Orange County is one of Virginia’s most spectacular and desirable places to live, work, and play. This makes it a true hidden gem. Many of its industries are fueled by the abundant and diversified natural resources it possesses. These natural resources also inspire and cultivate many of the recreations and arts. Its illustrious past is widely displayed and cherished all around the county. Overall, there are numerous aspects of Orange County that appeal to residents and people considering relocating to the area. The peaceful way of life and friendly hometown feel – with its combination of modern conveniences, easy accessibility to work, health and public services, education, recreation, holiday destinations, and areas of interest – locally and nationally – is generally what people are drawn to. But before moving here, you should learn what life in Orange County, VA is really like.
The story of OC
Established in 1734, OC’s story is a very authentic American tale. Since it’s so rich in intellectual and agricultural gifts, its natives and immigrants have found a way to sow the seeds of sovereignty and innovation all the way from their niche in the Blue Ridge foothills. Life in Orange County had blossomed. It’s now a cradle of American patriotism. It has been so from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and the creation of the Constitution.
The sense of belonging in Orange County is incredible. It’s a community where the past is abundantly present, whether you’re strolling down tree-lined boulevards in the downtowns or visiting Montpelier to learn about America’s foundations.
Is Orange County a good place to live?
The question of whether living in Orange County will be a good experience for you or not is an important one. However, it’s a really subjective one as well. You need to be the one to call the shots and see what feels right. Nevertheless, there are always some facts that you can take into consideration. Something that people often wonder about before relocating to OC is whether there are any fun things to do there. Let’s see.
You can stay in period cottages. This isn’t only a great way to spend your time during your life in OC; it’s also an opportunity to get to know it before moving. Staying in one of the many available period cottages is a great way to get a true sense of the country’s rustic spirit.
Try the local brews and wines. Of course, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Orange County, Virginia, is to sample the local drinks.
Historical sights. There are plenty of incredible historical sights you’ll be able to visit once you relocate to OC. To name a few, there are Christ Episcopal Church, Barboursville Ruins, James Madison’s Montpelier, and many more.
Moving here to experience life in Orange County, VA
If you’re making the decision to relocate to Orange County, there’s a lot that you need to think about. Especially if you’re leaving behind a great place like DC, hiring a long-distance moving company and taking the planning process seriously is a must. However, if you really want to leave DC to live here, a bit of hard work shouldn’t stop you. Dive into this process all in, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your new life in Orange County in no time.
Look for the best spot
A great way to make your life in OC interesting, enjoyable, and satisfactory is to choose the perfect neighborhood for you. Luckily, finding the best neighborhood in a place like Orange County is rarely a problem. You have various choices to go through. These are some neighborhoods you must check out!
Gordonsville
Lake of the Woods
Orange
Once you’ve settled on a choice, make sure to do more thorough research and visit the place a couple of times before deciding to live there.
There are some great neighborhoods in Orange County that you can research and move to.
Find suitable movers
Of course, there can’t be a proper relocation without a trustworthy moving company. Before you even start to plan the move, make sure to find movers that will make your move go smoothly and without fuss. Pairing up with A2B Moving and Storage or similarly reputable companies would not only mean having partners that’ll help you relocate and store your items, but you’ll also have trustworthy advisors.
The climate in the OC
Orange County has four different seasons. The residents and visitors enjoy it alike. Orange County is located east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is part of Virginia’s Piedmont Climate Region. The average January temperature is 27-47 degrees, and the average July temperature is 68-88 degrees. At around 43 inches per year, the average precipitation is the second highest of Virginia’s five climate areas. Mid-late October is when the nice weather is at its greatest. The region’s growing season is long enough, at 182 days, to allow a variety of crops to mature properly.
The weather in Orange County can be pretty multifaceted, so be careful and always check the reports.
Purchasing a house in OC
If life in Orange County, VA sounds exciting, make sure to organize everything that’s supposed to wait for you there before you make the relocation. For example, one of the most important aspects of living somewhere is having a roof over your head. Luckily for you, purchasing a home in Virginia is often a very positive experience. There are many advantages to buying a house here. This makes life in Orange County even more desirable. Because of their popularity, most vacation properties have maintained their value and will most likely continue to do so. The taxes to income ratio is a pretty positive one if compared to surrounding places. Buying a vacation home in Orange County is also a great investment, especially if you’re planning on retiring there.
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 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, 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.
Have you been waiting to try a certain restaurant in Orange County, Virginia? Maybe the timing wasn’t right, or you weren’t sure where to start- we’ll now is the perfect time to start planning!
Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Tourism, and LoveOrangeVirginia are celebrating their 2nd annual restaurant week. There are so many amazing local restaurants and culinary talent in Orange County, it’s their time to show them off, so everyone can give them a try! Participating restaurants will have a pre-fixed menu to select dishes from (typically an appetizer, entrée, and dessert) so you may truly try a bit of everything on their menu. What a wonderful opportunity to try something new from one of your favorite restaurants or find another new favorite!
Participating restaurants include, but are NOT limited to Bella Cusina, Vintage, Provisions, La Naranja, El Vaquero West, Clearwater, Krecek Kakes! There are more being added each week, check out the most up-to-date and complete list here. If you are a restaurant owner and would like to participate, learn more here.
Orange County, VA Economic Development wants to encourage people to support our local restaurants and is offering a chance to win a $25 gift card to an Orange County eatery of your choice for participating! Visit here for more details on how to win the gift card!
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 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, 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.
Reynolds GM-Subaru was started in 1938 by C.A. (Jack) and Chester Reynolds in 1938 as a service station on the current site of Wayne Modena’s State Farm Insurance. Later, Reynolds moved across the street to the current site of the McDonald’s on Madison Road. After World War II where both Chester and Roy Reynolds served with distinction, Reynolds gained the Pontiac franchise and moved to their current location on Madison Road where Chester and Roy oversaw expansion of the business to include gaining the Cadillac, Buick, and GMC franchises through the 50’s and 60’s. During the 60’s and 70’s, Reynolds added a full-service body shop and multiple buildings comprising most of the modern footprint you see today. Expansion during the 80’s, and 90’s under the leadership of Kevin Reynolds, Sr. and Tom Reynolds included adding an expanded body shop on Woodmark Street and the Subaru franchise. Today, the dealership is a franchised Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick, and Subaru store and is owned by Kevin Reynolds, Sr., John Reynolds, and Kevin Reynolds, Jr. They currently employ over 60 people and contribute to the local economy and local charities with equal fervor. Over the past decade, Reynolds has been awarded by its franchised manufacturers as the best in the nation in customer satisfaction. A veteran-owned and operated company since its inception, Reynolds believes in serving their fellow citizens and has for 80 plus years.
Reynolds GM Subaru Located at: 249 N Madison Rd, Orange, VA 22960540-672-3700 “The Dealership that Service Built”www.reynoldsgmsubaru.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 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, 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.
After settling down in your home, you start thinking about how to spend your time when you’re away. Spending days traveling is great, but sometimes we wish for a base. Somewhere we want a place to come back to any time we want and relax away from our daily routines. A home away from home seems like a perfect solution. Picking a favorite location and purchasing a second home there is the dream of many families. However, it’s not easy to make this decision – it’s a costly investment and takes time and effort to maintain. But, buying a vacation home surely has its benefits, and we’re here to help you decide if you should go for it. Let’s see if it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021 and provide your family with a fantastic place to spend future vacations.
What are the factors that may stop you from buying a second home?
Every purchase has its pros and cons. When it comes to buying a second home, the factor that worries most buyers are the costs. Making your dream of having a second home come true possibly requires a new mortgage, but also maintenance costs. Second homes need regular maintenance, furnishing but also paying unexpected costs whenever they come up. Finally, if your first house is located far away, visiting the second home frequently comes with increased travel expenses.
Remember: Make sure you evaluate your budget carefully before purchasing a second home. Even though this investment comes with additional costs, it shouldn’t be a heavy burden on your budget. Include all the factors and expenses, including taxes, which apply differently to owners of vacation homes.
Even though they have a lot of benefits, vacation properties can cost a lot.
It’s a permanent holiday destination
Another reason why people hesitate to buy a second home is related to traveling. When owning a vacation home, you hardly ever decide to go somewhere else, which may become monotonous over the years. However, families who love peaceful vacations and a homey base will surely love having a place to go whenever possible.
Reasons why buying a second home in Virginia makes sense
If you decide to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021, you need to consider all the pros and cons. However, we feel that all the advantages will win over. Let’s go through all the benefits that will show that this decision actually makes sense.
It’s a home away from home
Even though this seems like just a phrase, owning a second home means heaving a retreat from daily tasks – any time you want. If you decide to buy a second home, pick a location where you can truly enjoy your days off – and Virginia has a lot of them to offer. This way, you can be sure you can have a weekend getaway or a longer vacation in your favorite location where all the daily chores, work stress, and other problems simply disappear.
With just a short ride away, you can have a home away from your home.
You can save on vacations
Having somewhere to go anytime you need a vacation can save you money, too. You don’t need to spend a lot on hotels, flights, etc. This way, you can have a great vacation – on a budget. Furthermore, the previous year and the global pandemic have prevented people from traveling abroad, so many of them decided to buy a second home within the same state. This is usually far enough to change your environment, but not travel too far away from your home.
If you plan on renting it as a vacation home, it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia.
Second-home can become a source of income
Another budget-related advantage of owning a second home is earning from rentals. This investment can become a steady source of income despite some additional expenses that rentals have. However, what worries buyers is the global pandemic that stopped travel and reduced rental revenues. Hopefully, the pandemic is coming to an end, which is why it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021.
Ready for the big purchase?
Buying a second home in Virginia is so exciting, but picking the best location may be challenging. Many interesting nature spots can be a perfect retreat for your family. Do some research and choose the place you will enjoy the most. The next step would be purchasing the property and moving in.
With both of these, make sure you trust the professionals. Local real estate experts will ensure you find the best property, as they are knowledgeable about the market. Also, an experienced agent will guide you through the buying process and make it a lot simpler. The next step is moving in. Again, trusting a professional to handle your relocation to the new home is essential if you want to minimize the stress and save time. Browse only trusted moving pros at bestcrosscountrymovers.com so you can be sure your items are safe. Unfortunately, the moving industry is filled with low-quality companies, so be sure to do your best to avoid them.
Prepare for the stay
If you plan on staying in your second home longer, make sure you prepare your first home first. This means you should turn off the water, get rid of perishable food, take care of your plants or find someone to do it for you. Now you can stay on vacation as long as you want. However, you need to prepare well for a more extended stay.
Pack your vacation items safely
Once you buy your vacation home in Virginia, you can transport all the vacation essentials there. This way, you won’t risk damaging them when you pack every time you travel. For example, if you love fishing, you will want to pack your fishing equipment so it can travel safely. If you want to bring fishing gear with you, explore the main packing guidelines to keep the items protected during transport and enjoy your favorite hobby without any problems.
Take your time to feel at home
As you can see, it makes perfect sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021. And once you do, remember that settling in a new property is not always fast. Take your time adapting your second home just the way you want it, so you can make it a true oasis for your family.
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 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, 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.
Welcome to 17071 Waine Drive! Imagine sitting on your front porch swing watching the skydivers floating down gracefully with your favorite beverage. Once inside, you are welcomed by gleaming hardwood floors, elegantly painted and space to roam. The open floor plan boasts a family room with a gas fireplace, fine finishes and built-in bookshelf. The main level living areas flow effortlessly, into one another, it is perfect for entertaining or daily life. The dining room is full of natural light and perfectly sized with access to the deck. Enjoy cooking in your kitchen featuring upgraded appliances, breakfast bar, and recessed lighting. Your owner’s suite is spacious and offers an en-suite bath with soaking tub and double vanity. The lower level will excite with a work-out room that will make exercising at home a breeze or watch the latest movie in your own home theater room, this home has it all. You will love watching the deer and other wildlife from your deck as you relax and hear nature sing. A country setting, so close to town and perfectly situated on over 3 acres, you can forget about all of your worries. There is plenty of room for your horse and room to create your own oasis away from it all yet so close to everything!
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 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, 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.
This year’s 46th Orange County’s Street Festival will be in honor and remembrance of September 11, 2011, with the theme of HONOR OUR HEROES hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s annual beloved community event will take place from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, September 11th, and typically features over 200 artisans, craft and commercial vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, live music, a kid’s zone, and a beer and wine garden for the adults. Check out a list of all the vendors already scheduled to be at the event here.
This family-friendly festival attracts an average of 5,000+ people from all over Central Virginia each year and is a great opportunity for community awareness and promotion. This event is completely free to attend, grab the kids and friends as this will be fun for all!
If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, please apply here.
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 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, 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.
With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a closer look at the market data indicates this is nothing like 2006 for three major reasons.
1. The housing market isn’t driven by risky mortgage loans.
Back in 2006, nearly everyone could qualify for a loan. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) from the Mortgage Bankers’ Association is an indicator of the availability of mortgage money. The higher the index, the easier it is to obtain a mortgage. The MCAI more than doubled from 2004 (378) to 2006 (869). Today, the index stands at 130. As an example of the difference between today and 2006, let’s look at the volume of mortgages that originated when a buyer had less than a 620 credit score.
Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, reiterates this point:
“There are marked differences in today’s run up in prices compared to 2005, which was a bubble fueled by risky loans and lenient underwriting. Today, loans with high-risk features are absent and mortgage underwriting is prudent.”
2. Homeowners aren’t using their homes as ATMs this time.
During the housing bubble, as prices skyrocketed, people were refinancing their homes and pulling out large sums of cash. As prices began to fall, that caused many to spiral into a negative equity situation (where their mortgage was higher than the value of the house).
Today, homeowners are letting their equity build. Tappable equity is the amount available for homeowners to access before hitting a maximum 80% combined loan-to-value ratio (thus still leaving them with at least 20% equity). In 2006, that number was $4.6 billion. Today, that number stands at over $8 billion.
Yet, the percentage of cash-out refinances (where the homeowner takes out at least 5% more than their original mortgage amount) is half of what it was in 2006.
3. This time, it’s simply a matter of supply and demand.
FOMO (the Fear Of Missing Out) dominated the housing market leading up to the 2006 housing bubble and drove up buyer demand. Back then, housing supply more than kept up as many homeowners put their houses on the market, as evidenced by the over seven months’ supply of existing housing inventory available for sale in 2006. Today, that number is barely two months.
Builders also overbuilt during the bubble but pulled back significantly over the next decade. Sam Khater, VP and Chief Economist, Economic & Housing Research at Freddie Mac, explains that pullback is the major factor in the lack of available inventory today:
“The main driver of the housing shortfall has been the long-term decline in the construction of single-family homes.”
Here’s a chart that quantifies Khater’s remarks:
Today, there are simply not enough homes to keep up with current demand.
Bottom Line
This market is nothing like the run-up to 2006. Bill McBride, the author of the prestigious Calculated Risk blog, predicted the last housing bubble and crash. This is what he has to say about today’s housing market:
“It’s not clear at all to me that things are going to slow down significantly in the near future. In 2005, I had a strong sense that the hot market would turn and that, when it turned, things would get very ugly. Today, I don’t have that sense at all, because all of the fundamentals are there. Demand will be high for a while because Millennials need houses. Prices will keep rising for a while because inventory is so low.”
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 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, 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.
On July 2nd, 2021 visit Booster Park in Orange, VA for a long-awaited fireworks display. This will be a family-friendly event with gates opening at 6pm sharp and fireworks scheduled to take place after dark (approximately 9-9:30PM). A live broadcast by 103.1 WJMA and a performance by the Mojo Jam band is sure to be a treat. Food vendors will be available on sight, however, alcohol will not be permitted. Gather your family and friends for a beautiful summer night to watch fireworks together. Picnics, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcomed and encouraged!
The best is saved for last: this event is absolutely FREE ADMISSION. No tickets/purchases necessary!!
For the most up-to-date information about this event, please visit their Facebook page here.
This event is sponsored and brought to you by: County of Orange, the Town of Orange, the Town of Gordonsville, Somerset Seed and Sod, Inc, Mason Insurance Agency Inc, Rappahanock Electric Cooperative, Altman Tire & Auto Sales, Orange Tire Inc., and Mr. and Mrs. Rea Jones!
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 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, 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.
Our real estate expertise goes far beyond just buying or selling your home—you can rely on us for quality resources before and after you’ve moved.
Whether you’re searching for the best local handyman, a notary, or something else entirely, you can trust our vetted providers to get the job done.
If you ever need a real estate recommendation—today or years down the road—just give us a call for personalized advice!
Unlock Our Exclusive Real Estate Recommendations
We like to consider ourselves real estate experts, and we love being able to share our knowledge with you! Throughout our years of working in the housing market, we’ve formed deep relationships with not only our clients, but with local trusted businesses, too. We’ve vetted these vendors ourselves so that you don’t have to play the costly game of trial and error.
Need some personalized recommendations or strategic advice? Here’s how your agent can serve you even after you’ve moved.
Sellers, we don’t stop at “SOLD”
When we say we’re by your side every step of the way, we mean it—which means our services never stop at “SOLD!” Whether we’ve just listed your home or already sold it, we know there’s always more work to be done. Seemingly small details go a long way in making a house a home. We’ve worked with the best professional landscapers, painters, and cleaners in the area—all contacts you need to put the finishing touches on your space.
We consider our clients to be one of our own, which means our exclusive buying and selling resources are always available to you. At any time, you can see if your home value has increased using our free estimator or jumpstart the buying process after you sell with our advanced search tool. Our real estate professionals have gained invaluable experience in working with our clients, so we try to return the favor whenever possible by providing in-depth insight.
New homeowners, you’re not done with us yet
We loved helping you find your dream home so much that we want to keep working with you—and honestly, we think we’re going to need each other! Homeownership is a huge investment, so you want your new place to be in tip-top shape at all times.
First things first, it’s important to change your locks when you move into your home, since you don’t know who might have a copy of your keys. Don’t know of a local locksmith? Don’t worry, we’ll open some doors for you! Don’t let a household repair linger just because you don’t know a trusted provider who can get the job done. Whether you’re looking for a handyman to lend a helping hand on a home project or need repairs for your HVAC, you can count on our personalized recommendations for the most reliable providers in the area!
And for when you’ve been watching (maybe too much) HGTV…
We get it, watching Fixer Upper makes you want to DIY your entire home, especially if you’re thinking about listing soon or just moved in. But for when you’re not in the mood to do it all yourself, we’ve got contacts for everything from new light fixtures to full-on home renovations. Our desire for you to live in your dream home doesn’t stop when you sign the closing documents, and we will always be available to help with any home improvements.
Want Access to Our Preferred Vendors?
Working with a top-notch real estate agent means you’ve gained a partner for life. So when anything comes up in your buying, selling, or homeownership journey, just give us a call!
Whether you’re at the beginning of the selling process or have already bought your dream home, you can always rely on us to connect you with the area’s best vendors. Contact us today for any recommendations you may need—and don’t forget, we’re locals too, and we love to catch up with our clients!
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 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, 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.
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
