If you've got unwanted stuff that is still usable, consider donating it. You'll be doing a good deed and receiving a tax deduction while you're at it. Here's a list of worthy organizations and the donations that they accept:
DressForSuccess.org - Women's work-appropriate suits, dresses and accessories
DonateMyDress.org - Prom dresses and formal wear
BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org - Wedding dresses, veils and slips
CareerGear.org - Men's work-appropriate clothing
WorldComputerExchange.org - Laptops and desktop computers
Earth911.com - Computers, TVs, cell phones and empty ink cartridges
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence - ncadv.org - Cell phones for abused women
GamesforHeroes.com - Handheld electronics for US soldiers in Iraq and Afganistan
GetWellGamers.org - Video game systems for children's hospitals
National FurnitureBank.org - Furniture for victims of storms and earthquakes
Pets911.com - Blankets and towels for animal shelters
Patagonia.com - Recycle your worn out fleece clothing
Soles4Souls.org - Gently used footwear for people in need
ProjectNightNight.org - Gently used children's books for homeless kids
KidFlicks.org - DVD's for children's hospitals and pediatric wards
ILoveSchools.com - Fulfill teacher's wish lists
SportsGift.org - Any type of sports equipment accepted
RecycledRunners.com - Lists local organizations that benefit from used sneakers
St. Vincent DePaul Society - DuPage County donation service line: 630-231-4658
SharingConnections.org - DuPage County furniture pick up and charity distribution service
Restoration 708-876-8413 - Chicago area not-for-profit furniture pick up crew
National Children's Cancer Society - www.nccstruck.com - Schedule pick up of usable household items
For more help with decluttering and donating, contact Patty at 630-205-6677.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Best Neutrals
When preparing your house for sale, almost everyone agrees... paint will give you the best bang for your buck. And when staging, a neutral backdrop is the way to go. Even the popular "Pottery Barn" colors don't appeal to everyone. In this market, smart home sellers have embraced the idea of neutralizing walls in order to appeal to the largest pool of potential buyers. Why?
It's a savvy marketing move to provide a clean contemporary backdrop for buyers who are looking to do nothing more than move in and unpack. So for the price of paint (choose one color and buy in larger quantities to save money) you can instantly update the look of your home and increase your chances of selling it faster and for more money.
But which neutrals work best? The following is a list of the fail-proof Benjamin Moore creams and beiges that will warm up your walls, never offend and go with just about everything.
Pittsfield Buff
Shaker Beige
Monroe Bisque
Philadelphia Cream
Powell Buff
Bradstreet Beige
Camouflage
For more help with paint color selection, call Patty at 630-205-6677 or visit PattyClearsClutter.com
It's a savvy marketing move to provide a clean contemporary backdrop for buyers who are looking to do nothing more than move in and unpack. So for the price of paint (choose one color and buy in larger quantities to save money) you can instantly update the look of your home and increase your chances of selling it faster and for more money.
But which neutrals work best? The following is a list of the fail-proof Benjamin Moore creams and beiges that will warm up your walls, never offend and go with just about everything.
Pittsfield Buff
Shaker Beige
Monroe Bisque
Philadelphia Cream
Powell Buff
Bradstreet Beige
Camouflage
For more help with paint color selection, call Patty at 630-205-6677 or visit PattyClearsClutter.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
De-cluttering for Fall
Fall has arrived. The leaves are turning and there's a nip in the air. But before you fill the porch with pumpkins or set-up a spooky Halloween scene, give your outside a once-over. Here are three quick & easy de-cluttering tips for Fall.
When you de-clutter your exterior in the Fall, you'll get fresh air and exercise while adding value to your home, all without spending a dime. Visit http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/ or call 630-205-6677 for more information and a personal consultation.
- Walk your property and pick up garbage.Take a bag or a bucket and wear gloves if you need to. You'll be surprised at what you find. Old newspapers, candy wrappers, chew toys, and maybe even something of value. Regardless, it's good exercise and can't help but improve the appearance of your yard.
- Remove all items associated with Summer. This can include a range of things from inflatible pools to tiki torches. After you've put your garden to bed and given the grass it's last trim, clean and store summer lawn tools and accessories. Cover or store outdoor furniture. Sweep your porch or patio and hose down your deck.
- Now take a good look at your home's exterior. Are any repairs imminent? Determine which outdoor projects need to be undertaken to improve the functionality and appearance of your home. Make sure that everything is in good working order before Winter arrives.
When you de-clutter your exterior in the Fall, you'll get fresh air and exercise while adding value to your home, all without spending a dime. Visit http://www.pattyclearsclutter.com/ or call 630-205-6677 for more information and a personal consultation.
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