Spice Up Your Breakfast Nook

A great place to begin your day is in one of our beautiful breakfast nooks.  Many of our models come standard with breakfast nooks designed just for you. If you want to see what I'm talking about, check out the photos in our Focus on Spring Arbor series highlighting the Dalton and the Wyatt.

Our new models at Champions' Club are also good places to find breakfast nooks to suit your lifestyle! You can check them out in our Focus on Champions' Club series highlighting the Kipling and the Doral.

Looking for some ideas to personalize your breakfast nook at home? Check out this article from Houzz here and get your breakfast nook juices flowing!

Check out all our models we have to offer on our website, at www.mckeebuilders.com

Moving Tips

Here is part 3 of Nina's post.  Enjoy!

If you have been following my posts for the past month, it is evident that the common theme has to deal with selling your home and moving. The first article addressed making the decision to move and the second covered staging a home.  Continuing, now we are going to deal with the actual move.   You already know I am a professional organizer, now you'll realize how invaluable organization is in making the move.  The list I have provided will verify how important organization is leading up to the big day.

•  Do your research and hire a reputable moving service at least 4-6 weeks before the date.

•  If family and friends are helping you move, contact your local U-Haul and reserve an appropriate size truck on the desired date. http://www.uhaul.com

•  Contact utility services prior to your move concerning the ‘turn off’ at your old address, and ‘turning on’ at your new home, this includes cable, internet, and phone providers.

•  Fill out a ‘change of address’ form at your post office prior to your move, and remember to contact all creditors and financial institutions as well. 

•  You will need to visit your local DMV about updating your drivers license, or visit their site for information. http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/change_address/index.shtml

•  If you are taking your existing refrigerator with you, you will need to defrost it 1-2 days prior to the move. 

•  Keep in mind that any ‘gas operated’ lawn equipment will need to be drained before the transport.

•  Properly dispose of any household hazardous waste and electronics. Doing a Google search will provide you with the next scheduled collection date in your area.

   http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html

•  If you are planning to pack up your belongings, reach out to family and friends to help.  Schedule ‘packing sessions’ to work together and pack up one room at a time. 

•  Plan to use disposable cups, plates, and utensils at least one week prior to the move.

•  Pack all your valuables yourself, and plan on transporting them with you to your new home.

I hope this list helps to alleviate any stress and remember that being organized before the big day will help with the transition.  Next time, we will talk about organizational tips on settling into your new McKee Builders home.  Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, sometimes all it takes is a friend to help along the way.  www.thedivineorganizer.com

Written by Nina Bowdler, Professional Organizer, Divine Intervention. 

Nina can be reached via e-mail at nina@thedivineorganizer.com
 

Staging a Home to Sell

I hope you got some useful tips from part 1 of Nina's guest blogs.  As promised, here is part 2.  There are really great ideas for anyone considering a move to a 55+ new home community in here.  Don't forget to visit our website to see what's new at McKeeBuilders.com 

In my last post I addressed what I refer to as, the 'Where do I begin' phase in selling your home.  I left off with telling you the next important step in doing that would be 'Staging your home,' and I would deal with that in my next blog. So, here goes.  'Staging' plays a pivotal role in ensuring that your home will sell before you actually put it on the market.  Professional Stagers are good at what they do, their price tag bears that out.  As an  experienced Professional Organizer I can help you achieve the same results more cost efficiently.  Below is an outline on staging your home and property to sell, more often than not, at your full asking price:

•   Curb appeal is the most important aspect in staging your home.  We all know ‘first impressions are lasting’.  That being said, what is the condition of your home's entire exterior?  Is your roof in good shape?  Does anything need to be power washed?  i.e.: your homes framework, whether Stone, Brick, Vinyl or Wood. How about Windows, Gutters, Patios, Driveways and Walkways?  Is your landscaping eye-catching or an 'Eyesore?  All of this is what gives your home great ‘curb appeal.’  And, what prospective buyers will see first when they pull up.  Make sure your entire exterior is a precursor and a good reflection on your interior. 

•   As I indicated in my previous article, a bitter enemy for any home is clutter, especially one on the market!  Remove as much clutter from your home as possible.  This includes closets, cabinets, and any room that has a door.  Keep in mind, when buyers are doing a walk-through, they will open all doors.  Make sure all trash, things to donate or recycle and everything you are not keeping is out-of-the-way or disposed of.

•   If you have decided to add a fresh coat of paint to walls or cabinets, keep it fresh and simple by using a warm neutral color which will open up space.  If you would like to add a ‘spark’ of color, limit it to one accent wall such as behind a bed.

•   When you have donated or removed all unwanted furniture, reposition the furniture you're keeping by ‘floating’ the pieces away from the walls.  This ensures good traffic flow.  

•   Accessories are important, but don’t over do it.  Your goal is to impart an atmosphere of a house that is more of a home; this can be achieved by placing family photos, personal items and knick-knacks throughout.  Keep in mind, ‘less is more.’  

•   Make sure your home is well lit.  If need be, add overhead lighting or lamps where necessary.  

•   Fresh flowers and lit candles work wonders.

Next time we'll deal with the most dreaded task of all...the move itself. 

Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, I am just a phone call away.

Written by Nina Bowdler, Professional Organizer, Divine Intervention. 

Nina can be reached via e-mail at nina@thedivineorganizer.com