Not exactly but he did predict we have more winter ahead. So, let’s make the most of it!
Springtime is the busy season for buying and selling homes. Early predictions for the housing market in 2021 indicate sellers will have the advantage so if your family is thinking of buying a new home this year, you’ll want to have your own house ready to market. In part one of our new series, “Three Easy Steps to Selling Your House,” we’ll help you tackle Step #1: De-cluttering and Organizing.
Let’s face it, we love stuff. It’s no surprise to learn just how much stuff we Americans accumulate. A little time spent sorting belongings now can make a world of difference. Think of de-cluttering and organizing as the powerful one-two punch that will have your home looking its best once spring arrives.
It’s ok if your first project is “Put Christmas decorations away.” You’re not alone. Grab a calendar and pencil-in some realistic goals initially. If clearing out a coat closet is an easy 30-minute task, then couple it with a more involved project like a child’s bedroom in the same week. Ditto for family rooms and home offices which tend to collect surplus. Plan a project or two each week and enlist your family to help. Together you can create your clutter-free future.
Maybe you’re ready to jump on Team Minimalist with Marie Kondo's tidying method or Swedish Death Cleaning. If not, start small with the tried-and-true method of making three piles: KEEP, TOSS, and DONATE. This technique will allow you to inspect each item in a space and determine its usefulness.
The TOSS pile is often the easiest. If items are torn or broken, missing pieces or worn out they go in the garbage. The DONATE pile would include outgrown clothes, shoes, toys or books that a neighbor could use. Here in the NRV, the YMCA thrift store and Habitat for Humanity Re-Store are also great local choices for gently-used furnishings and household goods. The KEEP pile should be articles that are worth saving. They fit and work properly and are used regularly.
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Once the de-cluttering is done, organizing can begin. Baskets, bins, and decorative boxes are helpful tools to keep like objects together and neatly arranged. Things that are used often should be readily accessible and those that are used less frequently should be stored away. Vertical storage helps keep belongings off floors. Maintaining neat surfaces will make your home appear more spacious. Check out this list of creative storage solutions from HGTV.
Tidying up during these last chilly weeks of winter will get your home shipshape before the sunny days of spring beckon us all outside again. You may find that staying organized helps your household run more smoothly and in general, feel less frenzied. With a place for everything and everything in its place, your house will radiate calm and be ready for Step #2: “Repairing and Refreshing” coming in March.
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This article was brought to you by NRV Macaroni Kid sponsors Erin & Sheila Real Estate. If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the New River Valley, discover the power of two knowledgeable pros. Erin Vogt and Sheila Spindler know what it takes to get the best deal possible. Learn more at www.erinandsheila.com
