This post was written by Lindsey Hasford and she provides some practical tips and ideas to help you declutter your home. I still have a lot of suits and dresses since retiring from the Federal Government in 2006...and I haven't worn most of them since retiring. I really need to follow Lindsey's advice and take a deep breath and dig in. Please stop by Lindsey's post and leave her a comment.
There are many ways to declutter a house and in the middle of the winter just seems a prime time to dig into some of those deep and dark corners and de-web as well as declutter. But how do you start? Left to Right.... Right to Left?
Sometimes it just seems overwhelming and like tooo much work so you leave it for next year? Leaving the decluttering to next year might seem like a good and plausible idea, but the reality is it isn't gonna get any easier. So, you might as well take a deep breath and dig in....
Whether you are cleaning in preparation for a move or just plain decluttering.... Here are some practical tips and ideas to making a smooth winter/spring clean.
10. Start at the front door and work your way around the room in a circle... left to right or right to left. If you do this in each room you'll know right where you left off and you can pick up on the next cleaning day.
9. Have three boxes (or bags) ready. Label them. Throw, Donate and Sell. There are no excuses. What doesn't go back on the shelf needs to go into one of those boxes.
8. Keep in mind.... If you don't love it, use it or need it.... it needs to go in the boxes. Seriously. You might have dumb bells waiting for you in the living room but if you don't love them enough to use them it won't change so they must go. Why clutter when you don't need to.
7. If you are like my mother (bless her heart) you might have a hard time just "getting it out the door" so the throw box goes in the garbage and the other two sit at the front door for a week. It's the 'buffer zone' before going forever. Really, I've never seen her take anything OUT of the boxes, but it gives her peace of mind.
6. If it doesn't fit get rid of it. Clothes. Mountains and mountains of clothes. I know. You LOVED them when they fit, but they don't. No good if you can't put it on and button it up. It must go. Garage sales, thrift stores, donation trucks.... and when you make it back to that size? Go shopping! What a great reward.
5. Invite a friend. One that isn't a clutter bug. Talk about motivation... they are great at asking why you want to keep things. Don't pick someone bossy - although it isn't a bad idea - but someone who will speak the truth in love.4. Don't get distracted. Have you ever started in the living room and found yourself upsetting four rooms in the house and working on your bedroom instead of your original intent? If you are easily distracted keep a fourth box available for 'relocating' so that you don't lose you train of thought. It'll make the whole job easier because you really CAN work one room at a time.
3. Try setting aside just an hour a day to work. Sometimes small time slots feel easier to work with than massive day jobs. Focus on a room a week so that there is ample time to work toward your goal. It's less frustrating and more rewarding when you actually see the finished product.
2. Send the loved ones away. Have you ever tried decluttering with all the voices crackling? If they aren't helping they are doing just the opposite. It's worth the effort to gain some freedom and send them away for awhile while you focus on the task at hand.
1. Have fun! It's gonna feel SOooooooo good when you are done. Grab a lemonade (or coke) and dig in. It'll be worth the effort.
And, when you are done... you will really feel like having some company over. It'll feel so good.
If decluttering is in prep for a home sale or move... give me a call! I'd love to chat with you about it._________________________________________________________________________________________
In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!
Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!
If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!
Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com
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If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email or visit my website at www.lewisburgwvrealestate4you.com
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