Storage Areas
February has been the time to tackle my client’s basements. Some of the basements were family room with playrooms, to unfinished spaces used for storage, and finished areas used for inventory storage. No matter what the basement was used for it turns in to a dumping ground for some of my clients.
The general rule of organizing is to have a purpose for each space and stick to it. This room is a guest room etc. marketplace
Basements, attics or garages tend to be a dumping ground, before you know it the space is filled and unusable which can take weeks to clean up.
Yes, free boxes are appealing but are not good for long term storage. Preserve your memories do not destroy them. You can’t imagine what I have seen being done to family heirlooms. Some destroyed by rodents, some by standing water, and some with just moisture from damp basements. Plastic storage is for long term memories, pictures, family heirlooms, seasonal décor, and extra party supplies. Cardboard boxes allow dust and sometime rodents to get into these items. Make sure you label each container so it’s easily identified.
My husband and I learned the hard way when a 3-generation photo was destroyed by leaving in the frame too long. The picture stuck to the glass and we had to pay to get this photo restored. Things like this can be avoided by removing these pictures from frames and storing in proper photo boxes. If these frames are no longer needed just donate them.
Before anything goes into storage ask yourself why is it going to storage? Will it to be kept out of sight to deal with later? If this is the case set an appointment on your calendar to deal with these items otherwise the box will be forgotten. If redecorating but don’t want to throw out those expensive décor items? Ask yourself, will you use the items again? If the answer is NO, then sell online to fb selling sites or find a local home décor consignment shop or local donation place.
A room can have multiple purposes especially the basement. My basement has a tv section which includes my son’s Xbox. Another part of the basement is an area for my daughter’s make-believe classroom where she can teach her dolls. Storage for games and puzzles are on the other side of the room. The other space in the basement is used for darts and other in the house games. The important part of having multiple functions in a space is to stick with the sections and not junk up the area with unnecessary things.
Creating a workout area, keep workout equipment in a organize space. Do you have a lot of weights and do you have a weight stand? If the answer is NO, then use an empty bookshelf or shoe container. You can use a canvas bin or empty plastic tub for all the other loose equipment.
Toy Area
Don’t let the toys creep into the other sections of the basement. Rotate toys to allow the new and exciting feeling come out every 3-6 months. Create toy organizing systems like the child school for simple following through with clean up. Have toy storage that works for the type of toys that your child plays with.
Remember if there is overabundance of toys the child will feel overwhelmed and not play with all the toys.
Help Your Family have an amazing day by having a Clutter Free Home where they can play, focus and feel stress free!
Don’t know where to start? Call us for a consultation where we can help you create an organizing plan!
215-908-2869
How long do you leave your holiday decorations on display in your home? We hear from a lot of people that they continue to enjoy their holiday decorations well into the new year . We’re all for squeezing every last drop of joy out of the season and we think you should leave your decorations up as long as you’d like! However, when the time comes to un-decorate, we highly recommend that you downsize holiday decorations: take the time to sort and organize them before you put them away. Always edit your collections before you store them. This concept is harder than it seems, but if you decorate your home for the holidays and still have more decor in storage, you may want to donate or re-home anything you didn’t display this year . If you’re ready to apply this principle, try this method: 1) Pull out ALL of your holiday decor and supplies at the start of the season. 2) Decorate your home and set up your gift wrapping area, holiday supplies etc. 3) Box or bag anything that didn’t make the cut this year for decor and supplies. 4) Retain any storage containers that could be useful to better organize the items you want to keep for next year. The pros recommend clear containers so you can see what’s in there! If you’re downsizing or short on space, consider: Choose unbreakable and easy-to-store options when you can. Fragile decorations that need a lot of protection take up a lot of space in storage. We know some downsizers who have chosen to go all-natural (as much as possible) with live garlands, wreaths, tree trimmings, floral arrangements, etc. so that there is less to store at the end of the season. You can always choose fewer areas to decorate , focusing on the spaces where you will most enjoy your holiday trimmings. When it’s time to store: Use the right container for the job . Specialty ornament containers may cost more, but they will protect delicate items. Consider off-site storage . We’re seeing more and more specialty storage solutions for small-space dwellers, including services that will pick up and deliver your holiday supplies on demand.
How do you decorate for the holidays? For many, transforming their home with elaborate holiday zeal is a seasonal ritual that lightens the mood and brings joy to the whole household. There are lots of ways to go crazy on the holiday decorations, but one of our particular favorites is the Christmas village . These table-top displays tend to grow over the years and can manifest as a full-on miniature town complete with tiny inhabitants going about their holiday errands. Collectibles advisor Charles Tinsley weighs in on What’s It Worth: Department 56. Department 56 Of all the versions of ceramic towns that pop up in American homes every December, the Department 56 Christmas Villages continue to be one of the most popular items in the Christmas collectibles market. The charming Department 56 ceramic pieces, decorated for the holidays and lit brightly behind their tiny windows, were the brainchild of Ed Banzinet , a talented designer who oversaw the Gift Import Department (Department 56!) of the Bachman Company in Minneapolis. The first Department 56 buildings were released in 1976. The Original Snow Village consisted of six pieces: four little houses and two churches. The Original Snow Village was based on an actual town near Ed’s home in Stillwater, Minnesota. Stillwater had a tradition of decorating the houses, stores and churches for Christmas with garlands, wreaths and bright lights. The first Christmas village set the character for the brand: highly detailed ceramic buildings that are brightly lit to create the look that originally inspired him. In the first two years of the collection, nine more pieces were added. These first designs in the collection remain the most highly prized by collectors today. A Focus on Popular Culture Like many decorative or seasonal collectables, Department 56 releases new designs every year, inspiring collectors to commemorate the years and the celebration of family milestones with new pieces. Department 56 enjoyed a popularity boost from an unlikely source: pieces based on the 1989 film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . In the movie, Clark Griswold’s boss Mr. Shirley did not give Christmas bonuses that year, but did have a celebration in his large and well appointed home. This scene was the inspiration for the very popular miniature Boss Shirley’s House. The film inspired a whole host of buildings, characters and accessories, including Todd & Margo’s House. The Christmas Vacation series remains among the most popular and sought-after pieces. Over the years, Department 56 has released many other designs based on popular culture and holiday films, including “A Christmas Story” , many Disney characters, a vintage Harley Davidson store and even a miniature Downton Abbey . The greatest challenge for this particular collectible is that they are ceramic, and therefore fragile. The value decreases greatly if they do not come with their original box and packaging . Since they are usually associated with the holiday season, they spend most of the time in storage. They take up a lot of room which means collectors have to sacrifice valuable storage space in their homes. So, What’s it Worth? As is the case with many collectibles these days, the value of Department 56 pieces is not as high as it has been in the past , but they do continue to be highly sought after. Notable online auction sales in the fall 2021 include National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation series . These designs remain at the top of the heap for collectors: • Todd and Margo’s House $2800 • The Department Store $500- $900 • Griswold Family Buys a Tree $375 The Dickens Village pieces are highly collected as well. In 2021 the top prices for pieces in this set were: • Kensington Palace $125 • Norman Church $220 • Dead Creek Village Mill $200 Smaller pieces in the collection such as “The Christmas Carol” may go for $40 to $50. Other sought-after designs include the Halloween Haunted Mansion ($800-$1000) and the Chick-Fil-A Dwarf House ($450). Common Designs Currently, the majority of the Department 56 collectibles are sold in larger lots, in their original boxes. Lots of 8-12 pieces may go for $200-$225 . Large collections of 75 or more pieces in their boxes may sell for as much as $1200 . If you love constructing a tiny village in your home for the holidays, and you have the space to store them, our advice is to continue enjoying your collection as long as you can! You could even scoop up some delightful additions to add a new neighborhood at a relatively low cost. When you’re ready to sell, you’ll probably do best to package them as a lot and sell them online or at a local auction house .
The holiday season is a time for traditions, celebrations, and bringing loved ones together. One tradition that has graced festive tables for centuries is themed dinnerware, and few brands embody the essence of holiday elegance like Spode. The timeless appeal of these special dishes has been passed down through generations, beloved for their classic designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and sense of continuity and nostalgia. Founded in 1770, Spode has been putting out beautiful ceramic creations for over 250 years. In fact, these dishes are still being produced, though under the name Portmeirion, and can be found for purchase on home decor sites such as Wayfair to this very day! With such timeless appeal, these collectables have fluctuated in desirability and value over the years. Their 2023 values can be determined by a variety of factors including rarity, condition, and investment potential. Do you have a collection of Spode dinnerware, either older or more contemporary? What might they be worth today? Identifying Spode Dinnerware Like most ceramic collectibles, authenticity can usually be determined by maker’s marks. Dishes produced from 1927-1957 show an ornate backstamp that reads “Copeland, Spode, England”. Dishes produced after 1960 show a different maker’s mark as the company changed ownership – they simply read “Spode, England” followed by a pattern name and a pattern number that ends with a letter to indicate the year produced. Dating your piece can be trickier, but if you know how to identify the date marks, it can be a major help. Pieces from the early 1800s through 1963 will often show an impressed date mark in flat areas, such as the back of a saucer or dish. For pieces dated later than 1963, it gets even more complicated, and a reference book will be needed to accurately date the pieces. We recommend consulting Spode & Copeland Marks and Other Relevant Intelligence by Robert Copeland. Lookalikes With the popularity that holiday china has garnered over the years, there are bound to be some copycats out there. And surprisingly – Spode isn’t actually the original! Their Christmas Tree pattern was introduced in 1938, but Cuthbertson was actually the first company to create holiday china with a central Christmas Tree motif, introduced in 1922. A side-by-side comparison reveals that the Cuthbertson pieces tend to be more brightly colored, and they of course have different maker’s marks on the backs of the dishes – reading “Cuthbertson, The Original Christmas Tree”. Avid collectors may also be quick to point out that the Cuthbertson image includes a blue car under the tree. Condition One of the most important factors in determining the value of a collectible is its condition. Items in mint or near mint condition will always garner a higher price than a similar collectible in damaged condition. For Spode holiday dishes, signs of wear on the pattern and chips or cracks in the ceramic are the biggest determining factors for assessing condition. Here’s how it breaks down: Mint – Appears brand new and shows no signs of wear. It has no flaws, scratches, or marks. The item has never been used, or if it has, it has been used very sparingly. A dish that’s still in its original packaging, has never been used, and has no visible imperfections would be a great example of Mint condition. Near Mint – Shows only the slightest signs of wear. It might have very minor imperfections that are barely noticeable and would not detract from the overall appearance or functionality of the item. Pieces in near mint condition have been well cared for; they might have a tiny scratch or mark, but it’s hardly noticeable. Excellent – Shows minor signs of wear or age. There might be some minor flaws or signs of use, but they are not immediately noticeable and do not significantly detract from the item’s appearance or value. Pieces in excellent condition may have been used on a few occasions and might have a couple of minor scratches or a tiny chip on the underside, but the main design remains intact and vibrant. Very Good – Shows clear signs of use and wear. There might be some noticeable flaws, like small chips, scratches, or slight fading. However, the item is still functional and retains most of its original charm. Pieces in very good condition may have been used regularly over the years. They may have some wear marks, a few small chips on the edges, and some fading of the design. Damaged – Has significant flaws or damage that affect its functionality or appearance. This could include large chips, cracks, significant fading, or other defects. An example would be a dish that has a large crack running through it, significant chips on its edges, and considerable fading of its design. Other Considerations Besides condition, there are some other factors that can help determine the value of your Spode holiday dishes including rarity, where they are listed for sale, and their investment potential. Rarity : Vintage and discontinued Spode patterns can be rare finds, making them highly sought after by collectors. Limited-edition releases and unique pieces also contribute to their rarity and value. Collector’s Market : Spode holiday dishes have a dedicated collector’s market, where enthusiasts are willing to pay a premium for rare and pristine pieces. The internet has made it easier for collectors to connect and trade, further boosting their value. Investment Potential : While Spode holiday dishes are cherished for their aesthetic appeal and sentimental value, they can also be seen as investment pieces. Some patterns have seen steady appreciation in value over the years, making them a potentially profitable investment. Most Sought-After Christmas Tree – This pattern is arguably the most iconic and enduring holiday offering from Spode. A decorated Christmas tree adorned with colorful baubles and presents is the central motif for this charming pattern that has been a favorite for generations. A never-used 1990s service for 12 totaling 41 pieces sold for $200 in 2023. Christmas Rose – This pattern showcases delicate red roses, green holly leaves, and gold accents, creating an elegant and festive look. It’s a favorite among collectors who appreciate a more traditional and refined holiday table setting. An undated Spode Christmas Rose Bone China Tea Pot sold in 2023 for $225. Woodland – While not exclusively a holiday pattern, this pattern features a variety of woodland creatures, including deer, rabbits, and birds. An undated set of 12 dinner plates and 12 salad plates featuring the Spode Woodland pattern sold for $460 in 2023. Christmas Tree Grove – This pattern features a charming scene of a snowy village with decorated Christmas trees and cottages. It’s a less common Spode holiday pattern, but has garnered attention from collectors who appreciate its scenic design. An undated 5-piece place setting sold for $139.95 in 2023. Advice for Sellers As we enter another holiday season, Spode holiday dishes continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and families alike. Their timeless design, craftsmanship, and evolving value make them a cherished tradition that connects generations and adds a touch of elegance to festive celebrations. Whether you’re a collector or someone who simply appreciates the beauty of these dishes, Spode’s holiday offerings are sure to shine brightly on your holiday table. And if holiday china isn’t really your thing, rest assured there is still a demand for these fun and festive dishes, so selling them is still a viable option.