Christmas is fast approaching, so I'd like to share some of my favorite tips for enjoying a less stressful holiday season.
1. Write down what each present is on the gift tag as you open it. Save the tags in a sandwich bag until thank you note writing time.
2. Host a swap party: invite friends to bring their unwanted items, such as bath sets, clothing and toys, set up areas indoors like you would for a garage sale, and "shop" from each other's discards. At a recent swap, new owners went home with candles, Barbies, a dress, a slow cooker, loaf pans, scrapbooking tools and recent magazines, among other items. Some were brand new and can be given as gifts!
3. Share rarely used spices and such with neighbors. Compare what each of you has before buying pricey items that will lose their flavor before being used up. Then, divide the shopping list.
4. Compare shipping rates at http://www.shipgooder.com/ to find out which service is cheapest for your destination. Or, let online merchants ship your purchase directly to the recipient.
Check back soon for more tips!
Your home staging checklist:
Are all countertops clean and clear?
Have you removed unnecessary furniture throughout the house?
Is the refrigerator free of children's art and magnets? Check the bathrooms
Are the surfaces clean and clear?
Are shower curtains clean and hung properly?
Is the flooring clean and fresh?
Are towels neatly hung? Check the walls
Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean?
Are the walls free from cracks and holes?
Is there anything on the walls that need to be removed? Check the floors
Is the carpet clean and free from stains?
Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains? Check the windows
Are all the windows clean?
Are draperies and blinds clean? Pet check
Remove any signs that this is a pet's home. Check the aroma
Air out the home prior to showings. Set the mood prior to showings
Open draperies and blinds.
Turn on the radio to a soft music station, set the volume low.
If you have time, bake a batch of cookies or muffins to create a warm, welcoming aroma.
Have you removed unnecessary furniture throughout the house?
Is the refrigerator free of children's art and magnets? Check the bathrooms
Are the surfaces clean and clear?
Are shower curtains clean and hung properly?
Is the flooring clean and fresh?
Are towels neatly hung? Check the walls
Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean?
Are the walls free from cracks and holes?
Is there anything on the walls that need to be removed? Check the floors
Is the carpet clean and free from stains?
Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains? Check the windows
Are all the windows clean?
Are draperies and blinds clean? Pet check
Remove any signs that this is a pet's home. Check the aroma
Air out the home prior to showings. Set the mood prior to showings
Open draperies and blinds.
Turn on the radio to a soft music station, set the volume low.
If you have time, bake a batch of cookies or muffins to create a warm, welcoming aroma.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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