Selling Your Home this Spring? Try these Decluttering Tips.
It may not feel like it now, but winter will be over before you know it. That means the spring real estate market is on its way, and with it will come a wave of opportunities to sell your home. When the time comes, one of the keys to getting top dollar will be having an immaculately clean and organized living space. A thorough decluttering job is the first step, and it’s bound to take some time. Fortunately, with a bit of careful planning, you can set yourself up for a successful round of pre-listing preparations!
If you’re hoping to sell your home this spring, here are a few decluttering tips you can use to help ensure a smooth sale…
Find the root of the problem
We all have our reasons for holding onto possessions we no longer need. One of the best ways to break the cycle is by figuring out what they are. Is it a matter of not having enough time to get organized? Do you form sentimental attachments to your belongings, including those you never use? Perhaps you aren’t sure where to start the decluttering process. Examining your motives will allow you to recognize unhelpful patterns—and make more deliberate decisions moving forward.
Create a plan of attack
Once you’re in the right mindset, it’s time to come up with a plan to tackle your existing clutter. Start by creating a timeline. Choose a loose date by which you’d ideally like to sell your home, and work backward from there. When you get to the decluttering step, be realistic. Set aside chunks of time on the weekends that will be devoted entirely to sorting through your possessions. Next, choose categories—”keep”, “toss”, and “donate” are useful ones—and make your way through each room systematically.
Do an honest assessment
Of course, it’s not always easy to throw out or give away your belongings. The good news is, asking yourself a few basic questions can help you part with the things that don’t have a specific function—or hold a special place in your heart. For each item you’re unsure about, consider whether you’ve used it in the last year. Does it have personal significance? For example, is it a family heirloom or a gift from a close friend? Would you miss it if it was gone? The answers will make it easier to separate your must-keep belongings from those that simply take up space.
Start streamlining
One of the easiest ways to start adding items to those “toss” and “donate” piles is by weeding out duplicates. If you have two toasters, give away the older one. If your closet is packed with spare bedding, try donating any sheets and blankets you can live without. When it comes time to declutter the bathroom, consider getting rid of lower-quality products in favour of better ones. This step will help ensure that you use up what you have, instead of continuously purchasing new toiletries.
Give everything a home
Most of us keep our plates in the kitchen cabinets and our socks in their own drawer. So why do we stop there? One of the best ways to get organized, and stay that way, is by ensuring that all of your belongings have a home. From closet organizers to containers for sorting your mail, opting for smart storage is key. Once you start to put everything in its place, the items you no longer need will begin to stand out.
If you’re planning to sell your property in the spring, now is the time to start decluttering. With a strategic approach and some hard work, you’ll have your home market-ready in no time!
Getting ready to sell your home? Contact us to learn how we can help at every step!
