Removing Clutter, or One Man´s Clutter is another Man´s Treasures

While fighting the option to return to your emotions, you must look at your home objectively. This can only be difficult if you are allowing your emotions to get the better of you. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it. Clutter collects on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, attics, and basements.

Let a friend help point out areas of clutter. They will see things in a whole new light. You can also have your Realtor make suggestions. Go through one room at a time. Here is where the storage unit may come in handy.

Kitchen Clutter

Starting with the Kitchen is the most logical place as it is a main room for any house. If you're like me, you like to have certain small appliances at the ready as they are used daily. For the few months your property may be on the market, put them away. Just have the bare minimum on the counters. Put the toaster, coffee grinder, condiments like sugar and such in a cabinet. Take a weekend with the kids and clean out the pantry, dishes, pots and pans that rarely get used might as well be boxed up and put in that storage unit. Think back to when you were buying a home, you would open all the cabinets and closets to see if they were going to be large enough for your family. Your new buyer may do the same. You want to create "Open Space."

Beneath the sink is very critical, too. Make sure the area beneath the sink is as empty as possible, removing all extra cleaning supplies. You should scrub the area down as well, and determine if there are any tell-tale signs of water leaks, be sure you get with your handy man to fix this right away or ask your Realtor if he can suggest a handy man to you.

Closet Clutter

You know what they say about clothes closets3;if you have not worn it in a year, give it to someone that will or through it out. You may be amazed at the things in your closet that is not used in your daily life. Box them up as well. Try to think of it as the fewer things you have to box up after the property sells and you are ready to move into YOUR new home.

Furniture Clutter

Go to each room with a friend or your Realtor and take out all furniture that does not serve a purpose other then to look at. Box up and add to your storage unit. Then take out all the furniture that could make the room look bigger. You may have a couch and two chairs in the living room. Could you do with just one of those chairs and the couch instead? If so, take it to the storage unit. You can find pictures on line of how to stage your property for sale or ask your Realtor if he knows a designer that could help.

Storage Area Clutter

These areas should be as empty as possible so that buyers can imagine what they would do with the space. Remove anything that is not essential and take it to the storage area. Or have a garage sale with the intention of getting rid of things, NOT making a lot of money!

Junk Hauler

If you need a recommendation for a junk hauler I highly recommend Metro Junk Haulers. Ask for Marion Matas at 708-524-4533