The Konmari Method of tidying up your home has become quite popular recently, thanks in large part to Marie Kondo’s Netflix series. While I don’t necessarily think you need to “thank” every item you have before you get rid of it, some of her methods make absolute sense. One of the steps you must take when selling your Havasu home is to get rid of all the clutter. This tackles two big issues for every home seller: making your home look its best to potential buyers and packing up for your eventual move. With less clutter, your home may actually increase slightly in value. Use these decluttering tips to prepare your Havasu home for sale.
Decluttering Tips
Get Organized
One of the best decluttering tips I can give you is to get organized first. This helps you stay on task. First step: get boxes or storage containers, tape, and markers for the things you plan on keeping but don’t need to use right away. Next, tackle one room/area at a time. That way, you feel less overwhelmed. Then, make three piles: keep, donate, throw away. One good rule of thumb to follow: if you haven’t used it in the last 12 months, get rid of it. You don’t need it. Duplicates, outdated/outgrown clothing, old toys your kids never use anymore, a gift given to you by a loved one that you just never used…all of this can be donated or tossed out. They just take up space. If you aren’t using it, get rid of it.
Start With Storage Areas
Storage areas are probably the best place to start decluttering. After all, this is where we keep things we don’t use all that often. It’s easy to forget what’s there. Whether your hidden storage lies in the garage, shed, closets or cupboards, begin in one area and then move on to the next. Remember, if you haven’t used it in 12 months, you should toss it or donate it.
Work from Top to Bottom
The next one of my decluttering tips is to start at the top and work your way down. That could mean starting in the attic (if you have one) and working floor by floor. It could also mean starting with the top shelves in a room and working your way all way down to the baseboards. Each level cleaned helps you rearrange what you end up keeping in a more organized fashion, making rooms appear bigger. That’s always attractive to buyers.
Work Your Way From the Inside Out
Another way to declutter a room is to work from the inside out. First, clear out the area around the door. This will help you get in and out easier. Then, go to the middle of the room and work your way out until you reach the walls. This helps keep you motivated because you can see the progress as you clear things away. If that doesn’t feel right, work wall to wall. Whatever makes you feel the best is fine as long as you are clearing things out.
Don’t Forget Your Cleaning Supplies
Finally, of all the decluttering tips you’ll receive, the most basic one is to keep cleaning supplies on hand at all times. Cleaning wipes, window cleaner, paper towels, scrubbers, sponges, and trash bags all come in handy. Why? Because you’ll need something to put your tossed and donated items in to haul away. And you’ll want to clean out the cleared up space once the clutter is gone. Keep everything in an easy-to-carry bucket right by your side and you’re ready to tackle any chore full on.
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