Everyone has heard that they have to de-clutter. What can I say that’s new? Perhaps not much, I’m more interested in finding a way to motivate you to do it, because it is so incredibly important. But the reasons why it hasn’t been done in all the time you’ve lived in your home are probably the same reasons why you don’t want to do it now.
- Too busy, not enough time
- Emotionally attached to the items
- It’s not a fun job
- Don’t know where to start
Sound about right? Well, money motivates me and it hopefully motivates you too. What if I said that a buyer would pay you an extra $500-$1000 for each room that’s de-cluttered? Why on earth would they do that? Buyers pay for value. A room that is uncluttered is a room that looks bigger, cleaner, better maintained, and has the opportunity to become staged as elegant and luxurious; exactly what buyers are looking for. You are giving buyers more value. Given it costs you more in time than money to accomplish, let’s get a plan to put more cash in your pocket!
Here are some tips that will hopefully break down the job into smaller, more achievable tasks.
- Plan Ahead. You’ve probably heard the 3-pile technique of Keep/Donate/Toss. Gather boxes and bags before you begin. Research where you can donate your items and how to dispose of the large amount of garbage this will create. Can you put it at the curb but need to buy municipal garbage tags? Do you have to haul it away to a centre? Find out first, so that once the stuff is out of the house, it STAYS out.
- Don’t do it alone. Unless you live by yourself, all of the “stuff” wasn’t collected by just you. Insist the whole family play their part so that you don’t have to feel entirely responsible. Decide who is responsible for what room.
- Tackle one room at a time. If you are looking at this article, you might be thinking of selling but haven’t signed anything yet. If you want to move in 3-6 months, start now. Pick one room per weekend for the next several weekends and commit yourself to it. Don’t think or worry about any other room.
- Know What to Pack Away. At least 65% of our “stuff” we use only on an occasional basis and aren’t essential, daily use items. Since your plan is to be out of this house within a pre-defined period of time, say 6 months, keep only absolute essential items and items that you know you will need in that timeframe. Everything else, pack into boxes and label the box with its contents so its easy to find later.
Quick Tip: What doesn’t qualify as Essential Daily Use Items? Off season clothing, 100’s of dvd’s, games, magazines and books, most kitchenware like platters and many appliances, knick-knack collections that fill curios and hutches…..pack them away to earn more money!
If you want to know more about how I do this, feel free to check out my website www.yoursalesadvtange.com or contact me at service@yoursalesdvantage.com.
Written by:
Stephanie O’Leary, Accredited Staging Professional
Owner, Your Sales Advantage
Tags: Home Equity, home selling, home stager, Home Staging, homes, How To, investment, real estate, real estate agent, ROI, Selling Homes
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