Keep it or leave it?

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They say you can’t take it with you, but that doesn’t apply to moving. Some things can come along on the ride, and some things are in it for the long haul with your current home. So what stays and what goes?

CHIC (Pearl)

A good rule of thumb is anything custom or built into the home is going to stay when you move, no matter how attached you are to it. The exception is large appliances like a fridge or a custom electric fireplace. Just be clear with the buyer about your intentions. The same goes for landscaping like trees, bushes, lawns, and garden structures. But you can probably take that potted succulent you’ve managed to keep alive since college!

GEEK (Kevin)

My rule of thumb is take everything that isn’t nailed down or unique to the home, because you never know if you’re going to miss it. So yes, commandeer all the major appliances, furniture, hardware, cabinets, tables, and TV wall mounts. And if you can’t decide on a certain item, just keep it. You can always sell it at a garage sale if you can’t use it in your new home. Just listen to Pearl and set ground rules up front with the buyer.

Dealbreakers

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What are the must-have items you can’t live without when it comes to buying a new home?

CHIC (Pearl)

For me, it’s all about space. I need a big back yard for hosting BBQ parties and large gatherings. The house itself should have a spacious open floor plan to accommodate indoor celebrations and family events. And of course, I need enough closet and storage space to fit my wardrobe and accessories!

GEEK (Kevin)

I’m what you might call a “car guy” and a DIY tool man, so a big, wide, two-car garage is at the top of my wish list. A spacious kitchen is also a priority, for all those nights we spend experimenting with new recipes and breaking bread. And a well-insulated home can help save on heating and cooling costs.

Chic vs. Geek: Keeping Clutter Off Your Countertop

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It seems like every time we need something in the kitchen, we can’t find it because of all the appliances, trays, bowls, and other stuff taking up our countertops. So how do we cope?

CHIC (PEARL)

Anyone who tells you kitchens are supposed to be messy never had to clean up after family dinner! Personally, I need some motivation to keep my surfaces clear. So I try to add some style to kitchen organizing, like fancy jars for non-perishable ingredients, dividers for frequently-used utensils, and elegant hanging racks for pots and pans.

GEEK (KEVIN)

There is no reason you can’t solve your kitchen clutter issues with some very simple storage strategy. Figure out where and when you need this pot or that spatula, and find a drawer or cabinet to store them when they’re not in use while keeping them readily accessible when you’re in the heat of your culinary artistry. It will save you time and stress!

Chic vs. Geek: What’s keeping you home?

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The pandemic has forced us to adjust to new ways of living – and working – in our homes. What’s one thing around the house that makes it easier?

CHIC (PEARL)

A lot can be said for the simple things like a solid WiFi connection and a good coffee maker, but give me my standing desk any day of the week and twice on Sunday. There’s nothing better for maintaining good posture and circulation while you’re busy staring at a computer screen for up to eight hours a day. These days, you don’t even need to buy the full desk. Most office supply companies sell toppers and attachments for the desk you already have in your home.

GEEK (KEVIN)

I’ll admit it. I’m addicted to soda and fizzy drinks of all flavors, colors, and styles. But I never truly embraced my addiction until the pandemic hit, and I realized we were spending tons of money on sodas and sparkling waters. So I bit the bullet and bought us a Soda Stream. And we will never go back. Not only can I have any kind of refreshing beverage anytime I want it, we’re also keeping thousands of aluminum cans and plastic bottles out of our landfills and oceans.