Introduction
This is the first article of four
on decluttering a home. There are many
reasons to declutter, but we will be focusing on decluttering with the intent
of selling your home. In this article we will concentrate on the benefits and
difficulties of decluttering. The second article will concentrate on how to declutter, and finally in the third and fourth articles
we'll discuss using a decluttered home to showcase your home for sale.
Unless you already live a
minimalist lifestyle, you will probably need to declutter before selling your
home. It can be a time consuming, exhausting, and an emotional experience. While
this can be true for all of us, it is especially true of seniors. Because there
is often so much, not only will decluttering be physically demanding but also
emotionally challenging. Even more so if one or both of them are in poor health
or one has passed away. The trauma of dealing with their partner’s possessions may
invoke even deeper emotional responses, and perhaps even irrational guilt.
Benefits of Decluttering
There are many benefits to decluttering. First, if we're moving, we are often going to downsize to a smaller home. We don't want to transport and re-create this problem in the new home, which would probably be even worse. In addition, we certainly don't want to pay anyone to move stuff we're not going to use. Finally, if we're going to live in the home while it is on the market, we will want to showcase it to the greatest extent possible. Minimizing our possessions can help us with that.
Here are some quick bullets of additional
benefits of decluttering:
ü More visually appealing- Removing excess possessions creates a more spacious environment for potential buyers.
ü Home seller safety- As difficult as it may be to think about, life can happen in a flash. Before they are needed, we may want to be sure there is plenty of space to move around with a walker, wheelchair or with diminished balance.
ü Increased Property Value-
o
Depersonalization- Potential buyers
want to envision themselves living in the space.
o
Minimalist Living- This has been
embraced by the younger generation in recent years due to its focus on
simplicity, functionality, and stress reduction.
o
Home Organization- A well-organized
home not only looks visually appealing but also gives potential buyers
confidence in the maintenance and care taken by the homeowners.
ü Enhanced Visual Appeal- This creates an inviting and attractive environment that can significantly impact its market value.
ü Easier Staging Process- Decluttering allows sellers to effortlessly showcase the property’s best features and create a positive first impression for potential buyers.
ü Creates a Sense of Space- Decluttering enhances the sense of spaciousness within each room, enabling them to envision how they could effectively utilize the space according to their needs.
ü Reduces Stress for Sellers- Sellers need to keep their home “show” ready while it is on the market. The less there is, the less there is to keep organized.
ü Reduces Stress for Potential Buyers- By removing personal items such as family photos and sentimental trinkets, the home becomes a blank canvas that can be easily imagined as their own.
ü Faster Selling Process- By removing personal touches and creating a neutral atmosphere, homeowners increase their chances of attracting more potential buyers and ultimately selling their homes quickly.
ü Save Money on Moving Costs- The less you move, the less it costs.
It’s worth emphasizing again. Creating spaciousness and depersonalization are key when preparing a home for sale. Buyers who can more readily visualize their own possessions in each space are more likely to make an offer.
The
Difficulties Encountered with Decluttering.
Decluttering
can actually be very difficult before it becomes easy. In many communications
to clients, I have recommended decluttering ruthlessly.
Of
course, decluttering can be a challenging task, and many people encounter
various obstacles along the way. Let’s explore some common difficulties and then
in the next post, how to overcome them:
1. Inertia-
Just
getting started is often the greatest challenge.
2. Keeping items “just in
case”-
This is my Achilles heel. We often hold onto things we don’t use or love,
fearing we might need them in the future. However, most of the time, these
items remain unused.
3. Keeping items to use
“someday”-
Like number two above, we often hold onto things with good intentions of using
them someday.
4. Too much clutter- The
overwhelming presence of numerous items can make decluttering difficult. Where
do we start?
5. Emotional attachment to
possessions-
Sentimental value often makes it hard to part with items.
6. Fear of judgment from
others-
Sometimes we worry about what others will think if we declutter or get rid of
certain items.
7. Lack of time- Busy
schedules can hinder decluttering efforts. Combining this with too much clutter
can make it seem overwhelming.
8. Scarcity mindset- Holding onto
items due to a scarcity mindset (fearing you won’t have enough) can hinder
decluttering.
9. Financial guilt- Feeling
guilty about decluttering items you spent money on is common.
In
Conclusion
Remember,
decluttering is a process, and it’s okay to take it step by step. In my next
post, we will get into some details on how to overcome these hinderances and be
victorious. Celebrate each small victory, and gradually create a home that
reflects your values and brings you peace.
We
are here to help. We are happy to visit with you to provide an unbiased view of
the situation and share thoughts on how best to get started. We know of various
resources available to help with the heavy work. Perhaps we can help in other
ways too. Start early. Call or text me at 301-873-2106 or email me at BReynolds@lNF.com for a
complementary, non-judgmental, no obligation appointment.
