WHAT TO PACK FOR THE FIRST NIGHT IN YOUR NEW HOME

WHAT TO PACK FOR THE FIRST NIGHT IN YOUR NEW HOME

You just finished unloading the final box from the moving truck, and now you’re officially moved in to your new home! You go to take a shower to wash off the day, only to realize you don’t have a shower curtain. After spending a full day moving into a new home, the last thing you are going to want to do is dig through all of your unopened boxes to find an outfit or a charger (or even a shower curtain). The next time you’re moving, create a ‘first night box’ so that your essentials aren’t hidden at the bottom of another box. Here is a list of what you should pack:

1. Toiletries

You may have thought about keeping your tooth brush in an easy-to-find place when packing, but you’ll need more toiletry essentials to get through the first night or two. Be sure to pack toilet paper, towels, a shower curtain + rod, shower items, and a first aid kit. 

2. Clothes

Unless you are an extremely organized packer, finding an outfit for the next few days isn’t going to be easy if you have to dig through multiple boxes.  Pack 2-3 days worth of clothes and pajamas.

3. Electronics

Don't forget your chargers. Make sure you've got your phone, laptop, and any other charger you may need for your devices during the first few days at home. Pack any necessary cords and cables needed if you plan to unbox your television the first night  Be sure to pack a flashlight as well just in case!

4. Air Mattress/Bedding

If your bed hasn't made it to your new room yet, you will want to make sure you have an air mattress in your first night box. Check to ensure the air pump is packed as well! If your furniture is unloaded, you will sleep better if the bedding you love is easily accessible on that first night in your new home.  

5. Eating Utensils & Kitchen Items 

Avoid the mess of dirty dishes your first night home and pack disposable eating utensils.  You may also want to pack wipes to quickly clean up any messes made at mealtime and a garbage bag to be able to dispose of any waste quickly. Cleaning supplies typically aren't the first thing on our minds when moving into a new home, so be sure to pack these items so that you aren't scrambling to the store after a long day when you're ready to clean up after a meal. 

Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate

6-1549 St. Mary's Road

Winnipeg, MB

R2M 5G9

204-989-6900

KEEP YOUR HOUSE SMELLING GREAT (EVERY SINGLE DAY)

KEEP YOUR HOUSE SMELLING GREAT (EVERY SINGLE DAY) 

Have you ever walked into someone else’s home and were overwhelmed by how incredible it smelled? Or maybe you couldn’t wait to leave because there was a not-so-great scent as soon as you entered? Often, we become so accustomed to the way our own home smells that we don’t notice if the scent is bad or good. It can be frustrating to wonder what others think about the scent of your home. If you feel like your house doesn’t always smell fresh, follow these steps to make sure that it smells amazing all the time. 

ELIMINATE BAD SMELLS

• Empty garbage cans regularly
• Clean out your refrigerator once a week
• Sprinkle baking soda or carpet deodorizer before vacuuming
• Open the windows when the weather is nice
• Invest in an air purifier
• If you have pets, brush and bathe them often
• Get rid of old musty towels
• Use a daily bathroom cleaner spray to prevent mildew smells
• Pour a little drain cleaner in your sinks on a weekly basis to get rid of any unwanted scents

ADD NEW SCENTS

• Add a few drops of essential oils on your air filters 
• Use linen spray daily
• Burn candles
• Use a wax melter
• Arm up homemade potpourri in your crockpot 
• Place car vent clips in your air conditioner vents
• Buy fresh plants for your home
• Invest in good-smelling cleaning products with scents you love
• Use an essential oil diffuser
• 
  
• ***Home Sellers Tip*** If you are currently selling your home, making sure your home smells good is very important, but you also don't want to over do it. Remember that some potential purchasers that view your home may be sensitive to certain smells. If there is powerful, over-bearing smell of scents, even if they smell good, they may wonder if there is a smell that you are trying to mask, such as pet messes, mildew or moisture problems.

Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate

6-1549 St. Mary's Road

Winnipeg, MB

R2M 5G9

204-989-6900

8 HOUSEHOLD USES FOR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

8 HOUSEHOLD USES FOR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

You’ve probably heard about all the benefits of apple cider vinegar in the beauty department - it can be used as a toner, a deodorant, and even a conditioning hair rinse. But did you know ACV can be used as a cleaning product? If you’ve been thinking of going non-toxic, replacing your current cleaners with apple cider vinegar is the affordable, easy way to do just that. Here are some of the household items you can replace and how to do so! 

1. Fabric Softener

ACV is a great way to condition your laundry if you have sensitive skin. Just add 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar in place of your fabric softener and stop all the itching caused by harsh chemicals.

2. Household Cleaner

Apple cider vinegar has a great deal of antibacterial properties so it works extremely well as an every day household cleaner. Mix equal parts water and ACV in a spray bottle and you’re ready to clean! While the vinegar smell will fade, you can add a few drops of citrus essential oil to leave a great smell once it dries.

3. Drain Cleaner

Instead of buying drain cleaner filled with dangerous chemicals, use safe items you probably already have! Mix 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda and pour that down your clogged drain. Then, pour 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. Let the products react for 1-2 hours and then rinse with warm water.

4. Window Cleaner

Using the same combination as the everyday household cleaner, mixing equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to create a smear-free window spray. 

5. Stainless Steel Cleaner

Your typical stainless steel cleaner can get pricey. Instead, use apple cider vinegar straight out of the bottle to clean your stainless steel.

6. Sticker Remover

Sticker removal can be a giant pain. Soak the area where the sticker won’t budge with apple cider vinegar for about 20 minutes, and then scrape it off!

7. Weed Killer

We’ve all read the warning labels on weed killer found at local hardware stores, so it isn’t a surprise that we can be hesitant when it comes to using those products in the yard where our children or pets spend a great deal of time. Avoid those harsh chemicals and create an alternative, effective weed killer. Mix 1/2 gallon of ACV, 1/4 cup of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap in a large spray bottle. Be sure to spray on each set of weeds individually and avoid spraying any plants you want to keep.

8. Mildew Remover

If you’re trying to get rid of mildew in your bathroom, use apple cider vinegar! For heavy mildew, use ACV on its own. For lighter stains, use equal parts ACV and water. You can add essential oils to this mix as well for a scent booster.

Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate

6-1549 St. Mary's Road

Winnipeg, MB

R2M 5G9

204-989-6900

Increase Your Curb Appeal

INCREASE YOUR CURB APPEAL

If you’re preparing to sell your home, curb appeal should be a priority. When someone is walking by or coming to your open house, the outside of your home is the first thing they will see. If there is no curb appeal, potential buyers may never even set foot in your home. Instead of ignoring your home’s outdoor appearance, consider making some budget-friendly changes that can add appeal to your home without breaking the bank. 

1. Landscape Your Walkway

Create a smooth transition from the street to your front door. A clear path will allow a potential buyer’s eye to look straight to your home, rather than stopping to concentrate on unkept landscaping. Clean your walkway and create groupings of mid-size shrubby and florals close to the road and by your front door.

2. Hang a Wreath

Adding a wreath to your front door is a simple way to make your home look more welcoming. Consider a DIY wreath that is easy to create and cost-friendly.

3. Treat Your Lawn Better

Consistent upkeep is the best way to save money when it comes to your front lawn. You should apply a weed-and-feed treatment to your lawn as often as needed to supply the necessary nutrients while also killing off any weeds. Be sure to provide proper maintenance to your lawn mower and keep your mower blade sharp.

4. Add Porch Appeal

If you have a front porch, add an affordable outdoor furniture set. This can create an inviting space that will make potential buyers want to try it out!

5. Consider Color Accents

If your door or shutters need a fresh paint job, consider finding an accent color that will help your house pop. It doesn’t have to be extreme, just enough to catch the eye of a potential buyer. Be sure to test your paint color alongside your siding or brick before fully committing.

6. Restore Your Driveway

Your driveway can be a major eyesore if it isn’t taken care of. Fill any holes or cracks in your asphalt and apply a fresh sealer. A driveway that looks new is sure to help your curb appeal.

7. Power Wash Your Home

Sometimes, all your home needs is a good cleaning. If you don’t own power washer, rent one from your local home improvement store and take a weekend to power wash your entire exterior. Even if your home is relatively new, a deep cleaning can make it look like a new build. 

Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate

6-1549 St. Mary's Road

Winnipeg, MB R2M 5G9

204-989-6900

ADD A SPRING TOUCH TO YOUR HOME

ADD A SPRING TOUCH TO YOUR HOME

Even if the weather isn’t cooperating quite yet - spring is on the way! Cheering up your home with some spring decor is the perfect way to prepare for warmer days and more sunshine. Here are some options to prepare your home for the Spring season!

ADD AN HERB GARDEN

While they may not last outdoors with the sporadic weather of spring, bringing potted herbs into your home and letting them soak up sunlight in a kitchen window is the perfect way to add life to your home and have access to fresh herbs while you’re cooking. 

THINK SPRING 

If you are all about DIY-ing, creating simple decorations can add a pop of seasonal color to your home. Take that pair of rain boots you don’t wear anymore and turn them into planters - add bright floral arrangements and use your new decor item as an inviting piece by your front door. If you need some inspiration, search Pinterest or Instagram for some great ideas!

POPS OF COLOR

Neutral and sleek is all the rage right now, but adding a pop of color in your normal decor can add a cheerful touch to your home. Swap out your kitchen napkins or tablecloth with something a little bit more colorful, like soft blues or pinks. Small changes can do enough to make your home feel different without being overwhelming.

FLORALS ARE ALWAYS THE ANSWER

Whether or not you already include florals in your home decor, take the time to swap out or add something new that feels like spring. While fresh flowers are a great choice, consider picking up some faux florals for the majority of your decor and saving the fresh flowers for a centerpiece. Don’t be afraid to add pops of color, specifically yellows and pinks, to create a focal point for the room. 

TOUCH UP TIME

Is there a room in your home that is just feeling drab? Maybe it is dark and uninviting, or maybe it has white walls that have started to fade. While you are spring cleaning, consider adding a fresh coat of paint to a place in your home that needs a boost of light. Spring is all about being fresh and new, so your home should feel that way too! HAPPY SPRING!

Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate,

6-1549 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5G9 204-989-6900.

Save $$$ When Buying Your Next Home! The Importance of Residential Permits.

Residential Permits

Save yourself thousands of dollars when buying your next home!

I recently represented a purchaser who bought a cute little house in Winnipeg.  The home had recently been completely redone on the interior, including some updated electrical.  We had asked for a property disclosure statement, which disclosed that the electrical wiring had been updated without the seller taking out a City of Winnipeg permit.

Now, in this situation, what would you do?  Your options are to either walk away from the property as the property disclosure statement is not satisfactory to you, accept the property disclosure statement and sign off on it, or make an amendment to the offer conditions.

I talked with my client about all of these options.  She decided to move ahead with my suggestion on making an amendment request to her offer, which stated that the seller was to issue a City of Winnipeg permit, have the electrical inspected and provide a closed permit, prior to possession.

This was, of course, in the best interest of the purchaser.  If she were to have removed all conditions and moved into this property, at any given time the City could have knocked on her door and asked to inspect the electrical. If any deficiencies were found with the wiring, she would have had to be responsible for correcting it.  Not to mention, she would have to take out a permit as well.  The City does not care if the prior owner said it was done correctly or not, and this would have put her at risk for the cost of repairs if any were needed.  Also, her now knowing about this, would have negated her title insurance regarding the wiring, so she would not have been able to have been covered this way either.

Now, this did make the road to a final offer a bit bumpier than anticipated or wanted.  We did have to move possession back by a week, in order to give the seller enough time to complete the conditions.  When the City went in to inspect the property, they did find deficiencies that resulted in the seller having to get their electrician back in to the property.  We are not aware of what those deficiencies were, however, after the final inspection the City approved the wiring and the condition was satisfied.  Now she can move into her new home knowing that the electrical in her home is safe and that she won't have to incur any unexpected cost in the future to have it done properly.

This could have also cost my client thousands of dollars if she were to have moved forward with the purchase, without this condition.

It is so very important to make sure that you protect yourself in your home sale or purchase.  It is equally important that you take out a City of Winnipeg Residential permit for any updates you do to your home, whether you are thinking about selling in the future or not.  They do have staff that monitor the home listings, and they will come knock on your door and request an inspection on any work that may have been done that you did not pull a permit for. That is their job. It is our job as home owners to make sure that when we do any renovations to our properties, that we take out a permit if required. 

It is my job to make sure that you are protected when purchasing a home that this has already been taken care of for you.

I also want to point out that we shouldn't assume that our electrician pulled a permit if we have hired someone to do updates in our homes.  While almost all of the electrical companies out there offer this as part of their service, arranging for the permit to be taken out on your property, it is something to remember to verify with them prior to hiring them or having them start the job.  If it is not included in their quote, ask them about it.

You can find all the information that you need about when you would require a City of Winnipeg permit on their website, (link below),  and to do residential searches to see if a there has been any permits taken out on a specific property.

City of Winnipeg Residential Permits Online

If you have any questions regarding this post, please feel free to ask.  If you have specific questions for the City of Winnipeg Residential Permit Department you can dial 311 and an operator will connect you to the right department.


Tina August, Royal LePage Top Producers Real Estate, 6-1549 St. Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB, R2M 5G9 204-989-6900.

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