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Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage

June 16, 2022/in Organization, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a garage was made to house our cars. It’s surprising then that only about 75% of people who own 2-car garages use them for cars. In fact, most people use it as a storage space, especially if they do not have a basement or attic. 


A recent survey by
the National Association of Professional Organizers found that 50% of homeowners said the garage was the most unorganized area in their home. 


While it feels all too easy to pile up extra boxes filled with off-season decor against the garage walls or store your kids’ old toys in there until you can make it to the donation center, garages fill up quickly, leaving little room for parking, and even less space for organization. 


Like most of us, you’ve probably found yourself digging through boxes in the garage in search of Christmas decorations or have tried to sort through garage clutter as part of your spring cleaning regimen. It can quickly become frustrating when you can’t find what you’re looking for. 


The good news is that with a little bit of organization, your garage can turn into a space you can use effectively all year long- car parking included. 


Let’s explore some of my favorite ways to organize your garage.


First, clean out the garage.

Before you begin to filter through ideas on precisely what to do with your garage space, rummage through the clutter and clean it all out, especially if you’ve been living in your home for a while.


Depending on how large and filled your garage is, consider setting aside a half to a full day to clean it out. It may be best to set aside an entire weekend to declutter and reorganize in one shot.


Invite family and friends to help. Go through every box and bin and toss anything you don’t need. Set aside what you’ll keep outside the garage if possible so that you can start organizing against an empty and clean slate.


If you have a lot in there, make three piles of keep, toss, and donate so that you know exactly where everything should go when you’re done cleaning it out. 


After you have three piles, break down your keep piles into specific categories such as sporting goods, decorations, and gardening tools. Then, store them in appropriately labeled bins for easy access once they’re ready to go back into the garage or another part of your home.


To stay on top of safety, avoid storing the following items in your garage:

  • Propane
  • Paint
  • Paper
  • Pet food


Create a garage floorplan.

Before or after you’ve had a chance to fully clean out your garage, it’s a good rule of thumb to devise a cohesive and organized floorplan to base your garage storage on. 


It’s important to note that most garage-organizing manufacturers provide free layout plans when purchasing their storage items. Consider using this service to determine exactly where everything will go.


Consider these important ideas when creating your floor plan:

  • Store all like items together in the same bins and/or area for easy access.
  • Label all bins.
  • Organize the interior of bins as you remove and add items.
  • Store larger, bulkier items in corners away from where you’ll park your car.
  • Move frequently used items closer to the garage door.
  • Stow seasonal items in places that are harder to reach and out of the way.


Keep items off the floor.

Whenever possible, store things off of the garage floor. The floor should be as clutter-free as possible. Install wall organizers, work benches, and floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets to house all of your items instead of just placing the bins directly on the floor.


Take advantage of overhead space.

There is certainly a lot of overhead space in most garages that doesn’t get enough use by many. Take advantage of this space by installing overhead shelving to store items such as ladders, sports gear, and other flat yet bulky items. 


After placement, ensure that there is enough space between the storage unit, items, and roof of your car to prevent any accidental damage. 


Secure your space.

Garages are essentially another room in your home. The scary part is that this area that makes up 10% to 15% of your home is not nearly as secure as the rest of your home. 


As you’re reorganizing your space, consider upping the security of it by:

  • Investing in door and window locks
  • Sealing the threshold
  • Using a smart garage door opener
  • Closing your garage door whenever it is not in use by you


Add the garage to your monthly cleaning plan.

As with any area of the home, the garage should be cleaned and maintained regularly. Although not necessarily a space to tidy up daily or weekly, it is a good idea to add it to your monthly cleaning checklist. 


Something as simple as monthly maintenance can go a long way.


When cleaning, consider:

  • Sweeping and hosing down the floors
  • Reorganizing the tools and equipment
  • Throwing away or donating any unwanted items
  • Checking the perimeter for insects or other pests and using a natural pesticide to keep them away


Is a garage on your must-have list?

Whether you’re in the market for garage organization tips or hoping to add a garage to your dream home in the near future, we can help. As industry experts, we do our best to stay on top of the latest trends in home organization and the home purchasing market. 

Contact us today to learn more or start the process of getting the home of your dreams with the garage to boot. We can’t wait to help you find the perfect house for you- garage included.

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/vivint-solar-HASgVRE48KY-unsplash-4.jpg 1859 1920 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2022-06-16 14:51:112022-06-16 14:51:11Simple Tips and Tricks to Reorganize Your Garage
House Warming Tips to Celebrate a New Home

5 Housewarming Party Tips to Celebrate Your New Home

November 12, 2021/in Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

What better way to celebrate your new home than by having a party with all of your favorite people to share the moment with? With all the new experiences that you may have been a part of this year, there is no greater feat than making a house that you love, the home you’ve always dreamed of. 

One of the best ways to enjoy your new home is to celebrate this new life season with the people who matter most to you. After you have moved in, decorated your space and made it into something you adore, consider hosting a housewarming party to share the space with your closest friends and family. 

There are various ways to throw a wonderful housewarming party. The best way to measure the success of your party is to know, good and well, that you’ve highlighted the space in a unique and personalized way and shared a piece of your world with others, without feeling as though you are overwhelmed with party planning or the small details of the event. It shouldn’t feel like a lot of work to celebrate your new home with friends and family. 

Here are some of my favorite housewarming tips to celebrate your new home.

1. Prepare your space.

This may feel like an obvious tip, but often, new homeowners are so excited to show off their new home that they don’t spend enough time preparing it properly for guests or to host parties. Don’t rush the party, instead, focus on situating your space to your liking and comfort level before deciding on moving forward with a soiree. There is no harm in hosting a housewarming party 3 to 6 months after move-in day. 

The extra time you spend focusing on decorating, organizing and turning your house into a home will pay off in the end when it comes to how your guests feel upon entry. There is no doubt that feelings of excitement and compassion will ensue, but don’t cut corners to get there, it will only cause more of a headache for you in the long run. 

2. Register for gifts.

One of the best parts about owning your own home is turning it into a space that is uniquely you. From the home decor on the walls to the dishes on your shelves, your house should exude vibes that make you comfortable and happy in your space. When we move into a new house, the cost of the move can sometimes be a lot for us to handle. 

Registering for gifts and essentials for your new house ia great way to ask others for help in a way that meets your needs. In all cases, friends and family alike want to bring gifts to your party, so why not give them options that you love instead of living with random home decor that doesn’t fit your style? Sure, registering for gifts may feel a little out of the normal for you, it’s nothing to feel awkward about. This is a great way to help people who love you gift you something they know you’ll love, a win-win for everyone involved. Some of my favorite shops to register through are Target, Pottery Barn or Wayfair. 

3. Plan your guest list and send invitations with ample time.

One of the most fun, and important, aspects of party planning is knowing exactly who you want to invite and who decides on coming. Set your date out about 3 to 4 weeks and allow your guests ample time to determine whether or not they can attend. Don’t overextend your efforts by inviting too many people. Instead, write out a list of everyone you hope to invite then narrow it down to 15-25 people at most based on your space size and comfort level. You can always share your online registry with those who cannot attend as many will want to purchase you a special gift for you new home, even if they live across the country. 

4. Decide on the food and drink options.

There are so many different options when it comes to the food and drink you can serve at a housewarming party. From a Sunday brunch theme to a swanky dinner party, choose food and drink options that fit your style and budget. 

Other options include: 

  • Focus only on appetizers
  • Choose easy-to-prepare finger foods
  • Opt for a wine tasting
  • Consider a potluck style 
  • Serve desserts only
  • Throw a barbecue party 

5. Make it uniquely you.

Above all else, this part should be uniquely created with your wants and needs in mind. Whether you’re hoping for a black and white dinner party or a casual backyard get together, doing what you love, with the people you love, in your new home is essential to the party’s success. Don’t overthink the details or overwhelm yourself with being politically correct when it comes to hosting a housewarming party. Focus on the aspects of the party that make you feel excited for it to happen and the party is already set up for success. 

 

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home. We are so excited that you found a place that is sure to provide countless memories for you and your family. If you decide on hosting a housewarming party we encourage you to keep it simple and tailored to your interests. Include people you love and entertainment options that make sense for your space and budget. 

 

If you are hoping to host a housewarming party in the near future, but haven’t secured the perfect home yet, we can help. Contact us today to get started on a journey you won’t forget.

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5-Housewarming-Party-Tips-to-Celebrate-Your-New-Home-Maura-Allard-Realtor-MA.png 1138 1370 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2021-11-12 15:43:182021-11-12 15:43:185 Housewarming Party Tips to Celebrate Your New Home

Understanding the Closing Process on Your New Home

June 9, 2021/2 Comments/in Loans & Mortgage, Resources, Uncategorized /by Cara Chatellier

If you are looking into details on what exactly the closing process entails on your new home, you’re likely in the final stages of the process to homeownership, so, congratulations! Although the journey may feel like a long one, each step in the process is imperative to protect you, the sellers, and your new property. Your offer was just accepted and now closing is upon you. Typically closings take anywhere between 30 and 60 days, but in some instances, they can be longer or shorter depending on the terms set forth in your original offer as discussed with your agent. 

When it comes to closing on a home, whether your first or tenth, there are various steps that you will need to take to ensure full confidence and satisfaction in your purchase. These 10 steps are the exact route you need to take to reach your final destination as a homeowner.

1. Choose your escrow agent

The escrow, or closing, agent will be your primary point of contact when it comes to closing on your new property. They verify that all documents are completed and signed by both parties, all terms and conditions of the offer and loan are met and that closing happens in a timely manner. The escrow agent works closely with your realtor to coordinate all required paperwork throughout the process. Typically the escrow agent is a neutral third party in the transaction, acting on behalf of both parties to ensure a smooth transition of ownership for the home. 

2. Purchase homeowners insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is required for the purchase of any home. The insurance must be purchased prior to closing and proof of coverage must be presented during the closing stage. You can usually work with your current insurance company to provide a new quote on your property. Homeowners insurance, just like car insurance, varies greatly based on location, size of property, your insurance history and other factors. The average cost of homeowners insurance in the US is about $1,200 a year. 

3. Invest in title insurance

Title insurance is a one-time expense that you pay prior to closing on your home. Title insurance, although not required in every state, is added protection for you and your home. Title insurance protects you in the event that someone, at any time in the future, stakes a claim on your property claiming it as theirs. If you opt-out of a title insurance policy for you, you could potentially lose your home to a random claim on it in the future. The average cost for title insurance, to the buyer, is about $1,000. 

4. Meet all conditions

Before you can officially close on a home, all conditions of the loan must be met by you, the buyer. All conditions of your loan are clearly stated in your loan document, but typically they include things like income verification, proof of obtained homeowner’s insurance, down payment details, final appraisal that is at or below the amount of the loan and any other specifically negotiated terms. If you have any questions or concerns about meeting all of your loan condition requirements talk to your lender and realtor as soon as possible to avoid any snags in the process. 

5. Get ready for your move

Whether you currently own your home or are living in a rental property, now is the time to get ready for your move. Schedule movers, sort through rooms and storage spaces and plan out exactly how you plan to move your things from one spot to another. If you’re downsizing you may want to consider holding a yard sale to get rid of extra items you no longer need or donating any excess to a local charity. If you’re moving to a bigger place, consider planning out your furniture and appliances purchases now so that they are ready to go on move-in day. Don’t forget to schedule time off from work, if needed, to get your place in order.

6. Obtain the ever-important closing disclosure

This nationally recognized form is the most critical and comprehensive form in your closing process. Within this disclosure, the loan requirements are outlined in their entirety, including an itemized list of closing costs by party. This form should be delivered to you at least three business days before the closing date to ensure you have enough time to review it. If the details within are mismatched from the original loan agreement, talk to your lender as soon as possible to reconcile in an efficient manner.

7. Complete a final walkthrough of your new place

The final walkthrough is an important final step in your closing process. It is typically scheduled about 12-24 hours before your final closing timeline. This in-person review gives you, the buyer, the opportunity to walk throughout the property and ensure that the seller left the home in the condition that you agreed to at the time of offer acceptance. This is also a time to review any repairs that were requested of the seller and to make sure they are fully moved out in time for you to move in. If things don’t look as they should, your realtor will work with the sellers to ensure things are aligned promptly. If major repairs need to be made, the closing can be delayed.

8. Finalize your documents

At closing, the escrow agent will request a list of documents that they require of you and your co-borrower. Organize your documents ahead of time so that you are fully prepared for the meeting. Typically they require documents such as photo identification, income verification, a list of home addresses over the last 5-10 years and a money order or bank certified check to cover the closing costs for “cash at close” requirements. Verify required documents with your realtor and lender prior to meeting with them. 

9. Legally obtain your home and your new set of keys

The last step in the process between you and the seller is to legally transfer the property from their name to yours. At this step final signatures are obtained and cash, if applicable, is exchanged. Once this is completed the home belongs to you and you get the keys to your new home! A best practice is to change out the locks on your home once you have keys in hand to maintain the highest level of security at your new property. 

10. File a declaration of homestead

A declaration of homestead varies by state, but is a good idea to obtain based on protections it can provide at both state and federal levels. In some states throughout the country, a declaration of homestead is automatically added at the time of home purchase, but some states require that you obtain one on your own. In short, a declaration of homestead can protect you in the case of bankruptcy filing, loss of a spouse or exempt you from certain taxes based on residence. A declaration of homestead registers you at state and federal levels, showing exactly where your primary residence is located. Check with your state government, lender or realtor to verify how your state handles this declaration.

Getting an accepted offer on a home you love is a great feeling, but it is only the first step in the home buying process. Once both the seller and buyer agree to all terms and conditions of the offer, the closing stage begins. It is important to stay on top of the steps required to successfully close on a home so that you are as prepared as possible during this new season in your life. If you are in search of a new home or considering putting your home on the market, contact me, we would love to help you through the realty process, no matter what side you find yourself on.

https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Understanding-the-Closing-Process-on-Your-New-Home-Maura-Allard-Realty-Gloucester.png 1208 1824 Cara Chatellier https://mauraallardandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Untitled-340-×-156-px-3-1-300x147.png Cara Chatellier2021-06-09 02:05:072021-06-09 02:05:07Understanding the Closing Process on Your New Home

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