Many of us have a problem with clutter. It can just be so hard to get rid of things! But if you are selling your home, clutter is not an option. One of the most important things you can do before your home goes on the market is to de-clutter. Houzz.com offers some great tips for getting the clutter out of your house for good.
Assess successful systems of removal.
One of the easiest systems to have in place is trash and recycling. One big reason - they come to you!
One of the easiest systems to have in place is trash and recycling. One big reason - they come to you!
Identify what needs to go.
Odds are it will come down to a few broad categories. Most common are items for Goodwill, children’s outgrown clothing to go to consignment, books to trade for credit at a local bookstore, things to be returned to the store, library books and dead batteries.
Odds are it will come down to a few broad categories. Most common are items for Goodwill, children’s outgrown clothing to go to consignment, books to trade for credit at a local bookstore, things to be returned to the store, library books and dead batteries.
Designate bags or boxes for removal. Use a bag for library books, and paper grocery bags for Goodwill or the bookstore. Labeling the bags can add to the ease of the process, as well.
Establish where the designated bags live between returns. Not everyone has roomy pantries, mudrooms or garages. You may need to keep your bags out in the open, which isn’t such a bad thing — because out of sight is often out of mind.
Establish where the designated bags live between returns. Not everyone has roomy pantries, mudrooms or garages. You may need to keep your bags out in the open, which isn’t such a bad thing — because out of sight is often out of mind.
Attractive bags or baskets are nice, but function needs to come before form. Get your system in place first, and cute it up as you go.
Create a schedule of purging.
It’s natural in fall and spring to go through clothing and decide what no longer fits. Choose a day, bag things up and get the bags out of the house.
Assign a responsible party.
Unless you live alone, creating exit strategies needs to be a group effort. One person may be the main curator/gatherer and another can be in charge of removal, but it probably won’t be neatly divided.
Unless you live alone, creating exit strategies needs to be a group effort. One person may be the main curator/gatherer and another can be in charge of removal, but it probably won’t be neatly divided.
Start small. Work on one habit at a time. What’s driving you the most batty is a good place to start.
Refine and tighten things as you go.
Perhaps you already have some successful systems in place and you just need to work on details. Be patient, keep working on things and watch success build upon itself.
If you’re a seller who has been wondering if it might finally be time to sell, email us at concierge@lizmoore.com, or click below, and we can prepare a complimentary analysis of market value for you – you just may be pleasantly surprised.
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