Please don't hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it'd be great to hear from you!

THINKING BIG IN SMALL SPACES

Living small is all the rage but you can still live large in a small space!

If you live in a small space, it’s important that you don’t feel boxed in. The following tips will help transform your cramped quarters into something that feels much more expansive:

Disappearing Doors
Installing pocket doors is an easy and inexpensive way to create loads of extra space.

Shady Solutions
Paint the walls a soft shade and the ceiling bright white to give the illusion of added height.

Lighten Up
Keep the window areas clear of heavy drapes in order to expand the wall area and to let the sun shine in to brighten things up.

Mirror Mirror
Strategically placed mirrors will create the illusion of added space and they’ll also reflect light into adjoining rooms.

Cut a Rug
Having the same type of flooring throughout your home will make it feel much more spacious so avoid using too many area rugs.

Hide & Seek
Maximize hidden space by hanging storage pockets behind doors or adding bed risers to accommodate under-the-bed storage containers.

Cut the Clutter
Have a place for everything so that the surfaces in your home don’t get cluttered. Storage baskets, for example, are great for hiding remotes and magazines.

Open Up
Arrange your furniture so you can see as much of the floor as possible. Rooms with blocked views can feel cramped so move furniture away from entrances.

Whether you're getting ready to put your home on the market or you just want to create more space for yourself, these easy and inexpensive tips will help give you a little extra breathing room.

By thinking big and getting creative, you can comfortably live large in even the smallest of spaces.

NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY

There are so many pets in the K-W area that need a good home.

For all you dog lovers out there, May 20th marks National Rescue Dog Day which was created to help raise awareness about the huge number of dogs who are currently waiting in shelters for a new place to call home.

There are an increasing number of animals in the K-W area that need loving homes as many people who went out and got pets during the pandemic have given them up now that they’ve gone back to work.

Thankfully, the Humane Society of Kitchener-Waterloo has been working tirelessly to rescue and care for animals that have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

They’re extremely overwhelmed and under-resourced though due to the increasing number of animals that are in need of help so it’s important to recognize the valuable work they do and to support them in any way possible.

Having a loyal pet by your side can improve your mental health and bring tons of joy to your life but if you’re unable to take on a full-time pet, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities that are less demanding.

If you already share your home with a rescue dog, remember to post a picture on social media on May 20th with the hashtag #nationalrescuedogday along with a short story of how you and your dog have changed each other's lives!

It might be time for a change – a change of clothes that is!

If your closets are bursting at the seams, you may want to think about organizing a clothing swap! Here are a few tips to ensure its success:

organize clothing by type and size
create space for a few private change rooms
have a few full-length mirrors with decent lighting
refreshments, a few chairs and music are a nice touch

Hosting a clothing swap is a great way to update your wardrobe and meet new people while also being eco-friendly.

It’ll be a win-win for everyone if you ask attendees to bring a small food bank donation plus any remaining clothing can also be donated to a local charity.