Moving Management: Organizational Tips for Staging A Home to Sell

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

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

Organize the exterior

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

Highlight home office space

to help declutter a home office use the professionals at a clear path

Photo by Brad Javernick of https://homeoomph.com/

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

Cut back on furniture

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

Coordinate closet space

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

Deep clean

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

De-personalize

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

Hire a professional

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

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

Conclusion

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

How can we help you?

Photo Credits: Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash; Photo by Bench Accounting on Unsplash; Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash

6 Easy Steps to Create a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory will help when you move or strat a de-cluttering of your home

These tools and tips can help you recoup thousands of dollars when disaster strikes.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), over 50 per cent of Americans don’t have a home inventory of their belongings putting them at a risk for inadequate insurance coverage in case a disaster strikes.

What Is a Home Inventory?

In simple words, a home inventory is an up-to-date record of all your possessions. It’s created so that in case of a disaster, you can easily and quickly get your claims settled.

Creating and updating your inventory of personal possessions is an excellent way to make the most of your renters or homeowners insurance and makes filing a claim efficient and easy.

Creating a home inventory is simple and can help you save a lot of money (and headache) in the longer run.

Why Should I Create a Home Inventory?

It’s important to create a home inventory as:

#1. It helps you purchase the right kind of insurance

An accurate list of your personal possessions will enable you to have a better conversation with the insurance personnel when making decisions about renters or homeowners insurance coverage. It’s one of the best ways to get the best of your insurance.

#2. It makes filing a claim super easy

Most of us can’t remember what we had for dinner last night, let alone recall everything that we possess. Disasters are stressful and scary that makes creating a list of damaged property for claims more challenging. A handy list of your belongings will prove to be a huge relief in such times.

#3. Aids in financial assistance

Following a disaster, you can only qualify for disaster assistance or a tax break is if you can substantiate your losses. An organized home inventory will prove to be useful during such a process.

Fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes: disasters can strike any time. And when that happens, most of us aren’t in a position to recall everything that we owned.

Unless a proper account of everything that we owned is provided to the insurance professionals, you’ll not be entitled to a proper claim.

Therefore, the key is to have a detailed home inventory. Here are 6 easy steps to create a home inventory:

#1. Choose the Right Storage Method and a Software

Taking a few pictures or scribbling in a notebook is okay but not the best options to create a list.
Choose a software program designed to create home inventories such as What You Own that’ll make the entire process easier.
You can also opt for free options by creating a DIY list using free templates from Canva or by creating a spreadsheet.
Do a little research to determine the best option for you before getting started.

#2. List your Personal Belongings

The best way to get started is by starting with an easy spot— like your handbag shelf or kitchen appliance cabinet.
Write down the name and value of everything you own in that contained space before proceeding to the next area.
If you want, you can also group items falling in the same category or of the same types such as books or kitchen utensils.
Make small notes of the condition and model number of each item and staple the receipts next to the item if you have any.

#3. Take Help of Technology

If you’ve been using a pen and paper until now, it’s time for a little upgrade.
Take pictures, record videos or use an app that’ll help you create a room-by-room record of all your belongings.

#4. Finish the Paperwork

Replacing identification, reports, legal and financial documents can be a hassle.
Take steps to protect and preserve such documents.

#5. Create a Separate List of Valuable Items

Valuable items such as electronics, collectables and jewelry require separate insurance and therefore, it’s wise to create a separate list for them. Be extremely thorough when creating this list and include:

Multiple photos of each item
Purchase location and date
Serial number
Model
Make
Receipts (if you have any)

Follow the golden rule: if you paid more, then document more.

#6. Keep Copies in Different Places

No matter how you chose to create a home inventory, always create a few copies away from home.
Don’t limit the storage of your list to a single place such as your computer or mobile or even a hardcopy in your house—they could all be destroyed in the disaster.
Save your list in the cloud or send out a few physical copies to your friends and family for the sake of safekeeping.

The Takeaway

Creating a home inventory can be daunting but not if you’re using our tools and tips.
Easily verify losses for your insurance claim and income tax returns by creating a home inventory.

Need help Starting your Home Inventory

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Shristi Patni is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys creating a List of Citrus Fruits or a list of “Things That Make Happy” or coming up with creative Food Blog Names. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook.
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Best Places to Retire on the West Coast

One place for seniors to move to is a Florida coastal city with waterfront houses and boats.

Finding the best place to retire and spend your golden years can be an exciting prospect. There are many options to choose from, and the American West offers a lot of diversity. You’ll have an easy time finding entertainment options and medical facilities, and the coast has great weather. In this article, we will look at some of the best places to retire on the West Coast.

Determine any special needs

To focus your search and narrow down the list of options, you can start by making a list of any special needs you may have. Perhaps you have a medical condition that requires specific care. See if the place you want to relocate to has the facilities you require.

Do you have hobbies or interests?

Perhaps you like to go swimming, or it may be required as part of physical therapy. In that case, you should pick a place that is close to the beach or has access to a pool. Also, think about what kinds of entertainment options appeal to you. If you like watching movies you can pick a place with a theater.

Elderly couple hiking in the woods in one of the best places to retire on the West Coast.

Pick comfort and functionality

Small cities usually have tightly knit communities, and you can get to know all of the neighbors. On the other hand, you can pick a tourist destination you like and become a local. That way, you’ll have easy access to recreational facilities and enjoy the benefits of a permanent vacation hotspot. Whatever you end up deciding on, you must practice self-care in every step of the move. Always keep your best interest in mind and unload as much work as you can to professionals.

How to organize a senior relocation

Like with any move, you are going to need to do a lot of planning. Here is what you’ll need to do before the move:

Downsize. Organizing the move will be a lot easier if you have fewer items you’ll take with you. Here is a list of resources that will help you clear your home before the move.
Go scouting. Before you decide for sure that you will move somewhere, you can go for a visit first. Try to organize a short trip to get to know the area you’ll move to better.
Find the right movers. Moving across state lines can be complicated. So, for instance, if you are relocating from Nevada, you will have to find the right interstate movers. It will be a lot easier to leave Nevada with some help from experienced and reliable movers. Some moving companies offer additional services like packing or storage, which can make the whole ordeal much smoother.
Make a checklist. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget something. Put everything down in writing. That way, you won’t mix up any dates or telephone numbers.
Hire a senior move manager. If you find that everything is a bit much, there is no need to panic. There are professionals who can help you and take care of everything.

Downsizing and getting rid of clutter can make the move easier.

Our picks of the best places to retire on the West Coast

Moving to the West Coast can be the perfect change you need. Relocating to a more desirable location is the best way to spend your retirement years. There are many cities located in the coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington for you to choose from. Here are some of our favorites.

Sequim, Washington. With a population of just under 7,000, Sequim is a fast-growing community that is popular with retirees. It boasts having very little annual rainfall, making it one of the driest places in Washington’s west.
Indian Wells, California. Located in a desert oasis, Indian Wells offers plenty of outdoor activities and is home to the sixth-largest tennis tournament in the world. The city boasts affordable housing and plenty of untouched desert beauty.
Astoria, Oregon. This small coastal town is the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Astoria has a population of 10,000 and has plenty of parks and recreational areas. A popular standout is the Oregon Film Museum which holds memorabilia from the many movies filmed in Astoria.
Palm Desert, California. Located near Palm Springs, this city has a population of 52,000. With multiple golf courses and country clubs, it offers numerous recreational options. Palm Desert also has urgent care and medical facilities that might be necessary for some seniors.

Palm Desert is a small community located near Palm Springs and is a fine place to retire..

South Whidbey Island, Washington. It is an island community located just 35 miles from Seattle. South Whidbey has two airports and a community-run hospital. Year-round festivals and celebrations will make you feel like you are living in a permanent vacation spot.
Del Mar, California. A beach city located in San Diego County. The place is famous for the race track event that is held there every summer. There are also plenty of other activities like hot air balloon rides, and antique shows held several times a year.

Things you need to do after the move

After you have finally moved, there are a few more things you will need to take care of:

Unpack. You can hire an unpacking service to help you sort everything out. Professional packers can assemble the furniture for you and clean up when they are done. This will take a massive load off your shoulders.
Stay decluttered. It’s important that you stay organized and clutter-free. The move can be exhausting, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to let your new home fall into disarray.

In this article, we have given you a list of the best places to retire on the West Coast, as well as some tips to help you organize everything. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to hire professionals. There are numerous services that you can find online, which can save you a lot of stress. Allow yourself to be excited and reap only the positive benefits of the move.

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Spring Forward: Mini Motivators for Organizing Your Space

By: A Clear Path Team Member, Lauren Brennan

Let’s cut to the chase, it’s Spring, the state is about to reopen, and you never organized those closets. Along with the sourdough starter kits of the world, many of the projects you intended to complete (or simply start!) fell by the wayside. We don’t blame you. Like a drawer filled with Tupperware to which there is no matching lid, this last year has been frustratingly chaotic. If the thought of the pandemic ending fills you with dread because you still don’t know what’s buried in your hallway closet, don’t worry. There’s still time to get it together, at least where your belongings are concerned. Sometimes just getting started is half the battle.

Here are a few places around your home that might be in need of some TLC and how to tackle them:

The hallway closet. Usually smaller than a wardrobe closet and situated near an entrance, this area of your home is perfect for throwing away things that aren’t yet garbage. Part of what makes it so terrifying is it’s mysterious contents. Anything could be in there.

Junk mail, empty amazon boxes, broken light bulbs, a holiday wreath…All of these items are known to congregate in this forgotten place you pass by so often. Grab a recycling bin because most of what’s in here probably never belonged anyways. The wreath can stay. Maximize the space in your closet by utilizing the interior wall space. If space permits, a command strip or nail in an inconspicuous area can be used to hang the wreath inside of the closet. Other items like umbrellas or reusable grocery bags can be hung up as well.

Recycle, reduce, reuse those single-use plastic bags!

Speaking of grocery bags, how many do you currently have shoved into a small space beside the fridge? When you open the cabinet under your sink does a confetti-like assortment of plastic or paper bags burst forth? Thanks to covid, single-use bags are back, for now. Luckily there are hundreds, if not thousands, of tutorials online on how to store plastic bags. Click on this link for an easy and free option for storing all that plastic. The Russian Doll method of storing plastic bags will leave you feeling like a magician pulling an endless array of ties out of a hat.

Environmentally friendly tips in honor of Earth Day:

Instead of plastic bags use washable-mesh produce bags.
Instead of plastic wrap try ethically sourced beeswax paper.
Large empty food containers with lids make excellent mini-storage bins for paper-thin produce bags. Poke a hole into the top and grab as you go!
Reuse single-use plastic bags for smelly trash like raw meat and expired veggies.
Don’t throw out plastic water bottles and aluminum cans at the gas station unless the trash is separated for recycling.
White vinegar is a powerful, affordable cleaning agent that’s Earth, kid and pet friendly. Use it with baking soda to deep clean dirty spots like the bathtub and kitchen sink.
Use this month as an opportunity to safely dispose of all old batteries. Check this site for for a list of places to toss them.
Check around the house for items to use as organizers in the car or trunk before buying something new. Cardboard file boxes or empty tubs and bins can double as storage spaces in the trunk.
Earth

Keep it moving! Don’t neglect your second home

Cars are another high traffic area that often get treated like a trash can. We use our cars for so much more than driving. They’re an extension of our home, a place we eat and sometimes even sleep in. During the pandemic, it may have doubled as your therapist’s office, or just a quiet place to escape the sound of upstairs neighbors. Grab that trash bin. Throw out all those empty coffee cups and pastry bags. If you don’t need it to start the car, it probably has a place inside your home instead. Consider investing in a backseat or trunk organizer if you travel often. While most people can see your car coming from a mile away, it’s an easy hiding place for junk and clutter.

If doing a little is still a little too much, we’re here to help

You don’t have to organize your entire space in one day; starting small can provide you with the jump start you need to get motivated. Most of the clutter in our way does not serve us any longer yet we hesitate to get rid of it for a myriad of reasons. The pandemic ending is a huge relief for many, but it could also unleash waves of anxiety as we consider welcoming our loved ones back into our personal spaces. Articles like these can provide helpful tips and tricks to get started, but if you feel overwhelmed by the level of clutter in your home and don’t know where to begin, that’s ok, too.

Reach out to us at A Clear Path and we will help get you sorted.

7 Tips for Moving Cross Country in 2021

Most people cherish the warmth and coziness of their familiar homes. But sometimes, with a fantastic new job or a house offer on the horizon, one starts considering a long-distance relocation. Relocations are never easy, particularly the cross-country ones. There is a lot of emotional and physical tension to face. And, suddenly, everything seems strange and unfamiliar. The last year and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought us even more stress and anxiety. Most of us prefer either staying home or have resorted to relocating to more secluded places. With so many things going on, it’s no wonder that moving management has developed into a significant field over the years. Today it is nearly impossible to move without professional relocation, productivity, and organizing services. Keeping yourself informed is another paramount of today’s society, especially before significant life changes. So, here are our seven valuable tips for moving cross country in 2021.

Moving cross country should be coordinated with a senior move manager for the best success.

1. Make time your ally and not your enemy

Our lives are a constant race with time. But once you realize that the key is in making that a motivational factor and not a reason for despair, you will get a significant advantage. So how can you make the time work for you the best way?

Plan your cross country move well ahead.
Make a detailed plan with your and other’s responsibilities with at least rough dates and timings.
Stick to written timings as much as you can.
Always leave some buffer time for unforeseen circumstances.

By planning on time, you give yourself a significant advantage

tools for planning moving cross country in 2021- a watch, pens, and a planning document from a move manager 2. Proper planning and organization

More than half of your relocation is in proper planning and organization. Every move, including the cross country one, can be divided into several stages, tasks, and duties. If every one of them is executed according to a detailed plan, the outcome should be satisfactory. Some of the crucial stages of every move to consider and account for are:

Preparation stage– includes planning, calculations, supplies gathering, etc.
Downsizing stage– at this stage, you need to declutter and organize your rooms and your belongings. When moving across the country, no one can afford to bring every single item with them. Besides, starting life over means a lot of new things will come your way.
Packing stage– at this stage, you should decide which of the remaining items to pack and bring along and which to recycle and donate. The final priority lists are made, and careful packing and protection of your belongings take place.
The transportation stage– the stage when all your belongings are being transported to their new location. Professional moving personnel usually conducts it.
Unpacking stage– the final stage of your cross-country move in 2021. Once you unpack all your boxes, you have officially moved.

3. Make moving cross country in 2021 as easy as you can

The best way to do that is by hiring relocation specialists, of course. Luckily, nowadays, there are numerous moving services that various companies provide for your convenience. Some of them have even specialized the interstate and cross country moves. These can turn such a tiring undertaking, as a cross-country move is, into a breeze and are, therefore, your best option. Furthermore, their services are carefully categorized. Whether you are moving your home or office, they have the appropriate tools and strategies for you. So, why would you struggle with so much work and responsibilities when, for a reasonable price, you can save a lot of time and effort? Practice self-care during a move and ease the relocation on yourself whenever you can.

4. Prepare your future home

Your cross-country relocation will be more pleasant once you know that your new home is waiting for you perfectly prepared. So whether you hire professional cleaning and home organizing services, or you prefer making your new house feel more like home by yourself, it would be superb if all is ready before you move in. That way, not only can you relax upon arrival, but you will be better motivated along the way.

Additional health tip for a cross country move in 2021

Amid the pandemic, it is essential to keep hygiene in mind throughout the move. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of your new house, plus careful disinfection of all the boxes, before and after the transportation, should suffice. And don’t forget to wash your hands as often as possible.

a move manager will help pack and unpack better if they have space plans for the new residence.

Thoroughly disinfect and prepare your new home before moving cross country in 2021

5. Prepare for the long road ahead, especially when moving cross country in 2021

And while your belongings are in safe hands, you should not forget about your well-being either. Keep in mind that the road is long, and packing an essentials bag is a must. It will prove invaluable during the trip. You should have the essentials with you at all times as they will help you have as comfortable a relocation as possible. A bottle of water, some energizing snacks, personal documentation, and some spare clothes are a must. Everything else is up to your preferences and needs.

6. Provide special care for special cases

If you are helping your senior family member relocate to a more peaceful town somewhere across the state, they will also need help handling such a stressful and demanding situation as this one. Senior moves and downsizing require special attention and care, so you need to make sure find the right movers that offer senior relocation services. Similarly, if your kid is moving out to go to university, you can research companies that provide assistance for this type of relocation. A team of specially trained, trustworthy, and kind movers can ease these specific relocations to a great extent.

a successful move is enhanced when using a certified move manager

Make your seniors happy and at peace by organizing professional senior relocation services for them.

7. Don’t underestimate the unpacking part

When thoroughly organizing moving cross country, people tend to underestimate the unpacking stage. However, the relocation does not end with your belongings transported to your new home. You still need to unwrap everything and find a suitable space for every piece. You certainly want your new home to be well organized and comfortable. Here too, you have two options. You can spend days unpacking and arranging your stuff, or you can hire unpacking services; it is entirely up to you.

Final words

Moving cross country in 2021 is not an easy task. On the other hand, it can be a memorable and enjoyable adventure with adequate strategies and help. So stop postponing it and embrace the experience instead. Remember, the sooner you start, the sooner you can enjoy your new home.

Using a Checklist before downsizing will create an easier less stressful move

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Smart Ways To Prepare For A Successful Declutter

de-cluttering sounds easy until one gets overwhelmed with all that must be accomplished, but help is there if you are using a professional organizer like A Clear Path

Disorganization causes 80% of all household clutter, according to one study by the Soap and Detergent Association. For those looking to declutter their homes, however, getting started often seems like a daunting task — especially if you’ve just moved, or your home is on the larger side. From preparing yourself mentally before you begin to making yourself actually get started, here are just a few fundamentals when it comes to getting the job done successfully and with as little stress as possible.

Set goals before you begin

Physical and mental preparation are key to successful organization, with one important aspect being to let go of any guilt beforehand. This will make a world of difference when it comes to actually being able to part with items and meet your organizational goals, especially if you have a difficult time parting with things that others have given you. Making a plan that includes a task list and creating a set schedule before you begin decluttering is also necessary to ensure productivity, and will allow you to set and reach your goals clearly. This will be particularly beneficial if you have a larger house, or if you plan to declutter your home over a longer period of time, since you’ll have a written record of what you plan to accomplish.

Choose an organizational system

After preparing to declutter your home, actually getting started and making progress often follows with difficulty, which is where having some kind of from messy to clean all done with a professional organizer with a specialty in decluttering organizational system or strategy in place will help greatly in getting the job done productively. One smart way to do this is by doing one room at a time, and tackling the rooms that need decluttering the most first. This allows you to break up the task of decluttering into smaller, more attainable goals.

When it comes to actually sorting your belongings, using a system such as the “four box technique” will help in prioritizing your things. With this method, you simply label four different bins (keep, donate, throw away, and store), which will allow you to have a visual aid as to how much you’re keeping vs. donating. If you’re finding difficulty in deciding what to keep, one rule of thumb is to keep in mind whether or not you’ve used the item recently, which will aid in determining how useful it is to you. When putting things away again, it’s also important to keep elements like convenience in mind to ensure that things stay organized in the future — for instance, designating a place by the door for your keys will prevent you from misplacing them.

Make a plan for your unwanted clutter

Perhaps one of the most important things when preparing to declutter your home is having a plan for getting the unwanted items out of your home once and for all. If you have the time, organizing a garage sale or setting up a page to sell the items online is one way to do so effectively while making a profit, which will be useful in getting your money back out of those expensive, lesser used items. For instance, if you put some thought and planning into a garage sale, you can easily make between $500 and $1,000, according to the New York Times. Any items that you don’t sell can be just as easily donated to local organizations that will give them a second life.

Decluttering and organizing your home is often distressing — especially if you’ve recently moved and your things are in disarray, or if your home is particularly large. However, by preparing beforehand, having a system, and considering resources for getting your clutter out of your home, you can effectively organize everything you own.

Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels

Use Organizing Services to Transform Your Home Into an Income Stream

clean-up and decluttering is best accomplished with help from an expert organizer like Regina F Lark

If you’re thinking of picking up a side hustle, you aren’t alone. According to Zapier, one in three Americans now have a side gig to supplement their primary income stream. The key to success is utilizing resources you already have at your disposal, like your house. There are a number of ways that you can monetize your property and turn it into another source of income. If you’re successful, you might even turn your side gig into a full-fledged business.

Before you can monetize your home — for example, by showing it off on social media — you’ll need to get it looking its best. A Clear Path offers decluttering and organization tips to help. Read on for more tips to follow if you want to create a clear home to transform into a gorgeous, money-making machine.

Document your home improvements

HGTV shows like Fixer Upper have become popular in recent years. Country Living notes that ratings for such “home genre” shows are high. Seize the momentum of this trend. Document your own home improvements, big and small. Make sure to use appealing visual formats, like YouTube or Instagram. Shane Baker provides tips on figuring out which platform is best for you, like considering your niche and current follower counts.

decluttering is one of the specialties of A Clear Path a professional organizer.

Monetize your blog or website

You can also document your home improvement journey in writing via a blog or website. This opens up yet another source of possible income — selling ad space. For example, if you write about a plumbing disaster, you might have ads for plumbing services. Diggity Marketing provides other pointers for monetizing a blog, from using Google AdSense to accepting visitor donations.

Check out affiliate marketing opportunities with home organizing services and more

Look for affiliate marketing opportunities that make for logical collaborations. As Big Commerce explains, this is a type of performance-based marketing where marketers (called affiliates) earn a commission for marketing another company’s products. Their sales are tracked via links. You might team up with home organizing services like A Clear Path, home remodeling companies, homewares providers, and more.

No clue how to do affiliate marketing? Ahrefs provides a quick step-by-step guide. Here’s an overview:

Pick a platform, like a YouTube channel or blog.
Select a niche to narrow things down. For example, maybe you want to focus on gardening and houseplants.
Research affiliate programs that are a good fit.
Sign up for your chosen program.
Create compelling content to engage your audience.
Drive traffic to your affiliate collaborator.

From there, all you have to do is cash in, and you’re already making money from your clean and clear home.

Boost traffic with social media ads

If you’re going to monetize a blog or website, you need to have consistent traffic. More visitors means more visibility. When it comes to points like selling ad space, this ups your brand’s value. Goins Writer explains how to drive blog traffic through social channels. They recommend asking others to promote your blog through social bookmarking sites, like Reddit and Stumbleupon, and implementing sharing tools on your platform.

preparing to rent or sell your property? Use a professional organizer like A Clear Path

Transform Your Home-Related Business Into a Real Company

Ideally, you will grow your side hustle with time. You will attract more followers on social media, boost website traffic, and raise your profile overall. At some point, you may discover that your “side hustle” has become a legitimate business. Grasshopper provides tips for determining whether you’re ready to quit your day job, such as:

Try a beta test: Start treating your side business like it’s a full-time business for one full day per week and see how it goes.
Assess your confidence: Making the leap can be daunting. Assess your confidence and determine if you’re emotionally ready.
Write a business plan: Writing a business plan that includes financial projections will help you determine if this is a viable path forward.
Consider financials: Finally, consider whether you need additional funding to get your business going.

If you do think that it’s time to create a full-time business, make it official. Establishing a formal legal entity like a limited liability company (LLC) protects your personal assets in case you run into business problems. You have to register your LLC with the state. While this requires some paperwork, it’s not a super complicated process. Business formation services can help you get it done in as few as five steps.

The Final Word

You won’t transform your home into a money-maker overnight, but you have to recognize the signs. Be patient! With perseverance, you will be able to take your home-related side hustle to the next level.

A Clear Path Professional Organizing and Productivity can help you get your home ready for the spotlight through decluttering, and other services. Check out reviews from former clients.

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

Home Organizing for Downsizing Homeowners

Downsizing is always about boxes, packing them and then unpacking them. Pack by room is the best.

Downsizing homeowners are often overwhelmed by the stresses of moving as well as everything involved in packing up their belongings and getting the house ready for their buyer. We know how difficult it can be to manage everything at once, which is why we’ve put together this handy article to make things easier for you!

Consider home organizing services

There is so much to do when moving house, and sometimes we all need a helping hand to get things going. If you’re struggling to get your house packed up or aren’t able to move furniture as easily as you’d hoped, then looking into home organizing services could be the right step for you. Generally, these services offer you –

Staging support, which will involve your house being decluttered and organized to entice viewers
Moving materials provided to keep your items safe in transit and well-organized
Services to both donate or throw away items that you no longer need or want
A guarantee that your items are packed carefully
Help and support contacting any other services that you may need.

This can be a much easier approach than doing everything of your own accord and can also save you a lot of time too, letting you focus on the other aspects of your move!

Decluttering

A lot of homeowners like to declutter themselves, especially if a lot of the items that you own are sentimental. It can be a difficult task but with the right approach you can make it easier for yourself. There are a few key things to remember when you’re looking to declutter –

Start small:
You may think that you have to declutter the whole house in one weekend but giving yourself more time and taking the pressure off will lead to much better results. A great way to get started is to focus on one area at a time, such as under the stairs or a junk drawer in the kitchen. Small achievements help you stay on track and will keep you motivated, and in no time, you’ll be seeing great results!

Before and after photos:
It can be easy to lose sight of your progress and see just how far you’ve come, which is often where people will give up on their decluttering journey and start to struggle. Taking before and after photos is a wonderful way to remind you of all of the work that you’ve done and help keep you focused.
Date checking:
We’re all guilty of keeping things longer than we probably should, and whether it’s cosmetic products, toiletries, or dried food, most households will have a good amount that they can get rid of. Most cosmetics and toiletries have a shelf life of 6-18 months, so check your items and get rid of anything out of date. Empty your food cupboards and you’ll likely find things at the back that you’ve forgotten about that have been there for several years, which you can get rid of.
Empty tables:
Flat surfaces such as shelving, small tables or cabinets are incredibly easy to clutter, and so focusing on them is a great way to declutter. Try and keep them as empty as possible, and if this feels too bare to you, you can try the rule of 3. This means that you can only have 3 things on any surface (apart from books on bookshelves!) which keep things clear while still allowing you to have your items on display.

Decluttering is perfect for a fresh start when you downsize and benefits you in more way than one – it can also help you sell your house fast as it will leave your home more organized and more attractive to your viewers.

Utilize storage

It can be incredibly difficult to let go of your belongings, especially if they have been in your family for a long time and are meaningful to you. When you downsize, generally, you’ll be moving somewhere smaller so you’re unable to take all of your belongings with you which is why decluttering is such a popular option. If, however, you’re finding that you can’t part with a lot of your items, you can decide to –

Put them in storage and give yourself some time to detach from them before you sort through to declutter
Gift them to family and friends.

Gifting things to people you know is a popular option for those homeowners who know that they no longer have space but want to see them being used and appreciated as they did themselves.

Make a floorplan

Downsizing to a smaller home will mean that you’ll likely need to reconsider your furniture and get rid of some things, especially if you’re going to have less bedrooms than you do currently. Some downsizers only realize this as they’re moving in which adds more pressure to the day and can cause a lot of problems.

Making a floorplan of your new place and outlining where your furniture will go and what will fit will help you plan ahead and give you time to either sell it or rehome it before moving day. You should also measure them too so you know that they will fit where you’re planning to avoid any problems on the day.

Doing this will show you what you can take with you and what you won’t have space for, helping you stay organized.

Organizing your home can be incredibly difficult, especially combined with the stresses of moving, but following these steps will give you an easier moving day and help reduce the chances of unexpected problems when moving day comes around.

Stuck On Repeat

By: A Clear Path employee, Lauren Brennan

For a month that centers around warm and fuzzy feelings, February can be an ironically depressing time. Winter festivities are behind us and we’ve settled back into our monotonous routines. For some of us the mid-month dose of candied hearts and sappy greeting cards has us rolling our eyes, especially when we’re still fighting our way through a global pandemic. What do we have to look forward to? Spring cleaning? Didn’t we just do that last year?! Ugh.

Organizing is an unending effort. It’s a job that can feel like it’s never done. in the northern hemisphere, hearts inform us that spring will be here soon and de-cluttering and removal is in the air In the 1993 movie Groundhog’s Day an arrogant journalist named Phil Ryerson finds himself stuck in a supernatural cycle where, for reasons unknown to him, he must relive February 2nd indefinitely. Forced to repeat the same day in a snow-blanketed town that worships a rodent, eventually he loses his mind. Looking for the twin to a set of socks in a messy drawer can have a similar effect.

Valuable Lessons

For Phil Ryerson and those of us living in the real world, repetitious endeavors can lead us to the brink unless we learn a valuable life lesson: while our circumstances may be unvaried, our perspective is not. With all the time spent at home watching dust collect on top of clutter that never stops materializing, it’s easy to feel stuck, out of control of the world around you. Messes can be ignored when we aren’t surrounded by them all day long. Now, with many of us at home most of the day, it’s unavoidable. Each morning we wake up and the clutter is still there. But the truth is, you’re not stuck. You can get it together regardless of that pesky Groundhog declaring four more weeks of winter. Here’s how:

Start small.

Tackle one junk drawer a day until everything has a place and a purpose.
Clean up the desktop on your laptop or computer.
Leave no family photo or online receipt behind!
Rename screenshots so you can find them later with ease or simply delete them entirely.
Screenshots of photos that already live forever on your Facebook page may not be necessary to keep.
Photos and large files take up valuable storage space on your hard drive.
Clear a space for new memories.
Eliminating objects crowding your physical space can be very empowering.
The simple act of deleting a few files can leave you with a sense of accomplishment and the inspiration to continue clearing more.

Use what you have on hand.

The KonMari shop sells beautiful, albeit expensive, boxes that act as drawer separators making your folded clothing more easy to spot.
If you have deep dresser drawers, use empty shoe boxes instead of purchasing fancy paper ones.
Upcycling is friendly on your wallet and the environment.
Don’t save every little box that Amazon sends your way, but do keep sturdy packaging that can be repurposed for later storage.
Utilizing what you already have lying around saves you time and money. Don’t get lost in the pages of a virtual Container Store.

There’s no need to waste any more time waiting to get organized, we all know the postal service has more important things to deliver these days. You probably have the tools already, you just need to get a little creative.

Get crafty!

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, literally.
Not everything needs to be hidden away. Remember that form follows function when considering where to store and place items.
You can repurpose unconventional spaces like the space underneath a kitchen cabinet or in front of a backsplash for hanging pots or mugs.
Pinterest is a great resource for creating mood boards and finding inspiration for new projects.
- It’s a photo-centric mood board in and of itself, with many of the photos linking to helpful articles or online shops.
Type in “upcycled organization” or “diy storage” and you’ll find a slew of hacks and tips for getting your life in order.

Not that crafty yourself?

Etsy is an excellent online shopping alternative to Amazon and other corporate distributors. The shops on Etsy are largely run by small business owners looking to broaden their market. With farmers markets and art fairs put on hold, it’s a great way to support artists and local vendors. It’s also a pathway to connect with real people, something you can’t get from a big-box retailer. Sellers often include handwritten notes, stickers or homemade cards with purchases. If you don’t have the materials on hand to DIY a shoe organizer or sock drawer divider, consider shopping small first.

Donate it!

Spring time isn’t the only suitable purging season. Take stock of your household inventory not once but twice a year. Autumn, before the holidays, is a great time to clear your space. Go through old decorations and any back-to-school items you may have lying around and donate them just in time for someone else to enjoy. Donating items during times that correlate with events throughout the year increases the chance that someone will actually find and use the item you’re giving away.

The next time you are feeling victimized by your clutter, remember: you are in control. Tomorrow can be different if you choose to act differently. An emotional weight is lifted when we physically remove what no longer serves us. Incorporating recycling and donating into our organizing practices helps us waste less and connect with our community. Perhaps you spent last year in a vicious cycle of daily online shopping. A Groundhog’s Day scenario that transpired for many of us was reaching for the phone and hitting the “Buy with 1 click” button before we even had our morning coffee. Giving away old (or even new) items to someone in need can help with the guilt of past purchases and free up valuable space in your home. Next time, look around your space and see what you could repurpose before you reach for the credit card. Finding out that you already have everything you need, now that’s a warm, fuzzy feeling. Contact us for help for what might seem to be an overwhelming task.

6 Tips for Downsizing Your Home as a Senior

There will come a time when seniors will need to downsize and there are several professionals: organizers, move managers can help

Living as a senior has its own challenges. Many tasks, which once seemed simple, present a challenge now. This is just a part of life, but there are certain things you can do to make your life as a senior easier, more comfortable and to ensure you have more time to enjoy the finer things in life. Downsizing your home as a senior is probably the best way to free up more time for yourself and your hobbies.

At the same time, downsizing can be emotionally draining as well as physically demanding. Therefore, hiring relocation specialists to help you with your move management can make things a lot easier. Ensure that you are familiar with the key issues related to using a senior move manager. They know all the tips and tricks to make your move smooth and hassle-free.

Downsizing in a few easy steps

Reputable relocation specialists know the main rules when it comes to downsizing. There are a few things that can help make your move easier. We will share six tips for downsizing your home as a senior that will help make your life simpler. They will allow you to spend more time doing the things you like.

Face the facts and be emotionally intelligent

Emotional intelligence can significantly influence our decision-making process. Senior relocation is not easy. Some moments might tug on your heartstrings, but it is important that you deal with your emotions. Recognize that downsizing will benefit you in the long run. It might seem difficult when going through old, cherished memories, but keep in mind that it will enable you to create new memories.

Get your kids involved. Ask your family members to help you sort through your belongings and spend time with them, as this will make you feel at ease. Family can get us through the toughest of times, so don’t be afraid to recognize your feelings and discuss them openly.

If you like the neighborhood you currently live in, try consulting a senior move manager and asking them to help you find a smaller place in the same area. If, on the other hand, you wish to move somewhere else, you can always ask for help with the transfer to your new neighborhood. Downsizing and moving don’t have to be stressful and tiring. If organized properly, it can be a simple step towards a lifestyle transformation. Don’t hesitate to search for help, contact your movers today, and let them provide you with the best senior relocation services.

Plan on time and organize in advance

If you feel like you have good organizational skills, you should try to create a system that will allow you to plan and organize the tasks that need to be completed prior to your move. If not, you can look for a move manager or senior moving specialist to help you organize the tasks at hand. Whichever route you choose to take, keep the following in mind:

It would be best if you didn’t rush sorting through your belongings. Go through your current home one room at a time and take breaks whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Going through your belongings is going to be emotional. It is a good idea to start by going through the items you aren’t too emotionally attached to first. This will get your mind used to the idea of downsizing and will help when dealing with your more cherished belongings later on. You should recognize that you are downsizing and that you won’t have space for all of the items you currently possess.
Getting professional estate clearing services can help you if the going gets rough. However, knowing some of their estate clearing secrets can go a long way if you feel up to the task.
Pay special attention to the things in your current home that make your life easier and more pleasant. Write notes down to keep track of these things and remind you to create a similar setup in your new home after downsizing. This will help you adjust to your new home faster.
Professional home organizing services can help you organize your new home in a way that best suits you and your current needs. You can also use these services to reorganize your home if, at some point, your needs change.

Consider getting help

Move management has been around for a while, but specialized senior move management is a relatively young industry. It is, however, a growing industry. This is because it offers an array of senior relocation services that many aging community members find very helpful. This is just one of the reasons why you should consider hiring a senior move manager and getting help with your downsizing and relocation.

movers and the moving expreience is greatly enhanced when you you use a move manager

Consider your storage options

You will also need to think about storage. The fact that you are downsizing means that you won’t be able to take everything you own with you. There might be some items you don’t wish to get rid of, or you don’t use very often but still need them from time to time. You should consider your storage options for these items. The most common and most easily stored items are:

Oversized furniture and home items.
Documents and paperwork.
Items of emotional value.
Seasonal items.

Make sure to choose the right type of storage for your belongings. Some items might require special storage conditions.

using a public storage facility is great, but can be better with a move manager and organizing professional

Pack light and pack right

When your moving day arrives, you will need to have access to your essential items as soon as you arrive at your new home. This means that you will need to pack in a way that enables you to get to the things you use most often, such as toiletries, cutlery, and such. You won’t be needing seventeen sets of dishes and cutlery on your first day. If you do pack that many, you will probably need to learn about de-cluttering your kitchen sooner rather than later. Make sure to pack light and pack right. Basically, what this means is that you need to pack a few boxes with just your essentials. These are the things you will need during the first few days of your move, such as a towel, your toothbrush, a few plates, a set of cutlery, and a good book or perhaps your favorite CD to help you relax the first few evenings. Label these boxes clearly and concisely and when loading them into the moving vehicle, try to pack these boxes last.

Get to know your new home in advance

Getting to know your new home before you move into it can help you adjust to life after downsizing your home as a senior. Try to obtain a layout or floorplan of the place. Decide where you wish to put your furniture and try to imagine what it will look like. Try to find the best fit for your furniture and other belongings. Don’t be scared to rearrange your items several times. Also, getting to know your new neighborhood and the locations of grocery stores and doctors’ offices will make you feel more at ease once you move in.

having good checklists before starting a downsizing move

See the upside

A common mistake seniors make when downsizing is that they view it from the wrong perspective. Don’t think of downsizing as a loss of any freedom or space. Instead, think of it as optimizing your life. Why spend precious time clearing square footage that you very rarely use? Why spend hard-earned money on heating and electricity for empty rooms? As a matter of fact, if, as a senior, you still plan on working from home, there are plenty of tips on how to upgrade your workspace for maximum productivity and happiness. With downsizing come savings, both in terms of financials and time. This means you will have more time and money to spend on more important things. These are the things that fill your life with joy and laughter.

Imagine yourself happy and relaxed in the near future, enjoying life to the fullest. Downsizing your home as a senior will help you achieve that.

Used images:
https://pixabay.com/photos/building-plan-floor-plan-354233/
https://unsplash.com/photos/ZVkDLrXGMdw
https://unsplash.com/photos/OoiWpdFC0Rw
https://pixabay.com/photos/senior-couple-bed-happy-4723737/