I have moved numerous times in my life, I consider myself an expert mover.
I have configured my moves in multiple ways. I have rented a truck, enlisted family, moved over days, and hired movers.
Here is how I manage bringing everything safely to the next destination. The last three moves have been done by Black Tie Moving They are amazing for several reasons:
1. Big Bulky Furniture is wrapped and placed in the truck neatly and safely.
2. Use a red carpet on your floors to keep your floor scratchless and damage less.
3. They will pack and move for you.
4. You get an estimate while on the phone. A few basic questions and you receive a quote.
5. They know the approximate time it will take to move you
6. You can pack everything and move to a garage or inside the front door to save on cost
7. They have insurance in case of damaged items on delivery
8. You get professional movers – people who move on a regular basis who get the job done quickly and efficiently
9. They are dependable and reliable. They confirm your time and show up as promised
First off, I am learning and researching all I can during this pandemic and have really gotten the education of a lifetime….in more ways than one.
Dating – so who knew in a pandemic it would be a feast or a famine? No joke. I am researching the dating world ..not fully committing myself to the road quite yet but have been doing my homework and venturing out minimally…..
Okay..so the dating world now is so different than 5 years ago – now you swipe and if you swipe wrong you can shake your phone and undo the bad swipe! I mean – who knew? Also, dating is now video chats! Saves time and you can bolt sooner or choose to invest!! Win – Win!
Here is my research so far….
First, dog 🐕 fishing – it is when someone has borrowed a dog for their profile. No joke. This is a thing and encountered two profiles when I asked about the dog – “oh its my friends or people look more attractive with dogs” – yes this is true but I don’t envision men doing this.
Second, Jekylling – it is when someone is sweet and kind and on a dime changes to mean and not flexible – aggressive and anger comments – almost inflammatory when a disagreement or difference of opinions takes place – happens a lot with texting.
Third, Ghosting – let me say – I had my first experience of ghosting! It was so surreal quite honestly. I liked the guy – had two dates and then crickets -at first I was taken back..then actually was like – does he have COVID? So..back in 1998, I had a guy supposed to meet me for studying Calculus III exam and he did not show. I did not get a call or text and come to find out – on the way to my house – he was in a motorcycle accident on 675 and nearly died – critical care for 3 days…anyway, I first jumped to “what a jerk” but that reality check woke me up – since then always tried to give the benefit of the doubt since that experience- So now at 40 – how old are you to ghost? And you really aren’t that busy….anyway, I did hear back after 4 days…but what can you really want with someone who’s ghosting you? You cannot educate those who ghost – if they don’t care enough to be honest – you need to move on and there will always be people perpetuating this stereotype of non-consideration- bye felicia 👋
Fourth, Glam-Boozled – you spent your time showering, getting your hair done, nails are checked and he cancels a the 11th hour and you have put in the effort to go out…so does he have a real excuse or not?
Fifth, Dial- Toning – you give out your number – person texts and you do not respond. Don’t be that person. Just be honest.
Sixth, the Texting Machine – you and he text all the time and talk but no game. Recognize this player as a player and enjoy the context but know “he probably is not that into you” – most likely compliments, supports, and listens – rarely talks of the future
Seventh, Kanye -ing. This is the person who is larger than life. Has the ability to make you king or queen and drops you for the craziest things. This person may not have a filter but is a rollercoaster – good and bad.
Eighth, Ex Life – this is the one who returned during quarantine because they know you and don’t want to be alone. Not long lasting – just here for circumstance
Ninth, Quantini – you would not be together under any other situation. You were just the best option right now. The criteria they normally have has been thrown out.
The silver linings are plentiful….and here are my takeaways…
1. It’s my job to be myself. The right people will gravitate. It’s not my job to be likeable.
2. I have enjoyed quarantine as much as possible – quite honestly – (outside of missing travel) it is has been a glorious 6 months – I enjoy being home, love working from home, multi- task like a queen and have reduced the clutter in my daily life.
3. I get asked …don’t you wish you were married with kids – to be honest, don’t you wish you were single and could make a mess, not do homework, eat ice cream, drive around, and do you 24/7? Shopping with me at the grocery or even for shoes can be kid like – I do me and if I only want to eat vegetables for a week or want chicken every night…that’s how I roll…
4. To answer the question above, I do want to find someone and spend my life with someone who makes me better and challenges me and is not competing with me – I know a lot of people who have settled and are miserable – I have been there, done that, and got the t-shirt… It will happen when it’s supposed to
5. I trust that God has my back. Sometimes the best things in life are unanswered prayers.
6. Prioritize you: It has been great being apart of 3 articles this year:
Staging sets the scene for your home. This allows a buyer to have an emotional connection to the space you have. Staging your space is done in layers.
Base: Primary Item
The most necessary items needed for the purpose of the room. For example a bed, a desk, a table and chairs
Layer 1: Secondary items that contribute to the function of the space
Side tables, lighting, occasional seating
Layer 2: Accent Pieces
Rugs, Artwork. These items accent the “style” or bridge differing styles with color and texture
Layer 3: “Icing” Pieces
These are comfort pieces and add to the luxury of the space. They beckon the viewer to feel compelled to interact within the space.
A well staged space will have a common thread that runs throughout the design. But don’t dwell on a single tone. Just as a song, a well staged room has highs and lows to engage a person using the space. Find a base color and accent with both lighter and deeper shades. Accent a room with accessories that round out the theme. Most items in a room should be a “middle” tone with a few special accents. Too many and there they get lost to an overstimulated mind. Use multiple fabric textures between the soft seating, the floor coverings and accent pillows.
The most challenging area can be closet space:
Notice the space is light and airy and is mostly white hangers and is not bulging with clothing. The majority of clothing was packed up to give a bigger feel to the room.
You will notice all white (Sherwin Williams Extra White) on trim, doors, and cabinets. The walls in most spaces is (Sherwin Williams Versatile Grey) and the Bathroom Vanity and Kitchen Island (Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal but paint from Sherwin Williams) the closet ceiling is a foam green to create a more spacious feel. Paint is an easy fix to stage a house and can add a large value to the end price. More pictures to come on the before and after.
Special thanks to @nthdegreecompanies specifically Neal, Jeff, Alan, and Derek.
Talk to a local real estate agent and professional home stager for customized advice
Consider a home inspection to identify any issues that should be fixed prior to selling
Declutter and Depersonalize
Go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer want or need
When in doubt, choose neutral colors: white bath towels, white bedding
Depersonalize the décor
Remove wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, and outdated carpet
Less visual clutter – bookshelves a few select items
Pack away family photos, certifications, toys, kids art, and pet supplies
Remove bulky furniture
Keep blinds open during a showing; natural light always
Clean the house thoroughly
Kitchen
Clean the interior of the cabinets, appliances, and entire kitchen
Evaluate the appliances; consider updating (stainless always)
Clean everything off the countertops to show as much counter space as possible; select 1 or 2 decorative items such as jar or vase with flowers
Put away small appliances
Remove the trash cans out of the kitchen to the garage for showings
Neaten up the pantry; box up extras and keep a minimalist feel
If cabinets are outdated, consider a fresh coat of paint and new hardware
Remove duplicate bowls, dishes, pots and pans; keep one set of attractive matching dishes. Do the same with cookware, flatware, and glassware
Decluttering shows how much space you have
Under the kitchen sink, remove everything that is not needed
Upgrade light fixtures
Living Room
Remove bulky and unnecessary furniture; take the rest to the garage or basement
Create an open feel
Minimal decor on bookshelves and on the coffee table
Outdated furniture or bold colors furniture – use a neutral slipcover
Pack up video games, movies, magazines
Add colorful accent pillows or blankets to chairs, sofa: go for symmetry
Add lighting – lamps and chandeliers
If you have one, clean out the fireplace and stage it (such as with a stack of wood or tools)
Slideshow of beautiful images on your tv like a screensaver during showings
Bedrooms
Gender neutral all bedrooms
Depersonalize – no pictures, floral things
Surfaces should be clear – maybe a flower
Put away jewelry and other valuables in a safe place
Declutter and organize your closet (more on that later)
Create spacious feel to all bedrooms- remove bulky furniture
Bathrooms
Clean and sanitize – polish everything
Make necessary repairs like re-caulking around the tub and sink
Polish everything
Remove outdated elements like unappealing tile and flooring
Declutter the countertop and cabinets and organize the latter
All white towels – think spa experience! New bath mat, white shower curtain
Remove everything off toilet, sinks, all personal items – medicine, toothbrushes should be out of sight
Remove stains and rust; consider regrouting and scrubbing.
Closet
Tackle one closet at a time.
One season of clothes only
Same hangers (preferably white) same direction
PACK away for future. Put in garage, basement, or in storage.
Thoroughly clean the closet.
Paint it white.
Other Spaces
Address any awkward spaces and stage them to make them more appealing
Declutter your home office, store any personal documents, and clear space
Declutter and organize the garage
Declutter! Consider it pre-packing for your move. Box up clothes, books, anything not used- consider placing in the garage or a storage unit.
Get rid of all personalization items and posters.
Keep closets, basements, and attics as empty as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space
Swap dim lights for high-wattage bulbs.
Check doors and drawers and make sure they are clean and open; hardware is clean and replace if needed
Hardwood- consider sanding down and restaining
Hire a professional cleaning company to deep clean prior to pictures
Curb Appeal and Backyard
Powerwash the outside of the house; driveway, front porch, sidewalk, gutters
Make sure mailbox is nice, labeled
Make any necessary repairs to the exterior of the home
Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and garage doors especially if the colors are unconventional and make sure any light fixtures are clean and updated
Consider a fresh coat of paint to any bright garage doors or front doors – black or white should be considered
Front porch should be clean and have a new welcome mat
Grass should be watered, cut, fertilized, bushes and shrubs neat – call a landscaping company if you need help
Make sure bugs, insects, spider areas are swept clean
Hide recycle bins and trash cans
Organize outside wood piles and twigs.
Create a nice outdoor living space; consider the outdoor living space as a second living room
I was inspired by the blogger @miamiamine who always has an eye for detail. Loved her master bath and recreated the best dupes on my budget!
*This would not have been possible without my friend Luis who does amazing work. He helps me complete my projects and ways provides assistance, recommendations, and solutions! Let me know if you need his number but please remember – I will cut in front of you in line 😜 if I have a new project and a deadline 😂 *and special thanks to my cousins Bev and Dennis who shared their friend with me 💫
Consider the Home Depot Credit Card – I signed up both a business and personal one – ended up with $200 credit and more time to pay (I think business allows 60 days days same as cash)
Consider the Tile Shop Credit Card – if you pay it off in 30 days 20% off or depending on the project – 15% off and 6-12 months
* You can return whole boxes and unused pencil and herringbone mats (just remember to keep some in case repairs or issues come up)
Consider the Pottery Barn Credit Card if buying furniture. I purchased my headboard, sofa, and bench and received gift certificates to purchase both lights for free.
The Vanity
The Vanity is a color called Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal – Sherwin Williams will create any paint color you want. (And used Sherwin Williams Paints – For Project – Semi- Gloss)
The actual vanity was existing including the top vanity. Paint and new knobs were selected
As mentioned above – need Quartz from Countertop to create Shower Ledge on the Bottom.
Need floor tiles for the base as well
Shower Glass is spectacular. Opted for space between glass for the door and the work was incredible. If in Columbus, Springfield, Dayton contact Above All Glass Came out quickly, measured and was installed in record time and was perfect at the time of install.
Quartz countertops were cut on site – Discount Granite sets everything up.
So what does this cost???
I have been asked exact amounts for my bathroom and it will always depend on what is being done….for example – if you have to change plumbing or remove bathtubs, rip out difficult flooring, rewire electric….I would estimate high because you always run into issues and unexpected situations. The blogger’s bathroom was over 60k and included marble and designer tub, shower, products – mine is a dupe and my goal was to be 1/4 of her cost or less. I achieved that. It also will depend on if the contractor is getting everything or if you are providing material. For me, I like to get everything and be as involved as possible; but not everyone wants to do this….so to figure out your cost…
If you priced out all materials – to figure out labor and unexpected costs multiply by 2.5 to be safe.
So if all materials (toilet, tile, countertop, glass) was 6000 multiply by 2.5 =$15,000 this will give you a guesstimate before calling a contractor out.
