Homeowners Kick Start A Recycling Plan

Everyday we hear of new reports and statistics regarding climate change and global warming. These reports indicate how imperative it is that we all do our part to help preserve this fragile planet we live on. Not everyone knows what they can do, or how to start.

The easiest place to start would be at home. Listed below are few simple things that all homeowners can do to kick start a home recycling plan. Don't feel like you have to do everything at once, unless you want to, which would be great. Implementing a home recycling program  will change some of the current processes in your home, but it shouldn't take long to get use to these new ways of doing things and change your habits.

Curbside or Drop-off Recycling
According to Earth 911, curbside recycling is offered to half the U.S. population which provides homeowners a convenient way to recycle a variety of different materials such as, plastic, paper, aluminum cans, glass bottles and steel/tin cans . For those areas where curbside recycling is not offered, recycling drop-off locations are a fabulous alternative.

Stop Using Plastic Shopping Bags
Plastic bags are not biodegradable and are threatening our marine life and clogging our landfills. A simple step in your home recycling plan would be to stop using plastic shopping bags. There are so many alternative shopping bag sources out there now with many large, and small, stores offering canvas reusable bags for less than a dollar each.

Composting
Composting is a fabulous way to limit the amount of garbage in your garbage cans and ultimately the amount of garbage you add to our landfills. An added benefit of composting is the nutrient-rich fertilizer you will create for your gardens using organic  materials from your home.

For additional information visit Earth 911 or contact your local home waste collection service provider.

Storage Option When Moving

When it comes time to move you may find youself  in need of a temporary place to store your belongings. The good news is  you have several options, read more below to find one that will work best for your situation.

There are few things you’ll want to consider about your storage options:
• Will you need a large facility or just a small storage space?
• How long will you need storage, long or short term?
• If your items will be stored for an extended time frame, you will need to consider special needs before packing away your items. You may need temperature and moisture controlled facilities.

Different Options

Self Storage Facilities. These consist of mini-storage units where a monthly charge is incurred. Most have a variety of units in different sizes to accommodate your storage needs; if you are not sure of how big a unit you may need, use this estimator to help determine the best size you may need.

Depending on the facility, access can be granted at specific times but some do have 24 hour access. Find a self storage facility near you.

Container Storage or PODS. This option is ideal for long-term, portable storage. Pods can be stored at a storage center, and once you move to your new home, delivered at your doorstep for your convenience. This can be a time and money saving solution because you only have to pack once, you don’t have to move your items to the storage facility and then again to your final destination.

Moving Companies That Offer Storage Facilities. If you are using a moving company, check and see if they offer storage facilities as well. Many offer this service for an additional fee. This may be a convenient option to have the same company who is handling the moving, pick up, store your items and then delivery them to your final destination.

Before You Store Your Items
• It is a good idea to look into insurance for the items you will be storing. Check your homeowners or renters insurance policies to see if they will cover items kept in storage. Don’t assume the storage facility will cover your items if they are damaged or stolen.
• Make an inventory of the items you are storing and keep it in a safe, easy-to-find place. For highly valuable items, it is recommended that you take photos as well.
• Be sure the storage facility offers all that you need. A few things to consider may be location, 24 hour access, security features, climate control, whether you need mobile storage, etc.
• Before signing a contract, be sure to tour the facility so you can view the unit to make sure it is up to your standards and will accommodate your needs.

Home Inspections - Before Putting Your Home On The Market

One question that has been surfacing with regularity relates to the benefit of preparing one's home for sale BEFORE putting it on the market.  It's great to think about this concept in advance of actually selling.  In today's market, the successful sellers are the ones who are offering the "most for the least."  Location continues to be an important criteria for success, enhancing demand and desirability.  But successful sellers are also those who have coupled extremely good pricing, extremely good condition & presentation, and superb marketing.  So addressing these concerns can be handled in a few ways.

I could personally meet with you, look at your home and make recommendations or if you preferred to have a home stager (an accredited professional who is trained to assist homeowners in getting their homes in top showing condition), I can recommend someone to you.   This is a service that many Realtors provide to their prospective clients.  To arrange a time to meet with you or for a recommendation to a local home stager, please feel free to contact me by email or phone.  If you would simply like additional information about the home staging process, please feel free to visit:  http://www.homestagingresource.com/2007-04news.asp.