Why Should I Hire a Kelowna Realtor

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You’re getting ready to sell your Kelowna home and the thought hits, Kelowna realtor or private sale? Trust me, we get it! The thought of how much money you can save starts going through your head. The vision of selling your home privately is starting to sound more and more appealing. Well, we’re here to tell you the truth about private sales and why we think you should hire a Kelowna realtor!

Professional Marketing

home with for sale in front of it

Professional marketing for your Kelowna home

You may get some action from posting a sign out front and putting ads in the local newspaper. On the flip side, when you list with a Kelowna realtor, you will obtain way more action from their professional marketing. Each listing at Quincy Vrecko and Associates will have an HD video/photos taken of their home and the newest in technology… a 3D Virtual Reality Tour. We don’t just pop a sign in front of your home, we are here to help market your Kelowna home to potential clients and the public.

It’s More Work

Most of you have a full-time job, raising kids, and trying to still have a social life. Selling a home takes time and that is why realtors have a full-time job doing it! Realtors have so much knowledge of the market as they study it daily and are here to guide you through the process of selling your home. Let’s face it, I can’t come into your position and become an expert, leave it up to us to help you get top dollar for your home!

small home with coins in front of it

You don’t save that much money

You don’t save that much money!

I bet you fell off your seat reading that point, but it is true! You may think, but I am not paying for commission if I am listing with a Kelowna realtor. I must be saving a ton of money by just doing it myself. Well, for one, it takes a lot of time to sell a home. It takes time in your day or organize showings and market your home. In most cases, a realtor can get you enough to cover their commission. Sometimes they also put more money in your pocket.

A Kelowna realtor who is willing to work hard to market your home is Tracey Vrecko from the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group Tracey can provide you with expert advice on the Kelowna market. She is here to make sure the process of selling your Kelowna home is as smooth and successful as possible, give her a call today at 1-778-760-2860!

 

Must Haves for Luxury Home Gyms

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Luxury home gyms are growing in popularity.  Along with the latest and greatest in workout equipment, there are some luxury items to add to the list. After a hard workout, you need to spoil yourself.

sauna in luxury home gym

Add a sauna to your luxury home gym

Top Kelowna personal trainer, Leigh Carter, has recommended these top 3 must-haves for the ultimate Luxury home gyms:

1. Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to create even heat that is absorbed by the skin.  The heat penetrates deep into the tissue dissolving toxins and activating sweat glands to increase metabolism.  There are a wide range of health benefits including detoxification, relaxation, weight loss, anti-aging, improved circulation, and pain relief.  These units range in size and start at $2500 for the smaller models.  The warmth of the sauna is the best way to end a workout and soothe tired muscles.

2. Massage Chairs

The day after a workout can be grueling with sore and tired muscles, so the addition of a massage chair is a must in your luxury home gym.  Chairs can range in price starting at $2500 for a basic model to $8000 for a higher-end model offering more options and settings.  The most effective chairs are models that offer a Shiatsu or Swedish massage. The higher-end models have heat settings, vibration, and sound making your massage enjoyable and relaxing.  Add in a flat-screen TV to create your own luxury home gym lounge.

3. Beverage centre:

assortment of glasses filled with smoothies and juices

Rehydrate after your workout at your beverage station

Forget the old-fashioned water cooler, every Luxury home gym needs a proper beverage center.  Stocked with fresh produce you can create protein smoothies and fresh pressed juice to give you the vitamins and energy you need to enhance your workout.  To complete your beverage center, you need an ice box, a small refrigerator, have filtered water on hand as rehydration is key for your muscles to recover after a hard workout.

These luxury additions to your luxury home gym will complete your workout and help you look forward to your next one. Choose the ones that are right for you and take the time to use them.  Reward yourself for the time you set aside for your workout and enjoy the relaxation it brings.

Before making any modifications to your luxury home, call Quincy Vrecko with Quincy Vrecko and Associates. Quincy can give you advice on the impact on resale value for your Kelowna home. Quincy is a luxury real estate agent with RE/MAX Kelowna with over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. His knowledge and expertise in the Kelowna real estate market can guide you in the right direction for luxury gym must-haves to increase the value of your Kelowna home. Call 1-250-863-8810 today!

 

Home Automation & Smart Homes

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When buying or building luxury Kelowna real estate, a home automation and smart home system is a must. Technology has come a long way over the years. Quincy Vrecko and Associates is here to guide you through the best of what the market has to offer.

Crestron

Creston has been in the home automation business since 1974 and is geared toward the luxury Kelowna real estate market.  With an amazing reputation in home automation and smart home systems, there is a price tag that comes with that.  Crestron is known for its high quality, and like all smart home systems, it can be controlled from both mobile devices and built-in panels.  The capabilities are endless controlling virtually every component of your home.

Their equipment is elegant, high quality, and reliable with touch screen and voice recognition software.  Their customer service is impeccable which is why this brand is one of the market leaders in home automation and smart home systems.

Control 4

This highly complex home automation system is one of the best in the luxury Kelowna real estate market for smart home technology features.  Control 4 stays ahead of the trends with cutting-edge technology with voice recognition and a fully customizable interface.  This complicated system takes weeks to set up which is expensive for the homeowner, but once working, is an easy system to control.  Like other systems, you can control the smart home system from your smartphone, remote, or keypad.  Once programmed this will allow you to perform most tasks just with the touch of a button.

Savant

This smart home system is user-friendly and works like an Apple product.  This system is not only found in luxury Kelowna real estate but many family homes in Kelowna.  Although still requires professional installation, this system enhances energy efficiency and suggests ways to help cut back on home costs.  A unique feature it offers is voice communication directly from your phone to your home’s intercom.

Selecting a home automation and smart home system when buying luxury Kelowna real estate can be an important decision considering resale value.  The team at Quincy Vrecko and Associates can help you choose a system that meets your needs. All while maintaining the value of the luxury home. Call Quincy Vrecko, an experienced luxury real estate agent. Quincy has over 28 years of experience in luxury sales. For expert luxury real estate advice, call Quincy at 1-250-863-8810! 

Top 4 Hiking Trails in Kelowna

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It’s that time of year, the snow has melted, the grass is starting to look a little bit greener and it is supposed to be 14 degrees tomorrow! Take advantage of the Spring weather by exploring some of the amazing hiking trails in Kelowna. Whether you are looking for an evening stroll with the family or a moderate hike to replace going to the gym, we’ve got the top 4 hiking trails in Kelowna for you to explore this Spring.

Paul’s Tomb

lady sitting on a hiking trail located in Kelowna

Knox Mountain – Kelowna, BC

An easy to moderate hike, only a 3 km round trip, and in Downtown Kelowna, this hike has very little incline. Walk your dog (on a leash) while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Okanagan. This is a great place for an evening stroll or an afternoon picnic with the family. Paul was a Kelowna Pioneer and in the early 1990’s he decided to build a large tomb for his family. This tomb can be viewed near the end of your hike. Not interested in the history behind the tomb Paul built? Enjoy the beach at the bottom of the hike, let your dog grab a quick drink of water, and begin your travel back to the start.

Knox Mountain

Similar to Paul’s tomb, this trail is in Downtown Kelowna with access from Ellis Street. This moderate to difficult hike is only a 1-5km round trip depending on when you decide to turn around! Dogs are allowed but only on leash. If you reach the very top of the hike, take in the spectacular views of Lake Okanagan and the City of Kelowna. If you decide to just go halfway, enjoy the views and finish your hike with a stroll down Paul’s Tomb!

Waterfront Boardwalk

Are you looking for an easy stroll through the City of Kelowna? Then head downtown, park anywhere in City Park, and take your dog (on leash) to Waterfront Boardwalk. This trail can connect you to the Rotary Marshes Wildlife Park. An amazing area where it is common to see eagles, herons, or beavers hanging around! Not only does Waterfront Boardwalk have a ton of things to see but you can also stop by Bernard Street and enjoy all of the local shops and restaurants Kelowna has to offer. If that is not enough reason why this is in our list of top 4 hiking trails in Kelowna list, I don’t know what is!

Kettle Valley Railway

couple biking Myra Canyon Trestles in Kelowna

Myra Canyon Trestles

An easy hike with the opportunity to bike the trails, you do not want to miss out on the Kettle Valley Railway. Over 20km round trip, 18 trestles, and 2 tunnels, this is a hike you do not want to cut short. Take your time and enjoy the views of Myra Canyon. Great family outing on a weekend, as this is something the kids will enjoy as well. Check out the Myra Canyon website for information on the trail and downloadable maps/brochures!

Still looking for a unique adventure? Check out Tourism Kelowna’s website for a full list of hiking trails in not only Kelowna but also West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country. These top 4 Hiking Trails in Kelowna are sure to fill your desire for an evening stroll or to replace your gym workout.

Are you in search of your forever home? Are you looking for a home with access to hiking and biking trails? Contact the team at Vrecko Real Estate Group at 778-760-2860 today!

Okanagan Winery List You Need to Visit!

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The beautiful weather is officially here and for some of us, that means time to start exploring the great outdoors. Whether that be walking along our beautiful Okanagan Lake, enjoying the downtown nightlife, or visiting our spectacular wineries. Did I just say wineries? Sure did! We didn’t get the name “Wine Country” for nothing! If you need something to do this weekend,  here are 5 wineries you need to visit in the Okanagan.

Mission Hill Winery

winery located in the Okanagan

Mission Hill Winery

Family-owned and located in the community near Lakeview Heights, is the spectacular Mission Hill Family Estate. Take in the beautiful breathtaking Okanagan views from the Terrace Restaurant where they source local, sustainable, and seasonal food, or sample some of the award-winning wines with their knowledgeable associates. In 1984 this winery won the coveted Avery Trophy for “Best Chardonnay in the World” at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Quail’s Gate Winery

Just a short drive from Mission Hill Winery, you will find the amazing Quail’s Gate Winery. Enjoy the expansive views from the outdoor patio and sip on some sublime wines. The family-owned estate is known for its national wine brand and its exceptional wines that are fresh and rich in color and flavor.

Tantalus Winery

Located in the community of South East Kelowna is this spectacular 75-acre single vineyard site. Known for their 1978 Riesling and 1985 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this winery was established in 2004 by Eric Savics. This winery hosts amazing events, such as a dinner cooked by the Top Chef Canada Alumni.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Purchased by the Cipes Family in 1986, this winery has been practicing organic winemaking. Summerhill Winery has been committed to producing 100% organic wine and in 2012 received Demeter Biodynamic certification. In 2007 the cellar achieved the Certified Organic Status allowing this amazing winery to display the organic logo on their bottles. If you are wondering why this winery chose to go organic check out their website for a short video.

view of Lake Okanagan from winery

Breathtaking views

Sandhill Winery

Located in the community of Downtown Kelowna is this amazing winery that dedicates its techniques to not interfere with the natural flavors of the wine but enhance them. The grapes used for the wine come from six different BC Vineyards which makes this winery very unique. They source out the best and unique combination of soil composition, slope, and sun exposure to ensure they create a wine that is unlike the others.

Needless to say, we are in no shortage of amazing wineries in the Okanagan. These are just 5 wineries you need to visit in the Okanagan this Summer. Aside from having spectacular varieties, awards, and breathtaking views of the Okanagan, these wineries are sure to excite your taste buds.

Need Some Sun? Direct flights from Kelowna to Warm Destinations

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Are you getting tired of Winter? Does the cold weather have you dreaming of a warm vacation? Well then, it’s time to leave your Kelowna home and jet off on a direct flight from Kelowna to a warm destination such as Mexico, Phoenix or Las Vegas.

sandy beach right on the ocean

Fly Kelowna to Cancun

As the population of the city of Kelowna grows, so does the demand for more non-stop flights to sunny destinations when winter goes on a little too long.  These direct flights from Kelowna to warm destinations will be sure to give you the jolt of heat you need.

Kelowna to Cancun

The direct flight from Kelowna to Cancun Mexico is only 5 hour and 45 minutes to paradise and averages only $600 per person return (plus taxes and fees).  This area is a popular destination for travellers with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.  The average high temperature in the Spring is 32.  Cancun offers best of both worlds with local culture and high end shops and restaurants making this warm destination an easy decision.  There are many options for accommodations from rustic, eco chic to luxury resorts to pamper your senses.

Kelowna to Phoenix

Phoenix is a popular destination for Canadians, with a desert like climate and active real estate market.  In the downturn of the US housing market this area was a popular place to buy winter home where snowbirds come 6 months of the year.  This warm destination in the Spring has a high of 29 and this 3 hour flight averages $360 return (plus taxes and fees).  Phoenix has a great lifestyle to offer and sprawls over 8 suburbs,

  • Chandler
  • Gilbert
  • Queen Creek
  • Anthem
  • Avondale
  • Glendale
  • San Tan Valley
  • Goodyear

There are amazing golf courses, shopping, great restaurants and nightlife and not to mention a relaxing laid back environment.  This is the place to go to relax and enjoy the sun where you can still enjoy city life.

view of Las Vegas

Kelowna to Las Vegas

Kelowna to Las Vegas

If it’s a little excitement you’re after, Las Vegas is the place to go.  For just $580 per person return (plus taxes and fees), this direct flight from Kelowna is only 2 hours and 35 minute where you can rest for the exciting vacation ahead.  Temperatures in Las Vegas range in the Spring are around 26 but guaranteed to sizzle.  Choose from the many resort and casinos for your stay all catering to the senses with over the top displays and amazing food choices.  Las Vegas is humming with activity.  You can experience this warm destination by walking the Vegas strip, lounging by the pool, out on an excursion or shopping in the open malls.  If you have been once, you will be planning to come back, as you know the saying “what happens in Vegas, staying in Vegas”.

If you are looking for a quick direct flight out of Kelowna, then Cancun, Phoenix, or Las Vegas may be the trip for you! Get the jolt of heat that you need before the Spring hits. Who can say no to a beautiful vacation, beautiful beaches and over 20-degree weather with no snow?

 

Xeriscape Ideas for Your Kelowna Home Garden

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I know many avid gardeners and homeowners start making plans this time of year to design and budget for projects outside for spring & summer. Ideas for the yard and garden get sketched out and material lists for patios, gazebos, outdoor pizza ovens, flower beds, gardens, pools, water features, tool sheds, and more make it to the list. If water conservation is a priority often Xeriscape options are considered.

In one of our previous articles, we talked about green roof options and the benefits of rooftop gardens. These included selecting plants for living roofs that are hardy and easy to maintain. In the Okanagan, this concept transfers over to Xeriscape as well (Xeri is Greek for dry). Hardy native plants that are drought-resistant are good choices for the Kelowna homeowner when designing a garden that can withstand the lack of rainfall and high temperatures.  Xeriscape gardens like the one in front of the H20 recreation center are good examples of gardens where the water required is 50% to 75% less than of an average garden.

Water conservation in Kelowna is a big concern for the city. We waste more water than almost every other city in Canada. Talking to staff at the Kelowna waterworks department the biggest use of this is underground sprinkler systems that have been installed for lawns and gardens. Our peak consumption rate in Kelowna is between 4 – 6 AM when sprinkler systems are activated for homes.

We all know our drinking water is a precious commodity so reducing its use through good gardening techniques is a wise choice.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about a Xeriscape project this year  (Visit Okanagan Xeriscape for more details):

  1. Planning & design
  2. Practical turf areas
  3. Soil preparations
  4. Efficient irrigation
  5. Appropriate plant selection
  6. Mulching
  7. Maintenance

Xeriscape plants are also pest-resistant and require low maintenance.

Top picks for draught-resistant plants for your Kelowna home garden or rooftop patio include

  • Moonshine Yarrow
  • Heatwave Mint
  • Purple Coneflower
  • Sea Lavender
  • Golden Sage
  • Giant Lamb’s Ear
  • Golden Sword Yucca
  • Blue Oat Grass
  • Rose Carpet Sedum
  • Lilac Tree
  • Blue fescue
  • Hen & Chicks
  • Alpine Daisy

There are many other beautiful plants available. The concept is to build gardens that replace water-hungry turf and create a more natural and friendly landscape.  If you use natural mulch over stone mulch you will also reduce the heat storage found in rock gardens.

Best of luck with your Gardening plans and look to water conservation as a guiding principle. In the Okanagan, these low-maintenance gardens are smart choices and add value to your Okanagan home.

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch with Quincy Vrecko 250-863-8810 today!

Minimalist Lifestyle

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For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing.

Having lived several years in Japan I was introduced to the simple beauty of minimalism in art and in the ceremony. If you allow yourself to slow down and experience the moment there is a definite beauty in the simplest act. The tea ceremony is a perfect example, calligraphy is another favorite of mine.

CONSUMERISM

Back in the Western world much of the bliss you can find in the small things has been lost to our overindulgence and consumerism. Our disposable economy and lifestyle have discounted the true value of many items. And with the constant barrage of ads promoting the best new gadget, we tend to become dissatisfied with last year’s models.  Everyone wants the latest and greatest even when the recently acquired ones are still working perfectly well. I suppose it fits into our hunter psychology to always be on the lookout for something good. It also does not help that things have become cheaper.

With this greed mentality driving our economy it’s not surprising that there is a genuine backlash on consumerism and our “wants over needs” culture. Trends in housing have seen a large following for smaller homes and an alternative to the huge houses with the huge mortgages we see in many neighborhoods.

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

There is also a real groundswell in the “pursuit of happiness”. With so much going on in our lives there seems to be little time to focus on the things that make us happy. This almost always involves experience or connection with those we love and the community that provides us with a sense of worth and value. These relationships and connections are what truly make us happy. Not the new boots I just bought myself.

To make room for this new pursuit it is recommended by the Minimalist to de-clutter, throw out, and recycle all the stuff you don’t use or need in your homes. For many, the project begins in the closet with the purging of clothes. For others, it starts in the kid’s room with old toys. This can be a real challenge for some as they value memories attached to possessions. This rear-view tendency has to be coaxed aside to create new space for adventures that will be equally as memorable.

Minimalist in the Home

For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing. Getting rid of all of the stuff that has accumulated over the years can be very cathartic. For designers, it is the paring down of design elements to create an environment that has a terrific style with the bare minimum of fixtures. It is a common thread to have one great thing versus a trunk full. For a living space, this might be one great chair, or for the fashion lover only having two excellent sweaters rather than 50 on shelves in the closet.

The key point to all of this is in keeping things very simple and doing more with less. The sense of freedom when you manage to pull it off is well-documented. You free yourself of psychological burdens you did not know you even had simply by removing things from your life that you no longer use. There is a beneficial drop in your anxiety from having to deal with less.

100 POSSESSIONS

The new Minimalist tries to have only 100 items in their possession. For a family like ours, this would result in 400 things. Given our active lifestyle, this would be extremely difficult to accomplish, but I think we can all agree it would be easy to get rid of hundreds of things we no longer use.

To free up our homes from clutter is to free our minds from worry. This allows for more room emotionally to indulge ourselves with friends and family. It also creates more time as we have less to clean.

So for all of us who would like a little more time to pursue happiness and connect with those important to us in our communities try freeing up your “space” to allow for new experiences. Go through your house and toss all the stuff you no longer use and all the things you no longer need.  You might find that a simpler life is more fulfilling and you become happier. A Minimalist lifestyle might be the right choice.

Green Roof Options

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We can look to more energy-efficient Green Roofs for our homes in the Okanagan if we are building or planning on replacing our roofs. There is a strong movement for green roofs in urban areas and a trend toward metal roofs. Other options exist with tile, slate, composite, and other products. For this article, we will focus on the two more popular choices that replace asphalt shingles with living roofs and metal roofs.

Most roofs in the Okanagan are asphalt shingle roofing. These are dependent on our oil industry and are not the most environmentally friendly choice. The good news is asphalt shingles are recyclable as the materials used are petroleum-based with fiberglass or paper reinforcing.

Trends in environmentally friendly building techniques have seen a rise in urban areas for Eco roofing options. These are ideal for flat roofs on commercial buildings, condosGreen Roof, and some custom residential construction. The problem for most green roofs with living plants and biomass is the cost to create them. ( $18 per sqft and higher). The green roof involves a watertight membrane and then a system of trays, growing medium, and plants to create a grass or plant rooftop.

The benefits of these types of Green Roof are significant and include:

  • Reducing wastewater runoff
  • Lowering the cooling needs of a building in the summer by 50 to 90%
  • Lowering the Urban heat island effect of our cities
  • Creating a Carbon sink for our cities
  • improving air quality

Newer systems have wind anchors to help prevent the plants and vegetation from being damaged in high winds.

For many urban homes and higher-density Kelowna condos, the trend is to build flat-roof houses. We have a fairly small snow load in the valley and green roof options are becoming more common as rooftop patios and green spaces are desirable for homeowners. A blend of rooftop patio spaces with planters and green roofing systems is generating a lot of interest.

For those homes with a sloped roof at a 4/12 pitch (18.5 degrees) and up to 12/12 (45 degrees) pitch the option for steel or aluminum roofing is very attractive.  Metal roofing material can be installed in a number of different ways and can feature a hidden strip for fastening the roof. Aluminum comes in a variety of styles and widths and is anodized to provide for safe water runoff.

Green RoofMany people may not consider a metal roof as a more ecologically sound option but it is. The type of material a roof is constructed of plays a role in the environmental footprint of a building. Steel shingle roofs are more durable than Aluminum and can have a life of 100 years. Aluminum usually comes with a 50-year guarantee which is double most asphalt shingle warranties.

Metal roofs have many benefits and include:

  • Recyclable steel and aluminum
  • Highly durable
  • Can be installed over shingles
  • Reflects more energy in summer
  • Ideal for water collection

If you are considering a new roof or looking to build a new home in Kelowna take a close look at green roof options. It is one area where you will see a positive return on your investment in heat and cooling savings over the years. You will also have a smaller carbon footprint by not relying on petroleum-based asphalt shingles for your roofing needs.  You may also contribute to your community by creating a home that generates less heat from the solar energy absorbed into our urban buildings and roads.

Green roof options have lots of resources online. Check out a few favorites at

Greenroof. Org

Houzz.com

Nats Nursery.com

Inhabitat.com

Vicwest Steel Roofing

 

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-250-863-8810! 

 

Declutter your Home with These 7 Steps

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How to Get Started on Decluttering Your Kelowna Home

The idea of living in a clutter-free home is so intriguing but many start with the question “Where in the world do I start”. You think of the countless things you have gathered over the years, and the thought of less clutter, less to clean, less to maintain is starting to sound better and better! While we were showing homes over the weekend in the Lower Mission, we were so impressed by some of the home’s organization and cleanliness we just had to share some tips on how to declutter your home.

1.    Set your timer

This one seems so obvious but some will find that the easiest way to declutter your home is to set the timer for an hour or two and clean until the timer goes off. Devoting a full day to decluttering will set you up for failure. You know you will not completely declutter your home in a full day, set a realistic goal, go in increments that you are comfortable with, and make it fun!

2.    Divide and Conquer

Pick a room and declutter until you have finished that one room. If you start in the kitchen make your way into your bedroom and then into the dining room your house will get overwhelming and you’ll end up with a bigger mess than when you started!!

3.    12x12x12 Challenge!

This challenge is a great way to get your kids involved in decluttering their bedrooms or toy rooms. You assign each of them a room and give them the 12x12x12 challenge. They must throw 12 items away, donate 12 items, and put 12 items back to their proper homes! You’ll find that if you get your kids involved in a fun and entertaining way such as introducing challenges and games into the process, they will be more inclined to help!

4.    Try the Oprah Winfrey Closet Hanger Experiment

Great way to get rid of clothes that you may be holding onto. Put your clothes on the hanger so the hanger faces back to front. For the next 6 months, every time you use a piece of clothing return it to your closet with the hanger facing the correct direction. After the six months is up, you will see which items you no longer wear and can donate them to a local charity.

5.    Have a Game Plan

If you have an A-type personality and you know you would be lost without your to-do list then this step is perfect for you! Distinguish ahead of time which rooms you would like to conquer today and make a list of them. Once you are done with a room, cross it off the list and then head to the next one. Not only are you decluttering your home but you have a great sense of accomplishment by looking at that to-do list at the end of the day as well.

6.    DONATE!

This is the best time of year to start donating to your local charities. A great way to declutter your home is to give one item away each day. This is also a great way to involve your children, have each person take one thing they do not need anymore and put it in a bag. At the end of the week, go as a family to your local charity to donate it! Not only are you giving back to the community but you are spending your weekend as a family which is a plus!

7.    Organize Now, Buy Later

The biggest mistake people will make when trying to declutter their home is they buy things before donating/throwing out the stuff they no longer need. Declutter your room/home first and then go out and buy things to organize the rest. You will not know how many containers, baskets, or new shelving you may need until you find out how much you have left after you have gotten rid of the unnecessary items.

You will find the process of decluttering your home to be an uplifting experience. It is a proven fact that having less stuff around you to worry about gives you a sense of freedom. It also feels good to donate things and pass them forward for someone else to enjoy. If you like this article you might also like our piece on the Minimalist movement in the US. This takes decluttering your home to a whole new level.

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-778-760-2860.