With an entire new year is ahead of you, decluttering your home may not seem so hard. But after January, when that new year energy begins to fade, the prospect of tackling big projects tends to be overwhelming.

Try this month-by-month guide for clearing the clutter from each room of your house. Feel free to reorganize this schedule as you see fit.

No matter what, by the end of the year, your home should be feeling more spacious and you will be feeling more capable of maintaining a clutter-free space.

Getting Started: 

Turbocharge Your Decluttering

If you’re feeling inspired and motivated by the new year, take advantage of that energy and spend a few weekends clearing clutter throughout the house. Making noticeable headway will help motivate you to keep up the decluttering effort in the coming months. Try to get the other members of your household onboard — but if they are not interested, don’t try to force it. Hopefully they will see the positive changes happening around the house and help you!

Create a Habit: 

Keep an empty reusable bin in a closet, and use it to put in items you plan to give away.

January: 

Kitchen and Pantry 

Give yourself a fresh start for the new year with a clean kitchen, decluttered cabinets and a healthy pantry and fridge.

*  Toss worn dish towels or cut them up to make rags

*  Sell or give away specialty small appliances and tools you

    seldom or never use

*  Recycle or toss freebie cups and Tupperware containers

    without lids

*  Toss expired food and spices

*  Take stock of cookware and dishes; give away or sell pieces 

    you do not need

Creat a Habit: 

Clean out the pantry and fridge each week before shopping.

February: 

Home Office — Digital Documents and Papers

Get a jump-start on tax time by getting your files (paper and digital) in order.

*  Sort through random stacks of paper; file, shred or recycle everything

*  Streamline your files, shredding any documents you no longer need

*  Use one calendar to keep track of all events

*  Switch to paperless bills and statements if possible

*  Clean out computer files and back up everything, using cloud-based storage and an         external drive

Creat a Habit: 

Sort your mail at the door, tossing junk immediately into a recycling bin.

March: 

Clothes and accessories 

The seasonal transition is a good time to sort through clothing. Sort through winter clothes before storing, and pare back spring and summer clothes as you begin to wear them.

*  Donate or sell clothes, shoes and accessories in good condition

*  Have winter clothes laundered or dry-cleaned before storing until next year

*  Try on all clothes for the upcoming season and give away or sell any items that do not        make you feel good

Creat a Habit: 

As soon as you wear something and notice it doesn’t fit, has a hole or doesn’t flatter you, toss it in a bag in your closet. When the bag is full, donate it.

April: 

Bath, Beauty Products and Medicine Cabinets

Give your daily routine a spring cleaning by sorting through all of those bottles and jars hiding in medicine cabinets, on counters and in drawers.

*  Toss expired makeup and skin-care items, as well as anything you do not use or like

*  Clean drawers and shelves before returning items

*  Store heat- and moisture-sensitive items (medications and some skin-care products)          away from the bathroom

Create a Habit: 

Keep a list of your favorite bath and beauty products and order them online rather than shopping in person. This helps avoid overshopping and impulse purchases.

May: 

Laundry Room, Linen Closet, Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning routines are much easier and more pleasant when the supplies you need are neat and orderly. Sheets, towels and other household linens do not last forever — go through them this month and make some space.

*  Recycle worn-out and stained towels, washcloths, sheets and tea towels at a textile            recycling center.

*  If your child has graduated a bed size, donate the old bedding to charity

*  Clean under sinks and in any cupboards where cleaning supplies are stored. Get rid of      empty containers and products you tried but did not like

Create a Habit: 

Don’t downgrade old towels and sheets to “guest” status. Only keep linens you would personally want to use — get rid of the rest. Your guests deserve better!

June: 

Family Room, Playroom, Media, Art and Schoolwork

The end of the school year is a good time to review collected artwork and school papers, and choose a small number of special pieces to save in a portfolio or document box.

*  Edit schoolwork and art from the past year

*  Gather a bag of DVDs, books and CDs to give away or sell

*  Sort through toys and games; get rid of those your family no longer enjoys, as well as        anything missing key pieces

Create a Habit: 

At the beginning of each school year, pick up a simple art portfolio. When your child brings work home, enjoy all of it for a while, but choose only a few special pieces to put in the portfolio.

July: 

Yard, Shed, Garage and Tools

Being outdoors in the summer makes this a good time to get outdoor tools and equipment in order.

*  Get rid of broken tools and those you no longer need

*  Sort through gardening supplies

*  Toss worn-out outdoor furnishings and decor

*  If you’ve been collecting items to sell, hold a yard sale this month. At the end of the           day, take unsold items to a charity donation center

Create a Habit: 

Keep everything in your garage or shed on shelving, not on the floor. This helps prevent accumulating a pileup of junk and keeps your gear cleaner.

August: 

Photos

Photos seem to be one of the most problematic items for many people to keep organized. Use the lazy days of August to sort through old photos and make books or prints from new ones.

*  Choose a few favorite photos from this year and have them framed

*  Edit digital photos and back up using a cloud service as well as an external drive

*  Make a photo album or book from recent photos

*  Sort through any bins of loose photos and put them in acid-free photo boxes or simple        albums

Create a Habit: 

Take a few extra moments to tag favorite digital photos each time you upload. Then when it’s time to print or make an album, you can go straight to your favorites.

September: 

Mudroom, Entrances and Junk Drawers

Embrace the back-to-school spirit by getting the busiest zones of your house clutter-free this month.

*  Put away stray items in entrances that belong elsewhere

*  Add extra hooks or shelves if you need them

*  Sort through junk drawers, baskets, trays and any other spots that accumulate random      junk

*  Invest in drawer organizers or a wall-mounted organizer to keep small items neat

Create a Habit: 

Do an end-of-day tidy-up of the entryway, putting shoes, coats and random items back where they belong.

October: 

Dining Room and Entertaining Supplies

With the big holidays coming up over the next few months, October is a good time to get ahead of the curve and sort out your entertaining arsenal.

*  Get rid of worn-out and stained tablecloths, placemats and napkins

*  Count your dinnerware and serving pieces and consider whether you have enough, too     much or too little for the amount you entertain

*  Get rid of decor, table linens and serving pieces that you don’t like or that no longer fit        your lifestyle

Create a Habit: 

Just like creating a wardrobe with lots of pieces that work together, think of creating an entertaining wardrobe that you can mix and match, rather than having lots of distinct sets of dishes.

November: 

Hobbies and Crafts

Get ready for holiday crafting and gift wrapping by clearing out your stash and organizing supplies this month.

*  Clean out gift-wrapping supplies, tossing empty tape dispensers, out-of-ink pens and          shreds of gift wrap and ribbon

*  Downsize your craft stash by donating spare fabric scraps, yarn, scrapbooking paper          and other materials — many organizations: schools, retirement centers etc. are happy      to accept donations of craft supplies

*  Keep works in progress together in bags, bins or boxes

Create a Habit: 

Take the time to put away your craft supplies neatly when you are done working. A messy stash makes it more likely you will buy something you already have simply because you couldn’t find it!

December: 

Holiday Items and Decor 

With so much going on around the holidays, it’s wise not to expect too much of yourself when it comes to clutter-clearing. That said, with all of the new gifts coming in, it does make sense to do some paring back to preserve balance in the house.

*  Give away holiday ornaments and decor that you did not use this year, or that you no          longer love

*  Toss broken ornaments and recycle strands of lights that no longer work

*  Exchange or give away gifts you received but know you will never use, and do not like       — don’t keep things out of guilt. The one exception to this rule may be hand-knit                 sweaters. The knitter will never forgive you; that’s just how it is.

Create a Habit: 

Tell friends and family who ask (in advance of the holidays) that you and your family would prefer gifts that are experiential or edible. Most people honestly want to give you something you will like, and are happy for the guidance.

Happy De-cluttering!

Thinking of renting out your condo, basement or house? Here is some advice for small landlords and how to avoid difficult situations with your tenants.

It’s important to be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the Landlord and Tenant Board, the paperwork required to evict someone, and the standard lease agreement, before even advertising the unit.

You should have a financial cushion that can cover at least six months of the mortgage and other costs of the unit in case you don’t have rental income, as well as a little extra to cover legal fees. A month-to-month rental agreement instead of a lease with a fixed term, is also recommended, as it gives you more flexibility.

Screening is key when choosing a tenant, as you’re assessing risk. You need to look at the applicants’ income, employment, credit check, references and previous tenancies, and it’s important not to take any information, such as phone numbers, for granted. Always Google a person or workplace to check that the available information matches what’s on the application.

Assessing a potential tenant is a balance of intuition and looking at the facts. You can tell a lot about an applicant by meeting them in person, but you should still check everything even if you think the person seems trustworthy. “Do the math” yourself to see whether the applicant’s income seems like enough to cover their monthly costs.

As soon as something seems off — whether it’s a global pandemic or a late rent payment — the landlord should reach out to the tenant to figure out a compromise. However, you should also serve notice just in case, as that can always be withdrawn once the tenant pays rent or agrees to a payment plan. Throughout the tenancy, it’s important to have all agreements in writing.

Above all, the landlord needs to be professional and nice, regardless of the situation, as expressing one’s frustration or anger won’t help solve a difficult tenant situation.

January is a month of intentions, beginnings… and, divorces.

The first month of the year is often known as ‘Divorce Month’ — pandemic or not — and COVID, along with all the increased time it’s forced people to remain together under one roof, has likely only added to the number of people now seeking separation from their partners.

It makes sense in theory. Severing ties right before the holiday season isn’t always ideal if kids are involved; the holidays can put stress on already fragile relationships; December is a time of reflection; and January is a time of fresh starts.

This January, of course, COVID-19 continues — as it has done all year — to be a further factor.

The number of divorcing couples has increased since the early weeks of COVID, due to the pressure of being confined to the home together, which often compounds existing relationship issues. People have endured months of hardship — people losing their jobs, dealing with the challenges of working from home, home schooling and more — these issues will probably cause a further increase in the number of couples who are breaking up.

Of course, the initial decision to part ways, to separate — a divorce in Canada legally requires one year of separation, don’t forget — is only the first of a long list of decisions that need to be made. And what to do with a shared property is most often at the top of that list.

Misconceptions about divorce and real estate tend to focus on who is entitled to reside in the matrimonial home, who actually owns the home, and whether or not the home can be sold — all things that can vary depending on whether the couple is common-law or in fact married and what province they reside in.

The law treats common-law couples differently in terms of assets, including the home. As opposed to married spouses, who have a right to possess the matrimonial home that can’t be defeated without the consent of the other spouse or a court order, common-law status is only legally binding in British Columbia for the purposes of dividing property if the couple has lived together for more than 2 years. while, in some provinces like Ontario, common-law isn’t considered legally binding.

Check the provincial legislation on common-law status as the person registered on the property maybe able to mortgage, sell, or dispose of the home without the common-law spouse’s consent. On the other hand, regardless of whose name is on the official documentation and ownership for the house, as soon as a married couple share the home, it becomes property of both parties. It doesn’t matter if the home was obtained through inheritance, individual purchase, or familial loans — as long as partners shared the home prior to the date of separation, it’s considered the matrimonial home.

In general, the decision to sell the property is predominantly a financial one.

Sometimes, one party can buy the other party’s share in the matrimonial home so that they can remain in the home. Often selling the home is necessary, however, because neither party can afford to keep it on their own, or because one party refuses to sell to the party who is able to buy them out. In some cases, the sale is court ordered. It’s imperative that the parties have an accurate opinion of value for the subject property in all cases, but even more so when the home is to be purchased by either party.

The reality is that the matrimonial home is usually the largest asset the couple owns. The proceeds of the sale of that home is what is required for both parties to purchase or rent their own respective homes. The money they receive from the sale of the home may constitute the majority of the settlement.

So, what happens to the mortgage?

The mortgage is affected based on several factors, as well as the terms of the existing mortgage. Distribution of funds from the sale of the home may or may not be used to pay off the mortgage. Depending on where the couple is in the process of the separation, the funds may sit in a trust account until a final and complete separation agreement has been signed. In other situations, some of the funds or even all of the funds may be released.

Divorce-related real estate isn’t easy. There maybe power struggles between couples when it comes to listing and selling the home. There may be arguments about everything from list price, closing dates, the showing process, and how information is shared, to signage, marketing, prepping the home for sale, who to use as a lawyer for the closing of the transaction and more. 

One big thing to keep in mind, is that the implications of leaving the matrimonial home during separation can be enormous.

The general consensus is that unless you or your children are in physical danger, it’s best not to leave the home until matters are resolved. If you do leave your home, you are unlikely to be taking your children with you. This sets up a

de-facto parenting arrangement and the co-parent then becomes the primary caregiver of the children. While this isn’t irreversible, the challenge of trying to regain custody can be arduous and costly. Leaving the home and the kids may also place you in a position of having to pay spousal and child support right away.

Another thing to consider when selling your home in the event of a dissolved marriage is an element of “keeping up appearances” for prospective buyers to achieve the most lucrative sale. You don’t want potential buyers to think you’re desperate to sell, even if you are, and that they can subsequently purchase it for less. Keep the reason of the sale quiet.

You want to sell not only the home but the image of a happy home. No matter the situation, making the home look welcoming is important. A home that looks not only beautiful but also inviting and cozy is what you want to achieve.

So, maybe keep those wedding and family photos on the walls a little longer if you can.

Today’s mortgage rates are attracting new buyers into the real estate market. Low rates make your mortgage payment more affordable and drive up the demand for local real estate.

If you’re a first time home buyer, don’t let the house hunting FOMO push you into making any of these costly mistakes.  Here are some common mistakes you can avoid.

Mistake #1: House Hunting Before You Have The Mortgage Figured Out

There is no harm in searching online or checking out your local real estate, but if you go out and start seeing homes before you have strong financing, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. The house you see today could be sold tomorrow, so it doesn’t make any sense to fall in love with a home before you have financing. Make sure you know your budget and that you’ve spoken with your mortgage broker to get a preapproval for the amount that fits your lifestyle.

Mistake #2: Talking To Only One Mortgage Lender

Today’s mortgage rates are historically low, but that doesn’t mean that you should trust the first mortgage lender that comes to mind. You should do some homework and connect with a mortgage broker who can help you get approved for the best mortgage. Remember that the mortgage rate is just one part of the total cost of buying a home, and different lenders provide different levels of service and have different fees. Find a licensed professional that you are comfortable working with.

Mistake #3: Forgetting About Closing Costs

Purchasing a home has several other costs that won’t be as clear cut as the house price that you agree on with the seller. If you forget to budget for closing costs, you could run into a very stressful situation. Thankfully, first time home buyers can take advantage of rebates on Land Transfer Tax and other programs. However, the other typical closing costs include appraisals, lawyers’ fees, title insurance, and fire insurance. Every scenario is a little different, but plan to set aside 1.5% of the house purchase price for closing costs as a rule of thumb.

Mistake #4: Waiting For The Perfect House

Not to say you shouldn’t be picky for a house you love, but if you delay getting into the market while you wait for the dream home to hit the market at your price point, then you could be worse off financially. There is an opportunity cost to not being able to grow your equity. If you wait a couple of years while you search endlessly, a house that you liked may go up in price while you watch from the sidelines. Consider the benefits of building some equity for a few years until you have enough for the home you love.

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial transactions you will make. Don’t go it alone! I have helped many first-time homebuyers go through the process.

If you want to learn more about how to get into the real estate market as a first time homebuyer, contact me Nancy Bergman.

This time of year we can always use a little extra rest. Make it easy with these ideas for daytime napping

Winter is a time of hibernation for many animals, and for Mother Nature in general — yet we’re expected to somehow keep up the same pace of life no matter the time of year. Is it any wonder, then, that winter also sees more of us becoming run-down? Let’s gave in to the urge to rest up and get cozy. Here are some ways to tap into the power of napping.

Grant Yourself Permission

If you’re in the habit of pressing on, even when you’re tired, it may help to formally grant yourself permission to take a catnap from time to time. In fact, if you have a pet, it wouldn’t hurt to take some napping tips from your furry friend. Animals are experts at falling asleep at the drop of a hat! Of course, we can’t ignore all our duties, but if you make time for napping a priority, you may find that the opportunities to catch a few extra, blissful moments of rest are surprisingly within reach.

See The Value In Napping

Sometimes knowing we could use more rest is not enough to make us actually prioritize it — that’s when it’s time to appeal to logic. Most of us have at least a sliver of time here and there when we could nap. The key is seeing the value in napping over all the other things you could be doing. Here are some of the benefits.

◦Catch up on sleep

◦Keep your strength up during cold and flu season

◦Reduce stress

◦Feel emotionally nourished

◦Wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your to-do list

Keep Napping Essentials Nearby

You may want extra pillows and certainly a soft throw or two to cover chilly legs. If light bothers you, toss a silky eye mask on top of the pile. And if you tend to be chilly, throw in a hot-water bottle as well. Stowed on a spare chair or in a basket near your favorite napping spot, these comforts will never be far when you feel your eyelids beginning to droop.

Find Some Warmth

A sun-filled window, a place beside a crackling fire and a cozy nook are all excellent spots in which to curl up for a long winter’s nap, no matter the time of day. Feeling warm, snug and safe is key to a relaxing nap. If lying in bed during the day doesn’t feel right, sprawl out on a couch, chaise or window seat instead.

Shut Down Electronics

One thing to avoid when winding down for a nap, or going to bed, is screen time. Doesn’t it seem like an “essential” email always pops up just when you were about to sign off? Don’t give your tech the opportunity to distract you from your delicious nap — move away from the desktop, close the laptop and put your phone away.

Ease Into Relaxation

Sometimes simply lying down for a nap is not enough to drift off. If you know you could use a nap but your body is resisting, here are a few things to try:

• Sit in a sunny window or another warm spot for five minutes
• Do a few slow, gentle stretches
• Sip warm tea
• Kick off your shoes and cover your legs with a blanket
• Read a few pages from a complicated novel or a boring nonfiction book

Set A Timer

If you napped the afternoon away when you were meant to meet someone at a certain time, you may not be likely to take another nap anytime soon! If you have time only for a quick nap, set a timer on your phone and put it within earshot, but out of arm’s reach so you can relax, knowing you will get up when you need to.

Rise and Shine

Waking from a daytime nap can be jarring. Make the transition back into your daily activities as smooth and gentle as possible to maximize the benefits of your nap and boost your mood.

• Sip some fresh water with lemon or hot tea
• Stand up and stretch
• Step outside or crack a window and take 10 deep breaths.
• Grab a pen and jot down anything that sprang to mind while you were resting

Go ahead, don’t feel guilty take a cat nap and get refreshed.