Moving to a new home is an exciting opportunity for a fresh start, but the process of packing and organizing can feel overwhelming. Decluttering before a move is essential to reduce stress, save time, and avoid bringing unnecessary items into your new space. Here are some smart tips to help you declutter with ease:
The Earlier the Better
Don’t wait until you’ve purchased your new home or scheduled the movers to start going through your belongings. As soon as you start thinking about moving, set aside time to declutter. This early start will save you from last-minute scrambling and allow you to focus on packing efficiently when the time comes.
Take Stock
Take inventory of your belongings and identify duplicates—especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Do you really need three can openers, extra coffee mugs, or mismatched Tupperware lids? The answer is likely no. In the bathroom, check for half-used products that have been sitting in cabinets for months (or even years).
Be Ruthless
We all fall into the trap of keeping items “just in case.” However, moving is the perfect time to be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used something in years, chances are you won’t need it in your new home. Holding onto unnecessary items will only add to your moving stress and clutter your new space.
Use the One Year Rule
A simple rule to follow when decluttering is if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. This applies to clothes, gadgets, tools, and anything else gathering dust. If it’s been sitting in your garage since your last move, don’t bring it along to your next one.
Take Time to Label
As you start sorting and packing, make labeling a habit. If certain items are going into storage or will remain boxed for a while, clearly label those boxes with their contents. This simple step will save you from confusion later on when you’re unpacking or searching for something specific.
Use Logic with the Garage and Closets
Garages and closets tend to become catch-all spaces for things we don’t know what to do with. But before moving, it’s important to ask yourself if you’ll really need these items in your new home. Be honest about their future use. If something has been buried in the back of a closet or a dusty corner of the garage, it’s probably time to part ways with it.
Consider the Floor Plan
Think about how your current belongings will fit into your new home’s floor plan. If you’re downsizing, this is especially important. Will your large sectional fit in the new living room? Do you need that extra side table or oversized dresser? Having a mental picture of your new space will help you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Take a Look at Your Must-Haves
As you declutter, decide what items you know you’ll need in your new home. These “must-haves” can include important documents, everyday kitchen tools, and personal essentials. Once you’ve identified these, consider boxing them up early to avoid misplacing them during the moving process.
Ready to Move
Decluttering done? Time to purchase your new home in Sierra Vista. Come look us over, all that decluttering will be well worth it.
There’s something undeniably exciting about being the very first person to turn the key to a brand-new home. No previous owners, no lingering design choices you have to live with, and no outdated fixtures or features. Add in the benefits of modern construction, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs, and it’s pretty obvious that you and a new home are a match made in homeownership heaven. Here are the top five reasons to go with a new-build home:
You’re the First to Call it Home
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of moving into a home that’s completely fresh. No mysterious stains on the carpet, no quirky paint colors to “grow on you,” and no fixer-upper surprises lurking in the walls. It’s your blank slate to design, decorate, and make memories in, knowing every single square foot has your stamp of approval.
Tailored to Fit
Say goodbye to compromising with someone else’s vision. With a new build, you can work with builders to customize your home’s layout and finishes to perfectly suit your family’s needs. Want a spacious kitchen for hosting dinner parties? Done. Need a home office that’s quiet and functional? No problem. You get to build a home that fits your life—not the other way around.
Built for the Modern World
Older homes can have charm, but let’s face it, they’re often playing catch-up when it comes to modern living. Newly built homes, on the other hand, are designed with today’s homeowner in mind. Think open floor plans, ample storage, and technology-friendly features like built-in smart home systems. Everything is designed to make life easier, more connected.
Energy-Efficient Features
New homes are built with energy efficiency as a priority, which means lower utility bills for you. From advanced insulation and energy-efficient windows to eco-friendly appliances, new builds are designed to keep your home running smoothly without breaking the bank.
Lower Maintenance Costs
In 2024, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that the median sales price for a new build home and an existing home is around $400,000. While the price tag is the same, lower maintenance and utility costs can help new construction homeowners save money. Why? Because everything is new and under warranty. These warranties generally cover the windows, structural defects, HVAC, and electric systems.
Check Out Homes in Sierra Vista
Want all the benefits of moving into a new-build home? Check out our builders’ homes in Sierra Vista. Each home can be semi-customized to meet your needs and all of them are energy efficient, saving you money over the only run. Plus, you can take advantage of our outstanding amenities and live the life you were meant to live. Visit us today.
It’s that time again. Time to make New Year’s resolutions you could totally fail at trying to keep — but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right? Or does it? Instead of the usual (start an exercise program, eat healthy, get outside more) why not think outside the box and craft a list of resolutions that are fun, unique, and totally doable? No promises on life-changing transformations here, but at least you’ll have some fun along the way.
Learn to Cook One Impressive Dish
Forget cooking at home more and concentrate on mastering one impressive dish. Maybe it’s a risotto or maybe it’s a complicated cake that requires three sticks of butter and some elbow grease. Whatever it is, learn it, then make it for every single potluck, dinner date, and family gathering until people start calling it “your thing.” Instant reputation boost.
Start a Collection of Something Incredibly Random
Don’t just start a collection, collect things no one else would. Collect mini ketchup bottles, googly eyes, or those little tags on bread bags. By next December, you’ll either have a quirky hobby to brag about or a very confused friend group.
Have One ‘Main Character Day’ a Month
Once a month, block out a day to channel your inner rom-com star. You know, those movie montages where the protagonist takes a solo trip to a coffee shop, reads a deep book, and maybe dances in the rain? Do that.
Turn Your Pet (or Plant) Into a Social Media Influencer
Your dog? Instagram gold. Your cat? TikTok royalty in the making. Your sad little succulent? Underdog story of the century. Dedicate the year to curating their online persona and watch the likes pour in.
Spend an Entire Day in Pajamas Without Apology
Pajamas all day, no shame, no excuses. Lounge like a pro. Order takeout, binge-watch an entire season of something, and declare yourself the CEO of Comfort, Inc. Sure, it’s not “productive,” but that’s kind of the point.
Quit Without Guilt
Everyone’s all about “sticking it out,” but why not embrace quitting? Pick up knitting, rock climbing, or interpretive dance. Realize it’s not for you? No problem. Move on guilt-free. You’re not failing; you’re just sampling the buffet of life.
Compliment Random Strangers
“Hey, nice shoes!” “Your jacket is so cool!” Imagine a world where people just hyped each other up for no reason. Be the change you want to see. Just, you know, don’t make it weird. We’re going for uplifting, not alarming.
Rename Everyday Chores to Sound More Exciting
Trick your brain into thinking you’re doing something glamorous, even when you’re not. “Laundry” sounds like a drag, but “Fabric Refreshment Ritual”? Kind of intriguing. Vacuuming? Call it “The Dance of the Dust Bunnies.” See? It’s all about branding.
Write Down Every Ridiculous Idea You’ve Ever Had
Start a notebook where you jot down every weird, silly, or completely impractical idea that pops into your head. Open a theme park for introverts? Invent a blanket with built-in snacks? Sure, why not. Who knows? One of those wild ideas might actually work.
Celebrate “Halfway to the Weekend” Wednesday
Monday has its reputation, Friday has its fans, but poor Wednesday gets ignored. Turn it into a mini holiday. Treat yourself to a midweek dessert, a dance party, or some retail therapy. Because surviving half the week deserves recognition.
Bonus Resolution: Purchase a New Home in Sierra Vista
What’s life without a little fun, starting with a new home in Sierra Vista. Our community is fun on steroids with amenities like a heated lazy river (because you deserve a warm blanket of water to relax on), pickleball courts ( because what’s life without a chance to lovingly crush you friends), and a fitness center (because you know staying fit will still be one of your New Year’s resolutions). So, make those resolutions, then come visit us! Your new home is waiting for you!
Ah, the holidays. As festive as the season is, there’s nothing like the peace of a refreshed, calm home after all the decorations come down. The task of transitioning your space may seem daunting but with a few simple changes, you can easily create a clean, cozy atmosphere while setting the stage for softer, spring-inspired vibes.
Gradually Remove the Decorations
Step away from the urge to shove everything into a bin and call it a day. Taking down your holiday decorations gradually gives you a chance to edit as you go. Pack up the items you love and actually use and consider donating anything that no longer fits your style or space.
Declutter One Room at a Time
Tackling your whole house at once sounds productive—until it’s not. Instead, take it one room at a time and start with the spaces you use the most, like the kitchen, bathrooms, or family room. Create a checklist for each room and focus on clearing visual clutter first. Once it’s gone, you’ll feel instantly calmer—and ready for a deeper clean if needed.
Rearrange Furniture
Now that the tree and extra seating for guests are gone, your family room may feel a little sparse. Move furniture back to its original spot or take this opportunity to shake things, up as rearranging furniture can completely change the vibe of the room.
Out With the Heavy, In With the Light
Out with the heavy, holiday-themed decor and in with something light and airy! Trade plush, festive pillows for neutral throws or softer knit pillow covers. Swap thick, wintery curtains for breezier options and replace bold holiday tablecloths with simple linens.
Give Holiday Scents a Rest
Your holiday candles worked hard, but it’s time to give those spiced and pine-heavy scents a rest. If the weather allows, crack open a window and let some fresh air circulate through your home. For an uplifting vibe, switch to candles or diffusers with soft floral, citrus, linen, or light wood notes.
Change Up the Lighting
Proper lighting can make a huge difference in how a space feels, so say goodbye to twinkly holiday lights and hello to warm, welcoming glows. Check that your lamps are using warm white bulbs to create a cozy yet energizing atmosphere.
Deep Clean Key Areas
You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo here, but a targeted deep clean can work wonders. Focus on the high-traffic areas that matter most, like kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, entryways, and floors. These are the spaces that take the biggest beating during the holidays, so giving them some TLC will leave your home feeling fresh and polished.
Small Style Updates
Sometimes, small changes have the biggest impact. Rearrange your decor, swap out an unused chair for a more functional piece, or add something new like dried flowers in a vase. Little updates that reflect your aesthetic and lifestyle can breathe fresh energy into your space without requiring a big commitment.
If You Really Want to Refresh…
If you really want to refresh after the holidays, why not do so with a brand-new home in Sierra Vista? Our builders are experts at crafting modern spaces families love to live in. On top of that, our outstanding amenities are ready to refresh you body and soul. Visit us today!
Buying a home is an exciting milestone at any stage of life, but as we get older, our priorities shift. For many older homebuyers, the goal is to find a home that not only suits their current lifestyle but also supports aging in place. Luckily, many of today’s new homes are designed with these needs in mind, offering thoughtful features that make day-to-day living more convenient, comfortable, and safe.
Easy Movement and Access
Moving around your home should feel effortless, not like an obstacle course. Low-step entrances are a big win for anyone who wants to avoid tripping hazards right at the front door. Single-story layouts mean no more navigating stairs, which is especially handy for anyone with mobility challenges. If you do purchase a two-story home, having the primary bedroom, bath, and laundry room on the first floor will make your home easier to navigate.
Bathroom Features for Safety and Comfort
The bathroom can be a tricky place for anyone with limited mobility or balance concerns. Walk-in showers with slip-resistant flooring help prevent falls, while lever-style taps, rocker light switches, and easy-pull cabinet hardware are easier to use for those with arthritis or reduced grip strength.
Kitchen Design for Accessibility
Kitchens are now being designed with features like pull-out drawers and lower or multi-height countertops, making it easier to grab what you need without excessive bending or reaching. This eliminates the need to climb on stools to reach high shelves or strain your back trying to dig something out of the back of a cabinet.
Lighting for Better Visibility
New homes come with abundant, well-placed lighting to illuminate key areas like the kitchen, hallways, and bathrooms. Larger windows let in more natural light, which improves visibility during the day and can make a home feel brighter and more inviting. At night, strategically placed lights help with navigation, reducing the risk of trips or falls.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology is one of the most exciting developments for older homeowners. Video doorbells let you see who’s at the door without having to get up, while smart locks can be controlled from your phone. Smart thermostats learn your preferences and keep your home comfortable, and smart lighting can be programmed to turn on or off automatically, saving energy and adding convenience.
Less Upkeep
No one wants to spend their golden years chasing down plumbers or worrying about a leaky roof. That’s where newly built homes shine. With brand-new roofs, HVAC systems, wiring, and appliances, these homes require fewer immediate repairs and less maintenance overall. This translates to less physical effort on your part and more time to enjoy your home instead of managing it.
Community Living
Many new homes are in master planned communities. These neighborhoods feature well-maintained pavements and benches for rest breaks. Walking paths and nearby conveniences make it easier to get outside and meet your neighbors. Plus, shared spaces like clubhouses and outdoor pavilions give you opportunities to socialize and have fun with friends and family.
Age Gracefully at Sierra Vista
Looking for a home that allows you to age in place? Sierra Vista is ready when you are. Our builders’ homes check all the boxes when it comes to checking all the boxes for older homebuyers. Plus, you will be part of a fantastic community of friendly, helpful neighbors you can meet up with at the pool, the Bocce ball court, heated lazy river, and more. Visit us and get started on the next and best stage of your life.
