Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Declutter Your North Shore Home


If you’re running out of ways to fill your time this summer, how about decluttering your North Shore home? There are so many great reasons to declutter your home, and if you plan on selling your North Shore home anytime soon, it’s imperative that you do this. If you’re moving soon, you’ll be happy you did when it’s time to fill those boxes!


As your North Shorereal estate agent, allow me to fill you in on some great reasons to declutter, and to offer you some tips. The hardest part is beginning the process.


Why should you declutter? Aside from home sellers and movers, all homeowners could benefit from the process. Once you have less stuff lying around, clogging up your spaces, you’ll have less to keep organized, less to clean, less to stress about, more space to enjoy, and more financial freedom if you also stop purchasing stuff you don’t really need!


Here are some great tips to get you started on the decluttering process:


1.  Start with what you can manage. If it’s only five minutes you can spare each day, start with that. If you can spare a half hour or hour each day, do that, but plug it into your calendar and stick to the schedule. If it’s only one weekend day you can lend to the process, do that. Just stick with it!


2.  Donate items you no longer need. This way, you’ll feel good about giving the items to someone else who might get more use and value from them. Give one item away a day, or if you’re on a time crunch, fill boxes as you go. Find a great organization to donate to. You could always sell items as well. Extra money always comes in handy and gives you motivation!


3.  Spend time on closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. Anywhere you’ve stuffed/stored stuff will take some time to go through. Try clothes on and get rid of anything that you haven’t worn or that hasn’t fit for the last six months to a year. Same goes for kitchen appliances. If you haven’t used them, time to give away!


4.  Take photos. Take photos of a space before you declutter it, and then after you declutter and organize it. This will give you inspiration to keep going, once you see how much better a space looks and how much potential it has when it isn’t stuffed to the brim!


5.  View your home as a first-time visitor. This is especially smart if selling soon. See the house from the eyes of potential buyers. You’ll notice eyesores that you’ve gotten used to and glazed over. Spend time on those areas. If this is hard for you to do, ask a friend to point out areas in your home that need help.


These tips will get you started on the decluttering process! When ready to buy and/or sell real estate in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am always here and ready to answer any questions you have, or to get you started on your goals in the North Shore real estate market.


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, August 5, 2020

5 North Shore Farmers Markets

North Shore Farmers Markets


Looking for ways to support local businesses and farmers on Chicago’s North Shore? Visit a local farmers markets! The variety of local produce really amps up this time of year, with sweet corn, tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, lettuces and so much more. You can also find bread, sweet treats and more from local businesses. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to fill you in and where and when to find local North Shore farmers markets, so you can plan accordingly!

1.  Downtown Evanston Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, seniors and disabled shoppers can shop from 7 to 7:30 a.m. The location is University Place and Oak Avenue in Downtown Evanston. The market runs through Nov. 7. Expect to find fruits and veggies, homemade pies, grass-fed ground beef, spiced roasted cashews, organic fair-trade coffee beans and more. Local restaurants take turns serving up ready-made food as well, such a tamales or BBQ. 


2.  Glenview Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The location is the parking lot of Historic Wagner Farm at 1510 Wagner Road. This runs until mid-October. There isn’t ready-to-eat food or community event tables this year, but there are still plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, spices, honey, jams and local meats, for you to purchase and enjoy. 


3.  Northbrook Farmers Market takes place on Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is at Cherry Lane and Meadow Road in Downtown Northbrook. This market runs until Oct. 14. This is a nonprofit, all volunteer-run market! Expect to find fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, pasture-raised meat, raw honey, olive oils, pies and more. 


4.  Skokie Farmers Market takes place on Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location is new this year, at 5127 Oakton Street. This market runs every Sunday through Nov. 1. You can expect to find in-season vegetables, fruits, cheeses, flowers, jams, pickles and more. This market opened in 1975 and has been voted “Best on the North Shore,” so be sure to check it out! 


5.  Winnetka Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The location is Winnetka Village Hall at 510 Green Bay Road. This market runs through Oct. 17. This is the market’s 43rd year! Items you’ll find include fruits and vegetables, blooming plants, shrubs and flowers, cheeses, baked goods, breads, homemade pesto, handmade soaps and lotions, and much more.

 

Be sure to check the websites for each farmers market to see what COVID-19 precautions they’re taking, and what rules they’re asking you to follow. These markets are a great way to eat the freshest, most local food available, and to support local businesses and farmers!


When ready to achieve your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, contact me, your North Shore real estate agent! I am always here to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through the entire home-buying and/or home-selling process. Let’s get started today!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website


Local Expert... with National Connections!