bold, cool colors when you aim for minimalism. Use color blocking to let a range of blues, greens, or purples play off each other.
•    Warm: To create warm minimalism without overpowering a space, pair a shade of white with punchy red or orange accents.

5. Vintage Couture

The distinct vintage look relies on muted colors and whimsical charm. Find both in the following palettes.

•    Dark: If you like deep colors but want a vintage look, consider distressing. With a little sanding or extra layer of sponged paint, you can age dark teal, brown-black, or ruby reds.
•    Light: Vintage palettes rely on tiny variations to create depth. Choose a range of pinks, beiges, or whites to get the look.
•    Cool: For a timeless cool palette, pair distressed white furniture with a range of matte blues or pastel greens.
•    Warm: Evoke antique warmth using brown and gold with warm pumpkin or mustard colors.

As you settle in and work to pair decor with your new paint, consider the purpose of each room. For a more intimate setting, opt for a darker overall palette. To expand a small space, choose the lightest and brightest colors in your scheme.

Use one of these timeless color palettes to make your new apartment the ideal space for entertaining, creating, or relaxing.

Tagged in: Bold, Chic, Color Palettes, Decorating, Minimalist, New Apartment, Painting

You planned, packed, ran last minute errands, and journeyed for a long time. When you eventually arrive at your new home, the adventure will continue on, only this time, you’ll have to unload everything and set up your house. Luckily, we have some simple tips to help you unpack with ease.

Items in their proper place help you feel at home. Unfortunately, most people arrive in their new home only to find piles of cardboard boxes. How do you avoid feeling overwhelmed?

Unpack Essentials First

You need a plan to unpack the smart way. Stop and take a moment to think about each room, including the kitchen, living area, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Which ones do you spend the most time in?

Next, consider what you’ll want access to first. Many people wisely pack an “open first” box, which provides immediate use of essentials. Apply this same philosophy to your entire strategy: unpack the essential rooms first.

The Kitchen

Most people use their kitchen more than any other room. After all, you and your family need to eat, and takeout only satisfies for so long. You can take advantage of a nearby drive-thru for the first couple days, but an organized kitchen relieves stress and helps you feel at home.

Begin with the most breakable items first, such as dishes and other glassware. Try to imagine where you’ll want things, such as hot pads near the oven and glasses near the sink.

Next, unpack your pots and pans. Then proceed to arrange your dry goods and other pantry items. You now have the bare minimum needed to craft quick and simple meals.

The Bedroom/Bathroom

First needs include food and rest. You’ve dealt with food already, so unpack the essentials to prepare your bed for the night.

Now that you’ve unpacked your bed, don’t worry about the rest of the bedroom for now. Bathroom toiletries represent your next need. When you have these hygiene items at your disposal, feel free to rest until a new day dawns.

Start Big, Then Go Smaller

If you have copies of them, use floor plans beforehand to make decisions about where you would like larger furniture to go. Once you know where you want larger items, you’ll know how to arrange the rest of your things. Furniture, linens, and the TV should come before pencils, tissues, and other small objects.

Alternately, you can also start with a large object and focus on the smaller items that fill it. For instance, decide where your bedroom dresser goes, assemble it, and then focus on clothes assembly in each drawer. This “big, then smaller” tip works for an office desk, the living room ottoman, and even the china closet.

Also, watch out for distractions. Distraction from one task comes easily as you walk by other things you need to set up or unpack. Focus on small areas to accomplish one task at a time. Such focus prevents wasted minutes or hours while you try to do many tasks simultaneously.

Let Yourself Enjoy the Process

Avoid exhausted or otherwise negative attitudes, especially in your new home. Plan your new space and have fun doing it. Think about convenience and accessibility.

A new space presents many possibilities for comfort and organization. Take advantage of the chance to have your home exactly as you want it. If you want to keep your skis right next to the front door, indulge and put them in the front coat closet. Focus on the freedom you have to make this the most enjoyable part of your move.

For more tips on efficiently and safely moving from one home to a new one, check out the rest of our blog.

Tagged in: planning, tips, unpacking

Moving to a new home presents the perfect opportunity to organize your media collection(s). Media comes in many forms: books, movies, comic books, and video games. The more you have, the harder it gets to find what you’re looking for. Not to mention your items look great when lined up.

Here are our step-by-step instructions for organizing your media after a move.

Step 1: Have a Place for Everything

No one likes to see books stacked on the floor. Before you begin organization, make sure you have a place for all your items. Most items fit on shelves, but you can also use filing cabinets or special containers.

A lot of media comes in standardized cases, like CDs or DVDs, so try to find shelves built for those mediums. Doing so will increase space efficiency.

Watch: How to pack books

Step 2: Pick a First-tier Organization Style

Once you have a place for everything, choose an organization style. First, we recommend organizing by type of media (it might confuse you to mix music with books or video games). Here are the most common ways to arrange your media:

  • Alphabetically: This is the most obvious way to organize. However, it might not be as straightforward as you think. For example, you could organize by author or by title. For books, organizing by author is common, but for movies, most people prefer to organize by title.
  • By Genre: Genre is a popular method of organization, and it’s self-explanatory. Genres can include action, drama, romance, mystery, comedy, horror, science fiction, or nonfiction. You can choose an infinite number of genres. Choosing them depends on your tastes and what genres your media emphasizes.
  • By Color: If you like art, organizing by color might excite you. Many people like to display an interesting color arrangement. You can even create a rainbow by arranging the red media together, followed by orange, etc. Some like to create mosaics from their media, such as arranging their red, white, and blue media into an American flag. We recommend this method only if you have a lot of media to work with.
  • By Date: You can organize all your media by the date each was originally published. You could also organize them in the order that you first read or watched them.
  • Chronologically: If you have a lot of historical media, you could organize it in historical order. Similarly, if you have a lot of long series, it doesn’t always work best to list them alphabetically. For example, if you purchased all the Marvel films, you might want to put them together in the order they came out.

Step 3: Pick a Second-tier Organization Style

Once you have picked a first tier of organization, some like to choose a second tier. For example, if you organized your first tier by genre, you might choose to arrange your media alphabetically within that genre. A second tier is not always necessary, but it can help.

Step 4: Keep a Catalog

If you have a large volume of media, keeping a catalog is essential. We recommend having a list of all your media in the order that you chose to organize them. That way, if you take something off the shelf, you know exactly where to return it. Keeping a digital spreadsheet is anCD - DVDother step up, because then you can sort through the data to find what you need.

Step 5: Label

This last step is optional, but many people like to label their shelves. This is especially useful if you need to move to a new home.

You or the moving company can easily mark boxes with the appropriate label as you unpack shelves. Thus, unpacking becomes easier.

As you unpack and organize your media, follow some of our suggestions, and you’ll always find the media you’re looking for.

Tagged in: media collection, Moving Tips, packing

Moving to another country is an intimidating process. Of course, it’s also exciting; you’ll soon experience a new country and everything that comes with it-the people, language, food, and culture. You relish the idea of your new life. But you secretly worry about how the international move will affect you.

If you have never flown internationally before, then your biggest concern is the flight overseas. What documents will you need at the airport? What should you pack in your carry-on bag? Do you need to dress in a particular way for international flights?

International flights needn’t be stressful and daunting. With these tips and tricks, you can survive-even thrive-during your trip.

Documents You Need for Your Flight (and Where to Keep Them)

You know that you need your passport, plane ticket, and even a visa to travel outside of the country. Plane tickets and passports don’t require too much thought. But did you know that visas are some of the trickiest travelling documents to obtain? Make sure you allow plenty of time to secure your visa before travel day.

Once you acquire the appropriate travel documents, place them together in one location at home. Use paperclips or a folder to store them. By keeping your essential travel documents together, you guard against their loss.

When you pack your purse, briefcase, or carry-on bag, transfer your documents to an easy-access location. You might use the front pocket of your duffel bag, middle pocket of your purse, or the top pocket of your briefcase. By so doing, you avoid fuss or panic at the airport.

What to Bring (and How to Organize Your Bag)

Pack one or two sets of spare clothes in the bottom of your carry-on. Include extra socks and undergarments just in case something happens to your checked luggage.

Also, bring a book, magazine, or crossword puzzle for entertainment. Lay these items on top of your

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popsugar.com

clothing for easy access. If you have a tablet device, put it in a front or side pocket.

If you own a neck pillow or sleeping mask, stick this in your bag as well. On a long flight, you need to sleep on the plane, so place the aforementioned items in side pockets of your bag. Such comfort aids will help you sleep more restfully during your travels.

Don’t forget toiletries and medication. Pack a small bottle of ibuprofen or Tylenol for headaches. Bring travel-sized deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and roll-on perfume or cologne to freshen up throughout your flight. Place these items in a small bag. Pack your toiletry bag last so that you can grab it conveniently anytime.

And of course, you’ll need snacks and an empty water bottle that you can refill often.

Clothing for Comfort (How to Dress for Your Flight)

Lastly, you’ll want to dress as comfortable as possible for your flight. Sweats, yoga pants, and T-shirts sound perfect for long flights. After all, it’s easier to relax and feel less constricted in casual attire. If you prefer to dress down, go for it! You’ll feel cozy throughout your entire flight.

At the same time, most travelers feel travel-worn when they get off the plane. If you dress ‘up’, but still casual, it may improve your morale when you land. You never know what will happen as you leave the airport. You may want to sightsee a bit or go grab a bite to eat. In this instance, yoga pants might be a little too casual for your new locale.

Instead, consider wearing a comfy pair of jeans, T-shirt, light jacket or cardigan, and slip-on shoes. Bring a big scarf or extra jacket with you to stay warm on the plane.

Apply these tips as you prepare for your international flight and for a smoother international move.

Tagged in: airport, plane, Travel

No one wants to make packing or unpacking more unpleasant than it already is, but many people make this mistake unintentionally. If you’re packing up all your belongings, you might make matters harder than they need to be.

Use these tips to know what ditch and how to do it for a move around the corner or across the country.

Decide What to Eliminate

You might cling to some things because you’re sure they’ll come in handy someday or they have some sort of sentimental meaning. While assigning value to your belongings is personal, use these guidelines to help you decide what not to keep.

Clothes
Clothes you don’t wear take up space and could be with someone who really loves them. If you’re planning far enough in advance, hang all your clothes with the hangers facing inward. As you use an item, flip the hanger. This gives you a quick reference that shows what you never wear.

bookshelves filled with booksBooks, CD, and DVDs
Keep special books or collector’s edition DVDs, but switch everything else to digital copies. Schools, libraries, or neighborhood friends might appreciate the extra books and movies. If you are especially committed to physical discs, invest in a disc binder.

Makeup and extra toiletries
Don’t insist on taking that clunky stash of extra soaps and shampoos along with you. These items are often easy and inexpensive to replace. When it comes to makeup, keep the essentials and toss any expired or duplicate products.

towelsTowels and linens
Extra sheets, blankets, and towels take up a lot of space for little pay off. In reality, you likely don’t need backup towels anyway.

Kitchen Utensils
Toss all your kitchen utensils in a container. When you need different items, pull them out and put them away in your drawers.

After a few weeks, see what’s still in the container. Aside from seasonal items, you can likely live without the rest.

Toys
Encourage your children to donate what they don’t play with anymore. You’ll eliminate bulky and unnecessary toys, and also teach them to share their blessings with others.

Decide How to Eliminate

Once you’ve sorted what to leave behind, you have a few methods to actually discard the items.

Indoor garage sale
If you have some nice things you want to pair with a good owner, consider hosting a decluttering event.

Mark items for sale with a specific, bright-colored sticker. Invite friends over and give each person a certain color. Everyone can mark items with their color and a price.

You can also invite your friends over for a one-sided clothing swap. Have some people over to look through your closet and accessories. Your clothes and jewelry will go to a grateful new owner and you’ll have less things to move. Events like these don’t require you to set up or price items.

Classifieds
When you use online classifieds, be sure to include clear images and complete descriptions like size, dimensions, and wear. You’ll save yourself from long email exchanges.

Keep the items you list online in your garage. You’ll avoid letting strangers inside your home and make it easy for buyers to pick up larger items.

Donations a box of clothing donations
If you choose to try to sell first, take whatever is left to a donation center. Consider giving to an organization you’re passionate about. You can also try a service like Freecycle. Freecycle allows people to post items they’re willing to give away for free. This is a good option for things some people might consider trash, like hangers, paper towel rolls, or chicken wire.

Packing and unpacking are the worst parts of moving for most people. Cluttered and haphazardly organized boxes overwhelm and discourage even the bravest movers. Reduce your stress and trips between the house and moving van. Use these tips to move fewer things and settle into your new home sooner.

Tagged in: Declutter, donate, moving, Moving Tips, Organize

One of the more fun parts about moving involves decorating your new home. However, the daunting task of deciding between all the designs possibilities can leave you feeling slightly overwhelmed. You will need to decide what colors you want to paint your home, where to place your old furniture, and which new decor items you should buy.

In the end, many people settle with the familiar designs they had in their last home. If you want to take advantage of starting over, try incorporating these design tips to make sure your new home is the place you’ve always dreamed about.

Set a Budget

After you buy a home, you may not want to spend even more money on new furniture and décor. Set a budget early in the decorating process to avoid overspending. Prioritize which areas you want to decorate first in your home. Then focus on decorating one room at a time. This way you will have at least one decorated area that you can feel confident taking guests.

As you set your budget, think of ways to save money. For example, try mixing new decorations with old decorations from your previous home. You can match a new painting with an old throw pillow.

You can also look for inexpensive accessories in antique stores, flea markets and auctions. These locations have hidden treasures that may give your living room that perfect vintage touch for an affordable price. By using old or inexpensive decorations, you can create new room designs for half the price.

www.myatsayar.comwww.myatsayar.com

www.myatsayar.comwww.myatsayar.com

Create a Design Plan

After you’ve decided on which room you want to decorate first and how much you can spend, you can start to decorate. Many people struggle with where to start on the decorating process. Consider determining the main function of the room first, such as watching TV, reading, relaxing, or entertaining. Use the main function of the room as the focal point. For example, the focal point in a library will most likely be the bookcases or reading couch.

Now, assess the shape, size, and architectural features, this will determine where you will place your furniture. You will also want to plan enough lighting for each area. As a rule of thumb, you should use roughly 100 watts for every square foot.

Now decide on the color palette for each room. If you plan to use furniture from your old home, use colors from these furniture pieces to determine wall colors, accessories, and window treatments. If you’ll buy new furniture, find a design and color palette online that you want your room to look like. Then incorporate the color palette with accessories throughout the room.

Focus on the First Impression

When you’re at a loss for how to start decorating, focus on where people go the most. For many homes, this includes the front door or foyer. Consider painting the front door a bright color or adding an area rug in the foyer.

These small accessories will instantly set a design tone for the rest of your home. Try designing the foyer with warm colors such as reds, yellows, and oranges. These colors represent a joyful, welcoming atmosphere, which is ideal for the entryway of your home.

You should also replace outdated screen doors with glass. The front door is a great place to spend a little extra money because this area will make your first impression with friends and family.

Take Your Time

Don’t feel like you need to have everything decorated in the first month. When you take your time, you allow yourself to prioritize which rooms need attention first.

You may find that the $5,000 you originally planned to renovate your bathroom with would be better spent on an entertainment system in the living room. Or you may also find that the loveseat you have in the living room looks better in your master bedroom. Use the first few months to organize your home and find out what you need most.

Feng shui enhances any environment and empowers individuals to improve every aspect of life-health, wealth, relationships, and career. The art of Feng shui spans centuries. As a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing everyone with the environment, Feng shui translates to literally mean “wind and water” in English.

Wind and Water

How does the concept of wind and water play into this ancient system? Feng shui discusses invisible forces and how those forces bind the universe, earth, and humanity together to create qi. According to the Zang Shu, or Book of Burial, Chinese philosophers believe “qi rides the wind and scatters, but it is retained when encountering water.” Qi is the central aspect of feng shui and attaining qi will allow any home and its residents to thrive.

But how can you attain qi-a perfect balance of wind and water-in your home?

Through feng shui, you can move things around in your new place to create a perfect balance and enhance your quality of life. It doesn’t take much to make the change, but once you do, you’ll feel an immense improvement in your day-to-day life.

Keep Your Space Clean

De-cluttering is one of the perks of moving and one of the most important aspects of feng shui. Instead of packing up junk and transporting it from one location to another, leave it behind. Arrive at your new location with as little as possible so you don’t have to worry about crowding bookshelves and counter space with stuff.

If you’re about to move, gather your belongings and place each item into one of the following piles:a box of clothing donations

  • Sell – What items can you sell to make a marginal profit?
  • Donate – What items can you do without, but want to donate to a charitable cause?
  • Keep – What items must you keep?
  • Throw away – What items don’t have any value and belong in the nearest landfill?

Decide which item belongs in which pile and then stay true to your word. If something ends up in the throw away pile, throw it away. Try to donate as many used clothes and useful belongings as possible. Local shelters accept donations year-round and will appreciate your contribution.

Let in the Light

Once you move in, open up every window and let light into your new home. Natural light increases productivity and comfort while providing mental and visual stimulation. Natural light has also been touted for other aesthetic, environmental, and health benefits, including the following:

  • Stabilizes moods
  • Increases energy levels
  • Balances sleep patterns
  • Improves vision and eye development
  • Increases vitamin D absorption (vitamin D regulates the immune system, helps you maintains body weight, controls asthma, and keeps the brain energized)
  • Reduces mold and mildew
  • Improves the look of any space (illuminates interior structures)
  • Decreases energy waste (eliminates the need for artificial light)

Natural light also helps the plants in your home thrive-and lush greenery is another key element of feng shui in your home.

Introduce GreenPlants

Open up your home to the freshest greens of every season. When you incorporate green into your home, you add a natural element and allow energy to congregate in each space. Indoor plants will keep your indoor air clean and pure-and fill it with much needed oxygen. The top five air-purifying plants include:

  • Areca Palm
  • Lady Palm
  • Bamboo Palm
  • Rubber Plant
  • Dracaena Janet Craig

Each of these air-purifying plants is easy to care for and incredibly attractive. While some remove toxins and resist insect infestation, others soften energy and improve air quality. Whatever indoor needs you have, trust indoor plants to improve the qi in your home space.

Map It Out

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www.crystalvaults.com

Each space has a feng shui energy map, also known as bagua. Once you define the bagua of your space, you can know which areas of your home have a connection with specific areas of your life. Generally, the bagua of most homes is as follows:

  • North: Career
  • Northeast: Spirituality
  • East: Health and family
  • Southeast: Wealth and abundance
  • South: Fame and reputation
  • Southwest: Love and marriage
  • West: Creativity and children
  • Northwest: Charity and blessings

If you don’t know how to define the bagua of your home, just assume it has a similar bagua as the common list above.

Create Feng Shui

Now that you have a general idea of your home’s feng shui energy map, start creating balance and harmony. If you want to increase your wealth, incorporate natural elements (wood, water, plants, etc.) into the southeast area of your home. If you want to improve your relationship with your spouse or children, focus on the west and southwest areas.

Feng shui allows you to get creative and use your own energy to improve your home’s energy. Don’t move into a new space without de-cluttering, letting in light, incorporating plants, mapping out your home’s bagua, and creating balance and harmony. Use these steps to improve the qi in your home and improve the most important aspects of your life.

You just got word from the boss that you’re moving in four months. What’s more, you’ll need to look for a smaller home to keep your budget on track. Uh-oh. What do you do with all your stuff?

You’ve just faced a conundrum that’s common to anyone downsizing. Sounds like a yard sale is in your future. If you’ve ever gone to a successful yard sale, you may already have a few ideas in mind for your own.

However, every great yard sale has one thing in common: a good plan. Here are a few strategies to help you sell your extra belongings, collect a decent profit, and fit all the most important items in your new home after the move.

Take the Time to Craft Your Plan

Anyone who’s moving relatively soon has a lot to manage. You have to search for a home in your new area. You need to sell your current place. You have to figure out what you’re going to keep, what you should throw away, and what items are best to sell at your yard sale.

Ideally, you need a few months to plan for a successful yard sale. Of course, if you need to hold the sale soon so you can artfully stage your home for the realtor, you may have less time.

The main thing is to get started and devote some real thought to the process, not just carry out a few boxes of junk to the curb and slap a few price tags on them. Create a step-by-step checklist that you know you can follow. If you don’t want to make one yourself, search online for a printable list.

Also, don’t forget to ask your HOA or landlord for permission and yard-sale guidelines. You may need a permit from your city, as well.

Set Aside a Collection Zone

Allocate a zone in your basement or garage for the items you know you want to sell. If you’re on the fence about any items, do a little research online to find out how similar items are selling on classified boards or auction websites.

To help you decide, browse the following list of items that tend to sell well:

  • Working appliancessalvage-garage-sale-find-3
  • Audio-visual items (camcorders, DVD players, and so forth)
  • Safe, working baby equipment or furniture (don’t sell it if it’s not up to code)
  • Books, LPs, DVDs, and CDs
  • Furniture and lamps
  • Sheet music and instruments
  • Kitchen supplies
  • Gardening supplies and tools
  • Bicycles and scooters
  • Toys and games
  • Re-potted plants or seedlings you can’t take with you
  • Area rugs
  • Sporting equipment

If time is of the essence, you may be able to sell higher-ticket items online before the yard sale. Everything else can wait.

Fix a Fair Price

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably think your stuff is worth more than buyers do. If you’re in doubt, ask a friend who lives in your area to help you decide. Don’t try to influence them first by suggesting your ideal price.

The reason this is helpful is because it distances you emotionally from each item and makes the pricing more objective.

In the end, it’s a good rule of thumb to charge 20-30 percent of the original price. If you purchased a sofa for $400, then, you can probably ask between $80 and $120 for it if it’s still in great shape. Charge less if your item really shows its age.yard-sale-image

It’s also a mistake to price your sale items too low, though. You need to leave a little room for bargain hunters to haggle prices with you. If you have a bunch of less-desirable items to sell, consider selling them in a package deal; for example, 20 books for $5 bucks.

Once you’ve decided on prices, keep an inventory book so you know exactly what you have at any time.

Pick a Date, Watch the Weather-or Move It Indoors

If you want to hold your yard sale just before you move in the spring, pay attention to the date. It rarely pays to hold your sale on a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day, for example. Take stock of the weekends when you may have less competition, if possible.

If you’re short on time and need to hold your yard sale earlier in the season, you may want to make an event of it by installing outdoor heaters for the event. Buyers who were deprived of yard sales during the winter months may be anxious to get out there and nab great buys.

If the weather looks too foreboding to hold a traditional yard sale, consider moving yours indoors. If it’s too crowded inside your garage, think about arranging part of your hoard inside your living room.

If you go indoors, recruit friends or family members to keep an eye on your no-entry areas. Also, keep a nearby bathroom available and stocked with supplies so buyers will linger even when nature calls.

Now that you know a few sure-fire strategies for a successful yard sale at any time of year, you’ll be ready for any challenge that lies ahead-even fitting your belongings in a smaller home! Here’s wishing you great yard sale success.

You know the feeling. You set off on vacation, ready for a few relaxing days away from work and home life. But then you realize you forgot something-and the further you get from home, the more things you realize you forgot. Soon enough, you’re so worried about these forgotten items things that you can’t enjoy your vacation.

You might experience the same worried feelings as you move. Moving is inherently stressful, and you may fret over everything that could go wrong.

Fret no more! We’ve compiled a list of 13 things people often forget to pack, leave behind, and do before moving. Remember these things as moving day approaches to ease your mind.

6 Things People Forget to Pack

You won’t forget to pack the bed or computer, but you might forget to pack one or a few of the following items:

Safe Deposit Box

Leaving your safe deposit box and all its contents behind could cause you heartache and cost you money. And making the trip back to your old home to retrieve the box would cost you even more time.

Dry Cleaning

You love that red silk dress and your favorite cashmere sweater. Don’t forget to collect them from the dry cleaner before moving day. Also remember to pick items up your tailor and shoe-repair shops, if necessary.


Important Documents

Collect all important documents (including personal records and contact info) eight weeks before the move.

Personal records include medical, dental, vaccine, and veterinarian files. You should also obtain your children’s school portfolios.

Important contact info includes business cards, phone books, and friends’ addresses. The Internet makes it easier to find this kind of information, but having hard copies might save you time when you need to contact someone.

Items in Storage

You’ve checked and double checked every closet and cupboard in your house. But what about the shed in your backyard? The crawl space above your garage? Clear out all storage units, sheds, and crawl spaces before moving. And don’t forget to plan for these items on the moving truck.

Hidden Valuables

Do you keep a spare key under that loose fence post in your backyard? Did you hide a gift in a secret cupboard in your closet?

Remember to find and pack these items before you leave.

Curtains and Decor

You’re so used to seeing your curtains, window treatments, and wreaths that you might see them as part of your home. This makes it easy to forget to remove them from walls and pack them.

Even if you plan to buy new curtains and décor for your new home, remove the existing items and donate them.

4 Things People Forget to Leave Behind

Just like you might forget to pack some essential items, you might forget to leave some important things behind.

Spare Keysan image of a doorknob with keys.

Collect all house keys for your home’s next owner. If you have multiple keys-such as deadbolt keys, window keys, or shed keys label them so the future owners don’t have to call you with questions.

Garage Door Opener

You’re used to having the garage door opener in your glove compartment, so you might make it all the way to your new house before you notice it. Remember to remove it from your vehicle on moving day.

Borrowed Items

Did you borrow your neighbor’s blender? Did your friend loan you their favorite movie? Return these items before you move to save yourself from the wrath of your friends (and shipping costs).

Rental Items

You might have terrible memories of your elementary school librarian hounding you about an overdue library book. Save yourself from a similar (and more costly) experience, and return any rental items before hitting the road.

3 Things People Forget to Do Before Moving

Between finding a new home, scheduling movers, and packing your items, you might neglect a few important processes. As you prepare to move, don’t forget to:

Turn Off the Utilities

couple costs smThe last thing you want to do is pay a month of water and electric bills in a house you don’t even use. Notify your local utility services of your moving day so they can stop charging you.

Don’t forget to turn on the utilities in your new home. Arranging furniture and unpacking boxes in the dark is an adventure you don’t need to experience.

Notify Schools and Caregivers

If you have children, talk to administrators at their current and future schools to notify them of the switch. Inform administrators at the new school about any special needs your child has.

Remember to tell nannies, pet sitters, tutors, and housekeepers about your move at least one month in advance.

Cancel Memberships

Paying for a gym membership is expensive enough. Don’t double-pay for memberships in your both your old and new cities.

Some clubs require you to notify them of your intent to cancel at least 30 days in advance, so double check your clubs’ policies.

Avoid costly mishaps by keeping these tips in mind. Visit our other blogs for more tips on making a smooth move.