Been there, done that…in the last six years, we have downsized (every so slowly over more than 8 months…), relocated out of state to a teeny (but cute) historic cottage, then moved to a even teenier condo back in Scottsdale, then camped out in a guest room while renovations were done on our rightsize home. Two years later, we are still uncovering boxes and figuring out what to do with odds and ends from another life.
So what happens when you need to pare down? It’s not easy, emotionally or physically. Acquiring and managing “stuff” is ingrained in most of us, and making decisions about what to do with it can be agonizing…and sometimes, rather than make those decisions, we just…don’t…which makes selling a home, or just tidying up, difficult.
One of the first things a (good) real estate agent (and home stager!) will tell you is that buyers typically must imagine themselves in your space. Even if they’re planning to renovate, disguising your space with too many of anything, whether it’s too much furniture, too many accessories, messy piles of mail or magazines, will be distracting and not welcoming.
Where to start? You don’t have to go complete Marie Kondo (nobody can live with t-shirts folded that way, trust me). It’s pretty simple to look at things and put them into categories: keep, trash, donate, sell and store. Figure out what storage works for you. Acknowledge when you are getting stuck and reward yourself for progress.
And, look at new ways to enjoy things. Take photos of your kids’ projects or of antique clothing or decorative items you don’t can’t keep, but want to remember. If you will be moving into a different property, figure out what will work there and what to do with the rest of your things. And this is a great opportunity to share items you don’t need with groups like Goodwill or similar ones.
Helping you get decluttered and sharing ideas and resources is on our list. Contact us to book a meeting.