As you get ready to start the decluttering process, it helps to have a system in place that you can use as you clean and reorganize. The super simple, straightforward option is the “Four-Box Method” — using four boxes or storage bins, you can streamline your decluttering job. Here’s a breakdown of how just four boxes can make tackling a cluttered room a breeze.
 
 
Box 1: Trash
Any items you want to get rid of that aren’t worth donating or selling go here. Pro tip: to save yourself a step, go ahead and use a Trash Bag instead of a box so you can take your trash straight to the dump after cleaning up.
 
Box 2: Give Away/Sell
Next, designate a box for items that are still in OK condition, but that your household could do without — like old books or toys, for example. Whether you want to give these things away to family/friends, donate them to Payette Forward, or sell them in a yard sale or on a local buy, sell, trade Facebook page to make a little extra money is totally up to you.
 
Box 3: Storage
This box is for things that you can’t or don’t want to get rid of, but that you aren’t in need of on a day-to-day basis (think things like seasonal decorations). It’s also a good idea to make an inventory of items that you’re putting in storage as you go — that way, you won’t be left wondering what exactly is taking up space in your garage or attic down the line.
 
Box 4: Put Away
Lastly, have a box ready to place any items that need to be kept in your house, but relocated to their proper place. If you want to get really organized, you can have a few smaller boxes — one each for places like your bathroom, kitchen, or bedrooms — and sort misplaced items into their “homes” to save yourself the hassle later.
 
Want one last decluttering pro tip? If you have the need for it, you can add a fifth box to this method: one for items that can be repaired/replaced rather than tossed out or donated, like a watch that needs a new battery.
 

In addition to being in the heart of some of Idaho's most beautiful mountains, Garden Valley is home to an abundant wildlife - this includes all kinds of birds, bears, cougar, deer, and even ELK.

Whether you like view wildlife or enjoy hunting, Garden Valley has plenty of elk to offer. Did you know elk are also known as Wapiti, a Native American word that means light colored deer?

They are one of the largest species within the deer family and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America. Did you also know at one time Garden Valley had a famous elk name Elvis! Enjoy this little video to learn more about one of our local wild celebrities!

Congratulations Garden Valley Properties!
2020 proved to be another pedigree year for Garden Valley Properties!
 
Established in 2001, The Garden Valley Properties team has led the West Boise County Real Estate market since 2002. 
The Company maintained a dominant market share despite an increase in competition.

Of over 8000 real estate agents, in the Intermountain MLS, Garden Valley Properties placed in the show ranking.
Kathy Vaughan jumped to the top 6.8%, Toni Palmiotto the top 9%, Julie Leslie the top 16%.

All three have been tagged with the annual Circle of Excellence Award by the Boise Regional Realtors.

Garden Valley Properties devotion to a higher standard of professional excellence and ethics has earned them some of the highest accolades in the southwest Idaho Real Estate industry.   None of this could have been accomplished without the loyalty and support of Garden Valley Properties clients, friends and family! 

You all deserve a pat on the back!
              

Owners: Julie Leslie and Kathy Vaughan      
Broker: James Jardine

Wednesday, March 17,2021 is St. Patrick’s Day. How many of you celebrate and what do you do? Do you just wear green so no one will pinch you? Do you wear red so you get kissed? Or, do you just not celebrate?

My 5 year old granddaughter was so excited last night to tell me all about what she is going to do. They had a big discussion about it in pre-school. I think I got everything she was saying, but she was talking so fast I’m not sure. Here is what I think was said.

? You need to wear green so you don’t get pinched.
? If you wear red, someone will kiss you.
? She is going to wear red with green underneath so she can trick everyone!
? She needs to build a trap to try and catch the leprechaun, I think Lucky Charms may be involved in this, but I am not positive on that one.
? Somewhere along the lines I found out that at her house, the naughty leprechaun turns their milk green and he pees green into the toilet. They must have a very naught leprechaun at their house.
She is very excited for all of this to happen – I think tricking the leprechaun with the 2 different colored shirts is her favorite idea.

I know a lot of people celebrate with green beer and corned beef with cabbage. This isn’t my favorite, but I’m always willing to cook it up for my husband. I’ve included a link to Allrecipes for corned beef and cabbage https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/ They are my go-to when I’m looking for a recipe.

And if you want to know why we celebrate, here is a little information for you.

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain during the 5th century and brought to Ireland as a slave when he was 16. He escaped but returned to Ireland and was given credit for bringing Christianity to the people.

While you are here, check out what properties are available, maybe you’ll find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in Garden Valley! Or call us at 208-462-4620

Although it may not feel like it, spring is right around the corner!  Soon the flowers will be blooming, the birds will be chirping, but our homes might still be stuck with those winter blues.  The tradition of spring cleaning allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the often busy seasons of spring and summer.  Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be, so here are five tips to get you started.  Once your house is sparkling clean this spring don’t hesitate to visit Garden Valley Properties for all of your real estate needs.

Clean Room by Room
Approaching your house room by room is the most effective way to deep clean it. Create cleaning checklists for each room to help you get organized.

Organize and Clear the Clutter
One of the biggest parts of spring cleaning is getting rid of clutter.  Sorting your belongings into four categories—trash, give away, store, or put away—can be effective as you go through the spring-cleaning process.

Get the Household Involved
Make spring cleaning a household endeavor. Throw on some music or offer a household reward as an incentive to get the work done.

Tackle the Seasonal Chores
Many chores need to be done seasonally.  For instance, tackle outdoor chores, such as cleaning the grill, patio, and outsides of windows, as soon as the weather warms up. Also, store winter clothing, bedding, decor, and other items. And pull out your spring items to give your home a refreshed look.

Keep Cleaning Products to a Minimum
If you need to shop for new cleaning products keep your items to a minimum.  Opt for a good all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloths. Those items will cover the majority of surfaces in your home. Then, purchase other specialty cleaning supplies only as needed.

We here at Garden Valley Properties want to be part of your home long after the paperwork is signed - that's why we love sharing these kind of helpful home tips! Do you have tips on running a smooth household? We'd love to hear them!