It can be pretty easy to spot some of the most common causes of a cluttered home, from the array of kids’ toys all over the floor to the small army of appliances on your kitchen counter. But even after you’ve gotten rid of all that stuff, your home may still feel a bit too cluttered, thanks to some pretty surprising culprits.
If you’re ready to take that next step to a more calming home, see what the experts say may cause your home to feel overwhelming—and the quick steps you can take to make your home feel serene once and for all.
Meet the Experts:
01 of 07
Your Entryway Is Cluttered
Your entryway is the first thing you see on entering your home, and it sets the stage for everything that comes after it. “Keeping lots of shoes by the door will make footwear the first thing you and guests focus on, rather than the beauty of your home,” says Katrina Teeple, professional organizer and founder of Operation Organization.
Your fix: Because the entryway is typically a major drop zone in your home, you’ll need to stay vigilant to declutter, Teeple says. “Taking 10 minutes twice a week for ‘Tidy Time’—grabbing a laundry basket and thinning out the items in your entryway—will keep this area clutter-free.” That includes putting extra jackets in the closet, moving out-of-season items elsewhere, and reducing the number of shoes stored at the door. For a really serene entryway, Teeple suggests investing in a shoe cabinet or a bench with bins underneath to stash shoes.
02 of 07
You’re Into a Maximalist Decor Style
We all love a bit of maximalism—but if you’re looking for a calmer, less cluttered vibe for your home, a massive gallery wall and a mountain of pillows may not get you there. “Things on walls without a real purpose or anchor also feels like clutter,” says Becky Rapinchuk, creator of Clean Mama. “Don’t put things up just to fill a space.”
Your fix: Here’s a perfect opportunity to use that Marie Kondo decluttering strategy, and edit down the decor to only the items that really bring you joy. “Make sure it makes you happy and makes sense in your space,” Rapinchuk says.
03 of 07
Your Fridge Is Cluttered
Your fridge may need a major declutter—and we’re not talking about the interior. “It may be time to retire the look of novelty fridge magnets, grocery list notepads, and dare I say, your kids’ art from the fridge,” Teeple says.
Your fix: Move your must-have items from your fridge to inside a cupboard door. “That way, when you go for your favorite mug to drink coffee each morning, you’ll be greeted with sticky note reminders and your child’s latest drawing of a dinosaur,” Teeple suggests.
04 of 07
You Have Too Many Things on Your Surfaces
Clearing your counters and tabletops is essential for a more serene vibe at home. “It’s important to keep surfaces clean and clear,” Rapinchuk says. “This gives the home an overall feeling of calm.”
Your fix: Start with a really clean slate, Rapinchuk says. “To test this out, completely clear a surface and live with it empty for as little as 24 hours. See how it feels and slowly add items back in until if feels just right.”
05 of 07
You Don’t Have Enough Seating
Too little of something may seem like a strange thing that creates a cluttered vibe. But when guests have nowhere to sit, that can give off a bad impression. “Not having obvious places for company to sit down always feels cluttered to me,” says Cian Ballentine, professional cleaner and founder of Cannonball Cleaners.
Your fix: You may need to overhaul your furniture configuration—or add some unexpected seating, such as storage ottomans under a console—to provide easy-to-grab seating when friends arrive.
06 of 07
You’re Drowning in Doom Piles
Creating piles or baskets filled with stuff you don’t have time or energy to deal with may make your home feel a bit less cluttered in the short-time—but unless they’re dealt with, those piles can quickly weigh down the feeling of your home.
Your fix: Use doom piles only as a very temporary solution—such as scooping clutter into a basket when unexpected guests arrive. But make sure you make time to deal with the doom pile and make it disappear.
07 of 07
You Don’t Have Enough Storage
Even the best decluttering job won’t help much if you don’t have the right places to actually store the items you’re keeping. If storage space is at a premium in your house—too small closets, too few cupboards—you’ll need to figure out other spots that can house your items.
Your fix: Look for smart ways to incorporate more storage into your space. Think storage ottomans, closed baskets or boxes on bookshelves to hold small items, or even sneaky storage suggestions like putting out-of-season clothes or bedding into suitcases.
“Add storage furniture that is not only functional, but blends with your home’s aesthetic—like an affordable cubby shelving unit with decorative baskets behind a couch,” Teeple says. This provides a spot to stash your kids’ toys so they’re accessible but hidden out of sight.
Coast One Mortgage | November 27, 2020The holiday months and winter may not be traditional peak homebuying seasons – there are historically less homes on the market – but there are actually advantages to being a buyer during the holiday season. With less competition, tax benefits, and motivated sellers, the holidays are actually a great time to buy a home. According to a report from ATTOM Data Solutions, December 26 is the #1 day of the year to purchase a home. Think of it like the Black Friday of real estate.
Here are some benefits and tips on buying a home during the holiday season.
1. Have a clear focus
In order to take advantage of savings during this time, you need to be organized and have a clear idea of what you want in a home so you can act quickly if needed. Make sure you have all of your financial documentation ready, have saved up a down payment, and have your “wants/needs” list on hand.
2. Look for motivated sellers
Many sellers who list their home during the holidays are motivated to sell for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, you can benefit by negotiating a great price on the house. Consider other incentives to ask for, like an adjusted closing date that works for you.
Available homes might have been on the market for some time, or you could even come across an “old expired listing” that didn’t previously sell during the original listing period and is active again. Private sellers are not the only motivated sellers during this season. Banks and other financial institutions are motivated to get foreclosed properties off of their books before the end of the year. Ask your real estate agent about these types of properties.
3. Tax benefits
Depending on your financial situation, and what your tax liability looks like for the upcoming calendar year, you could qualify for some tax benefits purchasing a home this time of year.
If you itemize deductions when you file taxes, you may be able to deduct points purchased upon closing, property taxes, and mortgage interest rates. If you’re purchasing a home as an investment asset, and have a business entity, there may be even more tax benefits available to you. Make sure you talk to your accountant for specific details.
4. Work with a well-connected real estate agent
Since fewer properties are listed between Halloween and New Year’s, you’ll want early access to the homes you’re most interested in. If you have a connected real estate agent, they’ll know about available properties ahead of time and be on the lookout for hidden gems or unpublicized listings.
Make sure your real estate agent’s communication style gels with yours, too. If you’re trying to take advantage of holiday listings, you’ll want your realtor to be responsive to both you and the seller’s agent of the property you’re interested in.
5. Inquire about Pocket Listings
Pocket listings are homes not listed on the local MLS (multiple listing service) or otherwise publicized. Sellers who want to maintain a certain level of privacy will often put their home up as a pocket listing. This is when having a savvy, connected real estate agent will really help you. Less visibility also means less competition for you as a buyer!
If you’ve found a home you love, or are ready to purchase a home, now might be the time for you! With less competition, you might have more luck putting down a smaller earnest money deposit – something that could be less successful when sellers are fielding multiple offers during busier times of year.
Take advantage of the perks and don’t let the holidays deter you from making an offer on a home this season.
Keeping Current Matters | Dec 3, 2024
A lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to sell a house. And sure, buyer demand usually picks up at that time of year. But here’s the catch: so does your competition because a lot of people put their homes on the market at the same time.
So, what’s the real advantage of selling your house before spring? It’ll stand out.
Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from.
You can see how that trend played out over the past few years in this data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Each time, the supply of homes for sale dipped during these cooler months. And then, after each winter lull, inventory started to climb as more sellers jumped into the market closer to spring (see graph below):
Here’s why knowing how this trend works gives you an edge. While inventory is higher this year than it‘s been in the last few winters, if you work with an agent to list now, it’ll still be in this year’s sweet spot. So, while other sellers are taking their homes off the market, you can sell before the spring wave of new listings hits, and your house will have a better chance of standing out.
Why wait until spring when you can get ahead of the curve now?
Fewer Listings Also Means More Eyes on Your Home
Another big perk of selling in the winter? The buyers who are looking right now are serious about making a move.
During this season, the window-shopper crowd tends to stay busy with other things, like holiday celebrations, and avoids looking for homes when the weather’s cooler. So, the buyers out looking aren’t casually browsing—they’re motivated, whether it’s because of a job relocation, a lease ending, or some other time-sensitive reason. And those are the types of buyers you want to work with. Investopedia explains:
“. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy.”
Bottom Line
With less competition and serious buyers on the hunt, you’ll be in a great position to sell your house this winter. Connect with CA Real Estate Group to get the process started. Call Team Lead Christine Almarines for a free consultation at (714) 476-4637.
Tackling these projects now will set you up for an even better New Year.
Test water quality
Checking water quality is one of those home maintenance tasks that’s easy to forget. But it never hurts to test the mineral content or hardness of your water, especially if you’re hosting guests for the holidays. “Testing your water is an easy, indoor home project to complete over the holidays,” says Chris Counahan, president at LeafFilter Gutter Protection. Purchase a water testing kit and follow the package instructions by filling a glass of water and dipping the testing stick in to assess the quality. “If your tests find hard water or contaminants, consider calling a professional to install a whole-home reverse osmosis system to ensure clean water throughout your home,” Counahan says.
Refresh the walls
Whether it’s wallpapering a feature wall in the primary bedroom or giving the bathroom a fresh coat of paint, try refreshing your interior walls over the holiday break. Painting projects can easily be done in a couple of days, depending on the size of the room, so they’re perfect for completing over a long holiday weekend. Wallpapering can be done in around a maximum of 8 hours, again depending on the size and number of walls you’re tackling. So, if you’ve been pondering a wall upgrade, the holiday break is the perfect time to check it off the list.
Patio or deck maintenance
For homes not covered in snow during the holiday season, exterior maintenance should be top of the to-do list. “Holiday breaks offer a great opportunity for homeowners to freshen up their outdoor spaces, and catch up on deck maintenance,“ says Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators’ category marketing manager. Cleaning rust stains, tightening railings or loose joints, reorganizing the deck box, or even refinishing deck wood can all be done over the course of a few days.
Deep clean floors and carpets
Not all home projects for the holidays have to be renovations—deep cleaning is just as important. High-traffic areas like hardwood floors and carpets can always use a deep cleaning. Aside from the usual sweeping and vacuuming, try using the wet vac for carpets and rugs. Target baseboards and try a carpet cleaner, especially in high-traffic areas used by people and pets.
Add insulation
Holiday breaks are the perfect time to work on energy-efficient upgrades. “With the colder temperatures that arrive before the holidays, homeowners inevitably start noticing how well their home holds up against the elements,” says DR Richardson, co-founder of Elephant Energy. “For many homeowners, that is the perfect time of the year to weatherize their homes by adding air sealing or extra insulation,” he says. Try weatherstripping to seal gaps where air can enter, window caulking to seal gaps or cracks, or adding insulation—professionally or DIY—to basements, garages, or attics.
Declutter
With days off on holiday break, there’s extra time to look around and notice items you no longer need. Spend some time decluttering neglected areas of your home. Closets, pantries, and home offices are often home to lots of outdated junk. Decluttering can make it easier to find items you really do need and to keep spaces clean. It’s also worthwhile to tidy spaces before guests come over for holiday celebrations. Try tackling one room at a time and have a plan. Have a pile for what you’ll keep, trash, and donate. For clothing and furniture, try organizing a pickup from a charity, so you’ll have a deadline for completion and no excuse to wave goodbye to items that will be put to better use elsewhere.
Revisit Landscaping
If you’re tired of spending time inside, it’s worth considering what upgrades you can make outdoors. Revisit your landscaping and outdoor living spaces. “Additions like outdoor heaters, fire pits, and lighting will help extend the use of your outdoor living space throughout the seasons,” says Hendricks. These features can make the outdoor space more comfortable just in time for the holidays. Lawncare, repotting plants, cleaning outdoor furniture, refreshing mulch, or finishing hardscaping features can set you up for success in the warmer months.
Upgrade light fixtures
Another easy project to take on during the holiday break is to upgrade indoor lighting. Get a new fixture above the dining table, bring a new lamp to the living room, or replace sconces in the bathroom. Replacing or refreshing lighting fixtures can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Usually, putting up simple task lighting does not require a professional technician, so you can try this fix yourself. If you need an electrician or lighting specialist, use the holidays to call around, visit showrooms, and finally place your orders.
Clean the fireplace and chimney
If your home has one, your fireplace will be the focal point of the holiday season. Cleaning up the fireplace area is more complicated than it looks. Even minor renovations can make a huge difference. Small upgrades include re-tiling the floor and redecorating the mantle. Cleaning the chimney, however, is a professional job. Doing regular maintenance can prevent allergens and fire hazards. Remember to plan and call ahead, as pros in your neighborhood may be in high demand this time of year.
Refresh the cabinets
Are your kitchen cabinets looking worse for wear? Refresh or refinish them this holiday season. Try replacing hardware, repainting, or refinishing cabinet faces. If you’re happy with the outside of your cabinets, try reorganizing the inside. Refreshing kitchen cabinets can bring new life into your space without hiring a professional to replace them. The same applies to bathroom vanities and storage cabinets, which are often neglected.
Good Housekeeping | Sep 11, 2024
Hosting a Thanksgiving that your family will remember for years to come includes more than just serving up an amazing meal. (Though, that’s still a major part of it.) What will really leave you and your loved ones with lasting memories will be the experience you have while spending time with each other.
That’s why Thanksgiving games are the perfect way to make Turkey Day tons more fun, especially if you have kids. We’ve rounded up a combination of festive crafts, engaging activities and challenging trivia that will keep the entire family entertained.
While bingo and scavenger hunts will almost certainly ensure a day full of fun for large groups or teams, there are also games like word search, “I spy” and Thanksgiving riddles that are still fun to play even with one or two people.
If your family happens to be partial to minute-to-win-it games, we have a few of those, too. Just don’t forget to give out special prizes to the winners. If you need inspiration, our Thanksgiving gifts can help with that.
Keeping Current Matters | Oct 30, 2024
No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.
That’s why partnering with a trusted agent and real estate team like CA Real Estate Group is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.
Trying To Time the Market
Many buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says:
“My advice for buyers is don’t try to time the market. There are a lot of swing factors, like the upcoming jobs report and the presidential election, that could cause the housing market to take unexpected twists and turns. If you find a house you love and can afford to buy it, now’s not a bad time.”
Buying More House Than You Can Afford
If you’re tempted to stretch your budget a bit further than you should, you’re not alone. A number of buyers are making this mistake right now.
But the truth is, it’s actually really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially when other housing expenses like home insurance and taxes are on the rise. You want to talk to the pros to make sure you understand what’ll really work for you. Bankrate offers this advice:
“Focus on what monthly payment you can afford rather than fixating on the maximum loan amount you qualify for. Just because you can qualify for a $300,000 loan doesn’t mean you can comfortably handle the monthly payments that come with it along with your other financial obligations.”
Missing Out on Assistance Programs That Can Help
Saving up for the upfront costs of homeownership takes some careful planning. You’ve got to think about your closing costs, down payment, and more. And if you don’t work with a team of experienced professionals, you could miss out on programs out there that can make a big difference for you. This is happening more than you realize.
According to Realtor.com, almost 80% of first-time buyers qualify for down payment assistance – but only 13% actually take advantage of those programs. So, talk to a lender about your options. Whether you’re buying your first house or your fifth, there may be a program that can help.
Not Leaning on the Expertise of a Pro
This last one may be the most important of all. The very best way to avoid making a mistake that’s going to cost you is to lean on a pro. With the right team of experts, you can easily dodge these missteps.
Bottom Line
The good news is you don’t have to deal with any of these headaches. Connect with CA Real Estate Group so you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these costly mistakes.
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group
Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
Realtor DRE# 01412944 | (714) 476-4637
An Unforgettable Weekend of Cultural Celebration
Dia de Los Muertos 2024 in Santa Ana promises an extraordinary weekend journey filled with rich cultural experiences—an immersive blend of art, music, food, and deep community connections. From the vibrant public festivals to the intimate beauty of family altars, each day offers a deeper appreciation of this cherished tradition that honors both life and death.
As you explore Santa Ana, you’ll witness a city that proudly celebrates its Latino heritage, weaving together past and present in a dynamic tapestry of remembrance, joy, and togetherness. Whether you’re drawn to the colorful altars, the lively performances, or the heartfelt community gatherings, Santa Ana’s Dia de Los Muertos is an experience you won’t want to miss.
📅 Date: Friday, November 1, 2024
🕒 Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
📍 Location: 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Explore the Magic of the Altars with Santa Ana’s Roosevelt-Walker Community.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Santa Ana by engaging with the Roosevelt-Walker Community during their magical altar displays. Located near the intersection of E. Chestnut Ave. and S. Standard Ave., the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center serves as a hub for connection, culture, and recreation. Join this festive gathering celebrating local traditions for Día de Los Muertos 2024. This is a unique opportunity to engage directly with the people who call Santa Ana home.
Fairhaven Memorial Park-Dia de los Muertos Festival
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 1702 Fairhaven Ave.
Visit Fairhaven Memorial Park for a peaceful day of reflection and community memorials.
For those looking for the most authentic and historic example of Dia de Los Muertos, join the Santa Ana community for family reflection day on Dia de los Muertos, November 2nd, by visiting Fairhaven Memorial Park (a historic cemetery where several notable individuals, including local celebrities, athletes, and influential figures, have been laid to rest) for a day dedicated to honoring the deceased. Participate in the community’s memorial, where families gather to remember and celebrate their loved ones. This day is about joy and remembrance, so bring flowers, photos, and offerings for the graves. Join in the celebrations, share stories, and embrace the vibrant energy of life. This historic cemetery becomes a serene space for families to gather and honor their loved ones with prayers, flowers, photos, and offerings. The tranquil atmosphere offers a time to reflect on the deeper themes of life and death that define Dia de Los Muertos and watch as families pay their respects with beautifully decorated graves and offerings for loved ones to cross over and spend the day with family.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Santa Ana, 4th Street between Ross and Birch
Noche de Altares (Night of the Altars), now in its 21st year, is the highlight of Santa Ana’s Día de Los Muertos celebrations and one of the most anticipated events of the season. Organized by El Centro Cultural de México, this vibrant event transforms the streets of Downtown Santa Ana into a stunning display of altars (ofrendas)—each one a unique tribute of love and remembrance for lost loved ones.
From noon until evening, the streets will be filled with an electric atmosphere of live music, traditional dance performances, community art installations, and dozens of intricately designed altars. Whether you’re creating an altar to honor someone special or simply enjoying the creativity of others, the air will be thick with emotion, laughter, and the tantalizing scents of delicious food.
Since 2002, Noche de Altares has invited families, artists, and local organizations to participate with beautifully crafted altars, art workshops, and live performances throughout the day. Street food vendors will offer traditional Mexican dishes such as pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales, adding to the sensory richness of the celebration. This event is more than just a display—it’s a community-wide tribute that brings together people of all ages to celebrate life, memory, and the bonds that connect us to those who have passed.
Día de los Muertos by El Poder de la Cultura Morelense
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM | Parade 5:00 PM
📍 Location: 120 W. 4th St.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with El Poder de la Cultura Morelense as they bring the colorful tradition of the Chinelos de Morelos to Santa Ana. This exciting event, which runs from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, will feature a stunning parade of Chinelos, Catrinas, and the lively Band Carnaval at 5:00 PM, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, dance, and culture.
The term “Chinelos” comes from the Nahuatl word “zineloquie,” meaning “disguised.” This traditional dance originated after the Spanish conquest as a way for indigenous people to mock the elaborate and formal clothing of European colonizers. However, the dance’s components can be traced back to ancient Aztec origins, making it a meaningful blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial history. The Chinelos are famous for their exaggerated costumes, featuring large hats, colorful robes, and masks, and their energetic, rhythmic dances that enliven any celebration.
With the additional presence of the iconic Catrinas—elegant skeletal figures symbolizing the blending of life and death—this event promises to be an immersive cultural experience that honors Mexican traditions and heritage.
📅 Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM -10:00 PM
📍 Location: 4th Street & Between Main and French St:
At Viva La Vida experience a vibrant celebration of Life in the streets of Downtown Santa Ana
Viva La Vida is an extraordinary celebration that brings together the vibrant energy of contemporary Chicano culture and the cherished traditions of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The streets of Downtown Santa Ana burst with life through captivating art installations created by local artists, turning the area into a colorful canvas of murals, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. Among the highlights are lowrider cars, their polished exteriors adorned with altars (called ofrendas)—carefully crafted displays that honor the memories of loved ones with photos, food, and personal mementos.
As evening falls, the figure of La Catrina—a traditional representation of death, dressed in elegant clothing and painted in skeletal form—graces the festival, reminding us to embrace life with laughter and joy, even in the presence of death. Viva La Vida beautifully captures the essence of the community as families and friends come together to celebrate and honor those who have passed. With faces painted and spirits high, attendees are encouraged to express themselves through dance and celebration, fully embracing the joyous spirit of life that defines this festival.
📅 Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
📍 Location: 2002 N. Main St.
Join the celebration with face painting, mariachi music, and a communal ofrenda (memorial altar).
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, head to the Bowers Museum, a cultural gem showcasing global art and history, for their Mexican Day of the Dead Festival. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, enjoy live performances, art-making sessions, and face painting. Visitors are invited to bring a photo of a loved one to add to the ofrenda (memorial altar), honoring those who have passed.
This vibrant cultural event features face painting, mariachi music, folklórico dances, and a communal ofrenda where attendees can honor their loved ones by adding photos and mementos. You’ll also enjoy traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and tamales and take part in workshops like sugar skull decorating. The event offers an educational yet celebratory atmosphere, blending art, culture, and community, truly capturing the essence of Día de Los Muertos.
Author
Madeleine Thérèse Spencer is a resident of Santa Ana and a visionary leader dedicated to community development, placemaking, and the celebration of authentic cultural vibrancy in the community. As Co-Director of PlacemakingUS, a national network organization, she is dedicated to transforming the social life of public spaces and fostering inclusive, living, and thriving communities.
