Blog Category Archives: House and Home

Before you make an offer, you should figure out a budget. Don’t just consider your monthly mortgage payment. As a homeowner, you have to think about property taxes, utilities, maintenance, furnishings and unforeseen expenses. Now, it’s time to do some hiring! You’ll want to hire a realtor (ask your friends and family for referrals), and also hire a real estate lawyer to assist with any legal questions that might come up.

After your offer is accepted, hire a home inspector – your realtor will likely be able to recommend one they have experience with. Make sure to complete any conditions included with your offer, like conditional financing or a home inspection. If there are any problems with the conditions (i.e. a roofing issue) you will need to discuss your options with your realtor. If all the conditions are satisfied, you will have to sign documents stating that each of the conditions are either waived or fulfilled. The offer will then become firm.

To start planning your move, there are some things you need to do. Make sure to obtain home insurance, set aside funds for closing costs, and notify your current utility companies and contact new ones if required. Lastly, you’ll want to start packing!

Although this might sound like a lot of information, there’s no need to be stressed! Making a list of things to do can help you organize yourself and make sure you don't miss anything. Your realtor will be there to help you along the way!

There is a lot to remember when you’re packing up and moving. Here are some great tips to ensure an easy move for you and your family:

Get organized early
Create a packing schedule well in advance and follow it. Know when you need to starting packing and follow your schedule as closely as possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're collecting boxes or renting them, make sure they are organized and ready to go for when you start packing. If renting a truck, be sure to do this in advance to make sure you get the truck and service you need for your move.

Purge and donate
Getting rid of unwanted or unused items as you pack is a great way to go through everything you own and donate what you no longer need. If you don't love it or don't see a need for it, get rid of it. As you’re going through your stuff decide if it's being packed, donated or thrown out. Do this with a partner or a friend a quicker and more efficient process. As you pack your kitchen, donate non-perishables. Older jars of food you aren't eating will only add more weight and clutter as you pack. To make it even easier on yourself, call local non-profits to pick up bags of gently used clothing, house wares and furniture.

Packing the right way
It is easy to feel overwhelmed when packing. We often have a lot more stuff than we thought we did. Make sure to take the time to pack the right way to ensure your items are protected and to allow for an easy unpack as well. Organize your packing by room. Label boxes so you know exactly where they came from and where they need to go in your new place. Protect your memories and valuables. Wrap breakables such as dishware, frames, and cherished trinkets in paper or bubble wrap. The last room you’ll want to pack up is the kitchen as these items are the ones you will likely need the most leading up to the week you move.

Choose a reliable moving company
When hiring a moving company make sure to check their credentials. To protect yourself and your items you’ll want to make sure they are licensed and insured. Book well in advance to make sure you get the truck and service that you need. If asking friends and family for help, give them enough notice and let them know exactly what you need them for. It’s always nice to give thanks by offering cold drinks and snacks.

Moving with kids
If you’re moving with young kids, it’s a great idea to hire a sitter. As much as you love your children, they are likely to only get in the way and create distractions during the move. Pack a bag with all of their essentials so you aren’t looking deep into boxes for things they may need.

Whether you are in the process of showing your home for sale or just need a little extra inspiration for organizing your life, there are simple ways to ensure your home and mind are organized.

Make your bed every morning! It sounds silly, but something as simple as starting your day by making your bed can put you in the right mindset. Get a few extra throw cushions if you are staging your home to top it all off. It can make the room more sleek and stylish. There is just something about coming home to a made bed. You should also limit what is on your nightstand. Other than a clock and lamp it should be kept fairly empty. Invest in a nightstand with drawers if you have a habit of leaving things out.

Once you are up and at ‘em the organizing continues! Post breakfast, make sure you clean up so you don’t have to come home to a messy home or have to deal with it throughout the day. You can also take this time to straighten up the inside of the fridge and organize any mail. Throw out any junk mail you won't use and put bills and other important letters in a divided folder or mail holder.

Labelling will become your best friend. Label what is in each drawer, closet and storage space. This way once you have folded and put everything in its place you won’t have to destroy it to find what you are looking for. If you know that your hiking shoes are in a specific storage bin you are more likely to calmly look for it rather than rummaging through places it might not even be!

Get the whole family involved. It is much easier to get (and stay) organized when everyone in the house is on board. Make it simple—divide and conquer! Assign rooms to certain family members that use them (and disorganize them) the most. Whether that means putting everything in its place in the washroom, straightening out the shoes and front closet or emptying the dishwasher, simple daily tasks like this can seem overwhelming when you are doing it alone for the whole family.

By keeping these tips and tricks in mind you will be well on your way to an organized home.

Fall has us with thoughts sitting amongst comfy home décor, sweater weather and all things pumpkin. Changing your décor in the fall is easy with just a few simple touches.

The Family Fold
Swap your pillow covers with fall-themed designs in stripes or plaids. Add thick, plush blankets in wool, cotton, chenille or even luxurious cashmere for those cooler nights. Place one or two on the back of the sofa and arrange the rest in a large metal or wicker basket. Tree branch coasters also add an instant natural touch.

Kitchen & Dining Room
Update your tabletop decor with natural elements that can be displayed in many creative ways. Instead of a runner, put gourds, pinecones, acorns, and mini pumpkins along the middle of the table. Succulents and fresh cut flowers in bell jars are also great decor options.

Go for Fresh Flowers
Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to enjoy, in your favourite room. Farmers’ markets are still in full swing at this time of year so why not stop by and buy some fresh blooms along with your weekly hit of local goodies? Flower care tip: remove all the leaves below the water line and replace with fresh water every few days to get the most out of your bouquet.

Warmer Bedding
Everyone in the house will want to be extra comfy as it gets colder throughout the night. Change the lighter summer sheets and duvets for heavier ones in trendy fall themes and hues. If you have neutral colours, try adding hits of red, burgundy or gold.

Deck the Door & Class up Curb Appeal
A wreath is a “welcome” idea and they’re always available in many styles and colours. Head to your local garden centre to buy some bright mums and place them in your planters at the front entrance. Plant ornamental cabbages in the flowerbeds for hits of white, purple and fuchsia.

After you’ve made a few quick changes throughout the home, you’ll be ready to sip pumpkin spice lattes and admire your work.

When autumn officially makes itself known with cooler conditions and rainy days, it’s an important time of year to maintain your home’s exterior. The following tips can serve as your guide to tidy things up, in order to prevent any damage that could occur during the fall and winter months.

Your backyard probably has a lot of twinkly lights and lanterns for the evenings you spent out there throughout the summer, but does your front yard have enough light sources? Daylight hours begin to lessen in the fall so it’s important to make sure walkways, the front entrance and above the garage have enough lighting for safety – and ambience.

It’s time to seed the lawn and take care of the rest of your landscaping. Trim any bushes and cover any tree trunks, shrubs, or flowers that need extra protection from the cold (or critters).

Turn off outdoor taps to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. Sprinkler systems should also be drained to prevent similar issues.

Check the seals on doors and windows. If any of the weather seals are broken or damaged, cold air can quickly seep into your home while warm air can escape. To avoid unnecessary high heating costs, fix or replace the weather stripping on drafty doors and windows.

Clean the eavestroughs and gutters to protect your home from serious and expensive water-related damages. Consider hiring a professional since they’ll also check all seams and leaks, flush downspouts to prevent clogging, and make sure everything drains properly.

Get those winter tools ready while the temperatures are still fairly pleasant, rather than scrambling when the first storm hits. Stow your lawnmower away after the grass gets cut for the last time (in the shed or back of the garage) and put the snowblower in a more convenient location as well as shovels, ice scrapers, and salt.