Moving 101

Moving can be a pain, literally! Sometimes the motivation to move to greener pastures does not always equal the amount of work that needs to be done on your end to ensure a stress-free and smooth transition. Here are some helpful tips to minimize the hassle and maximize enjoyment at your new abode. 

6 weeks prior:
Start purging. Keep in mind, everything you don't donate or sell you will need to pack. That means more time and more boxes. For items that aren't valuable, set them aside in a large box to donate. For small items you want to sell, create an Ebay account and start selling. For larger items, take pics and post them on Craigslist or your local Pennysaver. The money you make can go toward the cost of moving into your new home.

3 weeks prior: 
Order all boxes and packing materials. Most online packing supply websites offer free home delivery, which means you won't have to figure out how to fit all those awkward sized boxes into your trunk. Also, take advantage of USPS.com for packing materials and to order free priority mailing boxes for small fragile items. Now is also a good time to get quotes and reserve your moving date. 

2 weeks prior:
Start putting things into boxes you don't use on a daily basis. Remember, moving is a marathon not a sprint. If you start packing now, you will thank yourself the night before. Examples of things to start packing now: books, photo albums, memorabilia, bulky kitchen tools, picture frames, other rarely used items. 

One week prior:
Hopefully you have access to your new home by now. It is extremely advantageous to give yourself at least one week to start moving into your new place - this way you can start personally moving items you don't want on a moving truck i.e. important documents, expensive jewelry, fragile decor, paintings, etc. If you don't have access to your new home right away, make sure you have all valuable items and documents that you do not want on a moving truck locked away safely.  

3-4 days prior:
Start moving your own clothing (optional). Save a few days worth of clothes and set aside. The advantage of moving clothing yourself is that even though wardrobe boxes are typically provided during a move, it is very time consuming to pack them into the wardrobes, not to mention taking all of the clothes out of wardrobe boxes and putting them into closets before your moving time-frame is complete. You can purchase an inexpensive fold-able rolling rack at Lowe's to help transport your own clothing. 

2-3 days prior:
Time to pack up the kitchen. Treat yourself to take-out for a few days and set aside some snacks and breakfast items. Packing your kitchen is one of the most time consuming parts of moving since almost everything needs to be carefully bubble wrapped. This is an all day (or two) event. 

Night before the move:
Pack an overnight bag. Pretend you are going on a mini vacation. Put your toothbrush, contacts, bath and shower gels, hairbrush, etc. into a carry on sized bag. This will help you tremendously the first night or two moving into your new place. There is nothing worse than not being able to find where you packed your phone charger/glasses/etc. 

Day of the move:
Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and even freeze an ice pack or two. Even if you have hired a team of professional movers, you are rarely off the hook from not having to lift a finger. If you have pets, it is best to transport them before the movers arrive. Put them in a room no one will be using right away with a 'do not open' sign taped to the door (e.g. master bathroom). This gives them a secured place to wait during all the chaos. If you can afford to, schedule their day at the groomers on your moving day. That way you have until about 5 or 6 pm have peace of mind that Fido is safe and sound before picking him up. 

Last minute tips: Don't forget the contents of the fridge/freezer. Also, remember to check the inside of the dishwasher and washer/dryer. 
Make sure all furniture is empty such as wardrobes, bookshelves, and hutches. This way you won't slow down the movers when they go to move a piece of furniture and discover that it is still full of personal items. 
If you are ever in a bind and have to move last minute, hire a local cleaning service to help you pack. They are much cheaper by the hour than having your moving crew pack for you. 

What's in a Trend

Home trends can come and go almost as quickly as New York Fashion Week, however there are a few that have emerged this year with potential staying power. Trends can become timeless, just like your home.

1. Vintage Kitchen
All that is old is new again with vintage appliances and finishes making a bold statement in one of the trickiest places in a home to keep current. Retro appliances can be found in almost any color, but is best to go with classic silver and mix it up with soft paint colors on cabinets and lighter flooring. 

2. Wall Texture

From reclaimed wood to exposed brick to intricate crown moulding, wall textures are back and in more varieties to choose from. The goal is to provide one textured accent wall - this concept works best in living and dining areas. 

3. Statement Bathroom Mirrors

Say goodbye to wall to wall mirrors, individual framed mirrors compliment any sized vanity, whether you have a double or single vanity. Statement mirrors add a touch of custom charm to your powder room or master suite. 

4. Residential Elevators

Not just for mansions, residential elevators are emerging in any capacity split level homes and are perfect for multi-generational families. Now you see them, now you don't... residential elevators can be custom built to hide behind almost any paneled door. 

5. Quiet Rooms

Do you wish there was a room in your home that didn't contain an iPod, iPad, iPhone, television, gaming center, or streaming device? You are not alone, as gadget free living rooms are a luxury in their own right. Homeowners are going out of their way to create a space that doesn't need to be plugged in to function. 

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

If you had to select between the 5 most prevalent architectural styles in Los Angeles, do you know which you would choose? Here's an overview of each to help you decide... or make you as indecisive as ever. 

1. Mid-Century Modern. Synonymous with the Southern California lifestyle, Mid-century modern architecture was introduced to Los Angeles in the late 1940's. Floor to ceiling windows, flat top roofs, exposed beams, indoor/outdoor flow... starchitects were born. Modernist living is still alive and well, with clean simple lines and desirable floor plans that still appeal to today's buyers.

2. Tudor. Classic English Tudor homes are commonly seen while weaving through the Los Angeles canyons or the flats of Beverly Hills and Hancock Park. Typically built in the 1920's and 30's, classic interior features include rich hardwood floors, wood paneling, formal library/study, lavish entryways and staircases. Tudor style houses are distinguished by their steep gable roofs, stone or stucco walls with decorative brick trim, and quintessential casement windows. 

3. Spanish. Just like it's Los Angeles heritage, Spanish Colonial Revival architecture exudes comfort, charm, and style. The ideal climate for Mediterranean inspired homes, it's no wonder Spanish style homes are at the top of the list for many Angelenos. Arched doorways, hand painted tiles, terra cotta roofs, detailed iron railings, and interior courtyards are just a few of their many unique features. 

4. Craftsman. Also referred to as a bungalow, Craftsman homes are among some of the oldest built homes in Southern California. Dating as far back to the late 1800's, Craftsman homes are very popular amongst home preservationist and historians looking to bring the home back to its original glory. Seen mainly in Pasadena, central Los Angeles and Santa Monica with wide front porches, tapered columns, multi paned doors and windows, dormers, and exposed rafter tails. 

5. Ranch. It wouldn't be the 1960's in California without a burgeoning of ranch style houses. Most often long and single level with an attached two car garage, living areas on one wing of the house and bedrooms on the other. Other frequently encountered ranch traits include vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, simple exterior trim with long hanging eaves, and sliding glass doors which open to a back patio. 

Mini Makeover

Thinking of selling, or maybe just want to increase the value of your home? Here are some top ranked improvements, listed by highest rate of return, sure to give your property a double take.

1. New Front Door- A front door is the first impression of your home, have you ever heard of home buyers specifically envisioning their home with a 'red door'? It is just as if not more common than the picket fence cliche, and who knew, simply switching out your front door has a return on investment at 98%

2. Replace Old Siding- Think of this as microdermabrasion for your home- it can lift 10 years off the face of your most beloved investment. There is nothing as unsettling for a potential home buyer to walk up and notice the peeling of weather stained siding and dry rot damage. Return on investment, an impressive 84%

3. Minor Kitchen Remodel- It's not always necessary, or fiscally responsible to take on a full kitchen gut/remodel. Painting older darker cabinets white (which is the most desirable kitchen color), replacing old knobs with fresh sleek modern brass handles, and trading up to matching appliances is sometimes all you need. Return on investment, around 82%

4. Garage Door Replacement - This goes along with the front door replacement concept, it is a relatively small improvement for maximum aesthetic (and sometimes functional) results. A new garage door not only improves the exterior appeal of your home, but also puts home buyers at ease that it's going to open and close as promised. Return on investment, a sturdy 81%

5. Deck Addition - Especially for homeowners who live in mild climates, a deck addition completes the indoor/outdoor living concept by providing usable outdoor space to entertain guests or to simply unwind on a patio chair underneath a massive canopy. Whether or not you are actually relaxing in the south of France, this return on investment will still garner 80%

Spring Cleaning!

Say hello to the first day of Spring with a breath of fresh air! Whether you are an allergy sufferer or just want to improve the indoor air quality in your home, here are five natural air purifying ideas to turn your living space into a spa like oasis. 

1. Himalayan Salt Lamps emit negative ions which help to remove smoke, pollen, pet dander, and mildew from the air while increasing the oxygen levels in the room. They have also been shown to help improve sleep patterns by getting rid of positive ions caused from electronic magnetic exposure (computers, television, cell phones, tablets, appliances, etc).  

2. Essential Oil Diffusers help release aromatic oils into the air. Essential oils are powerful antimicrobials when released in vapor form and many provide air cleansing benefits as well. Use these air purifying oils alone, or mix some together to find your perfect potion: Eucalyptus, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Sweet Orange, Oregano, Peppermint, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tea Tree, Thyme, Wintergreen

3. Houseplants aren't just for show as many varieties provide air purifying benefits. Aloe Vera plant rids the home of chemicals found in household cleaners and paint. English Ivy is ranked the number one houseplant for cleaning the air by NASA. The Spider Plant and Snake Plant absorb carbon monoxide. 

4. Moso Natural air purifying bags are made of bamboo charcoal, which absorbs unpleasant odors and dehumidifies the air. These are great for bathrooms and closets. The porous charcoal removes bacteria, allergens, pollutants, and moisture, preventing and trapping mold and mildew. These bags last for two years and are rejuvenated by being placed in the sunlight. 

5. Beeswax candles are not only beautiful to look at, they burn clean and ionize the air, neutralizing toxins. Beeswax candles are also effective at removing dust and dander from the air, unlike regular paraffin candles which release benzene, toluene, and other chemicals into the air. 

How does your garden grow?

If you're a homeowner in the Los Angeles area, you may have recently become inspired due to increasing water restrictions to modify your front and back outdoor space to include more drought tolerant landscaping. Here are some beautiful and fun drought tolerant landscaping ideas to start incorporating right in time for summer.

1. Succulent Ground Cover. As seen here at the Huntington Gardens, cacti is a great way to still get the 'green effect' without using grass. Mix it up by using red, yellow, and orange succulents. 

2. Pave the way. This works especially well for front yard space because, when's the last time you rolled around in your front yard? Rock and pebble landscape and flagstone paths all come together to create a unique design that still adds curb appeal and keeps the dollars in your wallet. 

3. Pop of Color. I don't know about you, but purple is my favorite color and lavender one of my favorite natural scents. Spanish Lavender requires only moderate watering. Amongst your rocks and cacti, it's always nice to search for colorful plants that don't require a lot of water to stay healthy. 

West Hills Wonder

The house that keeps on giving... just when you think 3 bedrooms including a separate entrance downstairs suite is enough, travel upstairs to find a luxurious master ensemble equipped with a fireplace, step-in bath tub, and walk-in closet to rival any multi million dollar manse. White picket fence, corner lot, pool and spa... whats not to love about 23000 Windsor Street. 4 bed/3 bath 3009 sq. ft.  $865,000 Listed by Simon Asef DMC Real Estate Co. 

You Have Arrived...

To your exquisite Cape Cod dream home. If you've noticed the emergence of similar pop-ups near and around Sherman Oaks and like me, finally wanted to discern for yourself- I can warn you that you may leave this premise pondering how you can quickly come up with $1,749,000. Every inch of the 4,232 sq. ft. floor plan was impeccably thought out- from the extra long entry hallway leading into the rear family room, dining, kitchen, and pool deck, to every bedroom upstairs having its own ensuite bathroom. 14921 Otsego Street. Listed by Arman Grigoryan Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 4 bed 4 bath 7050 sq. ft. lot Built in 2016

       

Starter Home Chic

Only in Los Angeles, (and a few other places), will a starter home cost you nearly eight hundred thousand ($799,000 to be exact). This zen oasis comes equipped with manicured grounds, vaulted ceilings in kitchen and master, oversized walk-in closet, and wide planked neutral floors. All considered, one actually may consider plunking down a pretty penny for this Encino Park gem. 17627 Martha Street. Listed by Stephen Weir Quality Properties 3 bed 2.5 bath 1600 sq. ft. built in 1949



    





 

1960's Ranch House, Yes Please

Mildly obsessed with this quintessential split level ranch house on 4157 Morro Drive in Woodland Hills, currently on the market at $679,000. There is something to be said about a relatively untouched, well kept traditional ranch style home. Listed by Carey Eckert Park Regency Realty. 3 bed 3 bath 2200 sq ft. 8961 sq. ft. lot