This summer has flown by!! I have been busy with a few client projects that have included “right- sizing” after a loss of a spouse and de-cluttering and styling a home to go on the market. But that was not all. In my own life, we also managed a “college move back” for my oldest and a significant transformation of the exterior of our house. 😊
Letting go…
First, let me say, it has been an honor to help navigate through such major life transitions. My heart goes out to anyone with so many tough decisions to make about sentimental items of a loved one who has passed.
It’s essential to honor the feelings and memories associated with some pieces, which is why we began by assessing which items held significant emotional value and which can be let go. Involving a professional organizer in this process can be helpful, as I shared my perspectives and assisted in deciding what to keep, toss, donate, or sell. This collaborative effort built a connection, allowing stories to be shared and remembering good times while making practical decisions. Sometimes, it’s the sharing of those memories that allows a person to move on, release and let go.
Once we sorted through their belongings, floor by floor, room by room, closet by closet, drawer by drawer (you get the picture!) we began to focus on creating a new living space that felt comforting and supportive. We incorporated items that will bring joy and positive memories. ‘Rightsizing’ is not just about letting go of the past; it’s an opportunity to embrace a new chapter and build resilience and renewal in the face of loss.
Movin’ on
Downsizing for a move can be a daunting task, especially when it involves sorting through years of accumulated belongings. The process can evoke a mix of nostalgia and stress, making it difficult to decide what to keep and what to let go of, conjuring up a slew of emotions. Hiring a professional organizer can transform this overwhelming experience into a streamlined and efficient process. By focusing on one area at a time, making lots of checklists, and in this case hiring painters, landscapers, interior movers and window cleaners we made this happen is a very short amount of time. Once we decluttered, we began to arrange furniture and style the home in a way that highlighted its best features.
In addition to enhancing the interior appeal of the home, I provided some strategies for packing and moving efficiently. This simplified the logistical aspects of the move, and I was able to provide emotional support throughout the process. Pro Organizer Tip! I used a new to me, practical way to track the moving boxes if you want to know more about it, then check out this link.
Ultimately, we transformed this home into a beautiful environment that will attract a buyer while paving the way for a fresh start in this family’s new chapter. And now we rest!
Goin’ Big!
This all leads to the big finale of the summer. Our house transformation. After months of waiting for the painter (not his fault, just the constant rains in the spring). Time that proved to be very helpful to answer the giant question of …what color should we paint the house??
Hubs and I went round and round with colors and questions. Should we paint just the siding of the house or the siding and the brick front? And what about the trim? I wanted to paint all of it! Brick included. Soooooo, we went round and round and round again. There were countless samples, reading lots of blogs on colors and LRV and if a color leans yellow or gray or blue or whatever! We drove around neighborhoods, stopped and asked unsuspecting homeowners what color their house was. We took pictures of other homes we liked. So many in fact, that we had to start a shared album. We had a virtual consult with a Sherwin Williams expert. We did sample boards. We painted the side of the house so many different colors we lost track of what was what!
Help! Painter, please give us a deadline and start the job!
Final answer …. We decided to paint the brick.
The colors we choose with hours and hours (and hours) of contemplation were:
SW Natural Choice (main) and SW Brainstorm Bronze (trim)
Happy to report that we are still married, love the color choices and like our painter!
If you decide to paint your brick, I highly recommend a mineral coating that is made for masonry. The link below is the one we used with our custom color.
If you want me to help you downsize, declutter, move some decor around to style your home, pack some boxes or pick a paint color, give me a ring!
Until next time,
Jolene