Smaller is Better in a Busy World

By: Annabelle Harris

You’ve probably heard the saying “less is more” more times than you can count. There’s definitely something to that, especially in a world where we tend to be busy all the time. Downsizing your home and possessions is a smart move that can help you live a better life, and today’s tips can get you there.

Today’s blog is brought to you by Philly Home Organizer, your go-to service when it’s time to transition into smaller housing.

What Does It Mean To Downsize?

Downsizing can mean different things to different people. While many people consider downsizing simply the act of living a more minimalist lifestyle, today’s post refers to the physical act of moving from a large home into a smaller space. The Storage Space blog explains that downsizing your home can help you simplify your lifestyle, save money, and reduce your debt.

Choosing A Home

If you’ve yet to move into a new space, take the time to decide what, exactly, you need. There are many different layout options you might find in a home, and these come in all different price ranges. If you’re single, for example, you may not need to separate living areas; by contrast, if you have a large family, downsize to a more efficient floor plan that still gives everyone their space without being excessively large.

Apartments Are An Option

When it’s time to downsize, you don’t necessarily have to buy another house. If you are a senior, an apartment might be a smart choice, especially if it has an elevator so that you can avoid stairs. You should keep price, space, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in mind if you’re looking for an apartment. You might also have to decide between a one-bedroom and an efficiency, which is essentially a studio apartment with one open space for living and sleeping.

What Is A Home Warranty?

While buying a smaller home can save you money on maintenance, this is also a great time to look into a home warranty, which is a contract you renew once each year that covers normal wear and tear on your plumbing, heating, electrical, and cooling systems. The best home warranty company will also offer options to help you replace appliances. Keep in mind that this is different from your homeowners’ insurance, which covers theft, structural damage, and medical cost if someone is injured in your home or on your property.

How To Begin Your Downsizing Journey

The first step is to decide that you’re ready to live with less. Then, call your organizer to help you clear out your excess. You can either put these items in storage until you make a decision on what to do, or you can have a yard sale and earn some extra cash for your upcoming move. If you’re looking for garage sale tips, the Happiness Homemade blog offers lots of insight on how to get the most bang for your buck.

The average American home has shrunk by about 200 ft.² from its peak size of nearly 2500 ft.² in 2015. This is very telling of America’s desire to quit living for show and start living for life. In this vein of thought, it may be time to downsize if you’re ready to embrace all that life has to offer. From choosing a home or an apartment to deciding whether you need a home warranty to help protect your investment, today’s tips can help you make your move a smooth (and small) one.

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Women: You Can Boost Your Overall Wellness Amid the Daily Grind

By: Annabelle Harris

Life can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like the days are all blending together. I understand how hard it can be for women to find a balance between home, work, and family life. That’s why I want to share some Philly Home Organizer tips to help you break free from the daily grind and reconnect with your well-being!

Pursue an Online Business Degree

If you’ve been dreaming of a more rewarding career, now could be the time to go after it! With so many online learning options, you can earn a business degree without having to take classes on campus or give up your current job.

An online program will not only give you valuable skills but also create new opportunities for growth and stability. When looking at the options, only consider accredited universities with affordable tuition rates, and choose a program that fits your interests.

Launch Your Dream Business

Do you have a stellar idea for a business but don’t know where to start? Start doing research and networking with others in your industry. There are plenty of resources available for entrepreneurs who want to launch their dream businesses but need a little help to get started. Here are 10 business ideas to consider going into 2023:

E-commerce
Online tutoring
Virtual assistance
Content writing or copywriting services
Event planning
Social media consulting
Web design or development
Financial planning or portfolio management
Freelance illustration or photography
Meditation and wellness

That’s one of your first steps in starting your business. Consider forming an LLC, which can protect your personal assets and ensure your business is in compliance with the law. An LLC allows you to establish your business as a separate legal entity from yourself, meaning that you are no longer personally responsible for the activities of the business. It also allows you to take advantage of specific tax benefits that may be available.

It’s essential to understand what you’re getting into when forming an LLC and to consult an attorney or accountant to ensure everything is up to date. That way, you can ensure that your new business is thriving and legally sound!

Organize Your Home

Sometimes all we need is a little clarity in our lives, and organizing our homes can provide just that. Whether it’s sorting through drawers full of clutter or rearranging furniture in your living space, tackling organizational tasks at home can be incredibly satisfying and therapeutic. Plus, you may feel more relaxed overall by reducing visual chaos at home. If you’re more interested in reaping the benefits than doing the work, connect with Philly Home Organizer today!

Replace Unhealthy Habits With Healthy Ones

It’s easy enough to make excuses for why we don’t have time for ourselves — but if we want better well-being, we must prioritize our health over other things that don’t matter as much (like watching TV). Instead of staying up late every night, scrolling through social media, or eating unhealthy snacks during lunch breaks, replace those habits with ones that nourish your body. Make sure that what you do reflects what truly matters most in life.

Start New Hobbies

Hobbies are fantastic because they provide us with something creative to focus on outside of work or school obligations. And hobbies come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s bound to be something out there that interests you!

Consider starting a blog about fashion or craft projects as a way of expressing yourself creatively while still having fun doing something different than usual. Or, you could pick up gardening, woodworking, playing a musical instrument, or any number of other activities that help you unwind.

Conclusion

From pursuing an online business degree to launching your dream business, organizing your living environment, or replacing unhealthy habits — there are countless actionable steps you can take right now to improve your life. And you don’t have to overwhelm yourself by taking on too much change at once. Keep the tips above in mind as you seek to boost your health and wellness. And don’t forget: Taking care of yourself must always remain a priority!

Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about my professional home-organizing services? Visit PhillyHomeOrganizer.com today!

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Home Renovations 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare

By: Annabelle Harris

Renovating your home can be exciting: after all, you might be adding a room, designing your dream kitchen, updating an old bathroom, or finishing a basement. There are many types of remodeling projects for homes, and each one could improve the look and feel of your living space, increase your property’s value, and make your home a more enjoyable place to live.

That being said, home renovations can also be very lengthy, costly, stressful, and anxiety-inducing. A kitchen upgrade, for instance, costs around $35,000 and takes one to two weeks to complete — while a full kitchen renovation could cost $65,000 and take up to 12 weeks until completion.

Other projects — like converting an attic into a living space — could cost as much as $75,000 and take up to 10 weeks to complete in some cases. Of course, the length and cost of your project will depend on factors such as your wants and needs, location, materials used, and project size. To learn more about home renovations and how to prepare for your project, check out this guide from Philly Home Organizer.

Estimate Your Project Costs
As you prepare to renovate your home, you’ll first need to estimate your project costs and determine how you’ll pay for your home improvements. Be sure to take the following home renovation expenses into account when creating your budget:

Project permits
Your project timeline
Labor
Market conditions
Materials involved
Furnishings, fixtures, and accessories
Accommodations (if you’ll be moving out of your home during the renovation)
Cleanup costs

Your contractors will likely use project estimating software to calculate your material and labor costs before providing you with a quote, as these apps can be used to estimate costs for construction, HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, and electrical work. This type of software makes it easy for your contractor to estimate material and labor costs in your area, accept payments online, and create and send estimates to potential clients. Click for more info on how your contractor might estimate your renovation project costs.

Find Reliable Contractors
Before spending a huge chunk of time and money on your home renovation, you’ll also want to do your due diligence searching for the right contractors to complete your project. Experts recommend interviewing and obtaining estimates from at least three contractors before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to request references and verify the contractor’s licenses and insurance policies before paying a deposit and signing a contract.

Consider a Home Warranty Plan
Depending on the type of renovations you’re completing, it might also make sense financially to purchase a home warranty plan — especially if you’re replacing your appliances; upgrading your HVAC, plumbing, and/or electrical systems; or installing something like a sump pump, spa, or septic system. While specific coverage for home warranties vary, plans can be renewed on an annual basis — and it’s possible to shop around for warranties that fit your budget and coverage needs.

Furnish & Organize Your Newly Renovated Home
After completing your home renovation, you’ll finally be ready to furnish your newly renovated room(s) and get things back in order. If you’ve added a home office, for instance, be sure to purchase a comfortable desk and chair for working from home and place them in an area that gets lots of natural light. If you don’t have access to natural light, however, you can install ceiling track lights, floor lamps, or recessed lighting.

Other furnishings for your newly renovated home might include:

Major furniture pieces
Decor
Artwork
Accessories
Lighting
Cabinets and shelving units

The post-renovation period is also an excellent time to organize and declutter your belongings. Philly Home Organizer can help you to get things organized, better manage your living space, and solve any household storage issues you may have. You can even get help with donating or repurposing your belongings.

Renovations Are Stressful, Yet Survivable
Surviving a home renovation may seem impossible, but this guide will help you to better prepare for the process. Take your time interviewing contractors, reviewing contractor estimates and bids, and comparing home warranties — and have some fun shopping for furnishings and decor for your newly renovated office, kitchen, living room, or bedroom. You’ll have a brand new room (or home) to enjoy when the entire renovation is finally through.

Philly Home Organizer is a professional organizer serving the Greater Philadelphia and Southern Jersey area. Check out our services and rates or contact me at 215-487-1520 or by emailing phillyhomeorganizer@verizon.net.

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4 Tips for Managing Your Business Across Different States

By: Annabelle Harris

You’ve been running your business in several states, and as you expanded your company, you grew your real estate portfolio, too. Now, you’re a homeowner in these states, and you’re trying to get a handle on all of your responsibilities. With a little assistance from Philly Home Organizer, you can create comfortable workspaces in your homes! Furthermore, these tips will walk you through key business tasks and financial considerations.

Secure Your Properties

If you regularly travel between properties, you might find yourself worrying about home security when you’re away, especially if you store valuable business equipment at your various homes. Investing in the right security tools and home goods is the key to keeping your family and belongings safe when you’re out of town. From security cameras to alarms to digital locks with passcodes, there are plenty of tools you can rely on for peace of mind. Before buying any new products, just make sure to check out informative reviews from unbiased sources.

Assign a Registered Agent

If you haven’t already chosen a registered agent for your business, now is the time to do so! NerdWallet states that when you register your business with a specific state, you will also need to choose a registered agent who maintains an address in the same state. This means that even if you own properties in multiple states, your chosen registered agent will need to live in the state where your business is legally based. Your registered agent can handle lots of business tasks in your absence, from tax notifications to lawsuits. Just make sure to outline key workflows and processes for whoever you appoint!

Choose the Right Insurance Coverage

If you live in multiple states, buying health insurance can quickly get complicated. To sum it up, you’re required to purchase a health insurance policy in the state where you maintain your permanent address, which means you cannot take out policies in two states at the same time.

But what if you have some flexibility in where you establish your main residence? You may want to research which state offers the cheapest policies while still providing adequate coverage. Remember, you should automatically have emergency coverage in every state, so no matter where you are, you can always seek medical care if you need it. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to buy auto insurance in the state where your vehicle is registered, so try to register it in an affordable state if possible.

Analyze Your Cost of Living

As a homeowner with properties in several states, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that your cost of living differs depending on your address. By researching the cost of living in each state where you own property, you can take advantage of the most affordable prices for different services. These financial figures can help you sort out your budget:

• If you need to store your belongings while moving to or from Las Vegas, NV, these LV units cost $125.87 on average.
• In Philadelphia, PA, you can anticipate spending about $1,340 on health insurance premiums per year.
• Do you live in New York City? If so, Smart Asset recommends that you budget about $486.71 per month for groceries.
• If you’re raising children in Wilmington, DE, your daycare costs will hover around $883 per month.
• Aspiring homeowners in the Salisbury, MD area should keep in mind that the median list price in the area is $228,950.

When you’re an entrepreneur managing a multi-state business, owning properties in the different states where your business operates can be a smart move. But managing your life on the go can be tough! With these tips, you’ll feel better equipped for refining your budget, finding a registered agent you can rely on, and securing your properties.

Want to renovate your properties to better accommodate your business? Turn to Philly Home Organizer for help! Fill out the contact form on our website today to get started.

Photo via Pexels Andrea Piacquadio

Healthy Ways to Cope with a Downsize

By: Annabelle Harris

If you are ready for action to deal with those unorganized spaces without the stress of it all, Philly Home Organizer offers many services and solutions to help you do just that. Reach out today for more info! (215)487-1520

Once your kids fly the coop, the allure of owning the home you raised a family in can begin to fade. While your dreams once motivated you to keep up with maintenance and upkeep, these responsibilities may now feel like more of a burden, especially considering that you no longer need as much space.

As such, more and more seniors are downsizing their belongings and relocating to smaller homes. With fewer maintenance tasks, reducing to a smaller home can create a general sense of simplicity in your life.

That said, the downsizing process can be physically and emotionally taxing. Much like decluttering to reduce stressors in the home, it requires you to sift through decades of possessions and cope with the emotions attached to them. Throughout the process, it’s essential to foster your physical and mental wellness. These tips from Philly Home Organizer can help you do just that:

Handle the Logistics

There are many steps involved in selling a home, and the earlier you start preparing, the better. Start researching the local housing market to get an idea of an asking price and what upgrades buyers are looking for.

Plan for the Physical Toll

When it comes time to move homes, you should prepare for the physical demands of moving. Quick and Dirty Tips suggests checking with friends and family members to see if any or all of them can help. The last thing you want to do is overextend yourself; take frequent breaks, and try not to lift any heavy boxes or items.

If you don’t have friends or relatives nearby, or you do and still need some extra hands, consider hiring a moving company to take care of the legwork. You can quickly find local moving companies near you through online service directories, which allow you to read customer reviews and compare rates.

When assessing different companies, request a written estimate before meeting them at your home for a quote. Be wary of scams; legitimate movers will insist on performing an inspection in your home before giving you a bill.

Balance Activity With Rest

As previously mentioned, rest is critical to a successful move. Make sure you incorporate relaxing activities into your daily routine, even on the days you are moving. Find ways to unwind from the physical, mental, and emotional impact that comes with downsizing. And try to get adequate sleep each night.

From the moment you decide to put your house on the market until you have unpacked all of your belongings in your new home, it will be a long process, sometimes consisting of busy days.

Don’t let a day pass by without eating healthy meals and snacks. Try to have foods rich in essential vitamins, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. You likely will get some good exercise from having to go here and there, especially on moving day. But if not, at least try to work in a 30-minute walk or yoga session.

Deal With Your Emotions

Leaving a home where you have created beautiful memories and that has been your shelter from tough days can be taxing on the soul. Lifetime Daily points out that it’s essential to face the emotions likely to come with such a significant change.

Before you even begin packing, take a trip down memory lane through the house and your belongings and allow yourself to fear the sadness and potential fears about moving. Confront the fear and stress head-on by acknowledging it may occur and talking to loved ones when they strike. You’re making some important decisions during time, so be sure to deal with the stress so you’re focused on what’s before you. Take a deep breath and set your priorities, with an eye toward the future and not the past.

If you’ve decided to downsize your possessions and move into a smaller home, then it’s essential to prepare for the process and take care of yourself along the way. Handle the logistics, get help from others, practice self-care, and work through the emotions that ensue as you’re sorting through your belongings. Before long, you’ll be settling into a more manageable home, ready to start your next chapter.

Home Organizing: Live Within Your Space

Somewhere along the way, we have all heard the sage advice to, “Live within your means.”  Take that one step further and learn to live within your space.

Houses can become too small when family dynamics change or an improved financial situation warrants the luxury of bigger and better. In fact, there can be many good reasons to move or put an addition on an existing  home.

However, there is one very good reason to stay right where you are. Many think that their home is too modest because they feel too cramped inside of it. The reality is that they have too much stuff and do not know how to manage it. Rather than deal with the underlying problem, they blame the house.

The solution lies within you. Until the clutter issue is addressed, no space will ever be large enough. The clutter will just prosper, spread and complicate matters going forward.

Before making a life-changing and rather expensive decision, clean out all of the things that make each day more challenging. The right choice will be clearer and the solution may be sitting right in your own backyard.

For more information on home organizing, visit phillyhomeorganizer.com.

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Home Organizing: The Fear of Tossing Paper

It is never too late to stand up and face down your demons. Many get paralyzed by the unknown and obsessed by the fear of throwing something away in case they may need it some day. Too often, the easy answer leads to inaction.

The solution to effectively managing paperwork requires a little thought, probability and balance. With these in mind, a practical filing system can be created to maintain it all.

All paper is not created equal. Be generous with the word junk since most of it is after all. Some fall in a temporary category and should be accommodated as such. A small percentage are legitimately very important and need top priority.

However, all of it is worthless if it cannot be found when needed. Balance is crucial. The amount of paper kept should be limited to the amount that one person can reasonably handle.

When in doubt, consider the last time that you ever referred back to any particular item if at all and the odds of ever having to do so in the future. The answer may be surprising.

This can be especially true for financial issues. Separate information needed for tax purposes and at the end of the year, file it all together with the tax return. The rest can most likely be considered discretionary. For example, discard interim investments statement and keep the year end only if so inclined. This alone would cut down on at least 75% of that paperwork.

Invest the time, use some common sense and think it through logically in order to define a simple method to deal with paper. While there will always be shades of gray, the fear will lessen with a definitive game plan.  In fact, fear should not lie in tossing but in not finding. The future never comes in the size and shape that we expect, so better to try and beat the odds rather than drown in a sea of paper. It will all balance out in the end.

For more information on home organizing, visit www.phillyhomeorganizing,com.

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Emotional Clutter: Letting go of the Sentimental Journey

When a person believes that everything in their home is important and absolutely necessary, it usually suggests a problem. In reality, nothing is important except the fear of letting go.

Real treasures lose their value when they get buried and forgotten. Neglect and the ravages of time eventually put the final nail in the coffin. If something is not worth caring for and honoring in some way, then it makes little sense to keep it. In the end, remorse comes too late and all that remains is clutter.

The underlying purpose of holding on to sentimental things is for the memories. Too much stuff translates into too few memories. It will drown you while trying to wade through it all on a daily basis.

Choose to cherish the most important ones. It does not mean that the rest will be forgotten. Dwelling on the past can be fine in moderation but when it interferes with living in the present, change needs to happen. A healthy balance reaps its own rewards.

Jump off the runaway train. A little perspective could lead to more time and energy for today. An occasional trip down memory lane can certainly be worthwhile but so can a less stressful journey ahead as well.

 

Photo by Mark Plötz from Pexels

 

The Economics of Home Organizing

The most fundamental principle of economic theory is supply versus demand. Apply the same concept in terms of your home.

Clutter issues arise when supply outweighs demand by a substantial margin. We shop until we drop with no real game plan. This causes a lot of waste in time, money and space… not to mention an overwhelming mess.

Bargains are never bargains until they are utilized. Throwing away cash and receiving no benefit makes little economic sense. It does not matter if it is clothes that are never worn or a can of soup that sits on a shelf well past its expiration date. The outcome is the same.

Take the concept a step further and consider the law of diminishing returns. Every time that a similar item is purchased, it reduces the overall value of all of those things. For example, if you only owned one shirt, then it would be golden with infinite value. A second shirt would be pretty priceless too but it would lessen the value of both. If the cycle continues unchecked, they eventually become a liability in the form of clutter.

Occasional splurges are healthy and fun but should lean more towards the exception rather than the rule. It can be a bit like walking on a tightrope. Balance is everything.

Pause and think before spending. Purchase what you need and use what you have in order to keep the flow of a household running smoothly.

A reasonable balance between supply and demand is one of the keys to a sound economy and a more manageable home as well. Realistic demand on a daily basis will lead to a healthier supply of peace and sense of well-being down the road.

 

Photo by Marcelo Moreira from Pexels

Home Organizing: Attention Shoppers

Let’s face it. Shopping is one of America’s favorite pastimes and for many, an Olympic sport. We thrive on the high when we score a perfect ten or jump on the bargain of a lifetime.

It matters little if it is needed or not and maybe more importantly, if there happens to be room for it once it crosses the threshold of your home. The treasures soon become an issue when they are crammed into the dark recesses of a closet and soon forgotten. This happens over and over again until we know longer know what we own.

Unfortunately, the thrill of the hunt is temporary and before long, we crave for more. One solution would be to better arm ourselves. Know what is in you closets, cabinets and whatever before you venture out to the mall or onto the world wide web.

Organize your belongings and there will be a much better understanding of what you have and what you really need. By putting things in categories and assigning like things to their own space, it becomes much easier to remember as well as visualize the remaining space. It literally pays to put a check on your spending habits before you get to the checkout counter.

Shopping is fun and can be perfectly harmless when done it moderation. But when it snowballs into out-of-control spending, it may be time to find a new hobby. Take a breath, jump the hurdle and win the race. If successful, you will have truly scored the perfect ten.