As more of us become aware of the fact that we might have too much stuff laying around, decluttering has gone from an occasional chore to a lifestyle trend. This is a positive shift, especially given the global problems caused by waste, but it can be difficult to know how to go about it.
The facts are, a less cluttered house can reduce your stress and lead to a happier life according to clinical psychologist Jaime Zuckerman. Not only is it good for your mental health, it can also be good for your wallet as decluttering and taking care of cleaning and tidying projects can actually increase your home appraisal.
Some people call in “decluttering experts,” but the truth is that unless you have a hoarding situation on your hands, you don’t need this service. Courtesy of The Licata Group, here are some tips for how you can minimize and declutter on your own.
Thinking of purchasing or selling a property? The Licata Group can help you navigate the Lake of the Woods housing market. Call us today at (540) 388-2541.
Pick a Decluttering Strategy
If you don’t know where to start with decluttering, there are many existing strategies you can use. These range from the now-famous KonMari method of sorting and decluttering possessions to the Minimalist Game, where you get rid of an increasing number of things based on the day of the month. Pick one that seems doable for you, and you may find the structure of a defined method helps you actually follow through.
Make Plans for Getting Rid of Stuff
What do you do with the bags of stuff you’ve decided to get rid of? Whether you’re going to the recycling center or a charity, know exactly when, where, and how you’ll tackle things. Alternatively, arrange a pick-up from an organization that offers that service.
Additionally, if you have any large, bulky items you no longer need, consider hiring junk haulers to properly dispose of them. In addition to appliances, professional removal services will handle things like mattresses, carpeting, and furniture. What’s more, they’ll make sure these items end up where they belong, whether it’s a junkyard or a local recycling center.
Hack Your Storage Space
Some of us aren’t blessed with a lot of storage space, even post-declutter. Luckily, there are organization hacks to help you with every room in the house. Use under-bed space in the bedroom, invest in furniture and decor that doubles as storage (such as trunks and ottomans), and use narrow spaces (like the one between your fridge and cabinet) to install vertical storage. And if you want to spruce up those shelves and drawers, use removable wallpaper, which you can find in a number of modern looks. This is also a good solution since it’s easy to swap out designs whenever the mood strikes you.
Set Up a Cleaning Schedule
Now that your home is looking tidy and clutter-free, it’s time to keep it clean. Set a regular cleaning schedule — and then stick to it. For some, this could mean setting aside Sunday mornings for cleaning; for others, a weekly schedule with a couple of small daily tasks is easier. Just make sure it fits with your routine and you can actually picture yourself doing it.
Control Your Buying
According to the Atlantic, Americans bought an average of 66 garments in 2017. Are spending habits like these part of why you had to declutter in the first place? If so, you need to re-evaluate this, or you will end up with a cluttered closet again in a matter of months.
You don’t have to go full minimalist or swear to never buy anything again, but you can learn to buy less stuff. Buy good-quality items that last longer, remove temptations like email mailing lists and free delivery subscriptions, and buy only items that you have a planned, concrete use for.
The act of decluttering itself can be fun and exhilarating. It feels great to see a home that feels cleaner, tidier, and more relaxing. Realistically, the hardest part is keeping things that way. The secret to effective decluttering is not to approach it as a one-time exercise, but as a gradual change in your consumer and home maintenance habits. Over time, you will start to value the long-term comfort and ease of a clutter-free home over the intense (but brief) rush of buying and acquiring new stuff.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Northern Virginia, or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Join us every Tuesday at 11 AM EST on our Facebook page for Licata Live,
where you can ask questions to different members of our team every week!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Northern Virginia, or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
As the nation gets ready to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, the LOW Veterans Club will provide an impressive outside ceremony honoring those individuals who have died on military active duty during service to their country. The approximately one-hour event starting at noon at the flagpole in front of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse will feature several ways of recognizing those individuals who paid the ultimate price of their lives for their country.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 because it was a day to decorate the graves of lost loved ones. Subsequently the name was changed to Memorial Day and was declared to be a national holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
LOW residents and their guests are invited to witness the true meaning of Memorial Day. Some of the patriotic events include proper raising and lowering of the American Flag, reading of the names of the LOW veterans who died in 2020, description of the historic meaning of Memorial Day, and the presentation of the wreath. Also, newly assigned LOW Veterans Club bugler, Tom Ackman, is a member of the “Buglers Across America” will perform taps.
In the spirit and intent of honoring fallen armed forces personnel the LOW Veterans Club recommends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) a nonprofit organization that funded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC. VVMF has created an In Memory plaque which contains names of the Vietnam veterans who have lost their lives as a result of their service in Vietnam.
Veterans so honored who have succumbed to: Exposure to Agent Orange; PTSD/Suicide; Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease, and Parkinson ’s disease. For more information contact VVMF at InMemory@vvmf.org.
For further information about the LOW Veterans Club and its activities, please contact club president Mike Ferguson at 571-972-5313 or email him at colmferguson@msn.com.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Orange County Virginia is a very nice place to live, judging
by the opinion of a vast number of people. It has a lot to offer and yet it has
succeeded in keeping a slow, stress-free, and peaceful lifestyle. If you and
your significant other are looking for a place to settle down and make a
future, we can help you choose among the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA
for young couples. You will enjoy immensely and have an opportunity to do
some fun things once your move to Orange County is complete.
What makes a neighborhood a good choice for young couples?
When choosing a place to live, young couples should follow
certain criteria that will rule their final decision. Their needs and
preferences are, understandably, significantly different from those of
retirees, college students or graduates, for example. To be perceived as one of
the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples, here are the
features a neighborhood has to possess:
To be affordable. – Although there are, of course, young couples who can afford a considerably high standard of living, it is much more probable for them to prefer affordable neighborhoods where the costs of living are lower.
To have a strong job market. – Numerous job opportunities are an important factor for everybody, not only young couples. If they cannot find a job easily or earn an income they would like to, they opt for relocation and settling down in another city.
To be safe. – Safety is one of the most critical features you can expect from a neighborhood. Since young couples mostly consider starting a family in the near future, this is also yet another reason why safety is important.
To have a lot of amenities. – We all know very well that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, right? Hence, young couples like engaging in various activities once they find some free time after work. Luckily, Orange County VA has it all. Whether they are nature lovers, thrill-seekers, or even partygoers, they will find something to enjoy in this area.
Our choice of the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples
Once we have defined what young couples value most when
choosing a place to live, we can suggest a few neighborhoods in this area they
might like. Even organizing
a long-distance relocation is the sacrifice worth making if you find
exactly what you are looking for right here. You will soon realize that Orange
County VA has the reputation of one of the most livable and pleasant places to
live in the USA for a very good reason.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is a perfect choice for everybody regardless of their age or marital status. Its home to two very beautiful lakes that give plenty of options for recreational activity, and make a nice alternative than driving to the beach. The unemployment rate here is low since there are numerous job opportunities. As safety is one of the key features to look for, we will stress that the gated community prides itself on keeping all the residents safe with the help of their own security that patrol the streets on a regular basis.
There are a lot of things to see and do here, enjoying the
various amenities to spending time in nature. If you have a dog, Lake of the
Woods should be your first choice, since the place is genuinely dog-friendly. Here
you’ll find substantially sized dog park within the neighborhood that is properly
secured for both you and your pet to enjoy.
Young couples who are looking for a place to settle down
permanently and start a family soon should seriously consider Lake of the Woods.
It is a community that’s centered around each other, as well as in a wonderful
school district.
Lastly, there are no short supply of activities to keep you
entertained, as community driven clubs and events are constantly occurring with
new ones sprouting up on a regular basis. At Lake of the Woods, you’re sure to
find a place that truly feels like a forever home.
The Town of Gordonsville
Gordonsville is a small charming town with a lot of small
shops and cafes. Although it is usually preferred by those who decide to buy
a home in Virginia after retirement, the situation has recently started to change.
A very low crime rate and a lot of outdoor amenities attract all those nature
lovers and people who live a healthy lifestyle.
The unemployment rate here tends to be on the higher side when compared to the national average, but the vicinity of some bigger towns increases the number of job opportunities due to short commute time. Also, the cost of living is around the national average, so we can say that living in Gordonsville is a good option for young couples.
The Town of Orange
As you might assume, Orange is the seat of Orange County. It
has scored an increase in population in recent years as more and more people,
young couples included, are desperately trying to run away from the hustle and
bustle of urban areas. The cost of living here is a bit on the pricey side. On
the other hand, safety, numerous amenities, and excellent educational
facilities are a big plus.
What young couples also like here are nice cafes and
restaurants with a warm, friendly atmosphere. They can enjoy a night out,
entertain themselves, and still avoid the turbulence of big cities.
Final words on the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples
Living in Orange County VA is appealing for a great number
of people. The County offers all a person needs – to earn a substantial income,
have a nice, spacious home, get a good education, and enjoy various leisure
activities. While some neighborhoods are a better choice than othres, whatever
neighborhood you choose, you will not make a mistake. They are very similar and
each and one of them has a distinctive charm that young couples will like.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Join us this weekend as we show of three of the most gorgeous homes that you are guaranteed to fall in love with. 119 Monticello Cir and 308 Wilderness Dr will be held on Saturday, 11/16 from 1-3 PM in Lake of the Woods, and 4747 Arlington Blvd on Sunday, 11/17 from 1-4 PM in Arlington. If you would like to learn more, be sure to click on the addresses below!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
A lovely Arlington Forest brick home gives you a warm welcome to the neighborhood. A large fenced in yard can accommodate your family and gardening adventure. An exterior shed provides you with all the storage you~ll need for the grill, tools and lawn mower. Newly refinished hardwood floors and paint throughout the home give you the canvas to create a space for all to enjoy. First and second floor bedrooms give you additional space for a home office. The fully finished basement is an ideal for gathering space friends and family. With a fully finished bathroom on every floor, this home is easy to use. Additionally when you visit, you~ll notice the highly desirable commuting location is with great walkability to parks, neighborhood pool and shopping. This active community is minutes away from DC and Arlington attractions. Making it ideal for airport access and work travel requirements. For more info about this property, Click Here!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
