WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
June 18th, 2009 categories: Lifestyle, Selling
Dealing with the clutter that we all inevitably accumulate is one of the most difficult processes in getting your home ready to sell. Getting rid of the clutter is painful for some people and a relief for others. As a Realtor I see entirely too many homes that would show extremely well if the owner had just de-cluttered. Just think of what a nasty impression a space like the one in the picture would make on a buyer! Here are a few suggestions to help you with the de-clutterization of your home.
We might also say when in doubt, take it out! All of the excess furniture, the stacks of magazines and books, the too-many pictures–get rid of it. Leave enough space for a buyer to see how their objects and furniture would look in the space.
Hide it if you can’t remove the stuff entirely. Organize your closets and cupboards so that all of the extra stuff is hidden. There are dozens of plastic containers to help you with this project. Be very careful not to over stuff your closets–you want the potential buyers to think that in all those years, you couldn’t fill the closets. If the closets are too full, it may appear that there is not enough closet space.
Give it away or throw it away! Moving can be a wonderfully cleansing experience. If you haven’t used it for six months, pitch it! There are many charities who will be glad to make a pick up of all your unused stuff.
If all else fails, rent a storage locker for your extra belongings. Maybe one of the reasons you are moving is because you are desperate for more space. In that case, a short term storage locker is a good solution.
Ask a brutally honest person to take a look at your place and see what else needs to be moved or re-moved. And don’t get mad at them if they tell you things you don’t want to hear. Do what they say. Be appreciative–it isn’t easy to be honest about someones home.
Finally–here is a good test. If you think it should be removed or thrown out, it probably should be. Trust your gut. Are you thinking of selling your home and need someone to help you stage or de-clutter–I would love to talk with you. I promise I can be brutally hones if I need to be. Call me at 312-981-2360 (direct), or 312-607-1306 (cell). E-mail works too.
Related Articles: Hme Sale Taking Too Long? Try St. Joseph, 6-09; Old Sayings, True Sayings!, 6-09; Dual Agency–How Does It Work?, 4-09
This entry was posted on Thursday, June 18th, 2009 at 2:04 pm and is filed under Lifestyle, Selling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
