eNewsletter Archives

February 2008: Getting Rid of Clutter!

Hello, this is Dana Smithers from Sun On My Back Redesigns,

From March to December this year I am starting a new series called Decorating 101 where I will answer many of your decorating questions I have received in the past years.

Before we start I wanted to address a key area that will allow your decorating to go more smoothly and quickly for you. This is the issue of CLUTTER. I first wrote about clutter in April 2006 and many of you may have that article. So why am I mentioning it again? I think you know the answer – we still have too much clutter for living and for selling!

Next month many people will start to feel 'Decorating Spring Fever' and want to make some quick changes in their home for living or selling. So let's get started by:

Getting Rid of CLUTTER!

It takes up too much of our time, money and energy and destroys our serenity.

Here are some TIPS to help you get rid of clutter:

1. Step 1
   
   Ask yourself these questions: Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I use it? If you do not get a 'YES' to any of these 3 questions then you need to move to Step 2.

2. Step 2
   
   Decide what you will do with 'the clutter': Will you have a Garage Sale? Get the family involved where you can. Kids love selling things! Will you recycle some of it and/or use it in other ways in your home? Will you donate some things away to charitable societies? Will you look for places to sell it such as auction houses or buy-and-sell magazines? Craigs List in your city is a great place to advertise and sell your things. Type in your city.craigstlist.ca and you will be able to post for free. Put photos on the site as this will help you sell faster.

3. Step 3
   
   If you are really uncertain as to what to do with your clutter check out the GVRD 101 Things to Do With All Your Old Stuff at http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/recycling-and-garbage/pdfs/101Things.pdf

4. Step 4
   
   If you need professional help to get moving forward check out websites such as: canadianredesigners.org – many Redesigners & Stagers offer professional organizing services; organizersincanada.com or do a google search for professional organizers.

SPECIAL: TRAINING HOME offers for REDESIGN & HOME STAGING

Does your home need a FACELIFT? Contact us NOW (due to a cancellation) we have space NEXT WEEK for your home!

February 18th – 22nd and March 10 – 14th we will be looking for Training Homes for Living or Selling in the Vancouver BC area.

March 31 – April 4th we will be looking for Training Homes for Living or Selling in the Victoria BC area.

Special Offer: $75 Consultation & $150 for our One Day Home Makeover!

Each month we are looking for the 'right' Training Homes that we can teach our students Redesign for living, and Redesign Staging for selling. All of our Training Programs involve some component of hands-on work in real client's home. Check out our website for more details under SERVICES.
To be eligible for our REDESIGN OR STAGING TRAINING HOME you need:

• enough furnishings for us to work with - rearrange, regroup, showcase
• 3 rooms we can make over such as living room, dining room, family room, etc.
• typically you will have 1500+ square feet in your home

A recent client testimonial:

"... My home was due for a makeover but I did not want to engage an expensive designer who charged thousands of dollars and expected me to purchase new furnishings. My husband grudgingly agreed to have our home "redesigned" by Dana over an 8-hour period while we were out of the house. Upon completion, I was frankly amazed at how Dana and her students created a more appealing space from the moment we walked in the house. We love the little vignettes designed from pieces that they found scattered throughout my house and garage, as well as the improved layout of our furniture to create a better room flow and view of the fire place. Our "new" look has made friends and neighbours even more envious of our living space. My husband can now be deemed "one of the converted".

Thank you and your team for all your efforts - we would recommend you to anyone!"

Debby and Jim - North Vancouver

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UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Looking for More Information On How To Get Your House to Open House Ready?

If you are interested in learning more about my Top 5 Tips for Home Staging – Getting to 'Open House Ready' then come and visit me at the BC Home & Garden Show Saturday February 23rd at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. and Sunday February 24th at 1:30 am and 3:30 pm. find out more information here.

SPECIAL OFFER 5 Day Redesign & Staging Course

Register One Month early and save $100! Register on line or contact us now to save your space.

In Complete Gratitude,
Dana J. Smithers

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