Tue 18 Jun 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ Going Somewhere? Try Packing Light

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Uncategorized
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Although many of us love to travel, very few of us love to pack. As with most things – if you have a plan things will be easier and less stressful. A good traveler’s goal is to carry the bare essentials and leave the excess at home.

A vacation packing checklist can make your whole vacation run much smoother and be more fun. You can master the art of packing what you need with this check list from Rick Steves.

Here is some more savvy advice from travel guru Rick Steves.

Packing 101:  Spread out everything you think you might need on the living-room floor. Pick up each item one at a time and scrutinize it. Ask yourself, “Will I really use this snorkel and these fins enough to justify carrying them around all summer?” Not “Will I use them?” but “Will I use them enough to feel good about hauling them around?”

Don’t pack for the worst-case scenario. Pack for the best-case scenario and simply buy yourself out of any jams. Bring layers rather than take a heavy coat. Think in terms of what you can do without — not what will be handy on your trip.

Thanks to Lissie at Hub Pages for a short list of what NOT to take with you:

  • Anything you are taking “just in case”. If you happen to get a last minute invite to the Queen’s Garden Party in England ladies will need a hat – take the opportunity to go shopping!
  • A cellphone unless you know it work at your destination and you know what the roaming charges are.
  • Anything electronic unless you are sure you can plug them in and charge them at your destination.
  • Anything you are sentimentally attached to,  particularly jewelery – you may have it stolen, but far more likely you may just misplace it or leave it behind.

One final thing to remember as you prepare for a trip: No one ever came back from vacation saying “I wish my suitcase had been heavier!”

Photo courtesy of  Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

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Fri 14 Jun 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ Architectural Masterpiece in Woodinville WA

Posted by Lynda under Friday Featured Property
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On Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves moving experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a home in the most sought after enclave of renowned Stephen D Smith custom homes above Woodinville’s famous Wine Country.

This architectural masterpiece estate is sited beautifully at the end of a glorious cul-de-sac and offers over 5,000 sq.ft. of stunning floor plan with absolutely exquisite finish work and attention to detail. You’ll enjoy sleek and spacious living areas, a chef’s granite kitchen, lavish fireplace master-suite and much more. The landscape is lush and immaculate with a luxurious deck and patio areas.

This home is listed as of today’s date at: $1,447,500. and is located at 15829 NE 164th St Woodinville, WA 98072.

If you are a Luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#483677 or by contacting the seller’s agent. 

The Butler Team 206.300.7078

 

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Tue 11 Jun 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ Father’s Day is Just Around the Corner!

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Organization
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Sunday, June 16th, Father’s Day, is just around the corner. Wondering what Dad might want for Father’s Day? Why not help him get some R&R by offering up a little organizational elbow grease. How about giving him an organized garage?

Last year we posted these tips on Does Your Garage Need a “Tune-up?“ and since this might be just what “dear old Dad” could use, we thought we would share again as a reminder and for those who might have missed the post.

The garage is where we toss everything that doesn’t have a place in the house. Although you have plenty of room, sometimes it can look like an obstacle course. If you find yourself using your garage as if it were a public storage unit, here are some organizational tips.

Time ~ Set aside enough time to work on the project. Try to plan for a dry weekend, because you’ll have to pull many items out of the garage. If you want the project to go quickly, with a minimum of  disruption to your regular  routine, hire an expert or round up a team of helpers. Otherwise, it may turn into an overwhelming task that will be abandoned halfway through.

Assess the clutter ~ Start by creating three categories: keep, donate, and toss. Discard items that haven’t been used within two years. Once you know which items that will live in your garage, begin grouping them into categories. Only after this step will you know the correct sizes and types of containers or bins to buy to store your things in.

Pick plastic storage bins ~ Cardboard boxes, no matter how strong, bend and dent with frequent use and eventually succumb to dampness. Waterproof containers protect their contents better, seal tighter, and are easy to carry or move.

Think Visibility ~ Consider metal shelving such as those sold at Costco. It’s affordable, easy to assemble and you can add wheels if you want it to be movable. Ventilated shelves also allow visibility and prevent dust and dirt from collecting. If necessary, store items in clear boxes or bags to keep them clean. Give anything that is not easily identifiable a clear label.

Overhead Storage ~ The area above your garage doors may be wasted space. An overhead storage rack is great for out-of-season storage and Holiday decorations.

Keep it at your fingertips ~ Assemble a quick-fix kit consisting of a hammer, screwdriver, nails and screws and keep it near the door to the house so you can access it easily for quick fixes.

If you are short on motivation or manpower for this project, let Seamless Moves clean it out with you and get it organized! We can help Dad get on the couch with the ballgame, or out on the golf course a little sooner by using a little of our organizational elbow grease.

Our thanks to 89studio at freedigitalphotos.net for the photo.

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Fri 7 Jun 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ Simply Sublime in Magnolia!

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Friday Featured Property
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On Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves moving experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a Spanish-style villa with breathtaking 180-degree views of Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3,050 sq.ft. home is privately sited at the end of the lane and features an open, flowing floor plan with walls of windows, gleaming hardwoods, anigre wood walls, limestone fireplace and a view deck.

The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances, with granite and limestone counters. You’ll enjoy a sumptuous master suite and family-media room. This beauty of a home was studs-out remodeled in 2001. Simply sublime!

The listing price of this home as of today’s date is: $1,479,000. You can see it in-person at the Open House on Sunday, June 9, 2013 1:00 pm-4:00 pm at 2603 Magnolia Lane West, Seattle, WA 98199.

If you are a Luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#490186 or by contacting the seller’s agent,

Kelly Cash at (206) 679-4757.

 

 

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Tue 4 Jun 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ June is National Adopt A Cat Month

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Uncategorized
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What a Purr- fect time to bring a feline into your home.  June is National Adopt a Cat Month. Rescue leagues nationwide in collaboration with the American Humane Society  will be promoting this annual adoption event in hopes to find 1000′s of cats and kittens their forever home.

Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between. And the shelter staff are ready to help you adopt your very first cat — or to bring home a friend for another beloved cat!

Top 5 Reasons to Adopt a Cat:

• COMPANIONSHIP and GOOD FOR YOU
Cats make wonderful companions. They greet you when you get home. They follow you from room to room. And they cuddle on your lap when you are feeling lonely. Cats will lower your blood pressure and help fight depression.

• GREAT TEACHERS
Cats stay playful, no matter what their age. It’s always a joy to watch a cat play with the simplest of toys – even a string will excite them!

• LOW-MAINTENANCE
Cats can take care of themselves while you are at work, or on a weekend getaway. They never have to be walked, and they bathe themselves.

• INTELLIGENT
Cats are smart and can learn tricks, like “sit” and “high-five,” just like a dog. Many cats can even be taught to fetch!

CHECKLIST FOR ADOPTING A CAT

  1. If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider taking home two.
  2. Find a cat whose personality compliments yours.
  3. Pick out a veterinarian ahead of time and schedule a visit within the first few days following the adoption.
  4. Make sure everyone in the house is prepared to have a cat before it comes home.
  5. Budget for the short- and long-term costs of a cat.
  6. Stock up on supplies before the cat arrives.
  7. Cat-proof your home.
  8. Go slowly when introducing your cat to new friends and family.
  9. Be sure to include your new pet in your family’s emergency plan.
  10. If you’re considering giving a cat as a gift, make sure the recipient is an active participant in the adoption process.

The Seattle Humane Society  is celebrating Adopt-a-Cat Month throughout June! All month long, adoption fees are waived on cats one year and older.

Visit the fabulous felines in person at the Seattle Humane Society at 13212 SE Eastgate Way in Bellevue, or see them online at Seattlehumane.org.

Our thanks to the Seattle Humane Society, the American Humane Association and the Seattle PI for the photo and tips.

 

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Fri 31 May 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ A Show-Stopper in Newcastle!

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Friday Featured Property
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Living Room of Newcastle Luxury HomeOn Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves moving experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a very private northwest-style home with warm woods, territorial views from almost all windows and stone details throughout. There are 3 covered porch areas,
a roof top eagle’s view sun deck, plus 2 other view decks, lush natural native gardens, and a sports court with views to the lake in the winter. The entire home is audio/visually wired, including the ultimate in security systems. In the beamed 20′  great room area, you’ll enjoy a fabulous granite fireplace with surround sound and speakers with subwoofers. In addition, there is a permitted rentable unit in the home with its own kitchen, great room, dining space, bedroom, bathroom, and entrance. Be sure to check out the dream garage.

The central location, close to the freeway, Seahawks Training Center and downtown Bellevue, plus the high-caliber craftsmanship and architectural drama with over an acre of sanctuary, playground and possibilities make this home a show-stopper!

The listing price of this 4,780 sq.ft., 5-bedroom home as of today’s date is $1,328.00. There is a private viewing event scheduled next week; please contact the sellers’ agent noted below for date and time.

If you are a luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#489301 or by contacting the seller’s agent, Realtor mark Von Der Burg 

Mark Von Der Burg  at 206.245.9185. There is also a video tour click here.

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Tue 28 May 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ Tips for Successful Packing

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Moving Tips
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An empty cardboard moving boxA bit of organization and forethought not only makes packing easier, it makes unpacking a breeze as well. Here are some packing tips from the pros:

Gather packing supplies before you start. There’s nothing more frustrating than having to stop half-way through a packing session in order to get more supplies.

Pack one room at a time. Avoid mixing things from different rooms in the same box; it will make unpacking more time-consuming.

Pack clothing, shoes and linens in your suitcases. Also, most moving companies will let you leave clothing in dresser drawers, but be sure to remove anything that is breakable or will slide around in the drawers.

Pack small, breakable items in small boxes and place them into a large box. Clearly label each box (large or small) with your name, its general contents, an arrow indicating which side is up, “Fragile” if contents are breakable, and which room each box belongs in. Refrain from noting anything valuable (silver, jewelry, etc.) on the outside of a box.

Have area rugs professionally cleaned before your move. They will return from the cleaners rolled, wrapped, and ready for shipping.

Use different colored labels for family members or corresponding rooms to make unpacking quicker.

Use small boxes for heavy items (books, small appliances), large boxes for light ones (pillows, lampshades), and medium boxes for everything in between. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom, lighter ones on top. A good rule of thumb is for packed boxes to weigh less than 50 pounds.

When disassembling furniture, put hardware in a sealed plastic bag and affix it to the corresponding piece (however, do not apply tape or any adhesives directly to polished or painted wood surfaces). Keep tools you’ll need to reassemble furniture in a separate box that is clearly marked.

Do not use standard garbage bags! They rip and tear too easily. If you’re going to pack linens and clothing in garbage bags, purchase the thicker, heavy ones to ensure they don’t burst during the move. Or double up.

Never pack flammables or combustibles.

Keep an inventory list of each box and its contents. This will be necessary if a box goes missing and you need to make a claim.

Of course, if all this seems like a lot of work and you’d like some help getting packed up, consider hiring a Move Manager like Seamless Moves. :-)

Our thanks to nuttakit at freedigitalphotos.net for the photo, about.com and Martha Stewart.com for the information used in today’s blog.

 

 

 

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Fri 24 May 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ Great Room Luxury in Sammamish

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Friday Featured Property
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On Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a true great room luxury residence artfully crafted by Chateau Custom Homes with a distinctively elegant feel and exquisite detailing at every turn. A 2-story stone fireplace centers the home as the lodge-like great room overlooks 2.42 beautifully landscaped acres. The chef’s kitchen has Viking appliances, an over-sized breakfast bar with a  planning desk and built-in buffet.

On the main floor, you’ll find a guest suite and an executive office with a separate entrance. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs and a sumptuous master suite. In the fully finished basement, you’ll enjoy a game room, a wet-bar and a theater room. All this plus a weight room or 6th bedroom /2nd office option. The fabulous outdoor amenities include an entry waterscape, heated outdoor dining, sport court, designed fire pit and water sculpture.

The price of this lovely 6,440 sq. ft. home as of today’s posting is $1,850,000.

If you are a Luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#489096 or by contacting the seller’s agent,

 Christine Kipp at 425-260-3934.

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Tue 21 May 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ Choosing a Moving Company

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Moving Tips
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As your big move approaches and you survey your prized possessions, you may ask yourself, “How am I going to get all of my furniture and things from Point A to Point B?” Well, finding a moving company doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal.

Here are a few questions to ask furniture movers that will help you to know if your valuables are in good hands.

Is there a cost for your initial consultation? Will I receive a written estimate?

How much experience do you have? Do you provide local references?

How many people will be working with you? Are they employees or subcontractors? Are they covered by worker’s compensation insurance?

Are they licensed for interstate moves?

Do they offer storage?

If, even armed with this information, you’d like some help deciding on the moving company or need some help getting packed up, consider hiring a Move Manager like Seamless Moves to consult with you and help you make a plan to get everything accomplished before you move.

 




 

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Fri 17 May 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ Mediterranean Style Home in Montlake

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Friday Featured Property
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On Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves moving experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a 1-1/2 story, 4 bedroom, 2.25 bath Mediterranean style home in Montlake overlooking the Arboretum.  This updated home built in 1927 is full of period details including leaded glass windows, espresso-stained hardwoods and coved ceilings. The remodeled marble and stainless kitchen with an eating nook opens to a brick patio for entertaining. Upstairs are three bedrooms and a full Carrara bath.  On the lower level, you’ll enjoy a fully finished recreation room with a gas fireplace, exercise or hobby room and a fourth bedroom. The home has abundant storage and easy access to freeways, the University of Washington, Children’s Hospital and Capitol Hill.

The listing price of this home as of today’s date is $959,000.

If you are a Luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#476429 or by contacting the sellers agent,

Mark Rockwell at (206) 898-7625.

 

 

 

 

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Tue 14 May 2013

Tuesday Tip ~ Summer Garage/Yard Sale Tips

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Organization
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There is no doubt that summer is the prime time for moving. Summer is also garage/yard sale season. It’s as American as apple pie – people love to go to garage sales in the summer, so it’s the perfect time to have one. Whether you are planning a move, or need to de-clutter to get ready to sell your home, why not make some money while getting rid of unwanted items?  No matter what the reason, garage sales are a great way get rid of things that you longer use.

If you need inspiration, we have tips for de-cluttering and organizing in previous blog posts such as Organizing Your Craft Room, Does Your Garage Need a Tune-Up? and Top 5 Clean Out Your Closet Tips.

Although you no longer want or need something, doesn’t mean that someone else won’t treasure it. Even if you only have one item left from a set, such as one glass, one plate or one candlestick, make sure you put it out for sale. People are always on the hunt for pieces that are unique or missing from their own collection. If you have some things that you think aren’t worth selling, try putting them out as “freebies.”

Popular sale items include: baby and children’s clothing and toys, cds, kitchenware and appliances, books/magazines, craft supplies, linens, tools and sporting equipment.

To learn more about pricing and advertising your yard sale go to About.com.

Of course, if you’d like some help with your de-clutter or purging project, Seamless Moves is here to help!

Image courtesy of renjith krishnan at freedigitalphotos.net. 

 

 

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Fri 10 May 2013

Friday Featured Property ~ Hampton-Inspired Home in Kirkland, WA

Posted by Lynda under Featured, Friday Featured Property
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On Friday we feature homes for sale by our clients and/or Realtor partners as a way to add value to their Seamless Moves moving experience. Enjoy!

Today we are featuring a beautiful Hampton-inspired home that radiates timeless elegance. This 4,180 sq.ft. 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home was designed for entertaining. In the kitchen you’ll find custom hand-glazed cabinets, slab granite, new stainless steel appliances and off the formal dining room is a butler’s pantry. The luxury master suite has a  jetted tub, spa shower and private balcony. The main-floor bedroom with a  private bath is great for guests. From the balcony in the bonus room you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier. The yard is beautifully landscaped and offers year-round color plus, a covered patio. This home is on a corner lot with a circular driveway and attached garage.

This home in the excellent Lake Washington school district is listed as of today’s date at: $1,195,000.

If you are a Luxury Home Realtor or home buyer interested in this property, you may view it here or MLS#481792 or by contacting the seller’s agent, Laura Polt  (425) 298-3451.

 

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