Start Scheduling Those Home Renovations Now

It’s below zero outside Organizing Blog headquarters, meaning that we’re spending most of our time inside, where it’s warm. But all of this indoor time has made us notice some of the shortcomings of our surroundings — things that would benefit from a little maintenance and renovation.

We’ve noticed these things before. Deteriorating tile grout. Floors that need sanding. Paint that’s getting dingy. Cabinets sticking. And that’s just the interior of the house — there’s also a fence that needs mending, peeling shingles and cracks in the garage floor!

Some of your #home #improvement projects will be more urgent than others, of course, and a few may be rather involved. But if you have any renovations that absolutely need to get done this year to protect your home’s value, now is the time to plan them.

#Spring and #summer are the peak seasons for home improvement projects. If one or more of your projects requires a contractor, be aware that their schedules fill up fast. Get estimates and schedule your projects while it’s still cold to retain a good contractor, or you may be forced to wait months, hire someone less capable or spend extra money on a rush job.

Assuming you don’t have an endless pile of #money, you’ll want to make a list of potential projects and prioritize the most urgent. A new roof or furnace might not be as sexy as a spa bathroom, for example, but if the time has come for a replacement, that’s where you need to put your money first.

If a prioritized project is something that adds to the home’s livability and appeal such as a new gourmet kitchen, planning ahead often leads to better outcomes. “Choosing the right materials, colors and styles for your home is a significant decision,” says Pro-Home Services. “Rushing through it could leave you with regrets later.”

Many remodeling projects require permits, which can take time to obtain. Weather and supply chain disruptions may also get in the way of completion, so allow time for delays. And again, “If you wait too long to schedule your home remodeling project, you may struggle to find a contractor,” Pro-Home says. “You don’t want to settle for whomever happens to be available.”

Make a list of the projects you’d like to get done. Figure out which ones you can handle yourself (and what that might require), and which will require professional help. Then, start making calls. Before summer is over, you’ll be able to check one or more of those projects off your list! #HomeImprovement #HomeRenovation

Decorating for the Fourth Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

It’s easy to decorate for the Fourth of July #celebration without spending a lot of #money, says Fun, Cheap or Free. Paper chains, balloons and bunting; bouquets of dyed carnations; and other inexpensive red, white and blue decorations from the discount or #thrift store can contribute to the festive atmosphere. Fly the flag, wear #patriotic colors and feature red, white and blue foods at your cookout such as cupcakes with whipped cream, strawberries and blueberries — or just stock up on #American #flag toothpicks for your sandwiches and burgers. As night falls, settle in and enjoy the #fireworks. #FourthOfJuly #IndependenceDay

More Stuff Equals More Garage Sale Shoppers

A #garage sale is kind of a needle-in-a-haystack proposition for shoppers, so more #stuff tends to draw more people. If you have a ton of #merchandise to #declutter, you can go it alone with a sale, but if you don’t, “collaborate with friends and family,” says My Blessed Life. Create a bookkeeping system to divvy up the money, or piggyback onto a neighborhoodwide sale. You can also attract the interest of more and different customers by having the kids set up a lemonade stand or sell baked goods. And before you even open for business, schedule a #free #donation #pickup with ClohtingDonations.org to get rid of the excess junk after the fact. #GarageSaleHacks

Goods That Will Make or Break Your Garage Sale

There are 12 categories of #garage-sale goods that “sell like hotcakes,” WiseBread says. Good quality, gently used #clothing; tools; furniture (especially bookcases or shelves); vintage dishes, glassware, and casseroles; garden tools; handbags; costume jewelry; games, toys, and bicycles; books; appliances; camping gear and other sporting goods; and exercise equipment. “Put pictures in your ad. Basic exercise equipment like weights will usually go quickly, but older treadmills or exercise bikes may linger, depending on how you price them and how quickly you want to get rid of them.” #GarageSaleHacks

Price Garage Sale Goods to Move

Even if you’re looking to make #money on your old #stuff at a #garage sale, don’t get so caught up in the profit motive that forget why you’re selling that #junk — sorry, those treasures — in the first place. Everything must go if you want to clear the #clutter! “Focus on pricing to sell,” says Love to Know. “Your front #yard isn’t an #antiques store, and you shouldn’t set your prices like it is one.” You can, however, price certain items to allow room for haggling. If you’d like to make about $10 in profit on a quality collectible, for example, tag it a bit higher to make room for people who will inevitably ask for a break on the price. #GarageSaleHacks