Last updated 2 months ago
Free boxes
Instead of purchasing boxes from a moving company or a packing supply store stop by your local grocery store and talk to the manager. Generally, grocery stores will give you as many boxes as you would like for free, but keep in mind they may not have as many boxes available as you will need the first trip. Find out which days they stock and stop by to pick up some free boxes. Start collecting boxes sooner than later.
Stay Organized
Staying organized throughout the packing process will ensure an efficient endeavor, and not to mention save you time unpacking.
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Start by packing one room at a time
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Heavier items should be placed towards the bottom of the box and lighter items towards the top
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Use smaller boxes for heavy items and larger boxes for light items
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Wrap any small items that may get lost in bright colored tissue paper
Label Boxes
Once you are done packing a box, close it and tape the bottom shut.
Label the box with:
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General contents (Do not note valuables such as, "jewelry")
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Room
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An arrow indicating which way is up
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Make a note if the items are fragile or perishable
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Number boxes- Mark boxes with essential items with a lower number and boxes with less important items with a higher number (unpack lower boxes containing important items first)
Check out these free printable moving labels from The Project Girl. Print the moving labels on adhesive backed paper. After sticking the label to the box, cover the labels with clear plastic tape to ensure it does not fall off during the move.
Create a First-Night box
Create a first box containing the essential items you will need for the last night in your old house and the first night in your new house. Get a free printable check list of items to add to your first-night box from Martha Stewart Living.
If you are considering moving or purchasing a new home, visit Oakwood Homes' website to browse homes by community, price range or quick move-in homes. Oakwood Homes offers affordable luxury homes at every level. Start planning your home building project today!
Last updated 3 months ago
Determine a Budget
The first step is to determine how much money you will need to save for a down payment. The Oakwood Home Club is a free service for buyers who need to overcome financial obstacles before buying a new home- or just need guidance in the process from a team of professionals. Contact them with any questions and concerns.
After determining how much money you will need to save for a down payment, create a detailed plan outlining how you will achieve your goal. This plan should include a deadline, the amount of money you need to save each month, and where you will cut spending. Take advantage of free budgeting tools- The Mint is a free real-time android and i-phone app that will assist and alert you in managing your personal budget.
Create a Separate Savings Account
Set up a separate savings account for your down payment and ask your bank to automatically transfer the monthly amount into your savings account. You will be less likely to dip into your down payment funds if it is in a separate account.
Carry Cash
Finding time to stop by an ATM can seem like a hassle, but add it into your weekly routine. Allow yourself a certain amount of money to spend per week. Any money that you don’t spend will roll over into next week’s funds. Some weeks your budget will be larger allowing you to splurge. Carrying cash makes it easier to track your spending and realize when you have hit your budget for the week.
Keep Your Goal in Mind
It is important to keep your goal in mind. Write down a list of why it is important to you to reach your goal. Keep the list in your wallet to remind you of your goal and it will help you resist those "in-the-moment" splurges.
You can start the process today by contacting Oakwood Homes of Colorado. Give us a call at (303) 486-8570 to hear more about our energy-efficient, affordable new homes.
Last updated 3 months ago
Tammy and Ryan Osborne kicked off 2013 celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary. They have decided to make this year a time to have fun together, do silly things and remember what it was like being newlyweds in a tightly packed apartment, dreaming of a home they could plan themselves and create happy times. This year the Osborne’s are building the home of their dreams, The Broadmoor by Oakwood Homes in The Meadows at Castle Rock.
While shopping for a home the openness of the Broadmoor floorplan pulled the Osborne’s in. Tammy and Ryan had been thinking about Tammy’s parents for over a year, wanting to help them, but not being able to absorb them into their current home. As they wandered through the model home, things suddenly clicked into focus. The Broadmoor had enough space not only to give Tammy’s parents private space, but the ability to customize doors and rooms to accommodate future assisted living needs. However, it was the humongous kitchen that had the Osborne family hooked.
Tammy and Ryan’s favorite part of the building process has been customizing the kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks, and the ability to work with BAC to get world-class appliances to create their dream kitchen. The Osborne family gravitates to the kitchen, as the heart of their home.
The kids are excited by different things, but nothing as much as having the entertainment room upstairs where they can be integrated with the family. So nice not to have the "TV room" in the basement, removed from everything else.
Georgie (Tammy’s mom) is thrilled by the chance to turn the front room of the house into a studio, where she can paint using lots of natural light.
Like Oakwood Homes’ facebook page to follow the Osborne’s through the building process of their new home! If you think you are ready to purchase a new home contact Oakwood Homes at 303-486-8915, or visit www.OakwoodHomesCo.com. Oakwood Homes is Colorado's largest privately held hometown builder. Using local resources and efficiencies, we have mastered the art of creating luxury homes that are accessible at every budget - for homebuyers in every stage of life.
Last updated 3 months ago
Make a Good First Impression
First impressions stick, so make it count! The curb appeal of your home is the first impression on potential buyers and should leave them eager for more.
Step back and scrutinize your home with a critical eye. Replace or remove anything that appears dingy. Dress up the front door by adding a decorative wreath, or by adding ready-made potted plants to the front step. Always keep the lawn mowed and trees/bushes trimmed. These quick and affordable tricks will ensure your home is radiating the best first impression possible.
De-Personalize
Personal family photos and artifacts can distract a buyer. You do not want a potential buyer wandering what type of family currently lives in the home. Instead, you want the potential buyer to envision living in the home. Pack away any personal photos or artifacts that will distract the potential buyer.
De-Clutter
If you don't need it, pack it! This step is beneficial for many reasons. A de-cluttered home will not only appear larger, but the less clutter, the more the buyer will be able to envision living in the home. Plus, it's a jump start on packing! Clearing off countertops, bookshelves, and removing other unnecessary items will align you for success.
Use Neutral Paint Colors
You may love your bright red kitchen, but neutral paint colors create a blank canvas for potential buyers to envision their lifestyle in your home. In addition, it creates a clean-cut and move-in ready atmosphere.
Remove/Replace Favorite Items
If there are items (curtains, light-fixtures etc.) that you plan to take with you, remove and if necessary replace before showing the home to potential buyers. If a potential buyer is interested in the home and wants an item and then is told they cannot have it, it can be a deal breaker- Out of sight, out of mind.
If you think you are ready to purchase a new home contact Oakwood Homes at 303-486-8915, or visit www.OakwoodHomesCo.com. Oakwood Homes is Colorado's largest privately held hometown builder. Using local resources and efficiencies, we have mastered the art of creating luxury homes that are accessible at every budget - for homebuyers in every stage of life.
Last updated 3 months ago
Oakwood Homes will be following the Osborne family through the building process of their NEW Oakwood Home in The Meadows at Castle Rock.
Tammy and I met here in Colorado, and we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary in a few weeks. We always wanted to raise a family in Colorado, somewhere around Denver, as there was a perfect blend of restaurants and fun places to go and things to do, along with museums and concert halls when we needed some culture. Mostly, we feel like the mountains are where we belong; both as a waypoint and a destination (I get lost without mountains...). The hills anchor us, give us our skyline, our reference point, put us above the noise and craziness of life and let us get out and just hear... nothing. Pines in the wind, squirrels chattering... and our own thoughts. It’s key to staying centered.
We all mountain bike as a family, and as an outgrowth of that, I was asked to be a trail crew leader (responsible for taking volunteers out and cutting and maintaining the single track trail systems here in Castle Rock). I've been doing that for several years now, and have gotten to know a lot of great people, both those that are professional athletes as well as those that simply love taking the dog for a walk in the evening. The trail behind our new house is Ridgeline, and has hosted professional endurance races, state high school mountain bike team championships (yes, there are high school mountain bike racing teams!) along with all the rest of us that cannot imagine anything better than having 10+ miles of trail that's ours to explore. I don't know of any other community that has put in a trail system like this. We're pretty lucky.
We are active in our church, and love the fact that there are a number of different faiths represented in the Meadows. There is an inclusive, community feel to life here, and one that really seems to be willing to let people worship how, what or when they may. The restaurants here in Castle Rock have us hooked - I won't name names. If you want the meal of your life, casual or upscale, it's here.
For more information on Oakwood Homes call (303) 486-8500 or visit our website www.OakwoodHomesCo.com.
