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Making it Home

Fresh Year, Fresh Start: Cleaning out your home for the new year

January 5, 2021 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Many of us could not wait to close the door on 2020 and usher in the new year– and all the positive karma we hope comes with it! As you look forward to 2021 you may have spent some time thinking about your intentions for the coming year, whether for personal or professional growth, health and fitness, or family goals. Let’s face it, 2020 was stressful, and while many people look to each new year to freshen up their lives, this year more than ever people are looking inward to reexamine what is important to them. But one thing that is just as important as setting intentions for your behaviors or habits is creating a peaceful and joyful place in which to practice your intentions

If you, (like most Americans), spent a record amount of time inside your home last year due to the pandemic, you may have accumulated more stuff than you have in previous years. Many people acquired new hobbies to pass the time at home, started – and some even finished! – home improvement projects, or simply went a little overboard with boredom-induced online shopping. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for a decluttering session.

Living with too much stuff can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. People with too much clutter in their environment also tend to suffer from relationship issues, sleep problems, and chronic allergies or asthma. 

So, before you pack a suitcase and hop on a flight for that vacation that got cancelled last year, take some time to clean out your home for the new year. Here are a few strategies recommended by professional organizers.

1. ONE CATEGORY AT A TIME:

This method is used by Marie Kondo, author of the bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and TV show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. She advocates for decluttering items by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous items, and sentimental items, in that order.

2. ONE ROOM AT A TIME:

Another method is to focus on one area at a time. It could be a room, the garage, or the attic. If that amount of space is still overwhelming to you, break it down to one closet, one cabinet, or one drawer at a time. 

3. ARRANGE KEEP, SELL AND DONATE SPACES:

As you progress through your decluttering, it will save time and energy if you have already designated areas to accumulate items that are to be kept, sold, or donated. Then you can deal with each group of items once you have everything separated.

…and voila! You’re done!

Unless of course you want to take it one step further. Once you have cleaned out your home, you might adopt some of these habits for preventing clutter from piling up again:

1. Set a rule where you don’t purchase a new piece of clothing, toy, book, or gadget without getting rid of something you are no longer using.

2. Get into the habit of always putting everything back in its place. This will keep you from purchasing items you already have but can’t find or forgot about.

3. To prevent clothes from piling up, try choosing your outfits for the coming week every Sunday, and don’t let clean laundry sit unfolded.

4. Look through your refrigerator and pantry before shopping and shop with a list of needed items.

5. Live by the rule that if you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, chances are you don’t need it.

Best of luck to a successful + clutter free new year!

(PS-If your goals for 2021 involve spending more time outside, make sure to check out this post to know the best trails to hit during the winter in Idaho Falls!)

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Making it Home Tagged With: Cleaning, Decluttering, Idaho Falls, New Year, Organization

Home Maintenance Tips for Fall and Winter

November 5, 2020 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

The cold season has already arrived in many parts of the country. Here in southeast Idaho, even though the fall months have been mild, we know we won’t escape the subzero temperatures and healthy snowfall!

It’s important to prepare your home for the colder weather coming. Taking a little bit of time to winterize your home can save you a lot of time, and money, later on. Check out these tips for preparing your home for the fall and winter.

1. Check window and door weather stripping for damage. (Don’t forget the garage door!)

2. Disconnect water hoses and turn off outdoor water supply lines and irrigation system.

3. Wrap exterior water pipes or hose bibs with heating tape.

4. Clean your gutters. (They’re notorious for freezing in our area!)

5. Check your roof for damage or leaks.

6. Fill cracks in your driveway and foundation.

7. Check attic insulation for pest damage.

8. Have your furnace serviced.

9. Check your chimney for obstructions and make sure your damper is working.

10. Clean and store your lawnmower.

11. Aerate and fertilize your lawn.

12. Change the air filters in your HVAC system.

13. Change smoke detector batteries.

14. Clean and store outdoor furniture. (If you don’t have room to store them inside, consider finding covers to protect them from our harsh winter weather).

15. Have landscaping pruned and put fresh mulch down.

16. Bring potted plants inside.

17. Change your ceiling fan direction.

18. Clean humidifiers before using.

19. Have you sprinklers winterized.

20. Make sure snow equipment is working.

Winter is coming-don’t get caught unprepared!

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Making it Home Tagged With: Fall, Home Maintenance, Idaho Falls, Winter

How Marie Kondo is Fueling My Thrifting Goals!

March 8, 2019 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

Whether or not you’ve bought into Marie Kondo’s wildly popular method of tidying up, there’s no denying that the current decluttering trend has had a significant impact on one industry in particular—thrift stores are bursting with donations.

For the uninitiated, Marie Kondo is a Japanese “tidying consultant” who employs a method of purging items from your home that do not “spark joy.” Between her New York Times Best Seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and her new Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, her KonMari method is in full effect, and what doesn’t spark joy for others, might spark joy for you. Here are some great items to look out for:

Books

Gently-used, vintage children’s books are common in many thrift stores. These and uniquely-colored books can be great to use in decorating.

For the flippers out there, good-condition, used box sets like the Harry Potter series can sell for around $30 to $50 on eBay. Other popular box sets include The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games, and Little House on the Prairie.

Wood furniture

Thrift stores are a great place to score solid wood furnishings at bargain prices. Even if you don’t end up finding your vintage dream piece, items that look more “grandma” than Mad Men can be transformed with a little paint, varnish, and fresh fixtures.

Dishes + Glassware

Vintage dishes can be particularly valuable, so do a little research when you’re out thrifting. Glassware lovers enjoy vintage Pyrex cookware, as well as glass in different shapes and colors, so keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

Mirrors

Mirrors make your space feel bigger, so they are the ultimate accessories for your walls. New mirrors can be expensive, however, so you can save big bucks by finding one at a thrift store.

 

Vintage + Antique items

Just look for pieces that are in good condition. Bonus if you can find a collection of items, such as antique cameras, globes, or copper pots. Display them in your home on a buffet or open shelf.

Best places to shop in Southeast Idaho?

-Thrift stores

-Facebook Marketplace

-Garage sales/Estate sales

-Local “For Sale” groups on Facebook

-Consignment shops

 

Happy hunting-and don’t forget-only get items that Spark Joy! 🙂

Filed Under: Making it Home, Uncategorized

A fresh start, a fresh scent

January 7, 2019 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

As we un-deck the halls, pack up ornaments and tinsel, and throw away the last of the leftover fruitcake, I feel my home (and myself) screaming for simplicity.  Now is the best time to clear off surfaces, organize areas that have built up with clutter, wash linens and take a look at my home with fresh eyes.

[Read more…] about A fresh start, a fresh scent

Filed Under: All Posts, Making it Home, Staging + Selling

Hello.

December 15, 2012 by Karen Liester Leave a Comment

hello.

Welcome to my new website! If you’re a new friend, let me give you the Cliffnotes on what you need to know about Karen!

I’ve been in the real estate industry since 2002. I began as a Short-sale Specialist, and a humble Real Estate Assistant and grew into an invaluable Operations and Marketing Manager, helping two large real estate teams in southeast Idaho double their business year over year.

This fall I decided to take the plunge and open my own Realtor “storefront” and here I am. I am passionate about serving people and, of course, all things HOME!

I am proud to enhance my services as a Realtor with valuable interior design experience. I fully understand how powerfully a space can affect the very mood of those who live in it. I can help you stage your home for a quick sale, then turn around and help you find your dream house and guide you towards making it your dream home.

I hope that piques your interest into what I do…and if you need a Realtor it would honestly be my pleasure to get to work with you!

+kl

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: All Posts, Making it Home

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Spring Break is in full swing and if you decided t Spring Break is in full swing and if you decided to stick around town this week, you are likely suffering the consequences that the groundhog predicted weeks ago! Six more weeks of winter, and likely six more inches of snow! C’est la la vie! However-have hope! The winter weather isn’t stopping local venues from hosting events that are hot, hot, hot! Check out this weeks list of local events. Have you been to any of the Laugh Like Heck events at the DEC? They’re so much fun and are guaranteed to make for a great night out, plus the venue is stunning! Get out, have fun and STAY + WANDER!
We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Pat We’re gearing up for March Madness and Saint Patrick’s Day! Both of these events, along with warmer weather have our weekly list of events BURSTING at the seams! Get down to the DEC tonight to catch Laugh Like Heck with Rodney Norman, or grab the last few tickets to Diabla’s Vegan Themed Dinner! The St. Patty’s events start tomorrow and go until Wednesday, the 17th. Check out all of the great events going on.  Have a great weekend and stay + wander!
Instagram post 18109645681206076 Instagram post 18109645681206076
Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is com Heads up all you love birds-the big ❤ day is coming up this Sunday. Get your heart (and your home) ready for all the feels with some of these February home decor tips:
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• Did you know they make pink light bulbs? THEY DO! Head to your local home improvement store and grab a few to color your home just in time for Cupid’s arrow. Got little ones? They’ll love it all the more!⁣
• Swap out wall art with a message perfect for the hugs-and-kisses holiday. A good place to look? Etsy -- search for ‘printable valentine’s wall art’ and print right at home.⁣
• Not into hot pinks and reds? No problem! Think blush! A few blush-colored throw pillows or blankets will give a subtle wink to the day without going overboard.⁣
• Nothing says “I love you” like a spread of sweets, cakes, candies, and fruits that double as themed decor. Whether homemade, store-bought, or somewhere in between, gift your loved ones with a feast for the eyes (and tastebuds) this Valentine’s day. ⁣
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Tired of renting and looking for a love nest all your own? I’d love to help. Send me a message and let’s chat.⁣
STAY+WANDER 🏈 . SUPERBOWL WEEKEND! I’m sure STAY+WANDER 🏈 
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SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!  I’m sure whatever your plans are for this weekend, there will be a handful of you that will spend your Sunday afternoon rooting and screaming at your television! For those of you that are still undecided on your plans, there are (finally!) several local music events going on this weekend! Lava Hot Springs Fire + Ice Winter Festival is going on this Friday and Saturday (check this post out for a full recap we did on the event a couple of years ago). If you haven’t been persuaded yet, maybe wander down to Mac N’ Kelly’s Pub + Grill! Have you been yet? It’s definitely on our list to check it out!  Have a great weekend while you stay + wander!
The GREAT DIVIDE! . Are you ready to go this weeke The GREAT DIVIDE!
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Are you ready to go this weekend? Ours is a house divided. Tom Brady broke my heart when he left New England, but those roots run deep and it goes against my nature to root against him in the Superbowl, so I find myself on #teamtampabay, while @eliestoh will be cheering for the #chiefs.
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Who are you rooting for? ...and is there any hope for my marriage? HAHA!!!!
Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, Last year’s biggest home trends? Stretchy pants, comfy slippers, and the fastest internet money could buy. This year’s trends give us all a little bit more to look forward to. Here's what designers predict for 2021: ⁣
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1. Cleanliness is still king. Designers anticipate easy-to-clean fabrics and surfaces to remain in demand as a way to help us all stay on top of pesky germs.⁣
2. Expect interior colors to warm up as owners crave warmth, comfort, and coziness. Various shades of browns, oranges, and reds will the trick. ⁣
3. Not into warm hues? Designers think soft shades of blue that create a peaceful vibe will also be popular.⁣
4. Remodeling or building a new construction? Closed floor plans are front-and-center as demand grows for private spaces designated for remote work or at-home learning.⁣
5. Dubbed “grandmillienial” by House Beautiful, the style showing up everywhere blends grandma’s favorite florals with sleek modern staples. Not sure where to start? Just ask yourself WWGD -- what would Grandma do?⁣
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What trends are you lovin' early in 2021? Share them below!⁣
Some days-this is my office...but not often! I hav Some days-this is my office...but not often! I have been able to work from the office for most of the year, but when the kiddos moved to virtual learning last spring, I had to adapt to sharing a workspace with them at home.
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I want to know! Is this YOU? Have you been working from home for months now (with little ones, furry ones, or both scurrying underfoot)?
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If you've mastered the dining table office space, what ONE piece of advice would you share with a work-from-home newbie?
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Please! Share your wisdom in the comments below so we can make the best of what seems to be an ever-changing situation!
Is everyone done decking the halls??? . Right now Is everyone done decking the halls???
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Right now I’m resisting the urge to keep decorating knowing it will all be down in a week or so!
Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my Here's a link to the @airbnb I posted about in my stories today.
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https://abnb.me/VTE0JJTukcb
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Or you can search AirBNB (Idaho Falls) for "The Historic Emerson"
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