Susan Terry

It might be time for a change – a change of clothes that is!

If your closets are bursting at the seams, you may want to think about organizing a clothing swap! Here are a few tips to ensure its success:

• organize clothing by type and size
• create space for a few private change rooms
• have a few full-length mirrors with decent lighting
• refreshments, a few chairs and music are a nice touch

Hosting a clothing swap is a great way to update your wardrobe and meet new people while also being eco-friendly.

It’ll be a win-win for everyone if you ask attendees to bring a small food bank donation plus any remaining clothing can also be donated to a local charity.

There are so many pets in the Grey Bruce area that need a good home.

For all you dog lovers out there, May 20th marks National Rescue Dog Day which was created to help raise awareness about the huge number of dogs who are currently waiting in shelters for a new place to call home.

There are an increasing number of animals in the Grey Bruce area that need loving homes as many people who went out and got pets during the pandemic have given them up now that they’ve gone back to work.

Thankfully, the Grey Bruce Animal Shelter has been working tirelessly to rescue and care for animals that have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

They’re extremely overwhelmed and under-resourced though due to the increasing number of animals that are in need of help so it’s important to recognize the valuable work they do and to support them in any way possible.

Having a loyal pet by your side can improve your mental health and bring tons of joy to your life but if you’re unable to take on a full-time pet, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities that are less demanding.

If you already share your home with a rescue dog, remember to post a picture on social media on May 20th with the hashtag #nationalrescuedogday along with a short story of how you and your dog have changed each other’s lives!

Living small is all the rage but you can still live large in a small space!

If you live in a small space, it’s important that you don’t feel boxed in. The following tips will help transform your cramped quarters into something that feels much more expansive:

Disappearing Doors
Installing pocket doors is an easy and inexpensive way to create loads of extra space.

Shady Solutions
Paint the walls a soft shade and the ceiling bright white to give the illusion of added height.

Lighten Up
Keep the window areas clear of heavy drapes in order to expand the wall area and to let the sun shine in to brighten things up.

Mirror Mirror
Strategically placed mirrors will create the illusion of added space and they’ll also reflect light into adjoining rooms.

Cut a Rug
Having the same type of flooring throughout your home will make it feel much more spacious so avoid using too many area rugs.

Hide & Seek
Maximize hidden space by hanging storage pockets behind doors or adding bed risers to accommodate under-the-bed storage containers.

Cut the Clutter
Have a place for everything so that the surfaces in your home don’t get cluttered. Storage baskets, for example, are great for hiding remotes and magazines.

Open Up
Arrange your furniture so you can see as much of the floor as possible. Rooms with blocked views can feel cramped so move furniture away from entrances.

Whether you’re getting ready to put your home on the market or you just want to create more space for yourself, these easy and inexpensive tips will help give you a little extra breathing room.

By thinking big and getting creative, you can comfortably live large in even the smallest of spaces.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you’re just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it’d be great to hear from you!

Never wear your emotions on your sleeve during the real estate ride.

Selling your home is a huge financial transaction that can trigger a roller coaster of emotions. When you’re being tossed around at every turn, you need to hang on tight and stay on track.

Whether it’s been bidding wars, sky-high prices or a cooling-off period, the last couple of years have added to the ups and downs of the real estate roller coaster ride.

The Grey Bruce real estate market continues to twist and turn so here are a few points to keep in mind if you’re thinking about selling your home:

The Price Is Right
Setting the right price is key so it’s important to have a home evaluation to determine what similar homes in your area are selling for. That way, you’ll be able to listen to the market instead of your emotions.

No Offence
Despite the strong connection you have to your home, try not to get offended if you hear that a potential buyer wants to rip up your kitchen or paint over the wood trim that you so lovingly restored.

Nothing Personal
It’s important to never take feedback personally. While criticisms may seem negative on the surface, they’re more likely a sign that the buyer’s interested; otherwise, they wouldn’t say anything at all.

Starting Point
Your home is your kingdom so your expectations will be high but if you receive a lowball offer, don’t get discouraged as it’s often just a starting point. The important thing is to keep the lines of communication open in order to progress as you never really know what the other side is thinking.

Unconditional Love
If you’re able to generate multiple offers, make sure you consider more than just the price. There’s nothing worse than accepting a conditional offer with a great price only to have it fall apart when you could have accepted a firm offer that was almost as good.

Chances are, you’ll have many fond memories of the time spent in your home over the years so it can sometimes be hard to move on, pardon the pun.

It’s completely natural for both buyers and sellers to experience a wide range of intense emotions as they navigate their way through the complex real estate process.

However, if you hop on the real estate roller coaster with a competent agent by your side, you’ll not only enjoy the ride but you’ll look forward to doing it again next time!

Earth Day is the perfect time to hook up a rain barrel, or two!

On Saturday, April 22nd, Earth Day will be celebrated around the world, including right here in the Grey Bruce area!

For instance, Owen Sound has a Community Earth Day event taking place on Saturday, April 22nd at the Owen Sound Farmers Market starting at 1:30 p.m.

Earth Day is the perfect time to hook up a rain barrel so that you can start collecting naturally pure rainwater. Here are some of the many advantages of having a rain barrel:

Watered Down
Rainwater can be used for watering plants which will reduce your water bills.

Right As Rain
Your houseplants will thrive as rainwater is naturally soft and chemical-free.

Breathe Easy
Rainwater contains more oxygen than tap water which promotes plant growth.

Don’t Run Off
Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff which helps prevent erosion and pollution.

Rain Or Shine
Rain barrels provide a sustainable water source during droughts or water restrictions.

If you already have a rain barrel, make sure it’s clear of debris, connected to your downspouts and that the overflow drain points away from your foundation.

If not, now’s the perfect time to buy a rain barrel. Whatever you end up doing this Earth Day, here’s hoping you have a world of fun and a barrel of laughs!