3 Keys to Non-Traditional Holiday Decor

The holidays are a time when sprucing up your home hits an all-time high, but it can be difficult to find festive decorations that match your style. While there is nothing wrong with snowmen, Santa figurines and lots of red and green, it’s OK to think outside the (gift) box.

Follow these three tips for a gorgeous yet non-traditional holiday home.

Choose a fresh color scheme

Who says that holiday decor has to be red and green? Try something new, like neutrals and mixed metallics. Or try unique color combinations that may not scream holiday, but create a sophisticated celebratory look when used in the right way.

This tree was inspired by the navy, turquoise, red and peach vintage shawl used here as a tree skirt.

Carry the theme throughout your holiday home with colored ornaments, pillows and throws.

 

Surprising color pairings like this blue woven throw with the red floral pillow really freshen up your decor. But nearly any color scheme can convey holiday spirit when you bring in shiny ornaments and cozy textures.

Use natural elements

Using natural elements like greenery, pinecones and berries brings in festive charm without feeling cheesy.

Plain garlands are beautiful all on their own! They don't even need the traditional red bows. Local grocery stores, home improvement stores and farmer's markets have great selections of natural garlands and wreaths.

For an even more unique holiday look, try magnolia garlands or garlands made from materials other than traditional pine branches.

Think outside the box

Look at materials differently. Find everyday items that, when used in the right way, can be great holiday decor. For example, trims from your local fabric store can make great garlands, on their own or paired with greenery. They will feel new and unique compared to a traditional ornament garland.

Also, experiment with using fabrics and patterns that wouldn’t normally be seen as Christmas. While plaid is a traditional Christmas pattern, pairing it here with a brighter teal napkin feels unexpected.

Mint green plates wouldn’t normally be used for a holiday place setting, but pairing them with gold pinecones and collected tree centerpiece creates a stylish holiday table, ready for entertaining.

Forget the traditional holiday decorating rules and push yourself to find decor that is new, fresh and fits within your home’s current home style. Not only will you end up with a beautiful holiday home, but one that is a complete reflection of you and your family. What more could you want this time of year?

Related:

• Bright Ideas for Holiday Lights
• 10 Ideas for Small Space Holiday Decor
• Three Steps to Styling a Holiday Beverage Station

Originally published December 2014. 

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How to Carve the Best Pumpkin on the Block

While Halloween may look a little different this year, there’s no reason you can’t still have an amazing outdoor display. If you’re not interested in shelling out big bucks for a 12 foot animatronic skeleton, or if your style is more autumn chic than gothic gore, you have plenty of options when it comes to the traditional jack-o’-lantern. Before you cut into your sacrificial squash, check out these top tips for making a carv-tastic display.

Pumpkin selection

There are no rules for what size or shape makes for a great jack-o’-lantern. Any pumpkin can rise to ghoulish greatness. Do look for a pumpkin that isn't bruised and has no mold around the stem. Who wants to cut into a rotted pumpkin? Also, look for a pumpkin with a flat bottom that will sit firmly without rocking.

Tools

Every job is made easier by the right tools. A kitchen knife is not the best - or safest - thing to use for pumpkin carving. You can get a set of pumpkin carving tools at many hardware or drug stores around Halloween, but you can also use items already in your possession - power drills, awls, wood gouges or even cookie cutters. Don't forget a big spoon to scoop out the guts!

Carving

Rather than giving your jack-o’-lantern a cap by cutting it at the top, draw a circle on the bottom of your pumpkin and cut your opening there, making sure to angle your blade toward the center to create a ledge for support of the finished cut area. Clean out the guts (save the seeds and roast them for your post-carving snack!) and scrape the insides of your pumpkin until they are about an inch thick in the areas you plan to carve. If you're using a pattern, tape it on and transfer it by tracing with a poking tool. Then you’re ready to carve! If you’re using a pumpkin saw, it's easiest to keep the pumpkin on your lap, holding the saw like a pencil and using a steady up-and-down motion. Saw at a 90-degree angle with gentle pressure.

Preservation

To extend the life of your jack-o’-lantern, spritz it with water and keep it in the refrigerator while it’s not on display. Spread some petroleum jelly on the cut edges to keep them from drying out. If your pumpkin starts to shrivel, submerge it in cold water for a couple of hours. It should come back to life. Just make sure to dry it well on the inside to avoid mold. You can also ward off mold and insects by spraying or soaking the pumpkin with a water-and-bleach solution.

Display

If you are using a candle, cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin toward the back to act as a chimney for smoke and heat. A candle will be more secure if you drill a hole for it. You can also use battery-operated LEDs, Christmas lights or even a nightlight to illuminate your pumpkin. If you carve a design in the back of your jack-o’-lantern, you'll produce a shadowy effect on the wall behind it, making it extra spooky!

However you choose to carve your jack o' lantern, use your creativity and have fun.

Beyond the jack-o’-lantern

For more simple and spooky outdoor decor ideas, check out these fun Halloween hacks.

Related:

• 52 Unexpected and Amazing Ways to Decorate Pumpkins
• 13 Easy DIY No-Carve Pumpkins
• Budget Decor: 10 Ways to Dress Up Your House for Fall

Originally published October 2014.

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How to Plan an Outdoor Movie Night

In the height of summer, your backyard or porch is headquarters for family time and date night alike. Combine both, and cue up a movie on your DIY movie screen for a staycation highlight.

A bedsheet or table cloth affixed to a fence or wall plays projection screen, and your at-home projector makes movie magic.

Setting up a snack station with seasoned popcorn and traditional concession stand candies will win over guests of all ages.

Creating a homemade touch is a nice way to personalize the experience. Gather a few common household materials - canvas dropcloth, painters’ tape, fabric-safe paint and a roller - and you can craft a custom blanket that feels expensive but only costs a few dollars. The stripes lend a nautical look that let this throw pull double duty as a beach blanket or picnic spread.

Whether you choose action, comedy or thriller, your backyard movie night is sure to be a hit.

Want more tips from Douglas? Watch more home entertaining and design videos. 

Related:

• Set Up Your Patio for the Best Summer Ever
• 9 Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas for Families
• Throw an Outdoor Dinner Party With a Beachy Vibe

Originally published September 2016.

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Do It Together: 5 Home Projects for You and Your Household Helpers

While the kids are out of school, the adults are doing everything they can to keep their little ones safe and healthy at home - and find creative ways to alleviate the boredom and frustration they may be feeling after weeks away from their school friends or grandparents.

With just a few materials you can order online (or pick up curbside at the home improvement store) and some tools you likely have lying around the house, you can keep those little hands busy while giving your house some TLC.

Here are five DIY projects to improve your home and give your kids a productive outlet for their energy.

Build raised garden beds

It seems like everyone is jumping on the gardening bandwagon and creating "victory" COVID-19 gardens. A garden not only gives you the benefit of fresh herbs, vegetables or flowers, it's also a natural outdoor classroom for your kids - helping them learn measurements, basic botany facts and giving them a boost to their mental and physical well-being. 

Raised garden beds help plants thrive because they're easier to maintain, and they are a fairly easy project for children to assist with. To make a 4×4 raised garden bed, all you need are the following:

• Eight untreated 2x4s that are 4 feet long
• Four untreated 12-inch 4×4 corner posts
• A box of 4-inch wood screws
• A drill 

To construct the rectangular box, attach two 2x4s to each corner post (stacking them vertically). Have your older child hold the boards securely in place as you drill. When you're finished building your structure, kids of all ages can assist you with picking out a sunny spot in the backyard for your raised garden bed and help you pour in the soil and plant your veggies or flowers.

Give your mailbox a makeover

Brighten up your humdrum mailbox and give your heroic postal worker something to smile about when they deliver your mail. This project is best suited for those kids who can comfortably wear a face mask and use a spray paint can responsibly. To give your mailbox a facelift, you'll need the following supplies:

• Medium-grit sandpaper
• Protective masks* 
• Painters tape
• Aluminum primer
• Metal paint spray paint in a vibrant color

Tag team sanding off rust and old paint on your mailbox while wearing protective masks. Then, have your child assist you with placing painters tape over any address numbers or the mail flag to protect them from being painted. Spray primer and allow it to dry before applying the metal spray paint. To customize your mailbox and make it stand out, use stencils to create flowers, letters, or let your mini Van Gogh freehand different designs. 

* If you don’t already have masks on hand, consider waiting on this project until masks and other personal protective equipment are more readily available. Or, if you’re purchasing a new mailbox, you can do this project entirely freehand, no mask required.

Construct a birdhouse

Though birds aren't required to shelter in place, it's nice for them to have a safe spot to land in your backyard - and exciting for the whole family to watch as they come and go. You can either construct a birdhouse using a pre-cut birdhouse kit (available to order online at most home improvement stores) or you can make the cuts yourself on a 2×6 or even a spare fence post. Have older kids help you nail or wood glue it together and have little ones personalize it with paint to give the birds in your backyard a truly unique home to call their own. 

Or, if you want to give your neighborhood squirrels a place to kick back, you can repurpose almost any kind of wood to make an adorable miniature picnic table.

Stencil paint your tile floor

Want to give your tile floor a new look but don't want to invest the money, time or intensive labor it takes to rip up and lay down a new one? While this project requires patience and attention to detail, your children can pitch in and help out to make it go a little faster. Here's what you'll need for this tile stenciling project:

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Painters tape
• Primer
• Semi- or high-gloss latex paint in both a base color and a design color
• A chosen stencil (create your own or look up one that you like online)
• Foam roller

Begin your project with a deep cleaning of your bathroom floors (and cue the complaints from your kids). Once your floors are squeaky clean, tag team a floor sanding with your kids to help the tiles take paint. Then, tape the perimeter of the room, underneath your vanity cabinet and around your toilet. 

Apply primer to the floors and let them dry. Then, paint your base color. Once these coats have dried, you're now ready for your stenciling. Have your kid help you tape the stencil in place and then paint your design color onto the floor. If your older kids have a steady hand, using two stencils will speed the process along and reveal a beautifully designed floor even quicker. This example can help you visualize a finished product.

Restyle your bathroom drawer pulls

You'd be surprised at how much of a design impact changing the drawer pulls on a bathroom vanity can have. This inexpensive DIY project is quick to complete and perfect for little hands who can help you hold the hardware while you handle the screwdriver. 

All you need for this project are new drawer pulls or knobs (have your child assist you with the measurements to see what size you need) and a screwdriver. Remove the old drawer pulls and have your kid at the ready to put all of the old pieces in a single pile and hand you the screws and the new drawer pulls as you need them. 

Feeling more ambitious? Change out the hardware on your kitchen cabinets for an easy upgrade. Or do this project on a small scale and swap out the handles or knobs on an old dresser to give it a new style.

Related:

• 9 Easy-to-Ambitious DIY Projects to Improve Your Home
• How to Grow a Spectacular Container Garden
• Personalize Your Space With a DIY Gallery Wall

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9 Easy-to-Ambitious DIY Projects to Improve Your Home

Like many homeowners, you may have eyed a home improvement project in the past only to come up short on time or inspiration.

Don't feel bad. Nearly half (43%) of all homeowners say their biggest challenge around home improvement decisions is finding DIY time, which also may explain why the same percentage of people say they have unfinished home improvement projects - typically two.

Since many of us are spending much or all of our time at home, now might be a good time to channel some of that cabin fever into a project that could add value to your home or infuse it with new energy. 

Here's a sampling of projects you can tackle alone - or with a pint-sized assistant in need of a play date.  

Beginner projects

New faucets

Attention to detail is key for this project - you don’t want to flood your kitchen because you forgot to turn off the water valve - but no previous plumbing skills are required, and a shiny new faucet can generate a lot of day-to-day pleasure for a little effort. These instructions walk you through the steps to install a kitchen faucet (and the process is just the same for a bathroom sink). 

Light fixtures and switches

Few things can change the atmosphere of a room as quickly as lighting. Swapping out an old fixture for a new one - or an on-off switch for a dimmer - can provide a mood for any occasion.  Here’s an easy guide to change a light fixture. Switches use the same types of wires, so if you can swap a fixture, you can handle a switch.   

Fire pit

This is a great one to tackle with kids. Celebrate the finished product with a s'mores party. Plus, the sales price premium on homes with fire pits is 2.8%, according to a Zillow analysis of thousands of home listings and sales prices.* Build you own backyard fire pit in 7 easy steps.

Smart tech upgrade

There are countless smart home products you can choose from, and some require little more than changing a light bulb or plugging in a device. A few to consider:

Smart doorbell/camera: Installing one is similar to changing out a light switch. The process involves removing your old doorbell and connecting the device to your Wi-Fi.

Smart locks: Do you have a family member who is always losing their house key? Replacing a traditional door lock with a keyless entry you access using a touch pad or smartphone app is an easy solution. 

Smart home hub: Amazon, Google, Apple, Nest, Samsung and others offer smart home hubs, which allow you to interact with compatible devices through a central system. The hub itself is typically "plug and play" and easy to set up. But you may need to do some initial troubleshooting to get all of your devices connected.  

Smart lights: This project is as simple as buying and installing light bulbs. However, the upgrade requires coordination with a smart home system because each one has its own requirements and controls. If you already have a home system, be sure the lights you choose are compatible. If you're thinking of buying a new system, keep in mind that it needs to work harmoniously with the products you already have.

Intermediate projects

Cabinet refresh

Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to involve major renovations. You can create a whole new look by changing out the door and drawer pulls, painting your cabinets or removing cabinet doors to create an open-shelving effect. Or, if you have too much wall space and too few cabinets, you can easily install open shelving from scratch. An added bonus: Homes with open shelving sell for 4.2% more than expected. For cabinet tips and other ideas, here are seven ways to upgrade your kitchen without remodeling.

Barn door

Switching out a traditional swinging door or a closet slider for a barn door that glides on a rail can give your room a striking look, as well as open up space and change the furniture arranging possibilities. And your effort might pay off in other ways: Barn doors are associated with a 5% price premium. You’ll need a few tools, another pair of hands, and these step-by-step instructions which cover all the details of how to build and install your own sliding barn door. 

Advanced projects

Board & batten

You may not be familiar with the term, but you’ve probably seen this classic design feature in a number of homes. Precision is required for this one, and that means you need the right tools, namely a measuring tape, a level and a miter saw. Also patience. But if you can imagine a 3D element atop your drywall, you're ready to go, and this guide will walk you through each step of the process. 

Garden shed

If you have the know-how to build a garden shed, you can find any number of plans and tutorials online to suit your taste. And if you’re not quite up for that challenge, you can still improve the one you've got or buy a garden-variety one and make it your own. Start by imagining whether you need it for storage or extra work or living space, and go from there. Homes with a "she shed" are associated with a 3.6% price premium. Here’s some inspiration to create your own custom garden workspace. 

Heated floors

This is the kind of project you can tackle if you missed out on your real vocation and ended up in a desk job. Labor-intensive and requiring the confidence of an accomplished tradesperson (and some math skills), your success in warming your dwelling from the bottom up will make you a hero or heroine in your own home. This project is ideal if you already planned to replace the flooring in a room and have the opportunity to add a heating element in the process. Learn about the different types of radiant flooring and tips for DIY success. Homes with this feature sell for 4.9% more than expected.

 Whatever you decide to do, measure twice and have fun!

*Home sale data is based on a Zillow analysis of listing language and the sales performance of thousands of homes nationwide in 2018 and 2019. Adding these design features to a home does not guarantee or definitively cause the ultimate sale price to increase as much as observed.

Related:

• Before You DIY: 12 Safety Precautions and Best Practices
• Home Improvement Projects: DIY or Hire a Pro?
• 5 Ways to Refresh Your Space

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7 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors at Home

In this current moment when many of us are staying home, one of the best remedies to help alleviate some of the stress is to head outside and get some fresh air - preferably at least six feet or more away from your neighbor. If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, whether you have a sprawling backyard or a smidgen of a patio, make the most of it with these seven ideas for improving your outdoor area.

Curate an outdoor lounge space

Had to cancel a beach vacation you planned for spring break or summer? Set up an outdoor lounge space on your patio or in the yard to give your outdoor space a tropical feel. You can either scour the internet for lounge chairs, chaise lounges, hammocks and outdoor sectionals, or create your own, like a one-of-a-kind outdoor lounge bed. All you need to complete this project is a platform bed frame, a futon mattress and outdoor fabric to cover it. (If you're not handy with the sewing machine, this would be a simple task for a local upholsterer to tackle.) Plop some outdoor pillows on top for added comfort and style. 

To complete your lounge, add in some side tables, a few candles and maybe a glass of wine to create that all-inclusive atmosphere.

DIY outdoor movie theater

The movie theaters may be off limits for now, but that doesn't mean you can't re-create the experience in your own private outdoor space. Though you've likely seen elaborate backyard movie theater setups, it doesn't have to be complicated: All you need is a white sheet that can be tautly mounted on a flat surface (a shed or siding on your apartment patio will do just fine), a projector and your phone to play movies, TV shows or whatever else you're binging these days. 

Don't have access to a projector? It's surprisingly simple to make one out of a shoe box, some cardboard and a magnifying glass. Round up your favorite patio chairs or arrange your outdoor cushions, make some popcorn and enjoy your movie with the background noise of the crickets chirping.

Create an outdoor bar

It may be a long while before you can go back to your favorite dive bar or swanky cocktail lounge, so why not create your own for your outdoor space? You can, of course, buy a bar online, or you can repurpose an old table or desk - or even get crafty with some cinder blocks, concrete glue and a few 1 x 6 boards to create your very own. Gather your Bluetooth speaker, your favorite cocktail ingredients and a few glasses to get the ambiance of your favorite bar right at home.

Beautify a barn or shed

A barn or a shed is a utilitarian structure, but that doesn't mean it has to be an eyesore. Spruce it up by painting it a bold color, attaching some shutters, adding some flower boxes, installing a stone path or even stringing up some lights to zhuzh up that forgotten space in the backyard. 

DIY fire pit

Just because many of the state parks or campsites are closed doesn't mean you have to miss out on everyone's favorite camping activity: the campfire. You can easily create a DIY fire pit for your backyard in seven steps, which only requires a few supplies you can pick up curbside at your local home improvement store. Not a big DIYer? You can always buy a prefab fire bowl that's just as effective at creating that warm, cozy campfire glow.

Make an al fresco dining destination

We're all getting a little tired of eating in our kitchens (or, maybe in front of our televisions) night after night. Mix it up a little by making an al fresco dining destination in your backyard or patio. In addition to an outdoor dining table and chairs, lay down an outdoor rug and string up a strand of lights or craft yourself an outdoor chandelier to transform your evening meals. 

Create a meditation zone

Missing your yoga studio? You can still do a restorative practice and a shavasana at home - and make it even better by creating a meditation zone in your backyard. Plant a garden with calming scents like lavender or jasmine, create a stepping stone path to your meditation spot or even build yourself a standing tent or cabana with curtains that blow in the warm, calming breeze. 

 

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Looking for a New Place? Use This Time to Create Your Wishlist

Now that many of us have spent several weeks living inside, we've become quite familiar with our homes - in some cases, maybe too familiar. If you were planning to move before COVID-19, and still plan to do so when the timing is right, you might want to take this time to reflect on what's working and what's not in your current home. For instance, those stairs you've climbed 10 times a day may have kept you moving while you've stayed home, but maybe you'd like stair-free living in your next home. Or perhaps the yard you thought you could do without has now become a must-have.

We've come up with a list of questions to help you pinpoint what you like and don't like about your current home so you can find more comfort and pleasure in your next one.

What's working for you - and what's not?

• On a scale of 1-10, how do you like your current home?
• What's your home's best quality? 
• And its worst quality?
• Do you like the style of your home? If not, is there an architectural style or era you prefer?
• What's your favorite room, and what makes spending time there pleasurable?

Space and flow: How do you feel when you're at home?

• Do you have enough space or too much? Where could you use more/less space?
• How would you describe the layout - an open floor plan or more compartmentalized? Does it suit your lifestyle?
• Do you have enough or too many bedrooms? Bathrooms?
• Do you like the number of levels (single or multistory)? 
• Are you happy with the windows (enough natural light, well-placed, too sunny)? 
• Do you like the fixtures and finishes?
• Is there a specialized room you've never had but have always wanted (such as a home office, workout room, sewing room, laundry room or mudroom)? 

What's outside - and how does it affect your experience of home?

• If you have an outdoor space, do you enjoy spending time there?
• If you don't have one, do you feel like you're missing out?  
• Do you enjoy taking care of a yard… or feel burdened by it (be honest!)? 
• Does your home have curb appeal? If not, what needs to be improved?
• Do you have adequate parking? Is a garage or carport a must-have?
• How much time and effort does the exterior require for upkeep (painting, staining, etc.)?

Your neighborhood: Community connections can make life all the sweeter

• Are you happy with your neighborhood? Think about all its characteristics, including walkability, parks, nearby activities, density, noise level and neighbor involvement.
• Do you have to travel far for basics such as groceries or a doctor's appointment?
• Are you happy with your commute?
• Are there enough activities going on around you - or too many?

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5 Ways to Make Your Home Office Work (Even if It's Your Kitchen)

With social distancing mandates in effect across much of the country, many people working in industries deemed "non-essential" are doing their work from home. And while the constant stream of COVID-19 news, in addition to caretaking or homeschooling responsibilities, can make it hard to stay focused on work, modifying your space can help. An organized and visually appealing work area can help you feel more productive - and more relaxed. 

Here are five tips for elevating your home workspace.  

Commit to your space

For those of us who don't have a home office - which is a lot of people - work-from-home routines can easily get derailed. Designating an area for work, even if that place is the bill-paying area in your kitchen, is a way to stay in your routine and get yourself in the work mindset. Whatever spot you choose, just make sure it feels like a dedicated and functional work area. That means adequate lighting, a comfortable chair - the right height for typing without strain - a seamless tech setup that allows you to take and make video calls without having to fiddle with plugs or wires, and an overall lack of clutter on your desk and the surrounding area.

Declutter

This seems obvious, but let's level with ourselves. When do we really get around to cleaning our desks? Well, now's the time. Toss anything that needs to be thrown out, pair like items with like, contain those stray pens in one nice decorative cup, and make sure you have all your workday essentials close at hand and non-essential items moved elsewhere. 

Curate an inspiration board

Now that you've set the stage, it's time to look ahead. And that wall you're looking at beyond your laptop should inspire you. This is as good a time as ever to put together an inspiration board and fill it with what makes you happy, from images of your favorite people and pets, to pics of your goals (like that fabulous vacation you are going to take once we've all gotten through this tough time!). And yes, you can put your to-dos and important reminders up there too - but keep the focus on the positive and uplifting, and keep it right in your line of sight.

Do a background check

If video calls are part of your new day-to-day, think about what your colleagues are seeing behind you - like that pile of laundry or those mostly empty wine glasses. Keep things clean and uncluttered. And if you have the space, show off your style. Some good background options might be your favorite art piece, interesting souvenirs or a not-overly-stuffed bookcase. Lastly, remember lighting: Your space should be adequately lit, or it'll look like you're dialing in from a submarine.

Set the mood

Never got your dream office? This is your moment. We bet scented candles aren't allowed in your regular workspace, but you get to make the rules at home. Aromatherapy diffusers are another option if you're worried about curious kids or pets. And now your playlist can softly waft overhead rather than through earphones. Similarly, set out some healthy snacks to avoid refrigerator trips, and nosh away. It's OK for your home office to feel like your home, and especially now, it's important to take time to indulge yourself with some creature comforts that feed your soul and make you feel calm and inspired.

Related:

• Setting Up a Home Office That Works for You
• Creating a Home(work) Station That Gets Top Marks
• Before & After: Cluttered Office Goes Chic

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Selling? Increase Your Home's "Screen Appeal"

If you were counting on crowded open houses (or any open houses, for that matter) to sell your home, you've probably been rethinking your strategy. Nearly the entire country is following public health orders to stay at home through April or May, traditionally the prime selling season. As a result, online for-sale listings have taken on more importance than ever, and it all starts with increasing your home's screen appeal.  

Stage your space

The first step in staging your home is aggressive decluttering. Put away all the kids' and pets' toys, store or recycle loose magazines and box up your picture frames and mementos for now. You don't want to erase all the personality from your home, but you do want it to feel neutral so potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. Plus, the less random stuff on display, the more spacious your rooms will look. 

Next, consider the layout. You may love how your rooms are arranged, but your furniture placement might not maximize space on screen. Take some test photos to see if the current layout photographs well. If you're planning on creating a recorded or live video tour, do a video chat walkthrough with a friend and see if you have a clear path between furniture pieces. You definitely want to avoid tripping over an ottoman while doing a live tour.

Finally, clean and dust every surface in sight, and replace all the lightbulbs so that rooms are as bright as they can be - even the most beautiful spaces won't read well on camera if they're too dark.

Consider virtual staging

If your current home is empty, you have a few options: 

• You can leave it empty. (But staged homes tend to sell faster.) 
• You can purchase furniture, if you're able to have it safely delivered to your home. You just need a few key pieces to show the scale of a room - a couch, coffee table and rug establish a living room's size, for instance. You can always resell or donate the pieces to charity later if you don't want to keep them. 
• You could try virtual staging, which digitally adds furnishings to your space. It's come a long way and can make a home look very attractive. There are many online services as well as DIY apps to choose from. 

Your home looks great - now share it

There are a few ways of showcasing your home online to generate more interest, even when having an agent or professional photographer doing the legwork is not an option or involves creative solutions.

For still photographs, see our comprehensive photography guide for home sellers. 

For guidance on creating recorded or live video walkthroughs, check out these tips. 

And finally, consider trying out the free Zillow 3D Home® app, an easy way to create a virtual tour on an iPhone and post it to Zillow, Trulia your social accounts and beyond.

Related:

• Tips for Staging an Empty House
• DIY Home Staging: How to Stage a Living Room
• 5 Myths (and 5 Truths) About Selling Your Home

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Does Your Home Make You Happy?

With the majority of Americans following stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of coronavirus, our homes are now working overtime to fulfill the roles of offices, classrooms, gyms and community centers - and it's easy to feel dispirited after occupying the same space day in, day out. But all hope is not lost: There are simple and inexpensive ways to transform your home into a fresh and inspiring environment. 

Give your home some TLC with these seven tips from interior decorators, feng shui experts and design enthusiasts. 

Break it up

If you're working at home, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting responsibilities. To help stay on track, designate different areas for specific activities. "It's important to 'compartmentalize' your living space," says Harry Heissmann, an interior designer based in Brooklyn, NY. Now working remotely from his apartment with his partner and their pup, Heissmann has assigned specific areas for fitness, work and leisure: "We dug out a yoga mat from under the bed and dedicated an area to working out. The desk in the living room was cleaned and organized and serves as a 'command station' for going online and making phone calls. The bedroom doubles as another workspace and is perfect for napping or watching movies in bed." If you live in a studio, you can simulate separate "rooms" by splitting up the space with curtains, bookshelves or other furniture. 

Experiment with color

Painting the walls is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to immediately invigorate any home. For a classic look that will hold up against almost any decor, opt for cool neutrals; if you prefer something more dramatic, consider adding a pop of color to a feature wall. Reiko Gomez, a feng shui expert and interior designer in the Hamptons, NY, recommends greens and blues: "They are most associated with health, calm and well being." If you're not ready to commit to paint, Gomez suggests using accessories like throw pillows, an area rug, curtains or artwork to bring color into your space. 

Streamline and declutter

With millions of us now living and working alongside family members, significant others and roommates, our homes may suddenly seem more cramped than ever before. According to Gomez, there's no better way to create spatial harmony than decluttering: "It works a powerful magic in that it gets your entire space up to speed with you." She recommends starting small with a contained space like a bathroom, which "will give you a quick feeling of accomplishment and encourage you to do the next space." The benefits of a tidy space extend beyond aesthetics - research has found that clearing clutter can lower stress levels. 

Do a digital detox

The digital detox movement is not new, but it's worth revisiting in this climate of constant COVID-19 news and social media chatter. Though it's important to stay informed about the health crisis, it's easy to slip from a healthy level of engagement to compulsive checking. To reduce screen dependence, set up manageable boundaries based on time or place. For example, designate dinnertime as phone-free, or remove mobile tech devices from your bedroom for a daily reset.  

Invigorate with scents

Scent is a powerful vehicle for uplifting your mood. According to Mindy Yang, the owner of Perfumarie, a fragrance lab in SoHo, NY, "Every room should have a different scent track to score your moment." Yang uses woody scents like cedar, palo santo, oud, copal and frankincense to feel grounded; rosemary for invigoration; and incense to focus and meditate. There are many ways to suffuse a room with scent - candles, oil diffusers, air mists and fresh flowers, to name a few. For a more subtle effect, crack open a window to balance out your chosen fragrance with fresh air. 

Greenify and purify

While you're staying put, there's no better time to bring the outside world in. Summer Rayne Oakes, host of Plant One On Me, says, "If there's one thing that makes a space feel livable, it’s some elements of green." Not only do plants bring light and color, they also add oxygen to your home - something that many of us could use more of as we hunker down indoors. Consider the level of care you want to give: "Some folks may find something less fussy to be easier to deal with, whereas others may want a more 'high-maintenance' plant that requires attention every day." Whichever plant you choose, she says that the ritual of maintaining it can be deeply healing. To find a plant shop near you that's delivering during coronavirus closures, you can visit Oakes's database, Plant One Forward. 

Lighten up

Natural light is the top office perk, according to a study of workplace benefits published in the Harvard Business Review. If your home is now your office, you have more control than ever over the light conditions of your workday. To maximize your exposure to natural light, position your desk near a window and keep drapes and shades open during the daytime. If you don't have much natural light coming in, Heissmann recommends affixing aluminum mini-blinds to your windows: "You can direct or cut out light (and inquisitive neighbors across the street) as needed, and when the sun hits them just right, you can use them to throw light into the room without getting blinded." He also recommends adding reflective surfaces - like a mirror, lacquered table, or chrome lamp - to enhance the light in dark rooms.

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5 Tips for Moving During COVID-19

Amid travel bans, widespread stay-at-home orders and social-distancing mandates, millions of Americans are learning to adapt to the changes brought about by COVID-19. Countless events have been rescheduled or cancelled, but for a few people - including those who already made plans to move this spring - staying put is simply not an option. 

If you are about to move, you can still pull it off with a little extra planning and a few precautionary steps.

Here are some tips for making your move as safe, seamless and stress-free as possible. 

DIY if possible

Even though most states have designated moving services as "essential" and therefore still able to operate, many smaller companies have reduced hours or have paused business altogether. If you can, try to manage the move on your own.

If you need help, do your homework on the companies operating in your area. Call to ask about sanitation procedures, whether the movers have necessary supplies (like masks, gloves and booties), and confirm there is a reasonable cancellation policy in the event that you need to change your plans.  

Minimize contact

If you're working with a moving company, ask for a virtual quote and see if the company offers fully contactless service. 

Forgo handshakes, for obvious reasons. A smile and a generous tip (sent through Venmo, PayPal or another contactless digital platform) are a welcome substitute. 

Take extra sanitary precautions

• Wear masks, gloves and booties. If you're hiring a moving company, they’ll likely bring similar supplies for their workers, but consider having additional hygiene products available.
• Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, paying particular attention to door knobs and handles.
• Place soap and paper towels next to sinks and hand sanitizer by doors.
• Buy new boxes: The coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so this might not be the time to pick up used moving supplies from stores that are recycling them. You can also use boxes that you already have in your home. 

Be transparent and flexible

In advance of your move, reach out to your neighbors - especially if you live in an apartment building - and share the date and time you plan to move. This gives everyone in your direct vicinity an opportunity to avoid unnecessary contact and let you know if your timing is a problem.

If you or any family members are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, postpone your moving plans. Though rescheduling is a pain, the health and safety of your community comes first. 

Help those in need and lighten your load

Even in the best of circumstances, nearly 40 million Americans are unable to afford groceries. As COVID-19 forces school closures, soup kitchen shutdowns and a surge of layoffs, the need for anti-hunger provisions is greater than ever. Donate your shelf-stable items to a local food bank or to Move for Hunger, a national organization that works with professional moving companies and their customers to feed those in need.

Moving is hard work no matter what, and it’s especially challenging right now. But by taking extra precautions, you can - and will - get past this hurdle.  

Additional resources:

• While planning your move, continue to monitor the health and safety guidelines set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• For tips on infection prevention, visit Ready.gov.
• For the latest updates from the White House, consult Coronavirus.gov. 
• If you need to list your home or are on the lookout for a new one, use Zillow's 3D Home app to produce or view immersive virtual tours. 

See below for a roundup of popular moving companies that are continuing service during coronavirus. The list is not exhaustive or provided as a recommendation of their services, and we encourage you to check the company websites for up-to-date information. 

• Arpin 
• Atlas Van Lines
• Bekins
• Graebel
• Mayflower
• North American Moving Services
• Stevens Worldwide
• United Van Lines
• U-Pack
• Wheaton Worldwide Moving

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Spring Cleaning 101: Make It Fast, Easy and Effective

Spring is the perfect time to open up the windows in your house and clean every surface inch, but there’s no reason to spend more time on this task than necessary.

Use these tips to quickly get your home spic and span.

Have a plan

When it comes to spring cleaning, the best approach is an organized approach. "I recommend having a plan, which includes an outline of the areas you plan to clean, a schedule with time slotted to do that work (for you and any family members), as well as a list of products, tools and even cleaning techniques or tips pertaining to those areas," says Melissa Maker, blogger and host of the popular YouTube show "Clean My Space."

Choose the right supplies

When you’re making your spring cleaning plan, take inventory of what supplies you need to gather to begin cleaning. Once you figure out what you need, be sure to choose the most effective and powerful cleaning supplies so that the product is doing most of the work - not you.

Clean room by room

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you are going from room to room to complete various tasks. Choose to target one room at a time so you can see the results of your productivity quickly and not get discouraged.

Work smarter, not harder

Don't scrub any more than necessary. Simple steps like soaking pots and pans before you scrub them, waiting for cleaning products to sit before you wipe down surfaces, and using the self-cleaning setting on your oven can save you tons of time.

Clean your cleaning supplies

Did you know your cleaning supplies, such as sponges or microfiber cloths, are most likely the dirtiest items in your home? It goes without saying that you can't effectively clean your home with dirty supplies. So be sure to disinfect sponges or other cleaning supplies in a mixture of one part bleach and nine parts water for 30 seconds.

Don't forget the …

There are several items in our homes that we often forget to clean on a regular basis. Among forgotten items, Maker recommends cleaning behind the oven, bathroom exhaust fans, refrigerator coils and window coverings.

Focus on the MIAs

Spring cleaning can be a huge undertaking (especially depending on the size of your home), so Maker suggests focusing on the MIAs, or the Most Important Areas. When deciding which area to choose, think about the most visible ones, like the living room or home office.

Get rid of the clutter

You can never truly have a clean and tidy home if you are buried in your own stuff. When cleaning out your things, remember the 80/20 rule: Only 20 percent of the items we own are truly important - so 80 percent of our belongings are just getting in the way.

Figure out ways to be more efficient in the future

While you are cleaning and organizing your home, take note of all the clutter that you most often find. For example, if you are finding that most of your clutter is paper, figure out the best ways to go paperless throughout the year.

Related:

• Spring Cleaning: 5 Can’t-Miss Spots
• Winning the War on Pet Hair
• 3 Extra-Credit Spring Cleaning Tasks

Originally published March 24, 2016.

 

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5 Ways to Refresh Your Space

With springtime comes a sense of renewal, and a desire to clean, organize and refresh - especially if you’re spending a lot of time at home. Get your creative gears turning, and whip your space into shape. You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook.

1. Embrace natural light

Create the feel of windows with large mirrors. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

With warmer days comes more sun, so open those blinds and bask in the natural light. Instead of flipping on your lights in the morning, pull back the curtains and let sunshine light the way. The simple act of opening your windows can help lift your mood, and you’ll save a little on your electric bill too.

Don’t have many windows? Fake it by using large mirrors to reflect light and brighten up your room. Bonus: mirrors also give the illusion of a bigger space, making your home feel brighter, larger and clearer.

2. Give your furniture a clean slate

All-white furniture creates a spring vibe in a living room. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

Spring is the perfect time to break out all of your lighter and cooler clothes - and this also goes for furniture. A white, beige or light gray couch is the perfect nesting spot.

Light neutral chairs set the tone, reflect light and keep you from getting too warm. If desired, you can keep these pieces out year-round to invoke springtime memories and stave off wintertime blues when skies are gray. If you don’t want to commit to white furniture, invest in slipcovers that you can use seasonally and remove once colder temperatures return.

3. Let nature be your guide

Wickers and wovens are materials that work through spring and well into summer. Photo via Laurel & Wolf.

Incorporate lightweight natural materials into your decor - think wicker, woven baskets, light wood grain and cotton curtains. Keep it airy and light, leaning on nature to inspire you.

Switch out heavy blankets for summery throws, and pack away heavy, dark decor items in favor of woven baskets paired with colorful or nature-inspired accessories. By adding earthy materials to your home, you invoke nature inside and out for a fresh and renewed feel.

4. Pack some punch with pops of color

Spring is the perfect time to ditch all those moody blacks and grays of winter, and trade them in for something a bit cheerier. Oranges, pinks, yellows, purples, blues and greens are all colors that recall spring and sunshine. Pick your favorite hue from the rainbow and run with it. Try a few peachy throw pillows, springy green candles or periwinkle decorative bowls.

Step out of your comfort zone and try a bold statement, or keep it cool with subtle hints of something you know you love. You’ll be surprised how much your mood lifts when you’re surrounded by a sea of pretty shades.

5. Go green and breathe deep

Adding potted plants, bouquets of flowers and herb gardens to your home is a great way to bring the outdoors in. Not only do they provide beautiful focal points and improve your mood, they also give off little hits of oxygen - so breathe deep.

Hit up your local farmer’s market for pretty blooms on the cheap, or grow herbs in windowsill pots. And for all those black thumbs out there, faux plants will still give off a fresh green look, but without all the hassle and maintenance.

Whether you’re looking to freshen up a couple of rooms in your house or overhaul your whole space, there are easy steps you can take to get your home spring-ready. Give yourself a new outlook and a fresh perspective by taking the time to rejuvenate your space and your mindset.

From mixing up colors to looking to nature for inspiration, you can completely transform your home into a sunny, light and airy space.

Related:

• Spring Cleaning 101: Make It Fast, Easy and Effective
• 3 Low-Key Color Palettes for a Sophisticated Home
• 4 Versatile Houseplants for Every Home

Originally published March 2016

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10 Spring Cleaning Projects to Tackle This Weekend

Spring cleaning is all about getting our homes ready for a new season of sunshine, warmth and time outdoors - and indoors, too - especially if that’s where you’re spending a lot of time right now. Get ready to wipe off the grime, clear out the cobwebs and refresh your living spaces.

Add these project to your spring-cleaning checklist, and you’ll be rewarded with a home that feels brighter, cleaner and more functional.

Best of all, you can knock out most of these jobs in a weekend.

Wash windows, inside and out

Some say clean windows make your whole home look better, and we think it’s true.

For a DIY cleaning job that yields professional results, use a solution of water, ammonia and white vinegar. Apply the solution to your windows with a large sponge, and remove it with a professional-grade squeegee.

Clean refrigerator and air conditioner coils

These appliances create a cooling effect by circulating air through the coils. Over time, dust builds up on the coils and decreases their efficiency, making your refrigerator or air conditioner work a lot harder.

Unplug the appliance, then vacuum out the coils with your vacuum’s crevice tool. You can also use a special refrigerator-coil cleaning brush, available at most hardware stores.

Check ceiling fans

Clean your ceiling-fan blades to remove winter dust build up.

And if you reversed your ceiling fan’s direction to clockwise for the winter, turn it back to counterclockwise for the warmer months. This sends the air straight down, creating a cooling effect.

Clean dryer vent

Cleaning a dryer vent is easier than you might imagine. First, unplug the dryer from the power source. Next, clean out the vent with a special dryer-vent cleaning brush or a vacuum.

Deep-clean carpets

Even if you vacuum regularly, a thorough carpet cleaning once a year will reach deep down into the fibers to clean out debris, dust, and food particles.

If you don’t own a carpet cleaner, you may be able to rent one from a home improvement store or even your local grocery chain store.

Inspect roof, gutters and chimneys

Spring is the perfect time to check your roof for damage that may have occurred over the winter. If you can't use a ladder to get up on the roof, try inspecting it with binoculars.

Check decks and patios

If the finish on your wooden deck still looks good, that’s great! You might just need to clean the deck to get it ready for summer.

If the finish appears to be worn, then you’ll want to consider both cleaning and resealing the deck. For decks made of composite material, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and preserving the deck.

Prep lawn equipment

Get those lawn mowers, weed whackersnand pressure washers out of storage, turn them on, and make sure they are running properly. Sometimes a little lubricant or cleaning is all you need to get your tools back in shape.

Clean outside furniture

Use Murphy Oil Soap for wood furniture. For most other types of outdoor furniture, a solution of dishwashing liquid and water should do the trick.

Freshen up your front entrance

Sweep and/or wash the front porch and steps. Shake out your welcome mat, or replace it if it’s starting to fray or fall apart. Add a pot or two of brightly colored annuals, and your home will feel renewed!

Related:

• 10 Spring Cleaning Tips & Tricks
• Spring Cleaning: 5 Can’t-Miss Spots
• Your 4-Step Kitchen Deep-Clean

Originally published April 2017

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'Where Should I Keep My ...?': Solving the Ultimate Small Space Dilemmas

When you’re in a small space - especially if you’re sharing it with others, and you’re spending a lot more time there than you ever have before - you’ve probably come to realize that square footage is something to be savored, not squandered. If things are feeling a little crowded, this may be a good time to assess your organization methods.

Whatever your hobby or collection, there’s an organizational hack to help you store it. Here are some clever storage tricks for six of the toughest, bulkiest space-takers you may own.

Offseason wardrobe

Tuck those bulky winter sweaters (or shorts and flip-flops) in plastic bins under your bed. If your bed's too close to the ground, lift it up with sturdy wood blocks. Even a few extra inches create enough space for a sizable storage container.

If elevating the bed isn’t an option, maximize your closet space with a few sets of cascading hangers. Put blouses on one set and T-shirts on another, and you’ll most likely double your closet space.

Extra linens

Extra pillows, comforters, and bedsheets are great for guests, but not so great for your small space. Try vacuum storage bags - stack your items inside, and use your vacuum cleaner to remove the air. Your items will shrink significantly so you can store them under your bed or on a shelf.

Shoe collection

A burgeoning shoe collection can take on a life of its own if not properly corralled. Take it back to dorm-room days with an over-the-door shoe organizer. These college favorites are popular for a reason - they store a dozen pairs of shoes or more, plus scarves, baseball caps, belts and chunky necklaces.

Bikes

Bikes can be one of the most difficult belongings to stash, especially if you don't have a deck, garage or basement. Try installing a strong hook in the wall, and hang your bike by the front tire. Pro: It’s a great way to get the bike off the floor. Con: It still protrudes into the room.

For a less invasive option, hang your bike flush against the wall - like you're hanging a piece of art. The hardware can be as simple as two wooden dowels that support the bike's horizontal bar. (Just make sure you anchor the supports in the wall’s studs so they can hold the weight.)

Exercise equipment

An inflatable exercise ball is a great workout aid - and a real space suck. You could always deflate it, but the hassle probably isn’t worth it. So, why not get creative and make it a usable piece of furniture?

Repurpose medium or large exercise balls as dining room chairs, and store them under the dining table when you’re done.

No room for a dining table? The bike trick applies here, too. Install a couple of dowels high up on the wall, and set the ball there until you’re ready for a crunch session.

Decorations and keepsakes

Have a collection of things you just can't get rid of? Maybe old photo albums, holiday decorations or crafting supplies? Strategically placed shelves are your storage lifesaver when seeking space for infrequently used items.

There's often a wealth of unused space above and behind your hung clothing in bedroom and hallway closets. While shelves in these locations may require a footstool or flashlight to access, it won't matter if you only need the items a few times a year.

Top photo from Zillow listing.

Related:

• Creative Ways to Add Color to Your Rental
• Your Lease Is Up? Here Are 3 Good Reasons to Renew
• 4 Tips for Making Any Room Seem Larger

Originally published August 2017

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7 Simple Ways to Keep Your Kids' Toys From Taking Over Your Home

If having your family at home all day, every day has made your space feel chaotic, and your days and nights seem to run together, regain a sense of order with these simple tips.

1. Reduce the clutter

It doesn't matter how organized you are - a surplus of toys will always ensure your house is a mess waiting to happen. Fortunately, getting kids on board with the idea of ditching their stuff is a lot easier than it sounds.

The trick is to make it an opportunity for them to define themselves and their interests. Encourage kids to make a pile of "baby toys" to donate, and have them set aside any toys that no longer interest them, such as action figures from a forgotten TV show. Separating these toys will help them appreciate how much they've grown and rediscover the toys they love.

2. Choose toys wisely

Since you'll probably be stuck with them for a while, it pays to be picky when it comes to buying toys. To make toys more meaningful to your child, only buy them for holidays, special occasions and rewards - don't shy away from asking relatives to do the same.

Avoid toys that are poorly made (cheap), not age-appropriate, unnecessarily large, pointless or anything tied to a movie - unless it's that one you've been playing on repeat every day. The best toys are versatile, encourage creativity and can easily be expanded upon, such as Legos, wooden train tracks and dollhouse sets.

3. Leave some toys out of reach

If you're constantly finding play dough and puzzle pieces in the sofa cushions, it's time to put them on the top shelf of the closet. Designating these messy toys as "family toys" will give you more quality time with your child instead of scrubbing pen marks off the curtains.

Also, try to set aside a tote of toys, games and puzzles for rainy days. This ensures you'll always have a trick up your sleeve for sick days or when a boring relative visits.

4. Set boundaries

If toys are already sprawled out over every available surface of your house, don't worry! You can quickly reclaim order in your household by setting a few ground rules, such as "no toys in the kitchen" or setting limits on the number of toys allowed out overnight.

While that might seem a bit draconian, children are generally happier when they're given clear expectations and few surprises. That's why it's important to follow through and pick up every night, no matter how exhausted you feel at the time.

5. Give kids ownership

Picking up toys doesn't have to be boring. Babies, toddlers and big kids alike can have fun organizing and picking up, just as long as it's not a negative experience. This means you should provide enough time for enjoyment without resorting to counting "1, 2, 3" or shouting empty threats.

A great thing about setting aside extra time for picking up is that you and your child can do fun things like scoop up blocks with a blanket or deliver toys across the house via tricycle. If you make it fun enough, your kid will eventually pick up without even being asked.

6. Give every toy a home

Without a simple organizational system, picking up can be a major headache. Don't throw everything into one big toy box; there's a better way.

Buy a series of matching plastic bins and line them up along the wall where your child can easily put away and retrieve toys on his own. Designate one box for Legos, one for stuffed animals, one for train tracks … you get the idea.

Use stacking plastic boxes for smaller toys like matchbox cars and dolls. Organize them further by storing puzzle pieces, doll clothes and other annoyances in Ziploc bags.

7. Hit the books

It's not your imagination. That pile of storybooks by the couch really is getting taller, and if you wait much longer, it will likely turn into a giant heap.

Worse yet, your kid uses those books to stall and push back bedtime a little later with each passing night. That's why it's important to either keep the books in your child's room, or keep a small selection of favorites in a basket for easy retrieval.

Related:

• 5 Organizing Secrets Only the Pros Know
• Declutter Your Way to a More Organized, Intentional Home
• 10 Tips for Organizing an Irresistible Yard Sale

Originally published December 2017

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