As many of us have taken stock of what is and is not working in our lives, and homes, in 2021, we make resolutions for improving ourselves, and our homes, in 2022. Some people are naturally organized and neat, and others need some help. If you are considering selling your home, being organized and having the home neat is paramount to getting the best price and terms, regardless of how advantageous the market is for sellers. Remember; "You only get one chance to make a good first impression." Here are some surprising strategies for decluttering that really last through the year. If you are considering selling in 2022, this is a perfect time. Contact My NC Homes for our pricing and marketing strategy. In addition, we will pay to have a professional stager consult with you on how to make your home show its absolute best.
Keep Flat Surfaces, Flat 
Countertops, tables, vanities, and any flat surface that is flat, should largely stay that way. These are the places that clutter accumulates most frequently and the best way to remedy it, is to remove all things from the surface and leave only the most necessary.
Look at your home with an Eye for Underutilized Storage 
Sweeping things under a proverbial rug, is not the worst strategy! Under beds and under stairs, are great places to rework storage. Try soft bags rather than bulky bins, unless you are storing in an area that is subject to moisture. Space-saving bags work great in these instances for seasonal linens and non-breakable items.
Does it Bring you Joy? 
If you have not read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo, you should. It explains the decluttering and its’ effects on energy and your whole house! One of the tenets and perhaps most important is when you are going through your things, if something does not bring you joy, just get rid of it.
One in-One out 
If the idea of getting rid of things that do not bring you joy is too much, try one in- one out. This is a very good general rule of thumb with kids as well. Do not buy anything unless you are also getting rid of something.
Go Room by Room 
Examine the contents of each room and go one at a time decluttering. If something does not have a natural home in a room, do not move it someplace else, find another home for it! This approach is great because you get instant gratification from cleaning a room at a time.
Making the Case for Baskets 
Baskets are a great way to organize pillows, toys, and other items that have their place in a room, but are not on display. Especially for families who find the task of picking up to be endless, baskets are amazing for quickly putting a room in order.
The Hook Up 
Buy hooks and use hooks, they are not just for entrance halls! You can be deliberate and even artistic with hook placement in any room, from a bath to a living area. This is an inexpensive hack to help organize spaces and hooks in concert with vertical storage can transform a corner.
Double Duty Shoe Organizers 
Over the door shoe organizers are great for organizing toys and other things in a child's room. It also makes it easy to find and play with again. If you are showing the home, you can place the organizer on the opposite side of the door to hide toys as well!
Organizing Progressive Party 
Enlist a group of friends to come to each others homes and suggest ideas for organizing. A fresh perspective never hurt and can really help. It is also a great excuse to get together over the holidays and maybe re-gift some things that are adding to clutter!
15 Minute Clean Up Drill 
Every day, clean up for 15 minutes. Many people let clutter accumulate because they let it pile up. If you clean 15 minutes per day, morning or night, this really helps get ahead before you fall way behind.
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