Moving to a new home can be an exciting and transformative experience, but the process of packing up and relocating can also be daunting and overwhelming. One powerful way to ease the transition and simplify the moving process is through the practice of decluttering. By strategically purging unnecessary belongings and organizing possessions, individuals can not only reduce stress and streamline the moving process but also optimize space in their new home. This article explores the benefits of decluttering before a move, provides practical strategies for efficient decluttering, and offers tips for letting go of sentimental items. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating to a new city, or simply seeking a fresh start, embracing the power of decluttering can make your moving journey smoother and more manageable.

The Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move

Reducing Stress and Overwhelm

Moving is stressful enough without dragging along unnecessary clutter. Decluttering before a move can help lighten the load both mentally and physically, making the whole process more manageable.

Streamlining the Moving Process

By decluttering before packing, you’ll save time and effort during the moving process. You’ll know exactly what you’re taking with you, making unpacking in your new place a breeze.

Strategies for Efficient Decluttering

Room-by-Room Approach

Take on decluttering one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Breaking it down into smaller tasks makes the process more manageable and allows you to focus on one area at a time.

Decluttering Timeline and Schedule

Set a decluttering timeline leading up to your move. By planning ahead and setting aside specific times for decluttering, you can stay on track and ensure everything gets sorted before moving day.

Sorting and Organizing Possessions

Categorizing Items: Keep, Donate, Sell, Discard

Sort your belongings into categories to make decisions easier. Create piles for items to keep, donate, sell, or discard, helping you prioritize what to do with each possession.

Utilizing Storage Solutions

Consider using storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelving to keep your belongings organized during the decluttering process. This can help you maintain a tidy space and make it easier to find things when packing.

Letting Go: Tips for Decluttering Sentimental Items

Embracing Minimalism

When it comes to sentimental items, focus on keeping those that truly hold special meaning for you. Embrace the idea of minimalism by letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.

Creating Digital Keepsakes

Preserve memories without holding onto physical items by creating digital keepsakes. Scan photographs, letters, and other sentimental items to save them digitally, reducing clutter while still keeping cherished memories alive.

Selling, Donating, or Discarding: Making Decisions on What to Do with Decluttered Items

Maximizing Value: Selling Strategies

When it comes to decluttering, deciding what to do with your items can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Whether it’s selling that old lamp or donating those jeans that haven’t seen the light of day in years, making the right choice is crucial. We dive into selling strategies that can help you get the most bang for your buck.

Choosing the Right Donation Centers

Let’s face it, parting ways with your belongings can be emotional. But knowing they will go to a good cause can ease the separation anxiety. We share tips on how to choose the right donation centers so you can feel good about giving back while decluttering.

Maximizing Space in Your New Home Through Decluttering

Organizing Tips for Each Room

So, you’ve decluttered like a champ, but now what? Maximizing space in your new abode is the next step. From organizing your kitchen to revamping your closet, we’ve got tips and tricks for every room in your home to make the most of your newly acquired space.

Furnishing and Layout Considerations

You’ve Marie Kondo’d your way through your belongings, but what about your furniture and layout? We discuss how to strategically arrange your furniture and make layout decisions that can enhance the spaciousness and functionality of your new dwelling.

Maintaining a Clutter-Free Lifestyle After the Move

Establishing New Habits and Routines

Decluttering isn’t just a one-time gig; it’s a way of life. We chat about how to establish new habits and routines post-move that can help you maintain a clutter-free space and prevent the dreaded re-cluttering phenomenon.

Regular Decluttering Maintenance Plan

The key to a clutter-free home is consistency. We offer a roadmap for creating a regular decluttering maintenance plan that ensures you stay on top of your belongings and continue to enjoy the benefits of a tidy and organized living space.In conclusion, decluttering before a move is a transformative process that goes beyond just physical belongings—it can free up mental space, reduce the burden of excess possessions, and pave the way for a more organized and intentional lifestyle in your new home. By embracing the principles of decluttering, making mindful decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or discard, and maintaining a clutter-free environment post-move, you can create a living space that truly reflects who you are and allows you to thrive. So, as you embark on your moving journey, remember the power of decluttering and the positive impact it can have on your life.

On Monday, April 8, for the second time in a decade, Chicago will experience a partial solar eclipse.

The last total solar eclipse was in 2017.

A partial solar eclipse, according to NASA, happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up. Only a part of the Sun will appear to be covered, giving it a crescent shape. During a total or annular solar eclipse, people outside the area covered by the Moon’s inner shadow see a partial solar eclipse.

In the U.S., according to an ABC News report, the path of totality, i.e.  the track of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface, begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

While Chicago won’t have the 100% totality that other parts of Illinois (primarily Southern Illinois) will have, Chicagoans will still get the lion’s share of the eclipse, with around 94% totality. The sun’s path behind the moon will travel through our area from 12:51 pm to 3:22 p.m., reaching peak totality at 2:07 p.m.

What is an eclipse?

According to NASA’s website, solar eclipses happen when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the Sun’s light in some areas. This only happens occasionally, because the Moon doesn’t orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. The time when they are aligned is known as eclipse season, which happens twice a year.

After April 2024, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. will happen in August 2044. 

Eclipse Events Around Chicago

Thereare numerous events aroundChicago,but the world-renowned Adler Planetarium1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is hosting Eclipse Encounter ’24, a free outdoor event featuring safe solar viewing through telescopes on the Telescope Terrace, telescopes for solar projection and eclipse photography.free solar viewer giveaways (while supplies last), and photo opportunities with Big Solar Eclipse glasses. Attendees are encouraged to walk around, hang out, and observe the sky while the eclipse is happening. Tickets are not required for this free outdoor (weather dependent) event. For more information, click here.

At the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, from 10 am to 3:30 pm,  there are no free events, but all eclipse activities are included in museum admission. You can check out the eclipse up close with telescopic viewing of the Moon crossing the Sun’s path through  solar telescopes, watch a NASA livestream with the Museum’s own NASA Solar System Ambassador, or take part in family- and student-friendly hands-on activities. MSI will also have satellite locations at Millennium Park, the Michigan Avenue bridge, Oak Street Beach, and the DuSable Museum. For tickets and information, click here.

Pullman National Historical Park and State Historic Site,  614 E. 113^th Street, is hosting an eclipse viewing party from 1-3 pm featuring NASA Ambassador Mark Benson. The free event includes eclipse-themed snacks, a limited number of viewing glasses, hands-on activities with the NPS Rangers, and an Ask a NASA Ambassador Q&A session. The park advises people to bring lawn chairs if you need seating. 

Tips for Watching the Eclipse

Protect your eyes!! 

According to the National Eye Institute, solar eclipses can be viewed safely by looking through special-purpose solar filters. These filters must meet an international standard, indicated by ISO 12312-2 certification. They must have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere in the product, and not be older than three years or have any scratches on the lenses.

Never look at the sun through binoculars, photo cameras, telescopes or any optical device using eclipse glasses or handheld filters. The sun will burn through them and damage your eyes. There are special filters that can be attached to the front of optical equipment if you choose to watch the eclipse that way.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Spring is a great time to get rid of junk! Every space in your house contains items you either don’t notice are even there or are hanging onto for some reason. Here’s a short list of things to toss. 

Kitchen – There are endless kitchen items that we hold onto because we “may need them someday”. How about that huge pile of plastic grocery bags under the sink, or those cheap tote bags that hardly hold anything? I guarantee that mismatched Tupperware you’ve had for ages can be replaced by some nice stackable containers. Toss all your old spices and herbs, since after a year their flavor is barely there. Take-out menus and seasoning packets just take up space. Old knives that are past their prime. Now’s the time to invest in three good knives, a chef’s knife, a paring knife and a serrated knife.

Bedroom – Here mainly we want to minimize. Pare down all those pillows you bought during your Boho phase. Then we can concentrate on the closet. If you haven’t worn something in a year it has to go. That goes the same for shoes and old shoe boxes. Cheap cleaner hangers are bad for your clothes. Invest in some good ones to protect your clothes. 

Living room – This is mainly a declutter. Newspapers, magazines, and old junk mail can tend to pile up. Try recycling daily. Toss any old plants that have been on the edge of dying for years. Donate those knickknacks, they are only dust collectors. Same with candle holders with no candles and those nearly burned-out ones. 

Bathroom – Some of the clutter here can be somewhat dangerous. Anything here that is expired can make you sick or not be effective. Sunscreen, makeup, medications and even hair products all have expiration dates. Say goodbye also to all those stained towels with holes in them. Watch for department store sales to buy yourself a nice new set of towels. Replace that old nasty bathroom rug with a new moisture wicking shower pad. 

Home office – I bet you have a dozen old chargers or devices with no chargers! Check online for safe disposal for these. Dispose of old pens and markers that are dried out. Digitize your important documents or keep them in see through plastic envelopes. This will let you get rid of those clunky file cabinets. Any supplies for the “creative projects” you have been trying to start for years can go too. Again, use the year code. Anything you haven’t touched in a year must go. 

Let us know what other tips you have for getting rid of clutter around the house!

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

Transforming your outdoor space into a trendy and inviting oasis can elevate your home’s living experience and provide a sanctuary to unwind and entertain. With a plethora of innovative ideas and design trends emerging, enhancing your outdoor area has never been more exciting. From embracing biophilic design elements to incorporating sustainable features and utilizing smart technology, there are endless possibilities to create a stylish and functional outdoor haven that reflects your personality. In this article, we explore various trendy ideas to inspire you in elevating your outdoor space to new heights of beauty and comfort.

Introduction to Elevating Outdoor Spaces

Ready to turn your outdoor area from drab to fab? Elevating your outdoor space not only adds value to your property but also gives you a serene retreat right at home. Say goodbye to boring yards and hello to stylish outdoor havens!

Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are more than just a patch of grass – they are extensions of our living areas, offering a breath of fresh air and a connection to nature. They provide a space to relax, entertain, and rejuvenate, making them an essential part of any home.

Trends in Outdoor Design and Decor

From cozy fire pits to chic outdoor lounges, the trends in outdoor design and decor are constantly evolving. Stay ahead of the curve by embracing new ideas like biophilic design elements, sustainable features, and stylish outdoor living areas.

Embracing Biophilic Design Elements

Bring the outdoors in – or rather, bring the indoors out! Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into your outdoor space, creating a harmonious blend of nature and design that soothes the soul.

Bringing Nature into Your Outdoor Space

Fill your outdoor oasis with lush greenery, natural textures, and earthy colors to create a tranquil environment that feels like a retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Think hanging planters, stone accents, and wooden furniture.

Benefits of Biophilic Design

Not only does biophilic design look stunning, but it also has proven benefits for your well-being. Studies show that being surrounded by nature reduces stress, increases creativity, and improves overall happiness – making it a must-have for your outdoor space.

Incorporating Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Features

When it comes to outdoor design, sustainability is key. Choose eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions to create a space that not only looks good but also does good for the planet.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials

Opt for recycled materials, natural fibers, and sustainable wood options for your outdoor furniture and decor. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also add a touch of eco-chic to your outdoor space.

Energy-Efficient Outdoor Lighting Solutions

Set the mood with energy-efficient outdoor lighting that illuminates your space while saving on energy costs. Solar-powered lights, LED fixtures, and motion sensors are great options to light up your outdoor area sustainably.

Creating Functional and Stylish Outdoor Living Areas

Make the most of your outdoor space by zoning it effectively and choosing furniture and accessories that not only look good but also serve a purpose. Create distinct areas for dining, lounging, and entertaining to maximize your outdoor living experience.

Zoning Your Outdoor Space

Divide your outdoor area into zones based on functionality – a dining area for meals, a lounging area for relaxation, and a play area for kids. By creating distinct zones, you can make the most of your outdoor space and cater to different activities.

Furniture and Accessories Selection

Choose outdoor furniture and accessories that are not only stylish but also durable and weather-resistant. Opt for comfortable seating, weatherproof materials, and statement pieces that reflect your personal style to create a cohesive and inviting outdoor living area.

Enhancing Ambiance with Lighting and Decor

When it comes to jazzing up your outdoor space, lighting and decor play a crucial role. Let’s shed some light on the different types of outdoor lighting fixtures that can elevate your ambiance and explore some decorative elements that will make your space shine.

Types of Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

From string lights to lanterns, there’s a myriad of outdoor lighting options to choose from. Whether you want to create a cozy nook or a vibrant party atmosphere, selecting the right fixtures can set the mood just right.

Decorative Elements for Outdoor Spaces

Throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and stylish planters are just a few examples of decorative elements that can add personality to your outdoor oasis. Mixing and matching textures and colors can transform your space from blah to ta-da!

Utilizing Smart Technology for Outdoor Spaces

Why should your smart home end at the doorstep? Bring the convenience and efficiency of smart technology to your outdoor areas for a seamless and connected experience. Let’s dive into how you can integrate smart tech outdoors and the perks that come with it.

Smart Home Integration for Outdoor Areas

Imagine controlling your outdoor lighting, speakers, and even your sprinkler system with just a tap on your phone. With smart home integration, you can take your outdoor space to the next level of convenience and comfort.

Advantages of Smart Technology Outdoors

From energy savings to enhanced security features, smart technology outdoors can revolutionize the way you interact with your space. Embrace the future and make your outdoor oasis smart and savvy.

Incorporating Water Features and Greenery

Want to add a touch of tranquility to your outdoor retreat? Consider incorporating water features and greenery for a refreshing and serene vibe. Discover creative water feature ideas and the benefits of bringing more green into your outdoor spaces.

Creative Water Feature Ideas

A bubbling fountain, a peaceful pond, or a cascading waterfall – the options for water features are as refreshing as they are diverse. Adding a water element can create a soothing ambiance and become a focal point in your outdoor setting.

Benefits of Greenery in Outdoor Spaces

Plants not only purify the air but also bring life and color to your outdoor oasis. From providing shade to attracting beneficial wildlife, greenery can transform your space into a lush sanctuary that you’ll love to escape to.

Personalizing Your Outdoor Oasis

Your outdoor space should be a reflection of your unique style and personality. Let’s explore how you can infuse your personal touch into every nook and cranny of your outdoor haven and get inspired by creative ways to make it truly yours.

Reflecting Your Style and Personality

Whether you’re a minimalist maven or a boho chic enthusiast, your outdoor space should speak volumes about who you are. From choosing furniture that resonates with your aesthetic to incorporating meaningful decor pieces, let your style shine through.

Creative Ways to Personalize Your Outdoor Space

From DIY projects to upcycling old furniture, there are countless ways to add a personal touch to your outdoor oasis. Hang up a gallery wall of outdoor art, create a cozy reading nook, or even build a custom fire pit – the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Let your creativity run wild and make your outdoor space a true extension of yourself.Incorporating these trendy ideas into your outdoor space can truly transform it into a haven that enhances your lifestyle and connection with nature. By embracing biophilic design, sustainable features, and personalized touches, you can create a space that reflects your style and provides a retreat for relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you are looking to create a cozy outdoor living area or a chic entertainment space, these ideas are sure to elevate your outdoor oasis to new levels of beauty and functionality. Let your outdoor space be a reflection of your personality and a place where you can unwind and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Other generations may have a different idea, but for me, the Golden Age of film criticism was probably the late 1970’s to the early 2000’s.

That’s when two Chicago film critics defined the genre for the nation…Gene Siskel, of the Chicago Tribune and Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times. The polar opposites became widely known for their “thumbs up, thumbs down’ critique and ‘At the Movies’ syndicated TV show.

Both have passed on…Siskel in 1999, Ebert in 2013, but they leave a legacy in the film critics that followed, such as Richard Roeper, who replaced Siskel on the show. 

But Siskel and Ebert will never be forgotten, thanks to websites like RogerEbert.com, and the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street.

As their website notes, Siskel “possessed a laser-like ability to discern quality in everything. He always looked for the finest; expected it and appreciated it. That is what drew him to the Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There, Gene found a superior showcase for the world’s greatest films. He championed the Film Center from its very inception, as did his distinguished fellow film critic, Roger Ebert. When asked by a journalist to list his three favorite things about Chicago, Gene named Michael Jordan, Mayor Daley, and the Film Center.”

It was only fitting then, that the Film Center was renamed in honor of the man who could discern quality. It’s directly south of the ABC Building, where Siskel & Ebert and successor series Ebert & Roeper recorded weekly from 1996 until 2008.

A Center for Excellence in Film

The Film Center’s programming includes annual film festivals that celebrate diverse voices and international cultures, premieres of trailblazing work by today’s independent filmmakers, restorations and revivals of essential films from cinema history, and insightful, provocative discussions with filmmakers and media artists. Altogether, the Film Center hosts over 1,600 screenings and 200 filmmaker appearances every year. 

Film Festivals Throughout the Year 

The Film Center hosts several film festivals annually, highlighting up and coming filmmakers and voices that might otherwise be muted or unheard, including the Black Harvest Film Festival in November, The Chicago European Union Film Festival in early March, the Annual Festival of Films from Iran in February, the Asian American Showcase and the upcoming Chicago Palestine Film Festival, from April 20–May 5. 

‘CLI-FI’ Lecture Series

Currently, they are hosting a CLI-FI LECTURE SERIES, focused on climate change, to see, understand, and respond to the escalating crisis of climate change. CliFi will run January 30 through May 7, with lecturers Shawn Michelle Smith and Oliver Sann. One of the films featured is 2021’s NEPTUNE FROST, onTuesday, April 2, at  6pm, focuses on a band of liberated coltan miners, which has coalesced into an anti-colonialist computer hacker consortium situated in the elevated terrain of Burundi. They endeavor to orchestrate a revolt against the despotic regime that is subjecting both the region’s innate resources and its populace to exploitation.

On Tuesday, April 9, at 6pm the Gene Siskel Film Center presents Alfonso Cuarón’s CHILDREN OF MEN, set in a bleak, near-future England in which global economies have collapsed and an unprecedented migrant crisis has emerged. Compounding the crisis is the fact of human infertility—no human babies have been born in 18 years. A small group of determined activists fights to protect the future of humanity. For information and tickets, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago