Spring Cleaning, 2020 Style

No better time like quarantine to dive into spring cleaning. We hope this post finds you all safe and healthy and motivates you to clean out and declutter everything you’ve been meaning to get to!

MUDROOM

Let’s start with the laundry/mudroom. Check out those shelves that may be hosting products that you never use or have expired. Remember to dispose of them properly rather than just throwing them out.  Most labels will have these recommendations. Now is the time to go through shoes.  Make a pile of those pairs that don’t fit, are falling apart, or either need to be recycled or donated. Any rugs in this space can be thrown in the washer or vacuumed. And lastly wipe down shelves and the washer/dryer surfaces.

KITCHEN

Let’s move into the kitchen…  It’s important to wipe down countertops daily but now is the time to wipe down cabinets and appliances too. If your cabinets have any molding those areas can be dust traps. You can use a damp cloth for cabinets and I like to use stainless steel wipes for appliances. They go a long way and really return the appliances to a nice sheen.  If you have an open area above your cabinets this would be a good time to dust or even vacuum up there if you have a hand-held one.  

PANTRY

Don’t neglect your pantry. Now is the perfect time to pull out everything, yes everything, and reorganize. Throw out anything that has expired and group like things together such as dry goods, snacks, sweets, spices, etc…I love using baskets in my pantry for organizing and it’s easy access for kids too. Just remember, before returning everything to those shelves, wipe those down too and even line them with a fun shelf liner.

Photo Credit: MrsMeyers.com

OFFICE / WORKSPACE

If you are working from home, it’s important to disinfect this space. Think about all the surfaces you touch daily and how many family members may share them as well. Computers, laptops, and ipads can all be wiped down with a microfiber cloth.  Dust/wipe down desk surfaces as well. Vacuum rugs and/or any carpet in these spaces. Don’t forget to include your kids with this process. It gives them ownership of their things and teaches them responsibility. Include spring cleaning into their daily routine alongside their academics!

These spaces above are a great place to start with your spring cleaning.  Of course there are others you can add to your checklist. Here are a few more ideas…

  1. Wash All Bedding
  2. Dust Blinds
  3. Polish Wood Surfaces
  4. Clean Out Junk Drawers

The important thing to remember with spring cleaning is take it one day at a time, not everything has to be done at once.  Kids can be great helpers with incentives so include them too! 

HAPPY SPRING CLEANING!

832-427-2463 | hello@stagingthenest.com | 936-588-6710

Trends for Home Buyers

According to Better Homes and Gardens there are 5 trends for first time and repeat buyers. Learning about these trends can help with buying and selling your home.  Let’s take a look…

TREND  #1…

Millennials are looking for their dream home. This means that they are looking to buy a home that they can stay in for more than 10 years.  So much for that starter home…they are looking for more square footage, upgrades and good school districts.

TREND  #2…

The home buying process can take longer than it used to. First time home buyers average about 5 months whereas repeat buyers are averaging 4 months from start to close.  There are two possible reasons for this that can include the multitude of online search sites as well as the loan process. Searching these home sites can make the house hunting process sometimes take longer since there are so many options. Also, it is advised to get pre-approved prior starting the the search to help with shortening the loan process. Some home buyers are selling their home first and then renting so that they can snatch up the home they want when it is listed.

TREND  #3…

Buyers want a move-in ready home. Fixer-uppers are not as desired as they used to be.  Purchasing a newly built home or one with no renovations seems to be more appealing. It comes down to time and money for home buyers. Cosmetic upgrades are obviously not as deterring as structural changes or replacing AC units. Not knowing the resale value to certain renovations can also be a factor.

TREND #4…

Kitchens still sell houses! If you are going to upgrade, the kitchen is the place to do it. An updated kitchen can certainly influence a buyer to purchase a home.  Open floor plans, islands with seating, and double ovens are also on the desired list. Most buyers desire an updated kitchen over a theatre room or even having a pool.

TREND #5

Millenials want a good investment. Repeat buyers focus on size and style when purchasing whereas millennials are looking for a step towards financial stability. They are looking for growing areas and not purchasing the most expensive homes in that area. Thinking like a seller can help with making that good investment.

Do you need to sell your home?

Contact our team today for a quick staging quote!

832-427-2463 (cell) | hello@stagingthenest.com | 936-588-6710 (office)