Home Improvement Project Summary

Use a 3-ring binder to create a record of your home improvement projects. This will help you track the money you have invested in your home. When it is time to sell your home, you will have a valuable record to provide realtors and potential buyers.

For each project, include any of the following information that is relevant to your project:

  • Name of project
  • Date completed
  • Cost
  • Contractor name
  • Contractor address
  • Contractor phone
  • Would you use the contractor again?
  • How would you rate the quality of workmanship?
  • Paint brand
  • Paint color
  • Finish (flat, matte, semi)
  • Lighting brand
  • Lighting product number
  • Flooring brand
  • Flooring color
  • Flooring type
  • Flooring grout color, product number
  • Countertop brand
  • Countertop product number
  • Toilet brand
  • Toilet product number
  • Sink brand
  • Sink product number
  • Additional information

 

 

Home Maintenance

Keep track of your home’s care and repairs. You will have all the important information ready when you need additional service and a valuable record when you sell your home. You can add these records to the 3-ring binder you created for Home Improvement Projects.

  • Name of project/service
  • Date completed
  • Cost
  • Contractor name
  • Contractor address
  • Contractor phone
  • Contractor website
  • Contract signed? Yes or No
  • Are you happy with the workmanship?
  • Warranty? Yes or No

 

 

Chapter Eleven: Downsizing

Strategically Scaling Back

Decluttering means removing unwanted or unnecessary items that do not hold special value. When you are downsizing, you are often faced with getting rid of items you may still enjoy but do not have the space to keep. If you declutter first, you will likely reduce the need to downsize. This plan is designed to help you reduce unwanted and unnecessary items before you begin evaluating items that hold special value.

By shifting your mindset about your belongings, it is easier to part with unnecessary things. If items are treated as inventory with a purpose rather than treasure, you can part with items that do not serve a purpose or are unused excess. This creates space for the most important things you own. If you are a family member helping an older adult, try your best to be patient. Some individuals may need more time to make decisions.

Reducing your household inventory offers these benefits:

  • If everything has a place, your home stays neater.
  • You can quickly find what you’re looking without stress.
  • You will spend less time cleaning up, organizing, and putting things away.
  • You will save money on movers and packing materials when you move.
  • You will save money when shopping if you buy only what you need and reduce food waste. The cost of groceries has increased substantially recently.
  • You will need less space, which could save money if you move to a smaller home.
  • You will enjoy more open space, making your home feel larger.
  • If you donate items, you help others.
  • You will save on storage fees. The fees can quickly surpass the value of the stored items.

 

 

Personal Items vs. Household Inventory

Most of us enjoy new things. However, if we never unload the old, worn-out items, our homes quickly fill up with clutter. By switching your mindset about personal and household items, you can eliminate excess more quickly and without a sense of loss. For instance, do you need old magazines? Do you read them? Are these items serving a purpose?

Start decluttering by first removing low-value items. These items do not hold special meaning. While it may be easy for you to make decisions about these things, working on just one item at a time will minimize your loved one’s stress and confusion. You can also create clear and separate stacks of magazines, newspapers, and expired food. The amount of storage room needed for low-value household inventory will become evident. Remember, you will need patience while managing your loved one’s mental and emotional state throughout the process.

Low-Value Household Inventory: Recycle or Trash

  • Old newspapers
  • Old magazines
  • Old files
  • Expired food
  • Old office supplies
  • Old cleaning supplies
  • Damaged home goods
  • Damaged home decor
  • Damaged clothing

Medium Value Household Inventory: Donate or Sell

  • Movies
  • Music
  • Books
  • Gently used home goods
  • Gently used decor
  • Most furniture
  • Kitchen items
  • Small appliances
  • Yard equipment
  • Tools