Susan Macaulay - Clarity Over Clutter

GETTING READY FOR HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG

Recently, I had the opportunity to complete a Consultation for HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG for a wonderful family. There are many things to do in preparing to move. Packing up excess items prior to listing a house is very important. As items are pulled out for packing up, it can become very overwhelming and stressful. especially when you have a young family. Taking the time in preparing the house for sale can make all the difference in the world to selling it faster and for increased profit. REMEMBER - buyers want to see the house and all that it offers - not your personal items. It can also make the transition to the new home a little easier.

There are a few tips that can help in the process of packing up:

- Make plans for an off-site storage location, either a rented space, using portable storage containers, storage in the new home, or friends and family. Knowing where all the stored items will be stored gives you a clear plan of what to do once things are packed up.

-Gather boxes from stores or purchase some at the moving and/or storage companies. Another great way to pack up items is using large plastic storage bins with lids. They can also be used after the move to store out of season items. (Plastic bins keep moisture out as well)

-Start in one area of a room. As items are taken out of drawers, cupboards, closets etc., decide to - KEEP (still used, not worn out, not broken) DONATE (not used anymore, don't fit) DISCARD (broken, worn out, missing pieces). Moving items that are no longer needed or used only add energy, expense and time to moving. Be very objective of items not used. (Are there coats, dishes, decorations, or other items that you are hanging onto but don't use - take a breath and decided to let it go). After you complete an area - move to the next area. This system of working through your house will help to keep you focused. Jumping from room to room or area to area will only cause confusion and add to stress AND waste your productive time.

-Keeping items because you want to pass them on to family or friends in the future BUT don't use them now yourself - ask them if they want them. If they want them - give them to them now. Better for them to enjoy them now than later. If they do not want them - rethink where they can go. There are many organizations that will take items for needy families or individuals.

-As you have a collection of items to donate or discard - remove them from the house as soon as possible. It will free up the space - and add to your feeling of accomplishment.

-Label each packed box / container (Marck on the top and 2 sides) with the room that is will be going into. Also mark what the box contains. ie; Kitchen - pots and pans or Family room - games

-For items that are used daily and need to be accessible, pack them up last and keep that pile of boxes / containers grouped together and transported in such a way that they will be accessed first and easily. Place a special marking (either a large coloured paper taped on the box OR marked in RED marker) identifying that it is an essential box/container.

-Use packing paper (if possible) to pack up breakables. Using newspaper is okay - but an extra job of having to wash or wipe off the print could add a step in the unpacking process. Packing paper is available thru storage/moving companies.

This items in this room are in the beginning stages of packing up and moving out. The room is GETTING READY FOR HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG, MB This room will be the games/playroom.

Stay tuned for the AFTER photo

HOME STAGING COMPANY IN WINNIPEG SHARES TIPS ON ORGANIZING AREAS OF YOUR HOME THAT BENEFIT NOW AND IN THE FUTURE WHEN LISTING FOR SALE

There are many areas of a house that we can store items that have been collect over the years. Items are kept for many reasons ie: seasonsal clothing, seasonal activities, seasonal decorations and changes also happen in our decorating tastes. Many times, new items are brought in to to update the changes, but sometimes the old items get stored 'just in case'. Just in case 'I may need them again', 'Just in case the kids want them', 'Just in case ....?'. The list of 'just in case' could be any number of reasons that items are kept in storage.

Taking a good look around your home and make an honest evaluation of items that are in storage is the first step in the process. Areas that are used for storage vary from house to house. Some commom areas are: drawers, cupboards, closets, spare rooms, basements, sheds, and garages.

Sorting through and getting organized is a job that takes some time and effort. BUT the rewards of chipping away at the process are very rewarding. Creating a space that is relaxing and comfortable as a result of dealing with the excessive items can clear not only the space but improve the well being a person. Walking into an organized area can save time (not having to look for things, because they are easily accessible) and saves money (your not having to go out a purchase another item that you already have).

-86% of those surveyed said 'storage space' is important to potential buyers -effective staging maximizes space and spaciousness' 2005/2006 Maritz Research

Three top interior features for selling were freshly painted walls, organized storage space and current flooring - effective staging will address all three. 2005/2006 Maritz Research

Clarity Over Clutter Home Staging in Winnipeg recommends to start small - pick a particular area such as the cupboards or drawers in the bathroom. Empty out all the items onto a surface. Wash out the cupboard or drawers. Review the items that were in the areas, discarding items that are used up, expired, or not needed any more. REMEMBER - take old prescription drugs and/or medications to a pharmacy for proper disposal. If there are bottles and packaging that can be recycled - take that step as well. When replacing items back in the storage areas group them with like items ie: first aid supplies, hair products, face products etc.

Continue through other areas of the home following the same process as mentioned above.

When you are done, you not only have a clean, organized home, BUT a big part of the work of decluttering can be accomplished for that future time of listing a house for sale.

Moving is a big job and stressful. These suggestions for organizing for living can be very beneficial now and in the future.

A before and after of a closet shows what a bit of time and effort can accomplish.

Taking the time to get organized and declutter now is a great way to invest in preparing a house for sale.

If you have any story about an area of your house that you have been working on, please share it with us - We would love to hear about it.

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STAGING COMPANY IN WINNIPEG REMINDS HOMEOWNERS TO KEEP IN MIND THE CHANGES YOU MAKE IN YOUR HOME AND HOW THEY EFFECT SELLING THE PROPERTY IN THE FUTURE

Looking at the big picture when making purchases or changes in your home can save alot of extra work and expense down the road when preparing to sell your house. Things to keep in mind are choice of paint colors, flooring choices (using bamboo, cork, natural fiber carpet), style of cabinets and other major purchases. Your personal tastes can be revealed in many ways through accessories such as: artwork, cushions, bedding, vases and the like.

Working with a client in Home Staging for Living in Winnipeg was one example of planning for the future. Below is a before and after of an area in a livingroom where the livingroom was kept neutral and the room became a welcoming and relaxing space by way of furniture and accessories.

As the budget allows, the client plans on changing out the window coverings and replacing the window.

If you have any other tips for homeowners, please share your comments here.

HOME STAGING IN WINNIPEG, MB

My team and I did HOME STAGING for a beautiful house in an older established area in Winnipeg. Our HOME STAGING revealed its great features such as coved ceilings, original hardwood floors, octagon tile in the bathrooms, a unique layout both on the main floor and second floor, with 4 window benches throughout the house. Two beautiful fireplaces (one wood and one gas), a kitchen that would be a dream kitchen for anyone and a great colour scheme. The house has many upgrades and that gave us a great base to work with when doing the HOME STAGING.

We used the majority of the homeowners furnishings, bringing in only 3 pieces of rental furniture and a variety of rental accessories.

Everyone who previewed the house said "WOW". That is what we wanted the WOW factor and we achieved it. The house had first showings on July 27 and SOLD the week of August 26th.

This was a higher end property with a higher price point and HOME STAGING did give the value added to help sell the property.

Here are a few photos to show the finished product.

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Susan Macaulay

cell:204-981-0037

e-mail: clarityoverclutter@mts.net