Tori Toth's Blog

Who’s ready for Memorial Day weekend? With this unofficial start of summer quickly approaching, if you’re a hostess with the mostest like me, chances are you’ll be entertaining a lot this weekend. Partying may be great, but the clean up can be a hassle — especially if you’ve partied too hard the night before. (Who’s been there?)

Party hosts walk a thin line responsible for being the party planner, coordinator and entertainer in most cases. Let’s face it — your guests want to visit you, not just watch you work. So, how can you keep your sanity and still pull off the party of the year without cleaning up for days? Start here…

Be Prepared 

Savvy hosts know it’s all about the planning! The more you plan the easier it will be to manage unexpected issues that may happen. Have extra supplies on hand like cleaning materials and garbage bags for easy pick up. Plus, additional food, paper goods, ice, and seating to manage demands and keep guests happy.

Read MoHow to Deal with Your Neighbors Yard Issues

Pick Up While Partying

Attempt to stay on top of cleaning tasks as the event progresses. It’s important to act quickly though –clean up spills, manage surfaces and pick up trash as you go. So, be on the look out, keep an active eye and take care of urgent issues immediately.

Need Sandwich Ideas? Check out These Recipes

Space Out Itinerary 

Also, utilize the different zones of your backyard when possible. Move your guests around your yard depending on the party schedule. For example, after a meal move your guests from a dining area to another area of the property, so you have a few moments to clean up behind them. Or when they take a break from the pool to eat, reorganize the pool area. This will create less clean up in the long run.

Toss Trash

Whether you’re a guest or the host, get into the habit of– if you set something down and it’s trash, throw the item away in garbage. I find the number one reason why people don’t pick up after themselves is because the trash is out of sight. Remember the saying “out of sight, out of mind.” So, have trash locations throughout the property clearly marked for recycling, as well. Kids especially, have a hard time getting into the habit of cleaning up behind them– so turn it into a game!

Guest Helpers

Good friends should be willing to help at a moments notice. (If they don’t help, maybe you need to x-them off the guest list.) So, either recruit them ahead of time to maintain specific areas of the property during the party, like Tim Whatley had at his parties on Seinfeld. Or a better idea, have the items you need like a garden hose, paper towels, a cleaning mixture and trash bags in plain sight so guests can spontaneously help you as needed. Believe me they want to help, especially if they’re partying at your house and show them a fabulous time.

Dishing Up Dirt

In a perfect world the entire party would be paper goods and tin trays, but most times you’ll have dirty dishes. Fill the dishwasher with as many dishes throughout the party and start it when it’s fully loaded. By the end of the party you’ll be able to reload the dishwasher and have less dishes left in your sink overnight. The same idea holds true if you have a pool and need to do a load of dirty towels. 

Before we head to bed after a party in our backyard, we do a final sweep to remove as any leftover trash, wipe down surfaces, put away perishables and load up the appliances to do the dirty work. This elevates the major clean up headaches that await in the morning to a mere rinse down of patio furniture, countertop surfaces and the deck or patio with a garden hose to wash away the remnants of last night. Now, if only getting rid of your hangover was that easy? 

Happy Entertaining,

The post How to Clean Up Quickly After a Backyard Party (Even With a Hangover!) appeared first on Tori Toth.

Home staging can be a crucial part of selling a property. The staging process helps showcase the property’s best features, creates a welcoming atmosphere, and ultimately, makes it more appealing to potential buyers. But, since not all properties are the same, it’s important to get a customized home staging plan that can be applied specifically to your home.

But, where do you begin?

To be effective, a home staging plan needs to be tailored to the property’s unique features and target audience. Let’s discuss how to create a custom home staging plan for your property.

Step 1: Know Your Target Audience

When creating a custom home staging plan the first thing you need to understand is your target audience. Who is most likely going to buy your property? Is it a young couple looking for their first home, or a family with young children? Is it a retired couple downsizing, or a single professional looking for a pied-à-terre?

Knowing your target audience is crucial because it helps you determine what kind of atmosphere you need to create in the property. For example, if your target audience is a young couple, you may want to create a more contemporary look with clean lines and neutral colors. Whereas, if your target audience is a family with young children, you may want to create a more relaxed atmosphere with comfortable seating and soft, playful colors.

Step 2: Assess the Property’s Unique Features

The next step is to assess the property’s unique features. What makes your property stand out from other properties in the area? Is it the location, the size, the layout, or the architectural style? These features should be highlighted when putting together your home staging plan.

If your property has a beautiful view, you may want to create a seating area near the window to showcase the view, such as a cozy reading nook or a place to enjoy a cocktail. Or what if your property has a large living room? You’ll want to create a variety of seating areas to showcase the space, such as a conversation area and a TV area in the large room, utilizing staging accessories to create one cohesive look.

Step 3: Determine the Best Use for Each Room

Once you know your target audience and have assessed the property’s unique features, the next step is to determine the best use for each room. Each room should have a clear purpose and function that appeals to your target audience.

Let’s say you have a spare room that is currently being used as a storage area, you may want to stage it as a home office or a guest room to better suit the home buyer’s lifestyle. Maybe you have a large kitchen? As a high-traffic room, you will want to maximize the space by creating a dining area within the kitchen to provide a space for the family to come together for meals or even homework time.

Step 4: Create a Flow and Visual Appeal

A home staging plan should also create a sense of continuity and flow between the different rooms and areas within the property. You can achieve this by utilizing similar color schemes and design elements throughout each room or use furniture and accessories that complement each other. It’s important to pay attention to the traffic pattern as well throughout the home, and make sure to remove furniture that may be blocking the flow from one room to another.

Step 5: Depersonalize and Declutter

Finally, it’s essential to depersonalize and declutter the property. This means removing any personal items, such as family photos and mementos, and decluttering the space to make it look more spacious and inviting. This task is crucial when selling a property because it helps potential buyers envision themselves in the property, rather than being distracted by the home sellers “stuff.”

A clean, clutter-free home allows buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space and visualize themselves living there, which will help them emotionally connect with the home and make an offer.

Want a true home staging professional at your side to help you create a customized home staging plan for your property? Click the image below to download my FREE home seller workbook and learn the 5 tools that I use to stage homes quickly and sell for above asking price.

If you’re ready to start staging your home, let’s schedule a virtual home staging consultation where room by room, we virtually walk through the home and provide detailed instructions on how to simplify a space, and stand out amongst the competition. You will learn what updates the property needs to get top dollar, tips on curb appeal and much more. With my guidance, you’ll feel focused and motivated as you prepare your home for sale.

Happy Staging!

The post Creating a Custom Home Staging Plan for Your Property appeared first on Tori Toth.

Neutral paint colors are a fool-proof way to add color and dimension to a room without overpowering the space. Neutrals will never go out of style, because they’re timeless, making them a go-to choice when updating your walls and decor. This color palette is especially used in home staging to help highlight the best features in a home without distracting buyers with a bold red or dark blue –maximizing the home’s potential and square footage.
 

We’ve all been there.  We pick a paint color for our home only to find that once we get it on the wall it’s not what we had in mind. Not all neutrals are created equal, where did you go wrong? More on that in a moment.

 

But first, be sure to test a color in the room firs using small swatches to see how the color will interact with the room’s lighting. Paint colors look completely different depending on the room and the natural light it receives. Check in throughout the day before committing to the color to make sure it’s the perfect fit for the room. 

 

Neutrals colors doesn’t just mean white, gray or brown…

 

Rather they are light to medium colors that are elegant and allow you the flexibility to change up the décor for each season. Most of the time when choosing a neutral color we are often picking a shade that is pretty light giving us just enough color to make our baseboards and moldings pop providing the perfect backdrop. 

 

The problem is when dealing with light shades it’s difficult to determine what’s the color’s undertone — which can hurt or help the overall look. Every neutral has different colored undertones like grey, blue, yellow, brown, and green. That’s why choosing a neutral can be a challenge.  Neutrals can be warm or cool, so you wan to look at the darkest shade on the paint swatch.  It is where the color is the most obvious and it will tell you what undertones are going to show up, even in the lightest shades. Neutral Paint Color Ideas for Walls

 

 Aloof Gray– Sherwin Williams  || Popular Gray – Sherwin Williams || Agreeable Gray – Sherwin Williams || Passive– Sherwin Williams  ||  Silver Strand– Sherwin Williams  || Ocean Pearl – Behr || Watery – Behr || Sand Drift – Behr || Silver Drop – Behr || Rustic Taupe – Behr || Pale Oak – Benjamin Moore || Manchester Tan – Benjamin Moore || Eternity – Benjamin Moore || Halo – Benjamin Moore || Silver Fox – Benjamin Moore
 

Let’s start with Sherwin Williams…

 
Aloof Gray  this color has a touch of green in it, making it a cooler undertone. 
Popular Gray this is a good go to modern color that works well if you have wood and tile materials with a brown undertone. This instantly warms up a space. 
Agreeable Gray it is the perfect “greige” with a chic, clean appeal that is perfect if you are looking for a light gray – beige paint color.
Passive  another light gray with cooler undertones, it can look blue or gray depending on the sunlight. Pairs well with other blues and greens.
Silver Strand one of the best paint colors to use in spaces with little or no natural light.
 

The Affordable, Durable Behr Picks…

 
Ocean Pearl  again a “greige” with a hint of green would work well in a dining room or bedroom.
Watery  this color is a soothing blue neutral that would go perfect in a harmonious color scheme.
Sand Drift  the name says it all, this color looks like sand, clean, fresh and crisp shade that is amazing with white.
Silver Drop adds a hint of color to the wall that just wraps the whole room in a warm hue. This color looks amazing for a gallery wall with black and white photos.
Rustic Taupe while this color looks dark, it instantly makes a room feel cozy and comfortable.
 

Benjamin Moore Favorites…

 
Pale Oak is a soft, elegant “greige” category, that’s a lovely, fresh color if you want a true neutral.
Manchester Tan is a great choice if you love a tan neutral. It reminds me of a khaki that looks great on walls and brings some warmth to a space without appearing too dark.
Eternity I absolutely love this color and I’ve recommended it at least a dozen times to use in bathrooms, bedrooms, and even family rooms. It’s in my bedroom now and it’s a great color because it changes depending on the light being reflected. It’s a great color for southern facing rooms.
Halo it’s from Benjamin Moore’s off white collection and it’s not only sophisticated but has endless possibilities when it comes to playing up other colors. This color is so versatile.
Silver Fox it’s not really silver, but actually looks more like a gray-beige which is a good color combination to use in a room that you want to feel warm and cozy. When you put this color on your walls it’s almost as if you’re wrapping a blanket around you, so get comfy.
 
Keep in mind that regardless of the brand of paint you prefer, if you find a color in any brand, the paint store can color match it for you using the brand you prefer. 
 

What’s in a Sheen?

 
Now, despite choosing the perfect paint the sheen of the shade can make all the difference. Choose a lower sheen in secondary rooms like an office or master bedroom. A flat or eggshell might be harder to clean and have less durability, but it can camouflage flaws. Higher sheens, like semi-gloss and gloss are easy to clean, but you can see all the imperfections on the wall. Try using a higher sheen in kitchen and baths with their is a higher volume of traffic.
 

 
Let me know in the comment section below what’s your favorite neutral paint color — and tell me if you’ve got an upcoming paint project in your home improvement plans. Bonus points, for sharing your project’s transformation on our Facebook Page here.
 
 Happy Painting,

The post My Best Neutral Paint Colors | Choose Color + Sheen for Walls appeared first on Tori Toth.

One of my biggest home staging tips is to look at it from a buyer and seller’s perspective. If you’re still on the fence about home staging, then let’s talk about the before and after of why home staging works.

You probably already know that you should stage your home when selling, but you might not understand the why of it. Why does everyone say that you need to stage your home? Why does home staging work? With the market being as hot as it is right now, you might think it’s not a necessity to shell out the extra cash for staging. This notion couldn’t be any more incorrect. I’m here to tell you- even with the market being the way it is right now, home staging works. Let’s talk about the why.

I’ve been home staging since 2009, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised over the past couple of years with the uptick in professional home staging services. Although not all home stagers are created equal, the industry is thriving with consummate professionals and design gurus. I’ve also been happy with the real estate industry acknowledging the importance of home staging for quick, profitable sales. Suffice to say, there would not be such a surge in the home staging industry if it was not a necessary practice. That is, in itself, pretty good proof as to why home staging works. But don’t just take it from me, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Home Staging From a Buyer’s Perspective

The ultimate purpose of home staging is to showcase your home as the best it can possibly be. This has a lot of benefits when looking at it from the perspective of a potential buyer. For starters, only 10% of people can picture themselves living in an un-staged home. That means that the other 90% of home buyers see a vacant or un-staged property and have absolutely no idea what to do with it. They can’t picture their family, or their furniture, there.

The beauty of home stagers is that the right ones are incredibly dedicated to their profession. They know the market trends, they know the design trends, they know what will look great in your home… see where I’m going with this? They know how to stage a home that the other 90% will picture themselves living in.

On top of that, home staging helps you justify your listing price. Fairly priced or not, buyers will always be looking for a deal (it’s a huge investment, can you blame them?). However, when your home is staged, buyers are less likely to try to negotiate down your asking price. This is because home staging showcases your home as the best it can possibly be. When buyers walk into a well-staged home, they perceive it as walking into a well-maintained home.

An un-staged home does exactly the opposite. Buyers will see a home that needs a lot of work before move-in day, and in turn they will see a smaller price tag. You want to get ahead of buyer expectations when you’re selling your home so that you can be in charge of the selling process. This means helping your home put its best foot forward, and staging is the best way to do so.

Home Staging From a Seller’s Perspective

First of all, professional home staging helps you stand out from the competition. This is especially important if you live in a hot area with a lot of homes that are similar in size and layout to your own. It can be difficult to stand out, and helping buyers see the value in your home specifically is the best way to do it.

Staging your home also helps you justify your home’s listing price. Remember what I just said about the perception of a well-maintained home? When buyers walk into an un-staged home they see all of the flaws, when they walk into a staged home they see all of the benefits. This is because you’re working with an industry professional who knows how to highlight all of your home’s best features and minimize all of the flaws.

In a hot market, home staging increases your chances of ending up in a bidding war (which is a good very good thing), and in a lukewarm market, it increases your chances of selling your home quickly, which is crucial when other homes in your area have been lingering on the market.

Home staging might seem costly, but when looking at how home staging works from a big picture perspective, it costs a lot less than accepting a bid under your asking price or waiting for half of a year before you even see an offer.

If you’re looking for a home stager, but are lost on where to start, let’s get in touch! I provide professional home staging consultations, where I use my industry expertise to help you declutter, clean, and showcase your home in its best possible light.

Home Staging Statistics

You don’t have to just take it from me- home staging works, and the proof is in the 2020 statistics.

RESA’s (Real Estate Staging Association) 2020 Consumer Guide surveyed 13,000 staged homes and found that…

85% of staged homes sold for more than asking price.75% of sellers saw a return of 5-15% on their investment in home staging.Staged homes averaged just 23 days on the market.

Click the link above to read the whole guide. It’s a great resource for those who are looking to sell their home soon and are still deciding on whether or not to hire a home stager.

There are many different types of home stagers- some (like me) provide virtual consultations and some come in person and bring in furniture and decor from their warehouse. No matter which type of home stager is best for your needs, I hope I helped you to better understand the why of why home staging works. The way I see it, home staging is the difference between a peaceful selling process and stressing over your asking price. It works, and it’s worth it.

Do you want to get one step ahead of the home staging and selling process, or even learn how to stage your home yourself? Fill out the form above to download my free home seller workbook with the 5 tools that I use to prepare homes to sell quickly and for well above asking price.

Happy Staging!

 

 

The post Deep Dive: Why Home Staging Works appeared first on Tori Toth.

This time of year is bittersweet for me transitioning into fall home decor. I L-O-V-E summer and never want it to end, but the cooler air is creeping in, the days are getting shorter, my pool will be closing soon and it’s time to trade in flip-flops for boots. As we begin to embrace the fall, how do you decorate your home for the season?

I’ve recently swapped my summer decor with more fall inspired accessories throughout key areas of my home. Let me share with you six ways I decorate for the fall that you can use whether you’re selling or staying in your home:

6 Fall Home Decor Tips to Celebrate the SeasonPlay With Bringing in Seasonal Color

Consider changing out your summer colors with more deep-toned saturated colors that you would find in fall foliage. Try contrasting complimentary colors for maximum impact. Stick with cool colors, like blues, purples, and greens, to compliment different shades of red, orange, and yellow. Use color in your home decor, flowers or even in accent furniture.

Bold colors aren’t your thing? Go neutral.

Use white or green pumpkins to decorate with. Rather than opting for the saturated hue choose a more subtle shade of the same color, for instance bright orange can be swapped out for a faded coral or pink.

Use More Natural Elements

Fall is the time when nature puts on a show and many enjoy scheduling outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring the outside into your home. Use more natural elements like branches, flowers, pumpkins, fruit, wood-inspired accessories and materials. When decorating your home for the holidays, especially when selling, use natural elements that inspire a particular season rather than a religious view or gaudy decor (I will say there is a time and place for everything, but NOT when selling a home). It’s hard to imagine buyers receiving a good vibe on a home if they’re walking up to the door surrounded by a makeshift cemetery. Plus, they may get distracted with the holiday décor and overlook the home.

Not selling your home during this time? Then feel free to decorate your home how you see fit. Grab some inspiration from my past fall home decor videos here.

Add Lots of Texture With Textiles

Time to change out the linen and silk fabrics, for burlap, plaid or more durable textures that are soft to the touch and tempts you to curl up to read a book or start a cuddlefest. Avoid using the same textures in a space at once, especially if you’re using one tone decor like white on white. This will help create more interest in the space.

Change Out Photos Artwork to Celebrate the Season

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I usually remove our summer photos and artwork to replace them with our family interacting in fall activities, like at the pumpkin patch, fall scenery and choose abstract artwork that has deep-toned colors. Check out the shelf I designed a few years back with me stuffing a turkey, the buffalo image was from Target and a picture of a man I photographed hanging out on a cool day in Central Park.

Spruce Up Fall Home Decor in Guest Rooms Entertaining Areas

Usually these rooms are neglected during the summer because you’ve been focused on entertaining outside. Don’t forget these areas, schedule some time to add seasonal decor, make sure there is enough seating when entertaining and a comfy, cozy place for guests to sleep. Change out sheets or sham covers for ones with fall-inspired hues, add furnishing that can serve multiple purposes and seek out festive dishware and napkins in patterns, such as gingham, plaid, or houndstooth.

Welcome in Fall Scents to Enhance Coziness

The scents of fall can instantly change the feel of your home. Choose apple-cinnamon, vanilla, pumpkin spice or citrus cilantro to enhance the smell of the season and inspire emotion.

What’s Your Favorite Fall Home Decor Accessory?

We’d love to hear what piece you can’t live without when it comes to decorating for Fall. Share your answer on our Facebook page here.

Happy Decorating,
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The post Home Decorating Tips: 6 Ways to Decorate for Fall appeared first on Tori Toth.

“What do I look for when I’m hiring a home stager?”

Scrolling through my YouTube comments recently, I came upon this question yet again. I love this question. It shows that viewers understand that they need to stage their home before selling and are ready to take the next step. It’s okay to need a little guidance, especially when there are so many different options from which to choose. I want you to be able to make an informed decision in the hiring process.

The truth is, not all home stagers are created equal, and not all home sellers know how to tell a professional from a “wannabe.” There are so many different staging services to choose from. Not to mention a smattering of unqualified individuals who don’t have the credentials or the proof to back up their services.

Today I’m going to walk you through exactly what to look for when you’re ready to hire a home stager, what to avoid, and how to tell who’s the real deal. First up, the two questions that you should ask yourself when hiring a professional home stager:

Question #1: Do They Offer the Services You Need?

Every home stager has a different focus, and it’s important to know if they offer what you need. Some stagers only work with vacant spaces, while others only provide virtual consultations. There are stagers that have a huge team and a whole warehouse who will come in and redo everything in your home. Then, there are stagers like me who prefer to help DIY home sellers by giving them the tools they need to stage their own property.

Consider where your space is currently, and use that to inform the decision on what type of staging services you need.

If you’re in desperate need of a home staging consultation from an expert – let’s get in touch. With my professional advice, we will go over your home’s focal points and problem areas, set up a detailed plan to get your home ready for listing, and provide you with all the tools you need to sell your home for the value you deserve.

Question #2: Are They Qualified to Do the Job?

The next question you will want to ask before hiring a home stager is—are they qualified to deliver what they’re offering?

There are a lot of home stagers on the market, and not all of them are qualified to do what they say they do. People think that an eye for design qualifies them to start a home staging business. In reality, the design is only half of the battle. A good home stager will be knowledgeable about today’s home buyer, market trends, and have great communication skills.

Look for an individual or company who has proof of formal training, a professional website, a great portfolio, and even better testimonials. It’s also crucial to make sure that whoever you hire is able to provide proper insurance and contracts. If you’re looking to hire a home stager and they don’t have a legally binding contract and proof of insurance, run. You’ll save yourself from a lot of potential legal issues.

One surefire way to tell if a home stager is legit? See if they’re a member of a professional trade association such as RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) or IAHSP (International Association of Home Staging Professionals). This proves that they are recognized in their industry as a qualified professional.

Question #3: Ask for References

Another huge red flag for hiring a home stager is if they are reluctant to provide testimonials or references. You’ll know right away if someone is worth investing your money and trust on based on their past client experiences. If they have bad reviews or too few references? Find someone else. I guarantee there is a better home stager in your price range.

Question #4: How Well Do They Perform Under Pressure?

We can all agree that selling your home is stressful, right? It’s important to surround yourself with professionals who can remain calm in difficult situations. You may already be freaking out about putting your home on the market. The last thing you need is a home stager who is causing more stress.

A great stager will be able to manage their clients and any issues that may arise with tact, respect, and the utmost professionalism. They need to be able to give their clients informed advice about how to stage their homes without being rude.

What Happens if You Don’t Stage Your Home?

When undergoing the home selling process, there can be a lot on your plate. The idea of living in a staged home might feel like a nightmare, constantly keeping the space show ready. I want to walk you through what happens when you choose not to stage your home. Plus, give you an option that might ease your mind.

Simply put, when you don’t stage a home, you risk leaving money on the table. You may face a financial or emotional strain. You may even waste time wondering which action-steps you REALLY need to take to get TOP DOLLAR?

Whether in a buyer’s or a seller’s market, being able to sell your home successfully always comes down to one thing—the emotional connection.

If you don’t stage a home, buyers will have a harder time seeing themselves living in your space. A top-notch home stager will be able to craft a space that everyone can see themselves living in.

The crucial element when staging a home is getting into a buyer’s mindset. What’s on their wish list? What lifestyle will your house offer? What are the strengths of your house? How about the weaknesses? What are the issues that will keep them from saying “YES” to your house?

Get the wisdom of having a true professional at your side to help you uncover every dime of equity in your house. Click the image below to download my FREE home seller workbook and learn the 5 tools that I use to stage homes quickly and sell for above asking price.

If you’re ready to start staging your home, check out the Stage 2 Sell Strategy, where I take you step-by-step through the home staging process, remove the guess work out of where to spend your time, money, and effort. With my guidance, you’ll feel focused and motivated as you prepare your home for the all-important marketing photo day.

Happy Staging!

The post Hiring a Home Stager: How to Find the Perfect Match appeared first on Tori Toth.

It’s time to say goodbye to those impossible-to-organize small spaces. The trick to a clutter-free life? Work up instead of out.

Keeping your space organized can feel like a constant uphill battle. Whether you have kids running around or you are just trying to find storage solutions for your work from home clutter, hope is not lost. Fortunately, you can turn even your smallest spaces into functional, beautiful areas that won’t make you want to scream. The key? Using your vertical space.

In a small home, the horizontal surface area is limited. Having too much stuff on the floor or countertops can make your space look and feel more chaotic than it actually is. Not a lot of people look up and think of storage solutions, but I do, and you should too. Simply put, if you’re not thinking vertically, you’re missing out.

SIMPLE STORAGE SOLUTION: THE ELFA SHELVING UNIT

If your space is starting to feel a little tight and you’re lost on where to start, then I am about to introduce you to your new best friend- the Elfa shelving unit. This staple from the Container Store is affordable, versatile, and a personal favorite.

Every time I move, my Elfa comes with me. Call me dramatic, but I don’t even want to imagine my life without it. It’s sturdy and super easy to install. I can take it down and put it up by myself.

Basically, the Elfa is a bracket system. You start by hanging a long track towards the top of your wall. This is the only part that actually screws in, so it’s super renter-friendly. Just make sure that the track is level and sturdily screwed into a stud to avoid any mishaps.

From there, you’re going to hang vertical tracks that allow you to attach your shelves, drawers, and even a countertop or desk space.  When I tell you this unit is versatile, I mean it. You can configure everything to exactly suit your needs, and if you don’t like the layout? You can rearrange it in less than an hour.

Personally, I use my Elfa for my home office, but you shouldn’t limit yourself on how you use it. I think that this shelving system would be perfect for a kitchen, garage, craft room, or anywhere else in your home where you’re short on space.

To see how I set up my Elfa shelving unit in my home office, watch the video below:

 

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5 MORE SMALL SPACE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Now that you know about my secret weapon, let’s go over some more tips to help you organize the spaces that can feel impossible to tackle. Honestly, it’s all about getting creative. You can organize every square inch of your home by utilizing your available vertical space.

Here are 5 more tips to maximize your storage and keep your home organized:

1. STACK, STACK, STACK

Part of the method of organizing small spaces is to make sure that you can see and reach everything that you need. If you find yourself just tossing things in your cabinets and hoping for the best, then it’s probably time to invest in some stacking drawers and bins.

See-through stacking containers are great options for the pantry or laundry room.

Stacking containers are a great asset if your space is a little tight. You can use small drawers to keep bathroom essentials and cleaning supplies organized, and you can use stacking bins on high up shelves to store seasonal gear and things you might not need constant access to.

Pro organizing tip: label each container so that you don’t have to tear all of them apart every time you need to find something. These can be fancy or simple, depending on how visible they are.

2. DON’T WASTE SURFACE AREA

We already know that you don’t want your countertops and floor space to look cluttered, so you’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. It’s time to rethink what we consider to be “surface area,” and part of what I want you to consider is the inside of your cabinet and closet doors.

Some people might already have a hook for dish towels on the inside of the cupboard under their kitchen sink, but most people don’t even think of this as a surface area at all, let alone as the prime storage real estate that it actually is.

Hanging a small pegboard, a rail, or some wire shelves on the inside of your cupboard and closet doors will maximize your organization’s options and make everything easier to find.

3. GET CREATIVE WITH HOOKS

Hooks aren’t just for your foyer and your bathroom anymore. Seriously, you can use hooks everywhere in your home. Look for inexpensive options at big box stores like Target that match your hardware theme and aren’t total eyesores. Then, you can use your hooks in creative ways to start storing vertically!

I love the use of wall hooks in a space such as a laundry room or pantry to get your ironing board, mop, and broom off the floor. They are also a great way to prevent your jewelry from turning into a tangled mess on top of your dresser.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR EXISTING SHELF SPACE

You might initially look at a pantry or closet with tall shelves and think of it as an asset to your home, but it can actually be a huge hindrance when it comes to staying organized. Taller shelves mean that you are stacking things on top of each other and losing track of your belongings behind those stacks. This ends up being a recipe for a huge mess.

Using shelf organizers for your taller shelves helps to maximize the number of items you can fit in your cabinets and allow you to see everything that is in there at once. This way, you can keep things neat and tidy while making the most out of your storage.

Shelf-organizers double the number of items that you can fit in your cupboards and keep everything visible.

5. IF YOU CAN’T GO UP, GO UNDER

If you’ve made the most out of your vertical space but you still have the stuff to tuck away, start thinking about storage solutions for underneath your furniture. This doesn’t mean shoving all of your extra linens in a pile under your bed, it means coming up with clever storage solutions that you can hide with your furniture!

There are plenty of couches and bed frames that offer sneaky down-low storage options, but if you’re not on the market for new furniture, you can simply pick up some bins or baskets to tuck everything neatly away.

I know living in a small space can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have any clever tricks for staying organized in a small space, I’d love to hear from you on my Facebook page.

 

Want more expert organization tips direct to your inbox? Subscribe to my mailing list below. Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to my free home organizing planner.

 

Happy Organizing!

The post Vertical Storage Solutions for Organizing Your Small Spaces appeared first on Tori Toth.

It’s true that getting a good night’s sleep has been proven to be one of the most important things you can do to improve your overall health. And everyone wants to be relaxed when they finally crawl into bed after a long day of work. 

If you are spending more time awake or tossing and turning, the colors of your bedroom may be partly to blame. Did you know that if you display your favorite color red, let’s say in your bedspread, that bright color may be hindering your sleep patterns? It’s true.

Color affects moods, feelings, and yes, your sleep. While you may not consciously feel the colors of your bedroom giving you less quality rest, the way that color interacts with consciousness means that the right colors can produce a positive, cozy, and calming reaction while the wrong colors might make your bedroom feel chaotic or stimulate your creative side.

That said, complete darkness might not be the answer either. There are actually numerous studies that show that the right color of light can promote sleep rather than inhibit it. 

The least restful colors you can have

Fiery or fear-inducing, some of the worst colors you can have for proper sleep include: 

Red — Known to stimulate energy, it’s quite the opposite feeling that you want when you are ready to hit the hay.

Black — While you might think of black as bringing the kind of complete darkness you want to promote positive sleep, emotionally black is linked to anger and fear. 

Purple — Many people love the luxurious royal aspect of purple and think it might be natural for the boudoir, but because of the intensity of violet, it can stimulate feelings of creativity. That’s certainly not what you need when you just want to rest. 

Some of the best colors for restful sleep  

Calming and cool, you want colors like these to make it easy to get the rest you need: 

Blue — The color of the ocean and the sky, blue promotes serenity and calm analogous to floating in gentle waves. 

Soft Greens — A pastel green is thought of as a peaceful color associated with the natural world. 

White — While you might not think of stark white as being comforting, it promotes a kind of order and polished feeling that allows someone to rest more effectively. 

If you’re planning on updating your bedroom’s decor, the colors that allow for better sleep should be your primary concern. 

Check out this infographic below which shows helpful color wheels, identifying the emotional attributes that colors demonstrate, giving you an idea of which are better for the bedroom based on your Zodiac sign. 

It’s recommended that pastel and muted hues make the bedroom more conducive to sleep, so if purple is your favorite color you might go with a lilac that lets the color feel less intense. Ultimately, you want your bedroom to be a sleep sanctum, and the right colors can go a long way to helping you drift off. 

The post How to Promote Good Sleep Habits in the Bedroom Through Color appeared first on Tori Toth.

With each new season comes a new chance to complete that long list of home projects that has accumulated over the past year. Instead of looking at that list as an obligation, drum up the enthusiasm to perceive it as an opportunity given the value that these projects will add to your home when it is time to sell!

While home decor tends to be a focal point of each season, this time around try investing your hard-earned money into updates that will boost your home’s worth. By no means does this mean your home shouldn’t be your cozy safe haven. However, spending heaps of money on knick-knacks or novelties can take away from your time, energy, and cash on more important improvements, like preparing your home for the upcoming winter.

For a few tips on where to begin, take a look at the following fall home projects to complete before winter arrives:

HVAC System

Winterizing your home is an important component of prepping to survive colder temperatures. Therefore, the fall maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is a must! If you need any major repairs, be sure to schedule them while the weather is still agreeable. A functioning HVAC system is one of those things that you won’t miss until it stops working. Rather than waiting until it’s too late, try some helpful maintenance tips that you can utilize all year round.

Change the air filter once a month and clean the vents to ensure your air quality is in tip-top shape. Also, be sure to have it inspected at least once a year so you can avoid hefty service fees when it comes time to perform repairs. Keep in mind, if your HVAC system is dated, it may be best to replace it. Old systems prevent adequate functioning that will cost you more on your utility bills in the long-run.

Furthermore, there are also other refurbishments you can make that will heighten your HVAC system’s operation. Insulating your attic will allow warm air to stay in your home while also putting a stop to cold air from creeping in. You can also integrate a programmable thermostat into your home’s device portfolio to help adjust your HVAC systems settings more easily.

Window Care

Energy efficiency is a great addition to any home, especially in regard to managing colder conditions. One area that is commonly overlooked in the home is the health and shape o

f your windows which directly impact your home’s temperature. You can enhance the state of your windows by implementing a couple of key activities into your daily to-do list.

During fall, give your windows a close look; keep an eye out for any damage or cracks that may worsen your home’s ability to retain heat. If you do notice anything out of the ordinary, contact a professional and get the issue resolved as soon as you can. Some other signs that a window may not be working properly are broken glass panes, brittle frames, and condensation build-up. These are usually a good indicator of an immediate need to replace a window altogether.

If your windows happen to be in a fair state, you can then try small upgrades that will help increase their efficiency. Caulking or weather stripping window frames will help stop quality, heated air from escaping your home. Use insulating foam to seal any gaps that you can easily observe.

After, be sure to clean your windows based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. Certain windows are made from different materials and thus require specific techniques to properly maintain them. Start by making sure any chemicals you use to match your windows tolerance; otherwise, you could cause further damage. Finally, weatherproof your windows — you’ll be glad you did come wintertime!

Fireplace Maintenance

Nothing says cozy quite like a warm, open fireplace. This is one update that home decor can never supersede. Whether you have a wood-burning fireplace already in your home or you’re interested in purchasing a built-in model, you should consider a couple of stipulations for each option.

Before installing a wood-burning fireplace, you need to consider the potential hazards. House fires are the most common concern for many homeowners however if you have poor ventilation, carbon monoxide poisoning can pose an issue as well. Get your chimney looked at by a certified professional so your indoor air quality is not negatively affected. Also, purchase the proper equipment so safety is a main priority. This can include fireplace screens or metal pokers to guarantee embers don’t emit from the open flame.

Gas fireplace maintenance differs a bit from the traditional version. New terms to include in your fall maintenance checklist are this heating appliance’s firebox, gas burner, fireplace logs, and glass doors. The firebox is responsible for encasing smoke or fire. You should clean this area before lighting your first winter fire. The gas burner is what makes your fireplace function. It should be examined for any rust, dents, or other problems that may obstruct the pilot light.  Keep an eye on your fireplace logs; although they are made to endure high heat, soot can still collect. Lastly, glass doors should be inspected for any broken glass, scratches, or cracks. Try using a streak-free cleaner to remedy films from building up.

Either way, for both heat sources, it’s essential to scatter both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home just in case something does malfunction. You can also complement that fire burning smell throughout your home with easy cleaning hacks that promote scent to make your space feel even more heavenly! From staging your home with plants to improve air quality to deodorizing your carpets or rugs with a sprinkle of baking soda, borax, white vinegar, or club soda, the options are endless.

Final Thoughts…

No matter how old or new your projects may be, taking the chance to complete them each season is vital to maintaining your home. By being proactive with your updates, you can keep versatility at the forefront of your to-do list this fall. Then, when it comes time to hunker down for a cold winter, you’re able to relax and enjoy your home to the absolute fullest!

The post Three-Must Do Home Maintenance Projects to Complete This Fall appeared first on Tori Toth.

Living in the home you’re selling can be a real challenge, especially when you live with more than one child. You’re busy parenting your little ones, driving to and from work every day, cooking dinner every night, and doing loads of laundry for your family.

Who has time to keep the home show ready too?

Well, as a proud mother of two, I want to share with you, the following budget-friendly tips and tricks that I used and will help keep your home clean and show-ready for open houses—even when you’re working all day and don’t have a lot of time to prepare for a last-minute showing. Read on to learn more!

Image via Unsplash

Save on New Decor for Your Home

While staging, decluttering, and depersonalizing a home are some of the first steps to get a house ready to sell, chances are you may need to freshen up your decor. You could end up spending hundreds of dollars on new decor for your home if you’re not mindful of what you’re purchasing. However, staging your home doesn’t need to be costly—and adding a few affordable touches to areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and living room can make a world of difference when it comes to appealing to prospective buyers. A few of these budget-friendly touches include:

 

Adding decorative throw pillows to your chairs and couches.
Purchasing new hand towels and rugs for your bathrooms.
Filling vases with fresh flowers that compliment your home.
Purchasing a new shower curtain for the bathroom.

 

Before purchasing hand towels, rugs, and other decorative items at a retailer like QVC, for instance, you can find online coupons and discount codes to keep staging costs down as you get your home ready to sell.

 

When you’re on a budget, you likely won’t be able to spend thousands hiring a professional home stager. For some free proven home staging strategies and trade secrets, subscribe to toritoth.com. Tori Toth can help with staging your home properly so that you can attract buyers and sell your home for the highest price possible.

Clean and Tidy Up in Just 10 Minutes a Day

When selling a home you need to keep the house clean and clutter-free for showings with potential buyers. Even if you can’t clean your whole house every day of the week, you can stay on top of household chores if you clean for about 10 minutes each day. This 10-minute cleaning strategy will help to keep your home clean for future real estate showings, and you’ll have less work to do in the event of a last-minute visit from a potential buyer.

In addition to cleaning your home a little bit each day, you could also hire a house cleaner to assist in keeping the house clean between showings. There are plenty of ways to save money on house-cleaning services, especially if you hire a professional to tackle the high-traffic areas in the home and you handle the rooms and areas that are easier for you to maintain.

Use Basic Household Items to Enhance Your Home’s Scent

Freshly cleaned homes usually smell best to prospective buyers, but what happens when you don’t have the time or money to professionally clean your carpets, wash all bedding materials, and mop or scrub the floors before a showing with potential buyers? According to experts at One Good Thing, several natural solutions for deodorizing your home on a budget include:

 

Using a citrus-scented vinegar solution to clean your home.
Staging your home with plants that purify the air.
Lightly spritzing furniture with a mixture of baking soda, water, and a neutral smelling essential oil.
Clean a stinky garbage disposal with ice cubes made of sliced citrus and white vinegar.
Deodorize your carpets with a sprinkle of baking soda, borax, white vinegar, or club soda.

 

Occupying the property you’re trying to sell is rarely simple, but there are a few advantages to remaining in your home until closing day. According to The Balance, occupied properties have more emotional appeal than vacant houses do—and you’ll likely spend less money on staging the property since you won’t need to purchase temporary furniture and decor for your unoccupied home. Plus, these budget-friendly tips and tricks will help you keep the home clean and show-ready at all times—even after a busy day of working and running around town with your little ones.

 

“Kristin Louis is a former advertising copywriter. She’s a loving mom to two boys: the oldest is 10 and the youngest is 7. She recently created parentingwithkris.com, where she puts her skills to work writing about the trials and tribulations of parenting.”

The post Budget-Friendly Tips to Keep Your Home Show-Ready Even with Kids appeared first on Tori Toth.