Bringing in Spring: time to declutter and get ready to entertain

Spring is here and with it comes plenty of opportunities to entertain friends and to bring out the best in your home, whether it's a property you own or a rental property. It's time to think al-fresco dining and to make the most of evenings that are getting longer and warmer. It's also time to spring-clean and declutter your home - you may be amazed at how much clutter you have accumulated since your last clear-out.

Getting creative with your entertainment area

For those making the most of the advantages of being a tenant rather than a homeowner, springtime is time to think about ways to make your entertainment area your own. Investing in some stylish patio furniture can be a great idea, because you'll be able to take it with you when it's time to find your next home. Keep the furniture compact rather than oversized to ensure that it will be the perfect finishing touch in the entertainment area of every home that you may end up renting.

Cushions add a great decorative touch to outdoor furniture, and can easily be taken inside after a get-together to keep them protected from the elements. Choose cushion covers that reflect the theme and the ambience that you're going for. With throws and cushion covers complementing your patio furniture, you can create all the ambience needed for a memorable occasion. If you need some colour inspiration, look no further than Pantone's Colour of the Year, which is a classic blue that's said to remind one of the skies at dusk. It's a peaceful, calming colour that fits well into every season. 

If you're living in a block of flats or a complex, it's important to make sure that your entertainment plans don't break the rules of the body corporate. For example, many blocks of flats will allow you to have a gas braai on your balcony, but not a charcoal one. Every complex will have rules about what time noise must cease in the evenings.

Make clutter a thing of the past

Winter 2020 has come to an end, and so should your piles of clutter, which build up over time and can take over large areas of your home. Decluttering is about being meticulous and sometimes ruthless, and it's something you'll thank yourself for doing next time it's time to move. While you may feel that the Marie Kondo approach is somewhat extreme, the best strategy is to tackle one room at a time, going in with a determined approach and an assortment of bags or boxes that will help you get organised. 

One bag needs to be dedicated to items that you'll be throwing away, and another bag will be for items that can be recycled, upcycled or given to charity. A third bag will be for items that you want to keep. A general rule of thumb is that if you haven't used it, looked at it or worn it in the past year, then it's time to say goodbye. A great piece of advice is to spread things out and look at groups of similar items together. The ones you really love (and should keep) will stand out immediately.

Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, in which we let go of what we no longer need and embrace the beauty of nature by spending more time outdoors. For some, it may be time to consider finding a new home that better suits their needs. CSi Sales, Rentals and Property Management has an assortment of properties available for sale or to rent. Contact the team today for the best advice on finding the property that's right for you.