There are a lot of things to love about the holidays. Packing everything away at the end of the season doesn’t usually make the list. However, with a little preplanning, this painstaking task doesn’t have to be one that you dread. Here are some post-holiday tips to help you pack away the holidays with ease and ensure an easier setup next year.

Invest in storage bins.

Cardboard boxes are great for a year or two, but tend to deteriorate fairly quickly, especially if they’re stored in the attic or garage most of the year. Instead, get some storage bins for your holiday lights, extension cords, and decorations. Make sure they stack well, and consider the benefits of using clear bins so you can see what’s inside each one.

Wrap Up Cords

Extension cords are lifesavers when it comes to holiday decorating. However, they can be a pain to put away. One wrong move and your extension cords can become a tangled, exasperating mess. Check out some extension cord wrapping techniques that will help you easily roll out your cords next year!

Test and Label Lights

If you have a lot of holiday lights, you can save time each year by labeling where each strand goes during cleanup. Add a bit of masking tape to each strand marking whether those particular lights go in the bushes, on the roof, or on the mailbox so you don’t have to unravel them to figure out which lights go where during next year’s setup.

Whether you’re saving up for your first home or have been living in your dream home for some time, learning how to create a balanced budget is one of the most important skills you can obtain. Rising utility bills and unexpected repair bills can happen at any time; creating a solid financial plan can ensure you have the funds you need when unplanned expenses arise. Here’s what you need to know about creating a budget.

List Your Expenses

Choose a program or pick up a notebook that you’ll use to track all your expenses: groceries, savings, restaurants, bills, birthday presents, etc. Be sure to keep an accurate record of how much you allocate for each expense on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis, as well as how much you actually spend on each expense.

Reevaluate Periodically

Any time your financial situation changes, you should reevaluate your budget. Did you get a raise? How will you allocate your new funds? New expenses arise? Are there areas where you can cut back on spending? Your priorities will change depending on where you are in life and what your current goals are. Reevaluating your budget will make sure your spending habits reflect what you hope to accomplish.

Don’t Give Up

It’s natural to miss your budgeting goals every once in a while, especially when you’re first starting out. Just keep tracking how much you really spend on different expenses and, if necessary, rework your budget to something you can work within.

Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or just want to make the place you live an oasis, these minor remodeling projects will increase your home value!

Landscaping

Your home’s curb appeal is the first thing visitors see when they get to your home. You can make a strong, positive first impression with some smart landscaping. Consider a variety of plants that reach their peak in each of the four seasons so your yard always looks incredible.

Replace Your Front Door

The front door is one of the first things visitors see. Replacing the door can give your home a more modern, updated, and clean feeling. When choosing your new door, keep the rest of the home’s color and style in mind. Investing in a steel door will provide you with unbeatable durability.

Updated Color Schemes

Paint fades over time and popular color schemes change. Today, neutral tones like beige and grey are popular options throughout the home. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, painting your home is a great way to improve the atmosphere of your home.

Remodel Your Fireplace

Highlighting a home feature as iconic as a fireplace can make a dramatic improvement in your home. Some popular remodeling options are replacing outdated brick with modern, natural stone or expanding it to a floor-to-ceiling statement piece.

Add Crown Moulding

Crown moulding adds a touch of sophistication and class to your home. And, you may be surprised at how simple and affordable adding it can be. In addition to framing the rooms of your home, you can use it to highlight key features in your home such as the fireplace, breakfast nook, or bay windows.

Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for many years or getting ready to make a move, I’m here to help. Feel free to contact me with any real estate questions!